GUITAR GURU'S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

It's that time of year again. Time to rejoice in our Lord's birthday. Time for Christmas cheer. Time to find just the right gift for that special guitar player. If it's just that time of year for you, this guide will help you through the bewildering maze of musical gear on the market today.

This year's guide is divided into 3 different price ranges: $10-$20, $20-$40, and $40-$100.

If your guitar player has been a really, really good boy or girl, or you're feeling very generous, take a look at my 2008 Heartland Gear Value Awards (Electric Guitars-Amps & Effects) elsewhere on this website. The Awards will give you recommendations for the best value in guitars, amps, and effects in several different price ranges.

No matter what kind of budget you have, you can be sure that these guitar related accessories will be a welcome addition to any musician's tool chest. All products can be purchased online at musiciansfriend.com (most can be seen at larger music stores such as Guitar Center).
(PLEASE NOTE: THIS WEBSITE, IT'S OWNERS, GUITAR GURU AND ALL AFFILIATED SITES OF HEARTLAND SCHOOL OF MUSIC ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY SUGGESTED SHOPPING SITES LISTED HERE!)

All prices are current as of October 1, 2008. Pricing may have changed since I posted this review. Pricing is set by the website (company) selling the product, not by me or THIS site. Click on the Christmas presents to the right of each review to see the most current pricing or to purchase the product.

$10-$20 GIFTS

Guitar Tuner: Korg CA30 Chromatic Tuner @ $19.95
I own three of these tuners. They are tough, steady, reliable, and easy to read. They are the only tuner that I recommend to my students. The CA30 is much more useful than other tuners in that it can tune all instruments in all tunings without a problem. Because it is Chromatic, it can accommodate guitars, bass, banjos, mandolins as well as special tunings. Don't waste money on anything else.

Guitar Stand: Pro Line Guitar Stand @ $ 14.95
A good inexpensive guitar stand that, if used properly, will keep your guitar from falling over. NOTE: No guitar stand can protect your guitar from falling drunks. I have personal history here. (falling guitar not the drunk part!)

Guitar Strap: Rock Steady Checkerboard Guitar Strap @ $12.99
I have several students who own this strap. It's sturdy, sylish, inexpensive, and it will hold your guitar up.

Guitar Capo: Kyser Quick Change Capo (in various colors) @ $19.95
Once again, this is the only capo that I will recommend to my students. I have 4 of these capos myself. I bought the first one about 9 years ago. THE THING WILL NOT DIE! Just like the Energizer bunny, it keeps going and going and going...

$20-$40 GIFTS

Guitar Tool Kit: American Recorder George Lynch Guitar Survival Kit @ $39.99

This is a great gift for any guitarist or bassist. It has everything needed to maintain an electric instrument and trouble shoot simple electrical problems in a compact carrying case.

Guitar Strap: Franklin 2.5” Black Leather Guitar Strap with Buck Backing @ $27.99
I'm a huge fan of Franklin straps. They are a quality leather strap at a reasonable price. Cloth straps are okay, but a good leather strap will last a looooong time. One of my leather bass straps is 35 years and counting. Leather straps cost a bit more, but they look better and last longer. A good investment!

Humidifier: Planet Waves Acoustic Guitar Humidifier with HTS @ $29.99
An acoustic guitar is made of wood, and as such should be cared for by keeping the air around it humidified properly to keep said wood from splitting. This little kit does the job nicely and protects your prize instrument from growing cracks down its sides or on it's front and back. For dry conditions (such as air conditioned or heated rooms), this is a must have survival tool for serious guitars and serious guitar owners.

Guitar Stand: Hercules GS412B Single Guitar Stand @ $39.99
Hercules has cornered the market on effective guitar stands, in my opinion. Their Auto Grab System is the safest way to hold a guitar. I've used these on several gigs and I love them and highly recommend them.

Guitar Gig Bag: Musicians Gear Elite Series Electric Guitar Gig Bag @ $29.99
I own a this very bag in the tweed (they come in a variety of colors), and I prefer them over more expensive bags. They are great looking, sturdy, lightweight, well padded, and hold your guitar firmly in place while you are in transit. A REAL BARGAIN AT THIS PRICE!! NOTE: This case will not stop a charging rhino should you attempt a safari with your guitar. For this, and other road adventures, I recommend a heavier hardshell road case for protection.

$40-$100 GIFTS

Guitar Strap: Franklin Strap 3” Caramel Leather Guitar Strap with Gold Stitching @ $44.95
Franklin makes the most comfortable leather straps for the money. I found this strap at Guitar Center one day. I use it on one of my “go to” guitars (an Epiphone Casino). This strap is comfortable, flexible, and good looking. Leather straps like this commonly cost three times as much. I have another of these straps that was a gift from my students. I use it everyday.

Guitar Stand: Hercules GS432B Tri Stand Guitar Stand @ $81.95
A student turned me onto this stand. He bought this very same stand and couldn't say enough about it. Later, we did some gigs together and he brought the stand along. It easily supports three instruments of any kind (bass, guitars, mandos, banjos) and holds them firmly with its exclusive Auto Grab system. In addition, it has a handy one-handed height clutch.

Humidifier: Oasis OH-6 Case Humidifier with OH -2 Digital Hygrometer @ $44.95
For me, this is the most efficient way to keep your beloved acoustic guitar from drying out and cracking. Get one for every acoustic you own.

Guitar Bag: Musician's Gear Durafoam Shock-Resistant Electric Guitar Case @ $49.99
If you want the advantages of a hard case without the weight of a hard case, this is the perfect solution. This case has plenty of storage, good protection, great price, and is about 40% lighter than a regular hard shell case. For constant touring by road, rail, or air, see below.

Guitar Case: Musician's Gear Electric Guitar Metal Flight Case @ $79.99
This case is a great way to keep your instrument from those dreaded baggage mangling conditions that exist on the road, and at a reasonable price. Road Ready makes a great ATA approved wooden case that sells for $199.99. This Musician's Gear metal flight case offers the same level of protection with metal construction at less than half the price of Road Ready.

These are my choices for the best guitar gifts of the Christmas (or anniversary/birthday/special day) season. If your wallet allows for a more generous budget, check out the other gear guides in this section. There are electric guitars, amps, and effects recommendations that will delight and excite any musician of any age or skill level. No matter what your guitar player needs or wants, he or she will be pleased with any of these recommended gifts. Merry Christmas and Happy Gift Giving!

Chris Jenkins Custom Guitars

Guitar Center

Sam Ash Music

Musician's Friend

Robert Keeley (effects)

Best Cabin For Rent in Ruidoso, NM

Thank You! I love singing. I can't wait to come back from vacation to sing again.
(Younger student taking voice lessons in Arlington, TX)
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Kathy,
One person can make all the difference and that one is you.
(Student taking voice lessons in Arlington, TX)
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Dear Mrs. Nobles,
...You have made a big difference in my life. You're the best singing lessons teacher ever!! I'll never forget you or the things you taught me. You've been the best help I could ever get. THANKS!
(Student taking singing lessons in Arlington, TX)
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Kathy & Pat,
Thank you very much for coming to see me perform at Johnnie High's. I appreciated your support greatly. Kathy, thank you for all your help with my songs. I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks again!
(Student taking voice lessons in Arlington, TX)
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Why I Like Voice Lessons...
There are many reasons why I like voice lessons. The main one is I enjoy singing. Whenever I am sad, singing always makes me happy. Singing from my heart lets everyone know how I am feeling. I especially like to sing praise music and Disney music. I also really like my teacher. She has taught me a lot about music. She is helping me to learn about head sounds and pitch. I have come a long way in a short time. I hope to some day sing a solo in church. I would also like to sing in a musical like "Annie".
(Student taking voice lessons in Arlington, TX)
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Thank you for all of your patience and guidance with Brittany! She has truly enjoyed coming to lessons.
(Parent of a voice student taking voice lessons in Arlington, TX)
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Kathy,
Thank you for exceeding our expectations as Julie's first piano teacher!
(Parent of a piano student taking piano lessons in Arlington, TX)
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Mrs. Nobles,
Thank you so much for taking your time to help me with my songs for the fine arts school. Your generosity was most appreciated. You helped me realize that I can put my confidence from dance into my singing. I will always remember the things you taught me. Thanks again for all your help.
(Voice student taking voice lessons in Arlington, TX)
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Kathy,
I would like to thank you for being such a great "confidence builder" in my life. At this point, I am believing in myself more and more and the giftings/talents that God has bestowed on me. I believe that he places people in our lives to keep safe those gifts and talents. I must say that you are one of those persons. I look forward to my future in the music industry. You have helped me to be more creative in music and singing. You know, that creativity is spilling over into every area of my life. THANKS!
(Voice student taking voice lessons in Arlington, TX)
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Poem from a student:
Three years ago when we first met, I never dreamed of doing the things you suggested, and yet...
Along the way with your gentle prodding, I often found myself just nodding. Not to the left or right as a sign of "no", but up and down for "yes, I'll go".
You handled my worries with such style and grace, eventually I found-anything I could face! Your genuine smile and selfless spirit, convinced me that "I can really do it".
With your help and guidance my music has flourished, thanks to you, a "friend", who knows how to nourish. Fame may not be in my future you see, but what I have now is just fine with me.
(Voice student taking voice lessons in Arlington, TX)

COMING SOON!

COMING SOON!

COMING SOON!

COMING SOON!

AMPLIFIERS

Amplifiers are divided into 2 categories: solid state and tube. While tube amps are preferred for their tone and response, solid state is more durable and generally less expensive. For beginners, solid state amps are perfectly appropriate. Here are 2 solid state selections and 2 tube selections that really deliver superior value, power and tone in their price ranges.

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BEGINNER: (solid state) Raven RG20 @ $99.99
The Raven brand is known as a "house brand" and can only be found at musiciansfriend.com and Guitar Center (same company). So many small amps today come with many extra features and effects that often serve only to misdirect a beginning guitarist away from the number one basic amp need: TONE. What the RG20 lacks in bells and whistles, it more than makes up for in tone! Although it's a solid state amp, it sports a 12" speaker and 20 watts of power. It has a smooth distortion channel and even has reverb, delay and a tuner-all for under $100. I recommend this amp to all of my beginner students over a "beginner pack" deal. If your budget allows, I suggest the RG60: 60 watts of power through a single 12" speaker priced @ $199.99.
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INTERMEDIATE: (solid state) Fender FM65DSP Combo @ $299.99
This is a great working man's amp from Fender with just the right set of features: one 12" speaker, 65 watts of power, amp models and DSP effects. This guy has it all in a compact, portable package at just the right price! While it's not one of Fender's famous tube models, it packs enough punch to play any rehearsal hall, studio or club. Comes with a 2 button footswitch that changes channels and turns effects on and off.
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ADVANCED: (tube) Bugera 6260 Head and Bugera 4x12 Cabinet @ $749.98 total
(price may have changed since this review)
While it is certainly possible to get a half-stack (amp head with separate cabinet) for as little as $499.99, this is a 120 watt tube half-stack for under a grand! Most tube amps with this much power can't be touched for less than $2000. In addition to 2 switchable channels, (Bugera makes a 3 switch model for a bit more) this amp has dedicated reverb and EQ for each channel as well as Presence controls for each channel. It includes a footswitch for clean, lead and crunch settings. Bugera is the choice of many major touring artists so you know it has to be well built. So nice for the price! Find this amp on the web at americanmusical.com.
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ADVANCED: (tube special) Blackheart BH5H Head and BH 112 Cabinet @ $299.99
This is a wonderful product for the advanced player who needs a tube amp with massive tone. What you have here is a class A 5 watt amp head with a 1x12 cabinet. For three bills you get volume and a 3 band EQ, a variable triode switch to toggle between 5 and 3 watts, great retro styling and tone for days! All this makes for an amp that is equally at home in the studio, garage or house. Blackheart also has a slightly larger (15 watt) head called "The Handsome Devil" for about $450 with a cabinet. Either amp is a great choice for a player who has a taste for that tube sound, but not the budget or space for a Marshall stack.

EFFECTS

Effects are a bit like barbeque in Texas; everyone has their own opinion about what really is the best. I've based my selections on VALUE and TONE in both single pedal and pedal board for beginner/intermediate/advanced (professional) skill levels. While this is guaranteed to infuriate some players (it always does), my choices are based on my personal experience and my students' preferences.

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BEGINNER PEDAL: Boss DS-1 @ $39
It's yellow. It distorts your guitar. It's built like a tank. It's in the effects arsenal of at least half of today's recording artists. It's $39!!!!????!!!! Yes, it's the Boss DS-1. Put this baby in front of a cranked amp and you're in screaming guitar heaven! As one of my colleagues says: "If you can afford just one pedal, this is the one". The DS-1 creates everything from mild crunchiness to major distortion and it's sturdy metal case makes it a favorite of touring musicians worldwide. DID I MENTION THAT IT COSTS $39????!!!!
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BEGINNER PEDAL BOARD: Digitech RP 50 @ $49.99
For the price of a video game, Digitech has a winning combination of effects, features and sound. The mighty RP 50 packs a dozen effects into one small package! It features 11 amp models, modulation effects, delay/reverb effects, distortion/compression and even a drum machine. My students play through my RP 50 in my studio. This pedal board is a great way to own numerous effects for a very low price.
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INTERMEDIATE PEDAL: Ibanez TS 808 @ $129.99
Arguably, the Ibanez TS 808 is the gold standard when it comes to distortions. This distortion was originally produced and popular in the 70's. Fast forward to the 90's and pro musicians began paying a hefty chunk of change for these little guys. Ibanez responded by re-issuing the TS 808 and it's been a big seller ever since. A great pedal to start you touring gear collection.
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INTERMEDIATE PEDAL BOARD: Digitech RP 350 @ $199.99
If you still need an all-in-one solution for your effects needs, may I suggest the Digitech RP 350. This unit gets my vote not only for the scads of amp and cabinet models, the tons of features like the drum machine, the phrase trainer or the pitch shift effects, but because it's very computer friendly! A USB 2x2 interface and Qbase LE software (included in the $199.99 price) turn this board into a 48 track digital recorder, complete with software synths, MIDI sequencing and computer editing. Very deep programming, a gold mine of features and tones and a recording studio for the price of a pair of concert tickets! What are you waiting for??!!
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ADVANCED PEDAL: Keeley Modified TS 808 @ $249.99
Think of an 800 lb gorilla (the standard TS 808). Now think of the same gorilla on steroids. Yes, you've got one testosterone laden, overmuscular, ticked off primate! That's the sound of a Robert Keeley modified TS 808. This effects unit starts off life as a regular TS 808, then Robert performs electronic surgery to make it even MORE. MORE bass, MORE high end detail, MORE dynamic sensitivity, MORE everything. You can find these pedals online at robertkeeley.com.
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ADVANCED PEDAL BOARD (collection of 3): TC Electronics Nova System,
Keeley Modified TS 808, Crybaby 535Q Wah @ $1078.98 (for all 3)
(Collection of three pieces, sold separately)
While most touring pros spend decades and fortunes amassing effects pedals in order to get their very own signature tone in the studio or onstage, they all have one overriding guide: only the highest quality sound is acceptable! This collection of pedals reflects that perspective. There are few bells and whistles here, but the basic sound is undeniably impressive.
TC Electronics is famous for their incredibly clean studio quality modulation, delay and reverb effects. The Nova System (TC Electronics) puts the best of these sounds in a compact steel-housed touring unit. This is not an exhaustive collection of tones like some other units, but what's there is infinitely usable.
I've also included the afforementioned Keeley Modified TS 808 for a great distortion tone.
Also included in this collection is the Crybaby 535Q. Crybaby is legendary as a maker of simple, indestructable wah-wah pedals. The 535Q is possibly their most versatile unit providing a range of dynamic, tone mangling sounds.
All in all, this collection of three units will provide just what the pros are looking for: the right sound!
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Pat has more than 10 years experience as a Master Instructor for Heartland School of Music. He teaches acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, banjo and upright bass lessons. Pat holds a degree in Music Education from North Texas University. He holds graduate hours in Education from TWU, Texas A&M and UT Arlington. He has studied privately with Rich Bertone, Johnny Red, Clint Strong (guitar), Dr. Ed Rainbow, Ed Garcia, Wayne Darling and Chuck Rainey (bass).
His teaching career spans more than 25 years with the Arlington Independent School District and has served for 20 years as a volunteer on the Music Staff at Mission Arlington. Pat has worked as a clinician for the Arlington ISD, Jam Music and UT Arlington. Pat has played professionally for more than 30 years. He has worked in almost every state in the U.S. with many top musicians. They include John Deitrich (Restless Heart), Tom Nash (Red Steagall & Janie Fricke), Ken Hicks (Stan Kenton), Tony Orlando and Dawn, Rush Robinson (Jose Feliciano), Bobby Michaels (Benny Goodman) and Don Powers (Don Ho). He served as a Staff musician for Sky Chefs, American Airlines, Seven Seas, Six Flags Over Texas and Theatre Arlington. Pat and his wife currently own and operate Heartland School of Music. (www.heartlandschoolofmusic.com)
At present, Pat is producing and performing in an original Smiling Dog Production of "The Heartland Radio Hour". This Production is touring local retirement homes and bible studies. During the summer months, Pat hosts several workshops at local area music stores. Pat is also a UT Arlington qualified teacher. Pat and his wife Kathy also own Smiling Dog Productions. They have 2 new CD's that will be out shortly; Central Standard Time and Heartland Radio Hour.
Pat is exceptionally talented and loves to share his gift with others through performance, praise and mentorship. Pat uses the Traditional Method of teaching. He is very patient and thorough and insists on excellence and commitment. Pat teaches Country, Christian, Classical, Pop and Rock genres.

After 35 years of teaching music and 42 years of playing guitars professionally, it's not surprising that thousands of musicians and students have asked me about the desirability and availability of music gear. People always want to know what I think is the "best" guitar (or banjo, mando, bass). In fact, the question should be: What is the best instrument for my level of expertise that I can afford? While the answer varies from person to person and a new product appears almost weekly, there are always products that stand out for each playing level and pocketbook. After literally decades of students bringing in substandard gear, I've learned what to avoid as well as what to recommend. The following is a compilation of electric guitars, any one of which I would want my next student to come to class with. All of this equipment can be purchased over the internet or at major music stores. (musiciansfriend.com, samashmusic.com, americanmusical.com, guitarcenter.com and many more!) I've done business with these stores for many years and I highly recommend all of them.

SOLID BODY ELECTRICS

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BEGINNER: Yamaha PAC012 @ $149
This guitar is a bolt neck Strat copy (double cutaway, two single coil, one humbucking pick-up) style instrument. For $149, you get a guitar that has an acceptable action (plays easily), sounds decent and is comfortable for any size or age player to hold for long periods of time. This is the guitar that Mom or Dad can invest in to see if their child really wants to play guitar.
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INTERMEDIATE: (bolt neck) Fernandes Retrorocket X @ $250
This instrument has it all for a Strat type guitar. It sports two single coil pick-ups and one screaming humbucker in the bridge! It's got a tremolo for dive bomb effects and a consistently great neck. It even has a great looking faux quilt maple top in your choice of red, blue or classic black. I have owned four (yes, four!) of these guitars but my students keep buying them from me. This is the perfect step-up instrument from a beginning electric or acoustic.
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INTERMEDIATE: (set neck) Epiphone Les Paul Goth Studio @ $299
This is a lean, mean, take no prisoners axe that is surprisingly handsome. This instrument has all the great features of the more expensive Epi Les Paul's, but at a much more attractive price. The neck is consistently slim and fast. The humbuckers adequate and the guitar stays in tune extremely well. This is a great guitar for an upgrading intermediate or pro on a budget! (AUTHOR'S NOTE: DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT CONSIDER ANY BOLT NECK EPIPHONE. THERE ARE MUCH BETTER BOLT NECK GUITARS TO BE HAD IN THIS PRICE RANGE!)
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ADVANCED: (bolt neck) Fender HSS Standard Strat @ $399
While the Standard Strat is not American made (Mexico), I consider it to be the best buy in the line. Fender makes guitars in at least 5 different countries with varying results. This Mexican Strat is produced 40 miles from the Fender California Plant and all quality issues are handled there as well. This instrument is the sleeper hit of the Fender line! It has 2 single coil pick-ups, one humbucker screamer in the bridge position and a classic Fender tremolo bridge for vibrato effects. Great tuners and neck round out this marvelous guitar. Truly worthy of the Heartland Gear Value Award!
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ADVANCED: (set neck) Gibson Faded SG Special @ $699.99
This is an American-made Gibson guitar with 2 humbucking pick-ups and a set neck for under $1000!! Gibson actually makes several instruments in this price range, but this is the best deal by far! The fit, finish and feel of this guitar is consistently outstanding. I've had several students invest in this model and all have been completely satisfied!
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ADVANCED: (special) Michael Kelly Hex Deluxe @ $669.99
I just had to include this TOP OF THE LINE beauty! This is a shredder's dream come true. It has a set/through neck, 2 EMG active pick-ups, a Floyd Rose tremolo, gorgeous inlays, a dazzling flame maple top and the list goes on and on! This is truly a great guitar at a great price!
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