Guitar gift ideas, by budget
The problem with buying for a guitarist is that the guitar is the gift they wanted, they already have it, and everything else looks like an accessory. The trick is to buy the accessory they use every time they pick the guitar up. This list is ranked by how often that happens.
Under 20 pounds
- Strings, the brand they use. Look at the packet on their desk. Two sets. Never wrong.
- A clip-on tuner. If they do not have one on the headstock already.
- Strap locks. Useful on any electric; a plain practical gift. 14 pound pair.
- A capo. Only if they play acoustic and do not have one.
The straps this guide is about: full-grain leather, suede back, 2.5, 3 and 3.5 inch widths, Regular and Long. From £74.00 with free tracked UK delivery and a free length exchange.
Under 40 pounds
- A good cable. The one that came with the amp is the one that crackles.
- A stand. A guitar on a stand gets played; a guitar in a case does not.
- A pick tin with the picks they actually use. Check the gauge on the ones lying around.
Under 90 pounds
- A leather strap. The strap that came with the guitar is nylon and slides. A full-grain strap with a suede back is the accessory they will notice most, every time they play standing up. Ours are 74 to 94 pounds and if the length is wrong they exchange it free without telling you. How to pick one without asking.
- A pedal. Only if you know what they want; ask, or give the money.
Over 90 pounds
- A setup at a local shop. A voucher for a professional setup makes any guitar play better. Most players never treat themselves to one.
- Lessons. Even for someone who has played for years, a few sessions on a specific thing they want to learn.
- A hard case if they gig with a gig bag.
What ends up in the drawer
- Novelty picks, novelty straps with slogans, pick necklaces.
- "Guitar player" mugs and shirts.
- Cheap effects multi-boxes.
- A second capo.
Buying a strap without asking
Three things decide it: the guitar, their height, and how low they wear it. If you know the guitar model, use the table on our gift page. If you know nothing, pick the Classic in whiskey tan, Regular; it fits the most guitars and the most people, and it exchanges free.