Songbirds Musician’s Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Keyboards (none of the following keyboards come with stands or benches). Make sure to get a bench and either get a basic x stand (https://amzn.to/2D3TiTv) or the customized stand that goes with the keyboard you choose (more expensive, but they look and feel nicer)

Alesis Recital ($179) https://amzn.to/2CZIVjx

The Alesis Recital keyboard has been around for a few years and has made itself a staple in the beginners market. It covers all of the basics necessary in a keyboard- 88 semi-weighted keys, built in speakers, and the capability to attach to a pedal. Everything about this keyboard is good for a beginner, but not recommended towards an intermediate or advanced student. The feel, sound, and instrument quality can be described as good, but nothing to write home about. That said, if you are looking for a basic and economical beginner’s keyboard, that should last a young student a year or two, this is definitely our choice. Don’t forget to get a pedal (even beginners need these), a stand, and a piano bench!

Yamaha P71 ($399.99) https://amzn.to/33OFd8r

Yamaha is an excellent and reliable manufacturer, so you know you are getting a quality instrument and not a toy. This Yamaha piano is a solid choice for any beginner- intermediate player. It has 88 fully weighted keys and is solidly made. I would suggest upgrading the pedal, as the one included does not give you the same feeling as a real piano. 

Casio PX-160BK ($499.99) https://amzn.to/2qRZvPF

Casio is another reliable manufacturer. Some professional musicians can be picky about the sounds color, but their Privia line is considered to be comparable to a Yamaha. This model boasts an advanced speaker system and cool functions like duet mode. This keyboard does not come with a pedal, which is a necessity when playing piano (even for beginners), so make sure you grab one when purchasing.

Roland FP series (starting at $499.99) https://amzn.to/38798eH

Roland is by far my favorite keyboard brand. Not only do their keyboards sound amazing, they just feel better. In this Amazon listing, there are 4 different models. All are great choices for a variety of price ranges. The basic one (FP10) has your true-feel weighted 88 keys, speakers, a variety of functions and modes, and both Bluetooth and MIDI capabilities. As you get higher in price, the speakers become more advanced as do the extra functions of the keyboard. Even though these do come with a pedal, I do highly recommend upgrading the pedal.

Yamaha P125 (starting at $649.99) https://amzn.to/2QCD37T

Another Yamaha, so you know it’s a reliable and great sounding instrument. The P125 also boast 88 fully weighted digital keys. What’s really nice about this model is that the action is heavier in the lower keys and lighter in the higher keys, just like an acoustic piano. The tone and quality of sound in this piano is what makes it geared towards professionals rather than beginners. Again- upgrade that pedal! (Bundle with stand, bench, upgraded pedal: https://amzn.to/2reZLZ2)

Basic Pedal Recommendation: My recommendation for a great usable universal pedal is the M Audio SP 2 (usually on amazon for ~$20). They have always worked well for me and conveniently have a quick polarity switch on the back (enables you to switch the function of the pedal, to sustain when pressed or when unpressed) https://amzn.to/2qnk0UG

Acoustic Beginner Bundle: https://amzn.to/2qVRysY

This is a quality guitar bundle. Perfect for the beginner or early intermediate player!

Ibanez Acoustic: https://amzn.to/2O9eUmG

Ibanez is one of the best guitar manufacturers for all levels. This is a beautiful and quality intermediate instrument!

Acoustic Bundle: https://amzn.to/2q46zsE

This bundle is higher quality and includes a hard case! A great investment if the musician plans to travel!

Acoustic Bundle: https://amzn.to/2Qk1cQt

Hard case included, this bundle features a different guitar look and finish.

Yamaha Acoustic: https://amzn.to/2qkXTy0

Yamaha makes great guitars for beginning and intermediate players. This one is sure to last!

Les Paul https://amzn.to/2QrU0ln

This is an absolute classic electric guitar. This model is the perfect first electric guitar!

Ibanez Super Strat https://amzn.to/2Xl1iJn

This style of guitar is a hot rod. It can play most genres and is great for soloing!

Telecaster https://amzn.to/2NSAU6r

The original Fender electric guitar. This is best for country, bluegrass, and classic rock.

Squier Strat https://amzn.to/32SSiw3

The ideal rock and roll guitar! This is perfect for blues, rock, and everything in between. 

Schecter https://amzn.to/2Ojfa2t

This is a nicer rock guitar. It’s great for playing metal and heavier music, too! The key difference between this model and the Stratocaster is that this guitar has humbucker pickups. They greatly reduce the latent hum that single coils produce and can handle more distorted music. Humbuckers are hotter than single coils. If you like metal, you’ll want to look at guitars like this one!

Ukuleles are extremely affordable and pretty easy to learn. You can spend less than $100 and get a professional instrument. They are a great choice for a first instrument or for someone who wants to add an instrument to their collection. At Songbirds we start Ukulele lessons at 5 years old, but we also have adults who take lessons on it!

Soprano Ukulele ($79.99) https://amzn.to/2NK4rzb

Kala is by far the best ukulele brand around. This is a soprano ukulele, so it is the smallest sized ukulele and the most common size. When you think of a hawaiian sounding ukulele, this is the type of instrument they are using. 

Soprano Ukulele ($56.99) https://amzn.to/32QjuvC

Even though this is at a lower price point, it is still a great instrument. Perfect for the beginner and it comes with a case. Some of the hardware on it isn’t as nice as on the Kala KA-S which is why there is a price difference

Makala Soprano Ukulele ($49.99) https://amzn.to/2O6eH3E

This Soprano Ukulele is Kala’s beginner line of instruments. It is of great quality (which you would expect from Kala), but I would recommend upgrading the strings they come with. This instrument is great for the first-timer beginner!

Concert Ukulele ($99.99) https://amzn.to/2O57iBG

This is the medium size ukulele! Sopranos, Concerts, and Tenors all use the same tuning which means if you learn one, you can pick up any of the others and still be able to play. We like Concert Ukuleles because they have a slightly warmer and deeper sound. Also good for adults because they are bigger, so if the Soprano is too small, these are easier to hold.

Tenor Ukulele ($79.99) https://amzn.to/33Rou4s

Tenor Ukuleles are biggest ukuleles that use the G C E A tuning. They have a richer sound than sopranos and concert ukes. If you are looking for something with a nice warm sound, that doesn’t have the well known “tinkery” sound of a soprano Uke, this is your winner. The strings can be tougher to press down on, so we do recommend this instrument towards teens and adults.

Baritone:

• https://amzn.to/2KlDHCY ($82.99) Intro instrument
• https://amzn.to/2XyQR4Z ($199.99) Basic Professional Instrument

This ukulele is a cross between a ukulele and guitar! It uses a completely different tuning system, but the chord shapes are the same. Guitar players will have a blast with this because they will be able to pick it up in no time. Ukulele players will have fun, because it gives a much deeper sound, enables them to use the skills they learned while learning on a GCEA Uke, and challenges them to learn more chords. Perfect for the multi-instrumentalist or the Ukulele player that wants to slowly transition to guitar.

Mini-Wah https://amzn.to/2NUdw8v

Everyone needs a wah pedal! It’s a fun and easy effect to make your tone sound unique!

Boss DS-1 Bundle https://amzn.to/2Ku966e

This is a great distortion pedal for most kinds of rock. From classic to punk, this pedal can do it.

Tube Screamer https://amzn.to/37gcpYj

This is the perfect pedal for lead tones and solos. It can be heard on some of the most iconic albums of all time!

Fuzz https://amzn.to/2qle66j

A Hendrix fan’s must-have. From Woodstock to metal, this pedal can deliver the dirtiest tones.

Noise Gate https://amzn.to/2rT4hwW

If you have noise and hum in your pedal loop, this pedal will get rid of it! You will want this if you are using heavy distortion.

Chorus https://amzn.to/37b7Oqu

A beautiful and easy effect. Set it and forget it! This pedal will make your guitar sing and sound huge!

Looper Station https://amzn.to/33UzQEx

The singer-songwriter’s best kept secret. Everyone loves a looper station. The creative possibilities are endless!

Guitar/Instrument Cable https://amzn.to/2rLrNf5

This cable will connect any electronic instrument to an amp or audio interface. Absolutely vital!

Patch Cables https://amzn.to/2OjeGJW

This tiny cables are ideal for connecting pedals and effects. Short cables mean better sound quality!

Isolated Power Block/cables https://amzn.to/37bZqHe

Having clean electric current is vital if you are running multiple pedals and effects. This one is perfect for helping your gear sound its best!

Aux Cable https://amzn.to/37e0L0o

This cable will connect any phone, tablet, or personal electronic device (with a jack) to a speaker, radio, or computer.

⅛ to ¼ Adapter https://amzn.to/2CWypcX

This adapter will connect a ⅛ aux cable to a standard ¼ jack. You may need this to connect some electric keyboards and headphones to speakers, PAs, or audio interfaces. These are extremely useful and constantly being used around our building.

Splash Cymbal https://amzn.to/2QroTq9

Cymbal Stand https://amzn.to/342d79W

New sticks https://amzn.to/37agwFn

Brush/Rod/Stick Bundle https://amzn.to/2Qyvzmi

Mesh heads ($89.00) https://amzn.to/37i7h6m

These drum heads are truly lifesavers. They replace the drum heads on your kit, feel realistic, and are about 90% quieter. Highly recommended for any player who has their acoustic kit indoors and would like to save their eardrums. This set fits a rock setup (22-inch bass drum, 16-inch floor tom, 14- inch snare drum, and 12- and 13-inch toms)

Mutes https://amzn.to/2qlnl6x

Moongel https://amzn.to/2Qvs6oH

Cajon: https://amzn.to/2Og79LG

Cajon (nicer): https://amzn.to/2QjDXGd

Tambourine: https://amzn.to/2Oaitcp

Tambourine: https://amzn.to/2XcQlcN

Djembe https://amzn.to/2CNOpht

Bongos https://amzn.to/35f5KMt

Clave https://amzn.to/2Qyntuh

Shaker https://amzn.to/2KvBepE

Tabla https://amzn.to/37gFanJ

Bodhran https://amzn.to/2NYrlDb

Acoustic Strings https://amzn.to/333lmRu

Acoustic Guitar? These are the strings you want. Get the gauge that fits you best, but experiment. If it’s your first guitar- start with light strings. If you are an adult and a little heavier handed, start with mediums.

Electric Strings https://amzn.to/2OspaGU

Electric Guitar? These are the strings you want. Again- get the gauge that fits you best and if you don’t know, experiment

Guitar Capo https://amzn.to/2QtH2Ui

Standard easy to use guitar capo that comes in every color under the sun

Tuner (Clip on) https://amzn.to/35i9UDi

These tuners are for any fretted instrument (guitars, ukuleles, bass, violin, ect.). It clips on easily and is small enough that it is convenient for travel.

Tuner (Chromatic) https://amzn.to/2pIVehm

Chromatic tuners are for any instrument. This one is simple, straightforward, and pretty standard in the music world.

Fender Pick Bundle/Sampler ($10.99) https://amzn.to/2Qwnvm7

Dunlop Acoustic Sampler Pack ($3.99) https://amzn.to/2D6gxMM

Dunlop Electric Sampler Pack ($3.99) https://amzn.to/2KJRSlk

Great sampler packs of pics so a guitar player can test them all out and figure out what feels best to them!

Music stand (wire) https://amzn.to/35i5M69

Cheap, usable, and portable. No one loves wire stands, but most musicians have them for travelling gigs.

Music stands (Manhasset) https://amzn.to/2CUtIjY

This is the standard music stand that all musicians love. Manhasset is the standard and you will find these music stands in every music facility across the country. They make them in awesome colors if you want to get funky. We have the hot pink one at home and love it!

• Hot Pink ($54) https://amzn.to/2D5yuva
• Blue ($54) https://amzn.to/2KJsPPn
• Burgandy ($57.50) https://amzn.to/2pF2qLr
• Olive Green ($54) https://amzn.to/2DgTDmd
• Green ($54) https://amzn.to/35oXE3P
• Gold ($54) https://amzn.to/335KRBF
• Orange or Yellow ($54) https://amzn.to/34beNOa
• Fuscia ($54) https://amzn.to/339WHej
• Wooden floors? Protect your floor from Music Stand Scratches with these: https://amzn.to/2Db3RUN

Music Stave Notebook (Manuscript Paper) ($7.99) https://amzn.to/2O1fYtR

Guitar Tab Notebook ($6.99) https://amzn.to/2XsdMPn

Ukulele Tab Notebook ($4.36) https://amzn.to/2CWzJMX

Binders https://amzn.to/35iRL8l

Stick to 1/2″ or 1” binders. Anything bigger tends to rip the music when flipping pages.

Erasable pens https://amzn.to/344alRl

A popular product among the Songbirds Staff, these are pens that are erasable. We love them- just ask any of the admins up front!

Microphone SM58 https://amzn.to/2O0Dlnq

Microphone SM57 https://amzn.to/2CYWkIY

Microphone Sennheiser e835 https://amzn.to/332LTP0

Mic Cable https://amzn.to/331×531

Audio Interface (2 input) https://amzn.to/2NZX5aT

Audio Interface (4 input) https://amzn.to/2pytJXL

Audio Interface (8 input) https://amzn.to/2QxiQAw

Mic Stand (boom) https://amzn.to/2QAcujY

Mic Stand (straight) https://amzn.to/2CW44v6

Instrument stands (basic) https://amzn.to/2D2cWiE

Instrument stands (Hercules) https://amzn.to/37kjojd

Instrument hangers https://amzn.to/2QzBg3q

Headphones (Sony) https://amzn.to/2O5oJmQ

Headphones (One Odio) https://amzn.to/2CYDxgI

Straps https://amzn.to/2O45E4i

Straps https://amzn.to/2ramTrM

Strap Locks https://amzn.to/2Ou71s3

Practice Amp (Vox) https://amzn.to/2r6NciL

Practice Amp (Orange) https://amzn.to/2D3r2ka

Light up drumsticks https://amzn.to/2O2wBpc

These sticks are guaranteed to make any performance look cool. These sticks come in a variety of light-up colors and are battery operated. Pick whatever glow fits your style!

Glow in the dark drumsticks https://amzn.to/2QF1kdB

These sticks are nylon and glow in the dark after being exposed to light! They are balanced more like a traditional stick and will make your nighttime performances even more flashy.

Guitar pick punch bundle https://amzn.to/2XtOtwk

This is a great gift for the music hobbyist! This bundle includes a guitar pick punch and several sheets of colorful plastic. Credit cards, gift cards, name badges, and other thin plastic items can also be punched to create unique and custom picks! Some will sound awesome, others will sound weird, either way, even the most advanced players will have fun creating awesome picks to play with.

Metal Earth Musician’s bundle https://amzn.to/2D3sEue

These Metal Earth puzzles are perfect for the musician (aged 14+) who likes to tinker. Each model includes step-by-step instructions and turns out beautifully! They look great on display, too. These models may require adult help and patience.

• Metal Earth Piano Only: https://amzn.to/2pEUGZS
• Metal Earth Drum Only: https://amzn.to/2rapMc6
• Metal Earth Guitar Only: https://amzn.to/2XyCIF2
• Metal Earth Fiddle Only: https://amzn.to/2r5Onih

3D wooden piano https://amzn.to/2O65LN1

This model is perfect for the woodworker or carpentry hobbyist. It can also be stained, painted, and finished! It looks great on display as well.

Hurdy-Gurdy wooden puzzle https://amzn.to/35iCPa9

This company makes awesome wooden creations and models. This instrument fully functions and sounds crazily unique! Step-by-step instructions are included, and the model’s construction lasts a while. Everyone will be impressed by the hurdy-gurdy’s looks and sound when it’s built!

Ukulele Kit https://amzn.to/333hTCK

Ever wanted to create your own instrument from scratch? Now you can! This kit includes all of the pieces to build your own ukulele. You are even able to paint it and finish it how you like! This is how you can make your perfect custom instrument.  As this is a woodworking project, basic tools and a general knowledge of carpentry are required.

Electric Guitar Kit https://amzn.to/343yd7C

Making electric guitars is an absolute blast. This kit includes everything to make one complete and functioning electric guitar! You can paint it and customize it just how you like. Please note that this kit is more advanced than the ukulele kit above. General carpentry knowledge as well as the ability to solder are required to complete it successfully.

Melodica https://amzn.to/2CZQQNR

This instrument is sure to turn a lot of heads! It looks and sounds amazing. Check out some fun Melodica covers of popular and classical songs on Youtube. This instrument is easy to play, especially if the musician has knowledge of the piano as the notes are the same. This is perfect for the budding multi-instrumentalist or for a woodwind player who wants to add an instrument to their arsenal!

Otamatone- Japanese Singing Thing https://amzn.to/2OiXGU5

This instrument originally started as a joke, but it quickly took Japan by storm! You can find amazing and wacky covers of songs with this instrument on Youtube. It’s cute and funny, but the patient musician can really make it sing! Don’t forget to check out the custom colors, sizes, and designs that the manufacturer provides.

Instrument bundle https://amzn.to/2qukM1W

This percussion bundle includes everything for your little one to make music! It includes several shakers, rattles, and striking instruments. We use many of these instruments in our Music Together® classes. This set is especially convenient with the included carrying case.

Instrument bundle Bigger https://amzn.to/331T6i7

This bundle is like the previous one, but bigger! We like this one because it includes a xylophone and several bell instruments as well as the regular percussion instruments. The colors are also a bit brighter and more eye-catching! We use many of these instruments in our Music Together® classes.

Keyboard Mat https://amzn.to/2Dd71aZ

Let’s face it – piano dance mats are awesome. This one has it all. It plays individual notes like a real piano, has a volume control, has a record function, and even comes with pre-recorded songs! We especially like how it has different instrument sound effects.

Floor Drum https://amzn.to/344YDpN

This drum is exceptionally durable and well-made. We use these drums in our Music Together® classes, and they are always a hit (ba dum tsss)! It can be struck with the included sticks or with hands.

Lollipop Drum https://amzn.to/2O6GySH

This Lollipop Drum is great for all ages. Your little one will have a blast marching around the house as they bang and create awesome rhythm on this durable toddler instrument. 

Accordion https://amzn.to/37ofrdi

This ridiculously awesome musical toy doubles as an instrument! It has the correct feel and functionality as a real accordion. Your child can have fun making music while learning something, too! It even comes with a songbook.