Practical Gifts for Musicians (From December 2008)

Buying gifts, in general, is so difficult, what do you buy for a musician????? I compiled a small list to hopefully get you started.

• Gift Card to Local Record Store –

Because people need to experience going into a record store again. It’s not about the inconvenience; it’s about the experience.

• Guitar, Bass, Violin, Cello etc Strings-

Brand and weight are important here. Snoop around to get the strings gauge info. ( http://www.juststrings.com )

• Woodwind Reeds

  Again brand and weight are very important here. (http://www.mybandgeek.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/20155?gclid=CIz98d3goJcCFQUWGgodB08xxQ )

• Portable Music Stand -

  Because often they are hard to find at the venues (http://www.musicstudiodirect.com/index.php?page=SearchProd&searchvalue=music+stand&_submit_search.x=0&_submit_search.y=0 )

• Good Instrument Cables - If you buy a well-made instrument cable, it could last years, not just months on the road. The price might be higher but you will save money in the long run. (http://www.zzounds.com/cat--2360 )

• Year Supply of mechanical Pencils -

Because pencil sharpeners are hard to find. (http://www.pencillovers.com/?gclid=COTlpanioJcCFQw9GgodrzuFmQ )

• On Stage instrument holder - Instead of laying their instrument on the ground, they can rest it properly. (http://www.zzounds.com/prodsearch?cat=3676&cat2=2557 )

• Two sets of rechargeable 9V batteries -

  Guitar Pedals and almost every other portable music device takes 9V batteries. Get some good re-chargeable so that it saves the environment and saves money in the long run. (http://www.greenbatteries.com/ )

• Custom Mold Ear Plugs -

  These earplugs will not only filter out the harmful volume, but it doesn’t muffle the sound. (http://www.sensaphonics.com/ )

• Custom Mold In Ear Monitors –

Like earphones, but with professional connections to allow for easier use in studios and live set ups. (http://www.westone.com/ )

• Mic Stand Guitar Pick Holder –

  Incase you drop one (http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dunlop-Microphone-Stand-Pick-and-Slide-Holder?sku=429005 )

• Mic Stand Beverage holder -

  Plastic bottles with cap remember! (http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mike-Caddy-Mic-Stand-CD-and-Drink-Tray?sku=421460 )

• Drum stick holder -

  Can never have enough drumsticks (http://www.zzounds.com/cat--Drum-Stick-Holders--2475 )

• Noise Canceling Headphones –

  Helps isolate the music in noisy environments, especially airplanes and public transportation. (http://www.google.com/products?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=noise+canceling+headphones&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title )

• Lessons from one of their idols –

  Not as expensive as you think. A lot of professionals are now doing lessons online in the form of video pod casting. Visit the professional website to see if they offer lessons or visit here for online lessons from Berklee( http://www.musiciansfriend.com/berklee )

• Method book from one of their idols –

  Again visit their website. Most of them have some sort of book or methodology to how they made it big. (www.amazon.com/ )

  “This blog was written in 2008.” Dr. Mike Testa