Positive Grid’s mighty mini amp has taken the world of practice—and stage—by storm. Here’s the lowdown on the original Spark amp, the Spark MINI, the Spark GO, the new Spark CAB, and the company’s flexible, tone-hopping controller. Most are sale-priced for the holidays.
The holiday season is upon us, and if you're on the quest to find the ultimate gift for the guitarist in your life, or perhaps you're treating yourself, look no further. We're about to take you on a journey through the world of Spark series amps – the gifts that sound right for any guitarist's wishlist. With numerous awards and an ever-growing community of over 500,000 players worldwide, these amps have certainly made their mark.
And the best part? Fantastic deals on Spark start now. There’s a Spark for every type of player (bassists included!) – so let’s find the one that fits you.
Spark - The Complete Jam Package
Let's kick things off with the Spark guitar amp and Bluetooth speaker – the trailblazer in the Spark series. This 40W practice amp doesn't just fill the room with incredible sound; it puts you in the driver's seat of your own tone. But what really makes Spark stand out is the incredibly powerful smart app that works seamlessly with the entire line of Spark series amps. Packed with all the gear and innovative smart features, it's your gateway to instant jamming fun. Looking for that perfect tone? You've got access to a whopping 50,000+ tones and custom presets created by guitarists worldwide to get you started. Plus, who needs bandmates when you've got Smart Jam? Just start playing, and the AI creates a real-time drum and bass track for you.
We're just scratching the surface here. It's no wonder why over half a million guitarists worldwide are playing more guitar than ever with Spark, now completely customizable to fit your unique style. And don't forget to check out the official Traveler Gig Bag – a must-have for any Spark owner on the move.Spark MINI - Portability Meets Power
For those who crave portability without compromising on power, meet the Spark MINI. Don’t let its size fool you. This 10W portable beast of an amp features a passive radiator that delivers unbelievable sound and punchy bass that’ll have you questioning why all amps aren’t this compact. And our favorite part – Spark MINI features a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 8 hours of jamming or music listening, perfect for impromptu jam sessions at the office, home, or anywhere that inspires you. Seriously, take it to the park or the beach; it's always ready to roll.
Spark MINI has even earned the praise of guitar legends like Zakk Wylde and Paul Gilbert, both of whom crafted their own limited-edition versions which, unfortunately for you, sold out. But don’t fret, they also created custom presets that can be downloaded for free in the Spark app and are available to all Spark users.
Spark GO - The Ultra-Portable Wonder
Ever wonder what it was like to have an amp on you…all the time? Spark GO is a 5W wonder so small it can slide right into your gig bag or suitcase without hogging precious space. In fact, you might even forget that you packed it in the first place! It’s the personal guitar amp that fits the unique style of every guitarist – regardless of skill level. Touring guitarists across the globe are falling head over heels for this tiny powerhouse, and for excellent reasons. They've discovered that not only does it deliver surprisingly big sound for an amp its size, but also the incredible convenience of Spark GO, turning hotel rooms and tour buses into impromptu jam spaces.
Just in time for the holidays, you can take home a Spark GO for under $100 USD. While you’re at it, pick up the new carrying case, to ensure your musical sidekick is well-protected from the rigors of the road.
Spark CAB - It's Time To Get Loud
Sometimes, you need that extra oomph in your sound, and that's where Spark CAB comes into play. It's not just about making your music louder; it's about making it shine. But make no mistake, this cab is LOUD! Designed for Spark amp owners hungry for more volume during live performances or jam sessions, Spark CAB is a 140W FRFR (Full Range, Flat Response) powered cabinet that perfectly complements any Spark series amp. Plus, it's great for cranking up the volume on other gear like keyboards, modelers, or even an extra amp with line level outs.
Spark Control - Elevate Your Spark Experience
Now that you’ve decided which Spark series amp works best for you (or the lucky person you’re gifting it to), it’s time to pair it up with the ultimate Spark accessory – Spark Control. It allows you to effortlessly (and wirelessly!) switch between presets, fine-tune settings, control music, and more, and it’s compatible with every Spark series amp. Besides, a good pedal is something every guitarist needs. Say goodbye to fiddling with controls and knobs when you need to switch tones. Set up your favorite preset, assign them to Spark Control, and you can seamlessly switch them on the fly without ever missing a beat.
With the holidays racing towards us faster than one of Paul Gilbert's legendary solos, let this list guide you in your quest for the perfect gift. So, this holiday season, let's celebrate the joy of giving with the best gift of all: music. And remember to treat yourself; you've earned it.
Looking for more gift ideas? Visit our Holiday Gift Guide to snag the best deals of the year.Jamming is an essential part of American musical tradition, and should be part of yours. Here are some bass-centric tips.
Jam sessions have been an essential part of the history of American music, going back at least 120 years, to a time when “live in person” was the only way audiences could experience music. In those days, one might attend informal house parties, social clubs, or basement speakeasies, where liquor flowed plentifully as musicians provided entertainment. Sometimes, musicians would arrive with a preset show. But quite often, and especially in the case of jazz, the music would be completely spontaneous, and that was the whole point. There might be a house band, but what they’d play, how long they’d play for, how they’d play it, and who might show up and join would be completely unscripted. This gave birth to what many now regard as the beginnings of jazz.
The spontaneous, unknown element, where literally anything can—and very well might—happen, has made jam sessions the ideal space for developing musicians. Artists from Slam Stewart to MonoNeon cut their teeth, honed their skills, developed their sounds, and built their first audiences at jam sessions.
The terms “jam session” and “open mic” are not interchangeable, though many confuse the two. There are many differences, but one that stands out is the band’s role in the affair. Open mics are mostly about the singers, and sometimes about amateurs who simply wish to sing popular songs backed by a band. At jam sessions, musicians and singers—though there may be no singers at all—have equal status, and every participant needs to have honed their ability to respond spontaneously on the fly.
Many of my formative years were spent at jam sessions. First in London and later in Philly, NYC, or whatever other cities I visited while on tour. In those days, I practiced a lot and gained much from that controlled environment. But the things I learned at jam sessions like Philly’s Black Lily and Back2Basics, the annual jam sessions at North Sea Jazz Fest, and so many others, would be hard to learn anywhere else. After witnessing many jam-session trainwrecks, I learned that no session could withstand a bad bassist or drummer, let alone both at once!
"At jam sessions, musicians and singers—though there may be no singers at all—have equal status, and every participant needs to have honed their ability to respond spontaneously on the fly."
A much younger me made it my mission to always be the bassist who elevates what is happening onstage—and never the bassist who brings everything crashing down! The following advice, I believe, will help the jamming bassist avoid the latter. I’m going to assume that we’re all already practicing and getting our basic skills and sounds together, so no need to reiterate those areas.
Tune up. The bass you’re handed at a jam session probably won’t be in tune. Nobody cares about anything you play if you’re out of tune. Tune before you get on stage, before the song starts, or better still, learn to tune as you’re playing.
Avoid becoming a fixture. There are lots of people who also want to play. Do what you have to do and then get off stage.
Master the changes. Understanding and being able to play common forms and tunes will greatly improve your chances of dealing with whatever is thrown at you. A good place to start is the blues and rhythm changes. There are an inexhaustible number of songs that are based on these, so learning to play both in all 12 keys will go a long way.
Learn common jazz standards like “Donna Lee,” “Cherokee,” “Autumn Leaves,” “All the Things You Are,” etc. Even if your goal is not to play jazz standards, learning to play them is like an entire course in advanced harmony, melody, form, and the way that things move. Learn the common Motown classics. So many of them, especially songs by Stevie Wonder, are the blueprints for many songs you might encounter.
Actively listen while playing and figure out what everybody else is doing. A bassist with great ears will be able to learn any song by the second rotation of the form, and should be able to fake it well until then. I find that an excellent way to work on active listening at home is playing along with the radio, or in any situation where you don’t know the song and have to learn as you play.
So, where can one jam? If you’re in NYC, a great jam session to check out right now is Producer Mondays at NuBlu, which happens every Monday and is run by my good friend, keyboardist Ray Angry. If you’re not in NYC, ask some of the players on your local scene.
There are a lot more things I could mention, but one of the most important is attitude. Jam sessions are social events. Be courteous to everybody you encounter. Enjoy the atmosphere, and have a great time—without ruining anybody else’s!