Great Gifts for Players of Stringed Instruments 2017-2018
Gifts for Players
As much as we love people who play stringed instruments, we have to admit they can be a little — well — persnickety. This can make buying gifts for them about as easy as trying to cram a guitar into a ukulele case.
Need Help?
We’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of cool gifts for every price range and every level of musician, from beginner to pro.
Still can’t choose? Strings By Mail gift certificates are always a perfect choice. And we also have a Gift Shop where even more great ideas await you.
Stocking Stuffers (under $10)
Dr. Duck’s Power String Winder Attachment ($5) is the ultimate tool for effortless string replacement. It fits any 1/4” powered screwdriver.
The Microfiber Suede Polishing Cloth from Oasis ($5.95) attracts dirt like a magnet and is extremely durable.
Dunlop’s Chrome Guitar Slide 220 Medium ($7.99) provides a bright tone with great sustain for electric and acoustic guitarists.
The Strings By Mail Bridge Bib ($8 for either Small or Large) is a simple device that protects guitars during string changes and tuning. The Small has an opening 1.375” wide that accommodates nearly all classical guitars. The Large accommodates most acoustic steel string guitars.
The Planet Waves Headstand ($9.95) is a great tool for gently and securely supporting a guitar or other instrument while changing strings. And it’s small enough to fit in a guitar case.
Our own Strings By Mail Crystal Glass Nail File ($9.99) is the best file on the market — and we guarantee it will never wear out or wear down.
Gifts from $10 to $25
Despite its name, the nifty Snark SN-1X Chromatic Clip-On Guitar and Bass Tuner with Metronome ($10.79) works on a variety of stringed instruments. It clips on the head stock, works with alternate tunings, and is incredibly easy to use.
Endorsed by Ana Vidovic and Joanne Castellani, the Practice Right Wrist Alignment and Position Correction Aid ($17.99 for the children’s model, $19.99 for the adult version) is a simple, effective, and comfortable way to encourage a relaxed and proper wrist position. It also can help prevent wrist injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Used together, the three products in the Planet Waves Guitar Polish Premium 3-Step Guitar Polish System ($18) provide a beautiful sheen and critical protection for acoustic guitars, classical guitars, electric guitars, basses, mandolins, and other wood instruments. They should not be used on any instrument with a satin finish.
If your guitarist is a beginner, Philip’s Learn ALL the Notes of the Guitar Flash Cards ($19.95) are the perfect way to learn the notes on a guitar. Reviewing a few cards a day is far easier and more effective than trying to memorize notes fret by fret.
Anybody who plays amplified music can’t have too many instrument cables, and the Planet Waves Custom Series 20-Foot Right-Angle Instrument Cable ($21.99) is an excellent addition to their gear.
Gifts from $25 to $50
The Planet Waves Humidity & Temperature Sensor ($26.99) provides the key information musicians need to maintain climatic conditions that will avoid instrument damage. It’s easy to use and accurate.
The Bible of Classical Guitar Technique ($29.74) by renowned concert guitarist and teacher Hubert Kappel was more than two decades in the making — and well worth the wait. It includes everything from technique exercises to daily practice plans.
The Ernie Ball Musician’s Tool Kit ($29.79) has everything guitarists need to keep their instruments in perfect playing condition. The tools range from a polishing cloth to a string cutter to a hex wrench set.
The Ernie Ball Power Peg Pro ($33) is a motorized string peg winder that helps guitarists restring their instruments fast. The universal peg head fits virtually all acoustic, classical, bass, and electric guitars. A power adapter is included.
The Handmade Exotic Ebony Peg Winder ($39) combines beauty and practicality. The winder, which has an extremely comfortable handle, works with classical, acoustic, and electric guitar pegs.
The D’Addario Humiditrak Bluetooth Humidity and Temperature Sensor ($39.99) lets musicians monitor their instrument’s environmental conditions with a smartphone app. Along with providing constant temperature and humidity data, the sensor also automatically sends push notifications to the phone if conditions become dangerous.
Musicians can wear their instrument cases like backpacks with the Rokkomann Case Porter Backpack Attachment ($49.99). This ingenious device has adjustable straps. They and the backing are padded for comfort.
Gifts from $50 to $100
The Knobloch Actives CX Carbon Pure Sterling Silver MT 500 KAS ($57.99) are some of the finest classical guitar strings available. The carbon trebles and pure sterling silver basses provide a pure, full sound that’s truly incredible.
The CruzTOOLS Groovetech Guitar Player Tech Kit ($59.95) provides all of the tools needed to set up a guitar, along with an easy setup guide. The pro-grade tools are lifetime guaranteed.
The K&M 10062 Robby Plus Music Stand ($69.99) is elegant and easy to use. It features an extra-wide music desk that can handle small and large scores alike. Once the stand is set at the desired height and angle, a die-cast zinc mechanism locks everything smoothly and securely.
Maintenance kits from D’Addario for acoustic guitar ($69.99), electric guitar ($79.99), and electric bass ($79.99) have a wide range of tools and care products, all packed in a handy storage case.
Classical guitarists love trying new strings, and the Platinum Collection from Strings By Mail ($83.64) gives them a chance to try three great sets from Hannabach and La Bella. The collection includes the Hannabach Silver 900/200 MLT, the Hannabach 825MT 24k Pure Gold, and the La Bella Argento Pure Silver MT.
Hope you found something here that your musician will love. If you want more options, our Gift Store offers lots more choices than we can list here. And remember: Strings By Mail gift certificates are always a welcome gift.
Need help choosing the perfect gift? Call 800-513-8271 to talk with our friendly music, strings, and gear experts or contact them online. They’re available Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. EST and Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
