Gift Ideas for Intermediate Rock Guitarist

Some background

As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists, trying to give some ideas for what you buy intermediate rock guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or for any other reason.

Typically, these guitarists have outgrown their first, practice amps and are probably looking for something a bit more mature. Whereas blues guitarists typically end up with a small all-valve/all-tube combo, rock guitarists have a wider range. For a start, some prefer solid-state, but that would be a risky purchase. Always better to go with all-valve for versatility. It's also about time for an upgrade from the basic guitar, probably not to their ideal Gibson Les Paul Standard, PRS or similar, but they'll at least be looking for a step in the right direction.

Strap Locks

Strap Locks are great. Can't go wrong with them, especially if there's a new guitar involved.

1. Schaller Guitar Strap Locks and Buttons (Pair) Black. Get Schaller's guitar strap locks for added security.

Guitar

The standard rock guitars are based on the Gibson Les Paul Standard, Fender Stratocasters or Gibson SG. Instead of the usual Fender Stratocaster configuration of three single coils, replacing the bridge pickup with a humbucker will provide a rockier edge. This is what the Fat-Strats are all about. Taking the concept further and we arrive at the superstrat configuration popular with brands such as Ibanez and Jackson where there's also easier access to upper frets, often a 2nd or 3rd humbucker and locking trem system. All of the top brand models are expensive and many intermediate guitarists are working their way towards them. You don't have to stay with the same brands to get a decent guitar. There are many good reasons to go for a different brand and I've listed some ideas specifically for Fender Stratocaster alternatives and Gibson Les Paul alternatives. That said, sometimes the original brand is just the guitar they need and if you're buying as a gift, then a standard brand may well be better.

1. ESP LTD EC-401 Electric Guitar blackThe ESP LTD EC-401 electric guitar has a set mahogany neck on a single-cutaway body with a mahogany back and a maple top. The thin U-shaped neck contour and 24 extra jumbo frets make the LTD EC-401 an extremely playable electric guitar. Loaded with active EMG-81 (bridge position) and 60 (neck position) pickups this electric guitar has plenty of gain and tonal articulation. Includes an Earvana compensated nut for improved intonation, and black nickel hardware.
2. Fender Deluxe Fat Strat HSS Electric Guitar Black BlackThe Fender Deluxe Strat HSS is a hot rod of an electric guitar that is capable of a broad range of tones. Thank the guitar's 2 Tex-Mex single-coils and a bridge position Fat Strat humbucker with 5-way switching for its versatility. A late 60s "big" headstock and black knobs and pickguard give this Stratocaster a distinctive flare.
3. Godin Velocity Electric Guitar Amber Flame High Gloss Rosewood FretboardThe Godin Velocity electric guitar features a double-horned body, comprised of a silver leaf maple center with poplar wings and a gorgeous natural, solid, high-flamed maple top, unique to each guitar. The Velocity is the first Godin electric guitar to feature the Godin High-Definition Revoicer. The H.D.R. revoices and augments the frequency range of each pickup and allows you to go from passive to active pickups with the simple push of a button. The H.D.R. gives guitarists the best of both worlds. The Velocity's growl is powered by 2 Godin GS-1 single-coil pickups as well as the beefy tone and high output of the SH-5 Duncan Custom humbucker by Seymour Duncan for serious crunch and an aggressive bite.Godin's Ergocut shaping gives the rock maple neck an extremely comfortable worn-in feel for effortless playability and lightning speed!Other features include a vintage tremolo bridge, maple or rosewood fingerboard, 5-way switch, and a stunning high-gloss finish.
4. Godin Redline 3 Electric Guitar Black HG Rosewood FretboardThe Godin Redline 3 Electric Guitar lets players dive-bomb their way through any performance with the addition of the Floyd Rose Tremolo bridge. The Redline 3 features the modern sound of an active EMG-81 pickup in the bridge and an active EMG-85 in the neck for scorching, high-output tones. Select pickups using the 3-way switch and dial-in different sounds using the tone knob. The humbuckers are housed in a sustain-inducing, string-through, silver leaf maple body with poplar wings. The Godin guitar's 22 fret, rock maple neck with ergocut rosewood or maple fingerboard, is extremely fast and comfortable to play. It has a sleek Redline 3 & 3 headstock, thick black binding, and the stunning high gloss flame tops on color models or a satin, semi-gloss finish on the natural flame model with maple fingerboard.
5. Ibanez S470DXQM Electric Guitar Blue Moon BurstThe Ibanez S470DXQM brings a luxurious quilted maple top to one of the world's most dangerous electric guitars. Maple Wizard II neck, mahogany body, 22 jumbo frets, bound rosewood fretboard, special ZR tremolo, and the unbelievably versatile HSH Infinity pickup set.
6. Dean Soltero Standard Electric Guitar classic blackThe Dean Soltero Standard electric guitar is a class act with stylish looks and features that include a beautifully finished flamed maple top set on a solid mahogany body, with a set mahogany neck. The 22-fret rosewood fingerboard is bound and adorned with exotic Soltero inlays. Dean Vintage Style humbucking pickups are exceptionally clean and offer an array of tones for any musical style. The Soltero has chrome hardware. Grover tuners, heavy-duty strap locks, and a Tune-O-Matic bridge with an open-slot tailpiece that makes it easy to thread your strings.
7. Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar Heritage CherryThe Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar is one of the most popular incarnations of the legendary Gibson SG. It takes the best of the '62 original and adds the longer and sturdier neck joint of the late '60s models. All the classic features you'd expect from a historic guitar. Hot humbuckers go from rich, sweet lightning to warm, tingling waves of sustain. A silky-fast rosewood fretboard plays like a dream. The original-style beveled mahogany body looks like a million bucks. Plus, Tune-O-Matic bridge and chrome hardware. Limited lifetime warranty. Includes hardshell case.A Little SG History In 1961, the Les Paul was redesigned with a thinner body and 2 sharp cutaway horns that making the upper frets more accessible while lowering production costs. The new guitar was popular, but Les Paul the guitarist did not like it and asked to have his name removed. Gibson renamed the model the "SG" which was short for "solid guitar".

Picks

You can still buy a range of picks for the guitarist. Even now, the intermediate guitarist will still be working through what they like. In this case, the more esoteric, the better. They may not like all that you buy, but they'll have fun trying and you may even find their new standard.

1. Dunlop Tortex Jazz Guitar Pick Heavy 3 Dozen.The Tortex jazz guitar picks were carefully designed and manufactured to give the characteristic maximum memory and minimum wear that made the original tortoiseshell picks famous. The small size and sharp point make it the most precise plectrum on the planet.
2. Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Standard Guitar Picks 1 Dozen .88Mm. Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Standard Guitar Picks are carefully designed and manufactured to give the maximum memory and minimum wear that made the original tortoiseshell guitar picks famous. Dunlop Tortex guitar picks are available in a variety of gauges. One dozen Pitch Black Picks.
3. Wedgie Delrin EX Guitar Picks 1 Dozen Blue 1.00MMThe unique and innovative Wedgie guitar picks are designed to be so comfortable, you'll never hold a flat pick again without noticing how flat it is. The Wedgie's contoured shape allows it to be held more firmly without changing its playing feel. The Delrin EX picks are made of a special blend that ensures a clean sound and snappy release.
4. Ice Pix Stix Mini Suction Celluloid Guitar Picks Assorted Colors 6-Pack .96MMThe new Stix with the patented mini suction technology grip put an end to baffling pick disappearances. They cling to your guitar via suction and without harm to the finish. Stix material also provides a thin, sure comfortable grip for sweaty, slippery fingers. Cleanable and reusable. Set of six.

Straps

Straps are a good present. Go for something with a bit more flair or style that usual. Maybe get one that matches their guitar.

1. Levy's Italian Glove Leather Guitar Strap Black 3 1/2 In. The Levy's Italian Glove Leather Guitar Strap is 2-1/2" wide and made of supple garment leather with foam padding and suede backing. A very comfortable strap, it feels like you've been using it for years the first time you put it on. And just in case you've forgotten - leather smells great! Adjustable from 44" to 53".
2. Gibson Saddle Leather Guitar Strap TanThis 2-1/2"-wide strap provides the utmost comfort with durable saddle leather. Classic looks with embossed design.
3. Perri's 2-1/2" Suede Leather Guitar Strap BurgundyMade from 100% durable, high-quality suede leather, this strap looks and feels great. Fully adjustable to a length of 52". 2-1/2" wide. Choose from different colors to suit your personal taste.
4. Levy's M7DG3 Distressed Leather Guitar Strap BlackThis distressed leather guitar strap bears a design that resembles marble. It's finished off with garment leather backing and tri-glide adjustments. Dimensions: 3" W x up to 69" L
5. Levy's Leather Guitar Strap with Dog Tags Black2" leather guitar strap with metal dog tags and 2-prong buckle adjustment. Adjustable from 50" to 60".
6. Levy's M7DP01 Distressed Leather Skulls Guitar Strap BlackThis distressed leather guitar strap has printed sugar skull designs, polypropylene backing, and tri-glide adjustments.Dimensions: 2" W x up to 67" L

Amp Stand

I'd expect the player to be playing a few gigs by now. For now, I'll assume they have a 1x12 combo. That's an amplifier with a built-in single 12 inch speaker inside. The amp will have a handle on top and can be carried in one hand. These amps are good for practices, rehearsals and small gigs. The problem with gigs is that the guitarist may be too close to the amplifier to hear it properly. The amp stands allow the amplifier to be off the ground, allowing the guitarist to hear themselves as well as allowing the amp to project to the audience. You can get stands for 2x12 combos as well (which have two 12 inch speakers side by side). These amps usually take two hands to move.

1. On-Stage Stands RS7000 Tiltback Amp StandUsing the RS7000 Tiltback Amp Stand gets your amp of the floor, which gives you better onstage monitoring, better coverage for your audience, and keeps feet out of your speaker grille.A perfect choice for various stage and studio amplifier applications, the tilt-back feature will rest your gear on black velveteen rubber pads for the best grip and reinforcement of your sound. The A-frame construction makes this stand extremely secure and stable when holding equipment and gear. Non-slip rubber feet and a locking cross brace keep the stand, and your amp, firmly in place.
2. On-Stage Stands Pro Tiltback Amp StandIf your knees had ears, then maybe you'd be able to hear yourself play with your combo amp sitting on the floor. But that's not the only reason you need an On-Stage Pro Tiltback Amplifier Stand. With your combo amp up off the floor and angled towards your ear, not only can you hear yourself without having to constantly turn up and increase stage noise, your amp also has better projection to the audience. You also gain easy access to your controls. No more bending over and mooning the audience while you make adjustments. One more benefit; nobody accidentally kicks in your grill cloth or guitar speaker on a crowded stage. The strength and versatility of this stand comes from the double clutch disk that allows you to remove and rotate the support arm assembly. The solid steel double stamped 3" disk allows for a secure locking position every time! The A-Frame base with 1" square tubing construction will adjust its floor spread in order for you to get the most support under your amp. Ridged end caps keep all metal surfaces off of the ground and act as a shock absorber.

Pedals

This time, we should be thinking about what they're doing with tone. Pedals are a great way to change tone and every guitarist knows that and part of the fun is the experimentation. Upping the price a bit, we can head towards buying pedals as gifts. As a rule, don't buy them a pedal if they're got one of those types already. It's ok to buy a chorus, if they've only got overdrive pedals. But unless they've a reason for changing pedals, there's no need to have two overdrive pedals.

If they're any good with soldering or don't mind learning, then try a boost or overdrive pedal from Build-Your-Own-Clone. I've got a few of their pedals and each one is awesome.

If they're a bit clumsy with the iron, then we'll have to look at buying pre-built, new or second-hand. Fortunately there are a lot of pedals on the market in the space between budget and boutique, so that's where we'll aim.

Distortion

1. Visual Sound V2 Series V2RT66 Route 66 Overdrive and Compression Guitar Multi Effects PedalThe Visual Sound Route 66 multi effects pedal gives you the great tone guitarists have come to love, plus an added noise reduction system that gives you that quiet ride you've always wanted. Classic compression combined with classic overdrive-these two effects sound great on their own, but combine them, as the Route 66 pedal has, and get the ultimate combination in a single pedal pedal. The V2 Route 66 pedal features redesigned noise reduction on the compressor channel, and additional low-drive range on the overdrive channel. The great-sounding overdrive channel is modeled after the sound of the original Tube Screamer, but it also has a bass boost switch. The compressor can be set for classic squash or clean boost with the unique preamp stage and gain knob. This allows for a truckload of clean gain. The compressor even has its own tone control. The 2 effects can be used independently or combined to complement one another.In 1999, Visual Sound made the statement "Our Route 66 is sure to become as legendary as its namesake." With countless great guitarists using it ever since, the Route 66 pedal from Visual Sound has become just that, a legend! The V2RT66 Overdrive and Compression Guitar Multi Effects Pedal features a diecast aluminum housing, ultra-reliable 10 million cycle switching, easy battery access and circuit protection from AC adapters. Wide and sturdy stomp switches designed by Bob Weil himself. And a redesigned, noise-free experience. This version of the Route 66 pedal has raised the bar for years to come.
2. Electro-Harmonix XO Little Big Muff PI Distortion Guitar Effects PedalLittle Big Muff puts this legendary distortion/sustainer in a more compact and rugged die-cast box, but the sound is true to the 1970 original-silky smooth violin-like sustain that lets you hold a note for an entire set. Sustain, Tone, and Volume knobs.
3. Carl Martin Hot Drive n Boost PedalVoiced with an emphasis on the midrange, the Hot Drive'n Boost pedal will produce tones ranging from crunchy blues to classic rock with great sustain, but cleans up nicely when you back off on your guitar's volume control. The unit features both clean and distortion outputs for players who wish to split their signal into 2 amps. The boost feature lets you pump out up to 22dB more punch for solos that really stand out!
4. Electro-Harmonix XO Metal Muff with Top Boost Distortion Guitar Effects PedalThe Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff with Top Boost features 3 powerful EQ bands that are ideal for sculpting mids and a total of 6 controls for shaping sound precisely your way. Top Boost adds serious bite with its own control knob and footswitch button.
5. Pro Co RAT2 Distortion PedalThe Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal is different from any you've ever heard, with sounds ranging from a mellow twin to a raging English stack. Its smooth distortion puts extra punch in rhythm work and makes solos cut through with authority and power. The Rat2 has glow-in-the-dark luminescent control graphics and new LED status indicator for easy use on dark stages. Steel enclosure has a "no tools" battery compartment. True bypass mode utilizes passive switching of both input and output to eliminate the loss of power and clarity caused by other devices.
6. Vox Joe Satriani Satchurator Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal Red MetallicDrawing on Joe Satrianis knowledge accumulated from decades of groundbreaking performances, both live and in the studio, VOX unveils a breakthrough in guitar tone in The Satchurator distortion pedal. Designed to Satrianis exact specification, the Satchurator produces Satrianis signature tone and adds features and improvements never before combined in a distortion pedal. After almost a year of painstaking experimentation and road testing, Satriani and the VOX R&D team discovered the secrets to capturing the ultimate distortion tone in a modern-day effects pedal. The Vox Satchurator is capable of very high gain levels, but operates more quietly and musically than many other modern distortion pedals. It also preserves the tone and pick attack regardless of style, while providing distortions from subtly distorted blues tones through classic rock and shred.
   

Chorus

I love the Carl Martin Chorus. Great quality but possibly beyond the price we're looking at. So maybe we should be looking at a Boss Chorus instead. For a bit more individuality, go for the Visual Sound pedals.

1. Visual Sound V2 Series V2LC Liquid Chorus Guitar Effects PedalThe V2 Liquid Chorus incorporates the chorus channel of the V2 H2O in a single pedal, with a Depth knob added to the Speed, Width, and Delay Time controls for everything from subtle to lush to underwater. The Liquid Chorus pedal also has two 1/4" outputs, normal and inverted, for running in stereo.Wonderfully voiced for electric, acoustic, or bass guitar, using pure analog circuitry, the Liquid Chorus pedal will make your sound stand out from all the rest. At the heart of the Liquid Chorus circuit are custom-designed Visual Sound bucket brigade chips. Use the Depth knob to set the overall style of Chorus (from light to lush) and the user-friendly knobs to adjust how you want your chorus to sound. Unlike H2O, the second output of Liquid Chorus is a true stereo output for extremely spacious sounds when used with two amps, a PA system, or when recording. From the V2 Series, the Visual Sound V2LC Liquid Chorus is a guitar effects pedal that features a die-cast aluminum housing, ultra-reliable 10 million cycle switching, easy battery access and circuit protection from AC adapters.
2. Boss CH-1 SUPER Chorus PedalThe versatile Boss CH-1 SUPER Chorus produces the swirling chorus sounds heard on many rock, jazz, country, funk, and other popular music recordings.
3. Voodoo Lab Analog Chorus PedalVoodoo Lab's Analog Chorus pedal is an exact sonic replica of the most sought after chorus of all time: the 1976 Roland CE-1. With its lush and distinctively organic tone, it's the standard by which all other chorus effects are measured. Now you can get those same classic sounds in a compact stompbox! The Analog Chorus pedal gives you a huge range of sounds from a thick analog doubling, to uber-lush chorus, and even a Leslie rotating speaker. Guitar Player says: "Strikingly vocal with a distinctive organic tone. Warm, pulsing, and sexy."

Wah

There are so many different types of wah. There are two main standards for rock guitarists in this range, the Jim Dunlop CrybabyWah (GCB95) and Morley Bad Horsie. There are others. Personally, I really like the Ibanez Weeping Demon.

1. Vox V847 Wah-Wah PedalThe Vox V847A Wah Pedal is a reissue of the wah that changed electric guitar sounds in the '60s. The effect pedal is built to the exact specifications of the original one used by the most influential rock guitarists of all time totally authentic from its classy chrome top to its legendary growl.
2. Dunlop Original Crybaby Wah PedalIf you play the real thing - the Dunlop Original Crybaby wah pedal- you get the real sound. The heavy die-cast steel construction of this classic effect can take all the stompin' you've got in you. Totally smooth, silent, consistent, and easy to control. Made in the USA. Uses optional ECB03 power supply.
3. Snarling Dogs Super Bawl Whine-O Wah PedalThe Super Bawl Whine-O is the Whine-O wah with 2 additional features. Hormone Control enables you to switch between an Estrogen (clean) and Testosterone (dirty) wah sound. Twinductor Beef Boost enables you to activate a second inductor, causing the wah to sound especially thick! Features a six-pound. zinc die-cast case; patented foot-shaped, tension-adjustable footpad; hand-wound inductor; sealed pot; lit eyes; and glow-in-the-dark logo. Uses 9V alkaline battery.
4. Ibanez Tone-Lok WD7 Weeping Demon Wah PedalThe Ibanez WD7 Weeping Demon Wah Pedal from the Tone-Lok Series will have your audience screaming for more with its shrieks, cries, wails, and seductive siren songs. Among its features are spring and normal footboard action, selectable wah range, and fine tuning controls.On the outside, Tone-Lok effects are equipped with the Ibanez exclusive set and forget Push-Lok rotary pots. Push the knobs down and your tone settings lock securely inside the case—no more lost settings or broken knobs.
   
5. Dunlop ZW-45 Zakk Wylde Signature WahWith the Dunlop ZW-45 Zakk Wylde Signature Wah, modern Crybaby master Zakk Wylde and Dunlop have joined forces to deliver the toughest, meanest wah pedal on the planet. Built from the ground up with great tone and rugged durability in mind, this pedal can stand up to the crushing stomp of metal's reigning king of lead guitar. The Wylde Wah features a heavy-duty raw-metal casing and roadworthy components to withstand years of abuse. With guts that have been finely tuned to Zakk's specs, including the Fasel inductor, this wah is specially voiced to deliver an extra-thick and cutting tone. Powered by 9V battery or Dunlop ECB-003 AC adapter
6. Morley Steve Vai Bad Horsie Wah PedalThe Morley Steve Vai Bad Horsie Wah Pedal is set to Steve's precise specs and equipped with Morley's superior electro-optical circuitry to handle the heavy wah. This effects pedal is switchless for easy use. You just step on the pedal to engage wah and step off to bypass. Special buffer circuitry prevents signal loading, gives you superior wah tone, and drives long cables. LED indicator and easy-access battery compartment. Morley gives you a 2-year warranty with your Bad Horsie.

Delay

Ideal for those long stadium solos, also for creating rhythmic soundscapes. A well-used delay pedal can make a massive difference to a guitarist's lead sound

1. Ibanez Tone-Lok DE7 Delay/Echo PedalThe Ibanez DE7 Delay/Echo Pedal from the Tone-Lok Series delivers both high-tech or vintage tape echo sounds at the throw of a switch. Capable of 30 ms to 2.6 seconds of delay time. Time, repeat, level, and a Range Switch allow for quick, precise control of your Ibanez DE7. On the outside, Tone-Lok effects are equipped with the Ibanez exclusive set and forget Push-Lok rotary pots. Push the knobs down and your tone settings lock securely inside the case—no more lost settings or broken knobs.
2. Boss DD-3 Digital Delay PedalWith three delay-time modes, the Boss DD-3 Digital Delay Pedal can handle all your performance needs. Features delay times that range from 12-1/2 to 800ms. Produces endless repeats on demand in Hold mode. Comes with a 5-year warranty.
3. Electro-Harmonix Memory Boy Delay Guitar Effects PedalWhat is it that makes a performance pedal legendary? We think it's experience and design integrity. Since the early 1970's, Electro-Harmonix has been designing analog delays featured on some of the greatest recordings and used by iconic musicians throughout the world. From the original Memory Man guitar pedal to the Deluxe Memory Man, still available today, EHX delay pedals are desired instruments for the organic tones that deliver textures that define quality.The Electro-Harmonix Memory Boy carries the performance heritage for warm analog delays and modulations that made its ancestors the go-to units that remain just as popular today. With two years in design using new and refined, analog IC's the focus was making the guitar effects pedal affordable to every musician while maintaining the character and artistic sounds that let you stand apart. The Memory Boy pedal offers legendary delay and modulation effects with a simple foot tap. Like the beefier Memory Man, Memory Boy features a 550-ms delay time, allowing you to explore limitless textured guitar explorations. It also has a three-way toggle switch where the middle is an expression-pedal controlled delay, the upper position gives a vibrato, and the lower position gives a chorus texture.

Amplifiers for the Intermediate Rock Guitarist

Unless you know the guitarist incredibly well and can afford for the guitar or amp to be ignored or sold at half price, then leave this area well alone. There's a very high chance, you'll get the choice wrong. Remember, guitarists are fickle.

One way out is, if you're buying for a close relative, maybe offer them an upgrade on what they have, but cap the price difference or next thing you know and you'll soon be paying more for the next guitar and amp than you did for your last car. It pays to do some research first so you know if your contribution will be worth anything and if the present contribution idea will backfire. The new price of the kit in this range is roughly $700-$1100 for a guitar and similar for an amp. Any kit they have to part-exchange will be 30% of original cost at most. Probably nothing at all if it's from a bargain beginner package or has been treated badly.

1. Randall RG50TC 50W 1x12 Guitar Combo AmpThe Randal RG50TC 50W 1x12 Guitar Combo Amp puts out 50W of power from 2 EL34EH tubes to drive a 12" Celestion speaker. 2-channels with 4 modes: overdrive channel with 2 gain stages, vintage and modern hi-gain stages for the overdrive channel; footswitchable boost mode on the clean channel. External speaker outs and effects loop. Includes 4-button footswitch.
2. Hughes & Kettner Statesman Series STM Dual EL84 20W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp BurgThe Hughes & Kettner Dual EL84 is the right guitar combo amp for you if you want uncompromising tone at moderate, club-approved volume. The STM combo delivers all the fundamentals in a remarkably portable amplifier package. Beauty and the Beast Sinfully sweet American clean with a touch of hillbilly twang and rough-and-ready British rock in all its raging glory in one amp
3. Peavey 6505 112 60W 1x12" Tube Combo Guitar Amp BlackThe Peavey 6505 112 is the combo version of the acclaimed 6505+ amplifier. This portable powerhouse features five 12AX7 preamp tubes and two 6L6GC power amp tubes, with presence and resonance controls and three-band EQ for taming their notorious tone. It also includes 3-spring Accutronix reverb and the Microphone Simulated Direct Interface (MSDI), which delivers the sound of a miked guitar cabinet in live performance and studio recording applications.The 6505 Series of guitar amplifiers celebrates of Peavey's first 40 years, 1965 to 2005. The 6505 amp is also the relaunch of the 5150 Series, the immensely popular amplifiers Peavey designed with Edward Van Halen.
4. Kustom The Defender 50W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp BlackThe Defender from Kustom provides an intoxicating blend of hot tube amp tones and never-before-seen features. To maximize the amp's classic tone, The Defender is built of solid Pine and uses a Plywood Baffle Board. All-Pine construction gives the amplifier a rich, resonant tone that will inspire any lover of historic tube amps. The cabinet is covered in high-quality black Tolex with a raised stitching pattern, similar to a motorcycle seat.An exclusive preamp operates unlike any other. Called Duo-Mod, the proprietary Kustom circuit uses traditional Volume and Master Volume controls, but that's where the similarity ends.Here's how it works: When turning the Defender's Volume control down to get cleaner tones, the Duo-Mod circuit progressively reduces gain in multiple locations throughout the preamp. The result is stunning clarity throughout the Gain control's entire range. In other words, clean tones get cleaner and medium-gain tones stay chunkier and dynamic, while not sacrificing their higher-gain potential.In the medium-to-high gain ranges, the Kustom Duo-Mod circuit progressively adds gain in multiple locations throughout the preamp. The result is smoking hot rock tones with punch and clarity that set it apart. In essence, the Kustom Duo-Mod circuit produces a wide variety of tones from a deceptively simple one-channel amplifier without the need for additional gain switches or controls.The Defender's Master Volume doesn't merely control the overall amplifier level. The guitar amp also optimizes the amp's overall EQ to produce perfectly tweaked tonal results no matter how the input Volume and Master Volume controls are set. For example, when the input Volume is cranked for distortion and the Master is set lower, the amp's midrange and high-end are adjusted to eliminate any harshness. This system lets players make large changes in gain settings with minimal adjustments of tone controls.For added flexibility, the Defender amp also has a Master Volume Bypass switch, which lets players entirely disable the Master from the circuit to achieve the penetrating tone and headroom of vintage, non-Master type amplifiers. It's perfect for players who like to use outboard overdrive and distortion boxes to spice up their sound. For even more power amp gain, a variable Power Amp Boost control provides up to 10db of footswitchable volume that is perfect for making guitar solos stand out in the mix.Amplifier features include two EL34 output tubes, three 12AX7 preamp tubes, a 12-inch Kustom speaker and a Bright switch that provides either a fuller, American-style bass response or a tighter, British flavored low-end. A player's preference of either EL34 or 6L6 power tubes may be used in The Defender, thanks to a switch which adjusts the amp's bias circuitry accordingly perfect for guitarists who like to experiment with their tonal options.A classic spring reverb circuit provides everything from a warm, ambient effect
5. Egnater Rebel-30 112 1x12 30W Tube Combo Guitar Amp Black/BiegeThe Egnater Rebel-30 112 Tube Combo Amp offers 30W of all-tube sonic power from 2-channels. The Rebel-30 amp features Egnater's unique TUBE MIX knob, giving you access to an incredible variety of tones, from American to British and all points in between. Channel 1 delivers rich cleans with controls for volume, treble and bass. Channel 2 dishes out powerful, touch-responsive overdrive with treble, middle and bass EQ, as well as a wide-range gain knob that takes you from growl to scream. Both channels feature Egnater's signature BRIGHT and TIGHT switches and each channel has its own WATTS knob so you can access both low-wattage crunch and serious clean headroom, or any combination you choose.The Egnater Rebel-30 tube amp's specially designed and easily accessible back panel holds more welcome surprises such as independent reverb controls for each channel and a tone-preserving series effects loop. A speaker-emulated line out lets you go directly to the board live or in the studio. Set the standby switch to Silent Record for great direct-recorded tones that spare both your ears and your neighbors'.
6. Egnater Rebel-30 212 2x12 30W Tube Combo Guitar Amp Black/BiegeThe Egnater Rebel-30 Tube Combo Guitar Amp features Egnater's unique TUBE MIX knob. You get access to an incredible variety of tones, from American to British and all points in between. The Egnater Rebel-30 amp's Channel 1 delivers rich cleans with controls for volume, treble and bass. Channel 2 dishes out powerful, touch-responsive overdrive with treble, middle and bass EQ, as well as a wide-range gain knob that takes you from growl to scream. Both channels feature Egnater's signature BRIGHT and TIGHT switches and each channel has its own WATTS knob so you can access both low-wattage crunch and serious clean headroom—or any combination you choose.The Egnater Rebel-30 amp's specially designed and easily accessible back panel holds more welcome surprises—such as independent REVERB controls for each channel and a tone-preserving series effects loop. A speaker-emulated line out lets you go directly to the board live or in the studio. Set the standby switch to 'Silent Record' for great direct-recorded tones that spare both your ears and your neighbors'. And the easy-access chassis makes swapping tubes quick and painless.
7. Engl Thunder Drive 50W 1x12 Guitar Combo AmpCompared to the Thunder Reverb, the Thunder Drive has an additional Crunch volume control, to give the guitarist access to all 3 channels. A very punchy 50W workhorse that uses a 12" Celestion Vintage 30 speaker.All-tube guitar amp, fully loaded with all key features. Next to its sonic qualities, the beauty of this amp is rooted in simplicity. With its uncluttered, sensibly arrayed control features, the Thunder makes it easy to dial in first-class sounds.
   

Clothing and Accessories

If you know what they're interested in, then get some t-shirts, belt buckles, hoodies, hats or even a tote bag. Look at Audio Cloth for good examples.

Part of an in-depth series looking at gift and present ideas for guitarists.