It is time to start shopping for that musician on your list. I know, it can be rough. Everything they want is either $800 or sounds like some weird gadget from a sci-fi movie. To make things a little easier for you we have picked out some sure-fire bets for any music-maker/producer on your list down below…
It’s true, most of the gear musicians really want is overly expensive and, for the most part, not realistic for your average gift. It can also be difficult to know whether or not if it is even something they would want or if it is compatible with the gear they already use.
Our picks include items that are more than likely going to work with anything running on iOS and Mac, unless the devices are extremely old. But even then, chances are everything should be fine.
Our picks range from $300 all the way down to $10 or so to leave you with a number of different options whether they are a keyboard/guitar player, or modern day computer composer. And it is always good to check out our Best MIDI keyboards, wireless Bluetooth MIDI keyboards, Lightning interfaces and desktop speaker round-ups for ideas as well.
Finally, Here are the best gifts for musicians 2017 edition…
ROLI Seaboard Blocks MIDI Controller | $300
While we have tried to keep the musician’s guide down in a more affordable price range, this is one piece of gear that’s worth the cash. The producer/musician on your shopping list likely doesn’t have one of these yet. Just recently dropping down to a more affordable price range, the Seaboard’s unique technology is finally available to a wider range of users.
Its 5D touch surface allows musicians to control instruments on iOS/Mac like never before and includes loads of free sounds in the package. The $300 price tag certainly isn’t cheap, but this will easily be one of the best gifts just about any music-maker will get this year.
I recently had a chance to go hands-on with the amazing little device for our full Logic Pros review on 9to5Mac. After learning its intricacies and implementing it into my daily setup, I really couldn’t recommend it more at this price point.
Pocket Operator PO-32 Synthesizer | $90
The Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator line of calculator-sized synthesizer/sequencers have been a favorite of ours for a while now. After debuting earlier this year, TE has taken the new PO-32 model to the next level. Along with the usual trigg-based sequencing, the Tonic PO-32 also allows users to transfer custom drum sounds on to the machine with full desktop integration on the Mac. That is why we are seeing a little bit of an up-charge in comparison to the rest of the units which come in at $59 and $49.
Once again, we were lucky enough to give this one a run for its money back in the spring, so you can get even more details on how it all works in our hands-on review.
Akai Professional LPK25 Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard | $75
Akai’s 25-key portable Bluetooth MIDI keyboard topped our 2017 list as the best wireless option on the market. Akai has been one of our favorite controller-makers for years now and its Bluetooth 4.0 LPK25 is easily one of the best options for producers invested in Apple’s eco-system. Compatible with both iOS and Mac (Windows as well), it can be used wirelessly with any system you might be working with right out of the box and comes with the Akai seal of quality.
You can expect 12-hours of portable use (with three AA batteries), but it can also just be plugged in via USB. You’ll find the usual octave controls, a built-in arpeggiator, sustain pedal inputs and full compatibility with the LPD8 wireless drum pad controller. At $75 for all that, you really can’t wrong here.
More | from $8
Not all great gifts for musicians have to be expensive pieces of gear. There are loads of interesting options in lower price ranges that will have any music-maker smiling on the big day. You’ll find everything from vintage concert posters to custom guitar picks and more down below:
Pluginz Jack Rack Marshall Amp Key Holder $30
Every Jack Rack comes with 4 Key Chains, wall mounting bracket and all necessary mounting hardware. The Patented Pluginz Key Chains are made from an actual 1/4″ musical input jack. Sturdy enough to hold your BBQ tools, kitchen utensils, or anything else you want to “Hang Like a Rockstar”. Made from strong 1/8″ thick injection molded plastic and decorated with a custom amp style decal.
Personalized Guitar Pick & Leather Keychain Pouch from $42
Custom, personalized and handcrafted copper functional guitar pick to use or keep as a memory memento or token keeps safely in the leather carry case keychain holder. Add special dates, names, inspirational words or favourite lyrics to this oxidized and distressed guitar pick.
More Guitar Pick from $8
- Planet Waves Beatles Guitar Pick Tins (15 picks) $11
- Dunlop Lucky Guitar Pick Tin (13 picks) $8
- Timber Tones Wood Guitar Picks (4-Pack) $20
- Timber Tones Bone Guitar Picks (4-Pack) $26
- Cymbal Guitar Pick $20
- Handmade USA Quarter Guitar Pick from $13
Vintage Concert Posters from $9
- Gibson Les Paul Guitar Patent Prints from $6.50
- Spend $40 get 10% off order
- Grand Taxonomy of Rap Names Print from $29
- Visual compendium of Guitar Print from $29
- More Pop Chart Lab Music Prints from $29
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- …more to come…
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