Buying a present for a musician may be worrying, particularly if you happen to’re not a musician. But it doesn’t need to be!

When I used to be a teen, I used to be obsessive about guitar gear. My of us did their finest to maintain up with what I had my eye on, and they’d normally simply ask me for an inventory of choices. This is a sensible strategy, but it surely takes away a number of the magic of gift-giving.

Ideally, you need to shock that particular musician in your life with one thing they may haven’t prioritized in their very own procuring. Look for gadgets that may add that one bizarre sound that makes a monitor stand out, or is simply enjoyable to mess around with.

That’s why we’ve put collectively a present information that ought to put a smile on the face of that particular gearhead in your life. We haven’t centered on recommending entry-level devices or high-end prize gadgets right here. That stuff may be very private for a musician. Sure, each guitarist may use a stocking full of additional strings, however do you even know what gauge of string they like?

In quick, the right reward for a musician is sudden and sparks pleasure. I both personal or have used virtually all the things included under and there’s not a loser within the bunch.

Toys and Accessories

Stylophone Pocket Synth – $34.95

Released in 1968, the unique Stylophone was one of many first moveable synthesizers made obtainable to the general public. The newest fashions don’t rock the boat. You nonetheless use the hooked up stylus to play notes on the tiny steel keyboard and it nonetheless produces a restricted variety of skinny, buzzy tones.

But this low cost little man has been used on skilled recordings numerous occasions so as to add some bizarre background texture or carry a easy melody. Stylophone would be the first to let you know that David Bowie used it on “Space Oddity” and that’s precisely what you need to inform the one who opens the reward and appears a little bit confused.

Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators – $49-$99

If you’re on the lookout for one excellent stocking stuffer, you’ll be able to’t go improper with a Pocket Operator. The easy construct high quality of those gadgets retains the worth on the inexpensive finish however they are often very highly effective.

In transient, Pocket Operators are little devices that appear to be calculators. Some of them include a prepackaged set of sounds and provide the power to create and set off musical loops. They may work collectively with a purpose to craft extra formidable compositions or play reside exhibits. I do know a touring musician who makes use of a setup of those and a tiny mixer as his solely reside gear.

But I promised this is able to be a easy information, and there are such a lot of Pocket Operators to select from. Don’t fear, simply purchase the PO-33 K.O! It’s a tiny sampler that may document and sequence any sound you need to document. You can’t go improper with any of the fashions, however that one presents probably the most flexibility.

Mogami Gold Instrument-10 – $68

We’re not going to get too deep into fundamental equipment, however I do need to word that purchasing instrument cables will not be so simple as it appears. An inexpensive cable will usually include unhealthy sound high quality and a brief lifespan. That doesn’t imply you at all times get what you pay for. Monster Cables spent years bilking individuals into believing they have been price extraordinary costs earlier than pivoting into the junk model that it was from the start.

Mogami cables are strong and revered by sound engineers. But sure, they’re a little bit dear.

Fender’s Mustang Micro – $119

The Mustang Micro is a superb little apply amp if you wish to use headphones. (Or if you happen to actually need that guitarist in your life to put on headphones.) It has an honest sound, 12 totally different amp presets, 12 built-in results, and may sync with Bluetooth to play together with recordings.

It’s important for individuals who journey lots, however the truth that it doesn’t require any further cables makes it vital for lazily taking part in round the home.

Moog Theremini Theramin – $399

It’s most likely a little bit unfair to place a Moog Theremin within the toy class. It’s a full-blown instrument and there are individuals who dedicate their lives to mastering its intricacies.

But anybody can activate a theremin and begin taking part in instantly. You simply wave your hand across the antenna and alter for the sound and tone you need. It’s like taking part in a singing noticed within the air.

The Theremini additionally contains lots of options to rapidly get you in control on controlling pitch and understanding scales.

Effects

Z. Vex Fuzz Factory – $320, Vertical version – $199

If you need to purchase a fundamental results pedal for delay, refrain, reverb, and so on., any of the traditional Boss items will do you wonderful. But we need to get bizarre.

The Z. Vex Fuzz Factory is my favourite results pedal that I personal. It’s very over-the-top fuzz for guitars however you need to use it with different devices as nicely. I’ve run synths by means of it simply as a lot as a guitar.

It’s exhausting to clarify why it’s so good, however simply perceive that it may do any fuzz sound you want and it’s extremely sensitive. The controls make no sense. Some settings will produce no sound in any respect, others gives you harmonic-rich suggestions from the gods. It’s a tinkerer’s delight.

The unhealthy information is the unique Fuzz Factory is at the moment sold out. The excellent news is that Z. Vex began making a “vertical version” that has all the identical parts with a distinct structure and a less expensive value. By all accounts, the vertical mannequin is strictly the identical, it’s simply not made in the usA.

Even if the individual you’re searching for has each stomp field below the solar, they most likely don’t have something like this.

Chase Bliss Habit – $400

The best method to perceive the Chase Bliss Habit pedal is to watch a video of somebody utilizing it. At a elementary stage, it’s a delay/echo impact and it may deal with these duties in addition to most.

But Chase Bliss prefers to name this stompbox a “musical sketchpad” and a “compositional delay.” Its actual energy comes from the truth that it’s continuously recording all the things you play to a 3-minute loop. That loop may be accessed, edited, and manipulated at any time. The concept is that it’s a pedal for noodling round and going again to avoid wasting the most effective bits that pop up.

There’s much more to this factor, I haven’t even talked concerning the 16 dip switches on the again. Basically, any musician who likes adventurous results or is struggling in a artistic rut will discover one thing to love concerning the Chase Bliss Habit.

Microphones

Shure SM57 and SM58 – $89

These aren’t the most effective mics cash should buy, however they’re tried and true. All you actually need to know is that SM57 is taken into account to be higher for recording intruments and the SM58 is extra for vocals. But the actual fact is both mannequin can do each.

Recording

Logic Pro – $199.99

If you’re shopping for for a musician who desires to begin recording themselves, I can’t advocate Apple’s Logic Pro software program sufficient. It’s an expert high quality studio at a dust low cost value. It’s very intuitive, straightforward to navigate, and highly effective as hell.

The one caveat I’ll say is that musicians who use software program to play reside in actual time are inclined to favor Ableton Live ($449-$749). Logic Pro added a “Live Loops” function a few years in the past that makes actual time efficiency simpler however Ableton has a headstart with appropriate peripherals and is simply typically extra versatile.

Bottom line: If they simply need to document, Logic Pro is nice.

LANDR subscription – $20/month or $150/yr 

If your giftee is already deep in recording, a LANDR sub would possibly assist them take their manufacturing to the subsequent stage. The service presents a set of instruments for musicians together with plugins, collaboration instruments, and a networking platform. But the first purpose to make use of it’s for it’s AI-powered mastering instruments.

Mastering is taken into account the darkish artwork of the recording world. It’s the ultimate course of earlier than a document will get pressed and streamed. I don’t perceive it and it prices some huge cash to rent an expert.

LANDR has not managed to place these professionals out of enterprise however for 20 bucks it does an awesome job of balancing the sound throughout totally different techniques and usually making recordings “louder.” An individual can use top-notch gear with flawless method but when a recording hasn’t been mastered, it may simply nonetheless sound like a house demo.

Samplers and Drum Machines

XLN Audio XO Drum Machine – $129

I’ve by no means used a drum machine just like the XO software program. If you make beats, you most likely have hundreds of samples in your machine. Typically, you’ll set a channel to be the kick drum by clicking by means of a library of kick drum sounds. This is tedious and repetitive.

XO shows your pattern library as a sea of coloured dots which might be organized by similarity. Scrolling over a dot performs a pattern. Swiping your curser throughout the dots performs the samples quickly in a really satisfying rush of sound.

There are a lot of different intelligent search tweaks and the editor is nicely designed. In my ebook, it’s the most effective non-hardware drum machine you will get.

Roland Aira Compact T-8 – $200

Not everybody desires to make use of a mouse with their drum machine. The tactile really feel of {hardware} can present inspiration to make up for its lack of flexibility. For entry-level beatmakers, Roland’s Aira Compact T-8 packs in a bunch of traditional sounds from its legendary ‘80s drum machines with some modern conveniences tacked on.

It’s a easy machine that will probably be producing beats inside minutes of pulling it out of the field.

Roland SP-404MKII – $555

Here’s one other instance of Roland doing a contemporary riff on one in all its traditional machines. In this case, the SP-404MKII updates the SP-404 sampler that’s been utilized by a number of the greatest names in music.

Of all the things on this checklist, I might say that that is may be the riskiest merchandise to purchase on a whim. Almost each musician may use a sampler, however not everybody desires to. My suggestion can be to solely go for this if the individual you’re shopping for for has explicitly stated they need a sampler or in the event that they’re the sort who’s at all times drumming on a desk and would respect some sturdy set off pads.

That stated, this can be a well-made sampler with loads of options at a really cheap value. It’s simply manner an excessive amount of cash to throw away on a guess.

Monitors

PreSonus Eris E5 – $200 (for pair)

If your particular musician is in want of some audio system, don’t go for some form of Bluetooth-connected client machine. They want wired displays that don’t colour the sound very a lot. If the monitor’s tone is “neutral,” the ultimate combine is extra more likely to be constant throughout a variety of audio gadgets.

The PreSonus E5 displays aren’t studio grade however they’re a number of the finest you will get for the worth. They sound good, have some further shielding to chop down on hiss, and provide some knobs on the again to regulate the acoustic tuning.

(Also word that wherever you purchase displays, you need to double-check that you just aren’t simply shopping for one unit if you intend to purchase a pair.)

Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor – $400 (for pair)

These displays are twice as costly as those from PreSonus. But when you’ve got the additional money, they’re price it. There’s nothing improper with the primary suggestion however Yamaha’s HS5 displays will carry you thru an expert recording journey longer earlier than you begin itching for an improve. Plenty {of professional} studios have these unhealthy boys sitting round alongside displays that price hundreds of {dollars}.

Headphones

Sennheiser HD280 Pro – $99

Every producer wants a pair of wired over-ear headphones. There’s a lack of sound high quality with wi-fi headphones and it’s important to check a number of totally different audio outputs when mixing or mastering. Sennheiser’s HD280 Pro cans gained’t break the financial institution and are broadly revered throughout the trade.

Nothing Ear (stick) – $99

For extra informal listening or composing, there’s nothing improper with a wi-fi pair of earbuds. On the cheaper spectrum, we discovered Nothing’s new Ear (stick) buds to be extraordinarily spectacular and cozy.

AirPods Pro – $239 or Pixel Buds Pro – $185

If you’ve got a little bit further dough to spend on some wi-fi buds that function high-quality sound and noise-cancelling, we advocate two choices that ought to please most individuals. The AirPods Pro can work with Android gadgets however are a will need to have for anybody within the Apple eco-system because of their seamless pairing skills. For Android customers, the Pixel Buds Pro are a bit cheaper and provide incredible sound high quality. You can learn our evaluations right here and right here.

Synths and Keyboards

Arturia Modular V3 – $149

I perceive that it’s a little bit underwhelming to unwrap a present that’s only a obtain code, however software program synths are an unbelievable cut price. The Arturia Modular V3 is predicated on the unique Moog Modular synths that might usually price hundreds of {dollars} in {hardware} kind.

There’s a steep studying curve for mastering this beast, however anybody can get began sculpting sounds in a matter of minutes. I’ve spent the extra time with this synth than some other merchandise on this checklist and may say it’s an artwork kind unto itself. It’s extremely straightforward to get misplaced for hours crafting new patches and constructing the largest sounds you’ll be able to think about. No synth freak can be dissatisfied.

Arturia Jup 8 – $149

For musicians who’re much less fascinated about avant-garde soundscapes, Arturia’s Jup 8 is a stupendous retro software program synth that delivers a variety of ‘80s and ‘90s tones. This synth is based on Roland’s Jupiter 8 which was used on information by artists like The Cars, Kraftwerk, and Tangerine Dream. But there’s one track that completely describes the vibe this factor will convey to a equipment: The X-Files Theme Song.

Modal Electronics Skulpt SE Synth – $219

Moving into {hardware} synths, the Skulpt SE Synth is a tiny moveable unit that has lots of energy below the hood. Yes, it’s housed in a flimsy field and the keyboard is laughably unhealthy but it surely has a lot of knobs and produces nice sounds.

What’s most necessary is that it has midi out and in ports in addition to an app to manage all of its parameters. It checks the field for a synth to tackle the go and perform a little tactile tinkering, however it may additionally simply combine along with your digital devices seamlessly.

It’s additionally cute.

Casiotone CT-S1000V – $450

This is our choose for a fundamental keyboard. Maybe you simply need to be taught to play the piano and have some further sound choices, this man will handle you and comes at a fairly inexpensive value. The built-in audio system sound fairly nice and the choice of acoustic tones are glorious.

That’s to not say it’s finest at school for a midrange keyboard however the Casiotone has one enjoyable trick up its sleeve: It sings. Well, it may kind of sing. You’ll need to mess around with the tones and parameters to get all the things to your liking, however utilizing the included app you’ll be able to actually kind lyrics and listen to them carried out to the melody of your alternative. There are 22 included voices with a great little bit of room to tweak and refine the ultimate output.

The solely caveat I’ll add is that the keys aren’t weighted so not each newbie will need to begin right here. But it covers the fundamentals and can put a smile in your face.

ROLI Seaboard RISE 2 – $1399, eBay – $850

For the keyboard freak who has all the things, ROLI’s Seaboards open up lots of new prospects. It permits the participant to transcend the straightforward strike velocity that controls a typical keyboard’s expressiveness through the use of strain delicate keys and “5D technology.” The outcomes are extra like taking part in a woodwind instrument. Here’s a video demonstrating how the addition of press, slide, glide, and raise inputs can open up new sonic prospects.

Unfortunately, there’s no assure that pre-orders of the RISE 2 will ship earlier than the vacations and the RISE 1 isn’t at the moment being manufactured. The excellent news is there are many used items obtainable on eBay and because it runs on the costly aspect, a reduction is greater than welcome.

Teenage Engineering OP-1 – $1,399

It’s small. It’s bizarre. It’s tough to make use of. It very costly. And it’s stunning. The OP-1 is a transportable synth for energy customers.

Since it was launched in 2011, Teenage Engineering’s little monster has change into a legend and picked up endorsements from numerous celebrities. The tiny interface means navigating between its numerous features is a ache within the ass but it surely additionally retains you centered on the duty at hand.

With inexpensive, desktop-based recording techniques, you’ll be able to actually do something. That can result in artistic paralysis. The OP-1 has a really idiosyncratic system that pushes you to make deliberate selections every step of the way in which.

That’s to not say that it’s restricted. It’s a synth, drum machine, sequencer, controller, and sampler all crammed collectively. It even has an FM radio tuner for grabbing random samples out of the aether. You may theoretically document an entire album on this machine with out touching one other piece of substances. Just consider it as extra of a throwback to the times of recording on an outdated 4-track tape machine—a time if you add to suppose methodically about bouncing tracks and utilizing your sources sparingly.

No one will ever really feel let down when unwrapping an OP-1.