Brutally Honest Gear Reviews! #5: POSITIVE GRID SPARK 40 (Out of the box/hardware edition)
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- čas přidán 25. 10. 2021
- -I said, "Keep your money, this needs to be completely unbiased!"
Check out all my lesson vids at: www.the-art-of-guitar.com
Patreon: / theartofguitar
Thanks!!! - Hudba
It says “paid promotion” in the beginning because some people think getting to potentially keep the product (even if it’s a pick) counts as getting “paid.” You see why I rarely do product videos? Such a headache.
That's absolutely normal. CZcams usually removes my comments for no reason at all:)
Makes total sense why you shy away from these - because you are a sincere guy who intends to tell it like it is regardless of how you came across the product being displayed. Keep up your excellent vids!
If they give you something then it might influence your opinions. That's why I think the disclosures are a good thing. I am here for the demonstration any way. Your explanation at the beginning shows you are trying to keep your integrity.
Looks like you should have just accepted more money to be honest... next time take the money and say... "if I feel like saying it's not good, I'm going to say it." We will take your word on it. That's why we are all here.
On the bright side it's a good recommendation. I bought one of these about 6 months ago and I play it every day because it's sitting by my desk under the guitars on the wall. Grab a guitar, jam... haven't turned my tube amp on in a couple months. Weird, but true.
What I love most about Spark is when I want to learn a song, I search the cloud for the song. Someone has already figured out the amp settings for me. I just tap the setting for that song and away I go. No tinkering is needed. Save the setting to my library and it's always there. Awesome!
The risk would be that it would kill your invention, based on the search practise... Nowadays many are those who play well, write songs that stand together, have a good sound and so on, but none of them seem of genuine interest to me, in that they don't take it a step further, for those like us that were born to music with guys like Hendrix, C.S.N, Pink Floyd, The Who or King Crimson (and many more) that not only were breaking rules, but too made it like they were no rules at all (!) ☮😜... Getting one's own way, one's own sound is the key to Rock music (there's almost none on most conventional medias)...All the rest bores me quickly. But this amp seems to sound good and to offer a lot I agree...
thats why you will never improve
@@Jadar... nothing you said has anything to do with the amp
@@Jadar... Are you writing your thesis?
But can u do that on an android smartphone?
I have one, it is legit fantastic. The tone out of that little amp is unreal. Also you have access to hundreds of pedal and rig setups through the cloud. Comes close to emulating pretty much any tone you hear on an album
Nice, honest review. I'm a bedroom player and this is the only amp I'll ever need. Combine it with a wireless guitar system and I can take my tablet to control it and sit anywhere I like while I play. It also doubles as a vary capable Bluetooth speaker for when I just want to listen to tunes.
thanks..very helpful comment..pls tell me as im thinking of buying..how is the sound quality for just listening to music?..does it sound tinny or bassy?
cheers
@@brownpunk1794 I'm borrowing my neighbor's and its a cool little amp. It sounds great. It's mind-blowing the huge, full sound that comes out of those little speakers. Yes, it's very bass heavy, but the bass knob does a great job wrangling it.
I have played many gigs and venues in my life, had many Fender, Marshall, Peavey etc. Amps. This little amp is just amazing, wish I had this amp when I first started 30 years ago.
So you recommend this amp instead of buying something like a masrshall code 50 or boss katana ?
@@GreyGooseNWO The boss is pretty nice to. Go with the 100 of you go that route. The Katana 100 has some nice hardware features like line out and external effects loop. The software is not quite as user friendly as the Spark App but it is very robust. I don't know about the availability of tones for the Katana but I suspect they are growing by leaps and bounds. I think the Katana comes with a 12" speaker and the 100 watts makes it a bit more capable gigging machine. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Just understand what you are buying. Engineering is always a series of tradeoffs.
@@GreyGooseNWOor the Yamaha
@@tommaxwell429I think this is more for practice in a back bedroom isn't it, not the same for the boss 100 watt right.
@@rjejames28 the boss 100 also has a power control knob so you can run it at half power. you can make even finer adjustments using the app so itd be fine for bedroom use too, in addition to sounding way better than the spark 40 imo
I've had mine for a year. A brilliant bedroom gig amp. Blue tooth can be a bit glitch prone at times but gets there eventually. Honestly, this amp is worth every penny/cent. Absolutely love it !
Do you still like it ?
@@mal7913 does he still like it ...?
Have had mine for over a year and totally love it. The amp is so versatile, it's perfect for my bedroom guitar playing. Also, I have to compliment Positive Grid's customer support. Mine started acting up recently and I had to contact them. After they couldn't fix it remotely, they replaced it with a new one.
Wishlist: I forgot to add to the wishlist, a simple foot pedal. I know their are some workarounds out there, but would be nice to have one available right out of the box or optional accessory without major hassles to make it work.
That's awesome man! I miss support like this! It's a sign of modern success!
@@creamwobbly Looks like an official footswitch is coming soon.
@@evanthorburn7454 The Airstep Spark Edition does the trick for me. I wondered why Positive Grid did not have one ready to go with the Spark. Xsonic stepped in and filled that void for me at least.
@@evanthorburn7454 wth is a footswitch
I recently ordered one and you've only made me more excited, I can not wait for it to arrive
Probably the best review of this amp out there! Your honest and refusal to accept payment for your review is probably, ironically going to be great for their sales. I've been sitting on the fence on this one for a while, using my Fender Mustang GT100 for all my noodling. Like you, I thought a lot of it was hype and paid-for promotions, but you convinced me - purchased one today.
I have the same setup, a GT100 through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III, with a EVH Wolfgang Special, and it sounds decent. I just bought the Spark because I don't think the GT100 tones are that great. Just waiting for it to show up to see if it's any better.
Great review! So good to hear a real, honest opinion on it. I get sponsored ads pop up for it all the time. I really like that it has those different effects built in, seems real easy to use.
Barracuda sounded amazing, the glassy tone sounded great and the metal tone was pretty impressive as well.
Seems like a pretty decent complete package right off the bat, especially for someone that might not be able to afford additional pedals etc to get the effects the amp has.
The small cable is a result of putting the power transformer outside of the amp. This allows the unit to be smaller, quieter and cheaper (since they can use a standard plug-in brick transformer made somewhere else and purchased in bulk). Given that this amp is unbelievably affordable and portable it's not hard to imagine this could not have been done without going with that cable/transformer setup. Hope this helps. Great video!
It likely cuts a lot, if not all the hum that we often hear when the transformer is in the main enclosure. Just a guess.
That may be partially true, but, the real reason is profit. All electrical devices must get UL underwriting before the company can bring to market. This includes everything, toasters, TVs, etc. So, if the company can get UL approval for the AC adapter, they can use the same adapter for multiple devices which mean they can get new products to market much sooner. Getting UL Labs approval takes a significant amount of time.
True and it's exactly the same thing. The transformer is either inside the amp box or outside but it's always there. All solid state amps, that I know of, run on low voltage not 120V / 240V. High voltage gets transformed to lower, 12V - 24V.
You know your stuff.
use gaffer tape /// it's why they invented it
Great video on this amp. I'm glad you simplified it by making this first one on just the amp without the app. Looking forward to the 2nd video.
I'm really glad that you reviewed this. For one reason I bought one. And I'm glad to have your opinion on it. For another reason, I like your style and am truly a beginner wanting to check out the Art of Guitar lessons. So its nice for me to see that my own interests are coming together, that I'm on the right track. Keep up the great work
Really great to see a review that covers the amp itself and just barely touches on the app (looking forward to a follow-up on the app though). With the possibility of apps being discontinued (Fender Fuse for example), it's good to know whether the amp stands up well on its own and it sounds like it does. Thanks for the Brutally Honest Reviews series - love 'em all!
I think Positive Grid is well known for their modeling of all the gear. It’s unlikely the app ever goes away.
A good review, I’ve had one for about a year and find it a no brainier . To me it saves that “buy a million pedals “ to find a good tone trap that people like me fall into. A fantastic amp for a very reasonable price.
Yup I agree and also intakes practice just more fun and anything that does that is a good thing! I play so much more since I bought this amp.
Are you just using the software that came with it or did you upgrade to the Bias Amp software?
I love it. Love the amp. Love the app. Love the tones. Great amp for the price. Great for writing, rehearsing and recording demos with.
Best review of this I have seen. Love your cadence and the actual sound you get from the amp.
Thanks for being honest about this amp I was on the fence but after watching this and a couple other reviews on it I'll be picking one up soon. Nice video.
I have mine for a year or so, bought it because i was curious if it is really that cool. I am extremely satisfied with what I got for the money. The external power supply might seem lika a disadvantage, but it also offers you the opportunity to use a 19v powerbank, which makes the amp really portable. I attached my powerbank to the back side of the amp and it plays for hours!
Loved the honesty and how you enphazise every tiny detail (being good or bad). Thank you for that!
This was a great review. Well done and thorough.....we need more of these.
I have one of these and I absolutely love it. You're right; with the phone app, this thing is limitless! I was dubious and actually debated buying it for weeks....I'm glad I did. Great review!
Just ordered one due beginning of February, thank you for your honest review. Glad I went for it now.
Nice review. I have had mine for about a year or so. I like that you can use their app to find a mix of amp and effects sounds and then save it as a preset. I almost wish they have more preset options. The one I received did not have a grounded plug and there was an occasional hum. I contacted Positive Grid and they sent me a replacement plug with a ground at no cost and no more hum issues. A bit surprised the original only had the non-grounded 2-prong plug to begin with. Finally, my only issue is really that there is no dedicated out jack so you can hook into a sound board if you want (as you mentioned) or run it to a pedal like a looper before it goes to the speaker system that lets you use loop with the effects. Some people have used the headphone jack to jury rig an out although using the headphone jack will, of course, disconnect the speakers. Thanks for your review.
Dude, great video. An excellent demo of your teaching style, which is fantastic. Don't be afraid to demo stuff it's really a selling point of how you teach.
I've had the amp for over a year and love it. Lots of sounds from the amp itself as well as a wealth of downloadable tones.
Great demo! Thank you for putting the time in to explain its features. Now I'll buy one for myself.😎
This was the best review of just about ANY product I have ever seen. Thank you!
Good review. I have had mine for a year and half and love it. I do small gigs with my family and friends and it works very well. If you need a foot switch, one is now available from a 3rd party supplier. There are even plans to build your own if you want to. Here are a couple of comments about your review. The buttons to change settings takes no more than 2-3 seconds...I don't even have to look at the lighted button to see when it stops flashing, just hold about 3 seconds and let go and it is set. You can add a 19VDC battery power supply...I have not yet, but other owners have. It just plugs in. THAT is the best reason to have a separate power supply. If it had built in AC, you could not do that (except maybe with a DC to AC inverter). Because of this amp, I now play more than ever...it is so much fun!
The one problem I did have was a real bad AC noise in some homes, so I contacted PG and within a few days, I had a new grounded 3 prong power supply and now it is very quiet no matter where I play.
A few months back, I recommended you to my novice brother to be his guitar teacher and he signed up and likes your lessons and is doing well. Also, he has a new Spark and it came with the new power supply.
Edit: I also don't see a problem with the microswitch. If it is a good quality one such as Switchcraft....it will last a really long time and would be easy to replace. I like it better than the rocker switch on some of my equipment including an 80 watt amp.
I ran across this amp in my local Guitar Center earlier today and I was beyond impressed! There’s no such thing as the perfect amp but this thing really fills the room with sound. The Bose analogy he gives this amp is spot on. I’ll be picking one up soon!
is it loud enough to play with a drummer?
@@guardian8614 The Spark is plenty loud to play with drums.
Getting a lot of comments about not covering the app features. Remember, I’m not a paid sponsored spokesperson for this amp so my goal is not to cover every feature hoping you’ll buy the thing. Instead I’m able to just show you what my impressions are from out of the box into playing it like I would any other amp. I’m personally not a huge app/amp guy since I mostly play on non-modeling amps, but I tried the app and it’s awesome, like I mentioned in the video. but it’s not why I would use this amp personally so I didn’t do a deep dive at this point. I’m more of a hardware guy and I really loved much of what I heard out of the box. So this video is a “my impression based on a realistic way I’d be using this amp” sort of video.
You can’t really dial in tones without the app. The knobs work ok but the app opens up the world.
As a standalone amplifier without a a tablet or phone it's a pretty neat amp. Pair it up and it's pretty amazing.
Great review, honestly i think a lot of ppl dont want to fiddle around with an app, makes sense im the same way. Keep up the quality content!
You said you got the amp for free. That is equivalent to being paid for the review.
Honestly, fuck em. Having an amp where you're required to use another device to get everything out of it is just asking for half the features to not work eventually. Good to see this amp will still be useful even without a phone or if the app eventually gets pulled.
I pulled the trigger and picked this up after reading up on it and watching a few reviews. This review sold me because you are honest and not paid for. I have a lot of amps, cabs, heads, peals, etc...but I am at the point where, when I'm not at band practice I just want to sit in my living room, bedroom, kitchen...wherever and just practice with literally everything I need right there. I've wasted more $$$ buying pedals I don't use but hopefully this gets used a lot. Thanks!
Great review! Thanks. I really appreciate your honesty. I think accepting the amp but not the money was a great compromise. I think you told the truth, and gave them some really valuable feedback, and earned your free amp. I think the net effect will be positive for their amp sales, as well as your viewers. I've owned one of these for a half a year, and since I'm mostly an old acoustic dude, I don't turn it on much. But when I plug in my Telly, it and play in my room, it is all the amp I need. So much fun! You are especially right about the on/off switch and the covering of the LED/Switches with your finger! Thanks a lot. Love your videos! :)
I have one and I absolutely love it. Also recommend getting the airstep Spk edition footswitch. It’s a wireless pedal switcher. Makes the amp more versatile
Best mic'ed demo of this amp I've heard! Thanks much!
I love your review on the product.
An excellent review ! I totally dig the honesty man. Thanks !
Man i've been trying to decide if I should cop the money but this review definitely consolidated my view. I really want this. I like how this is a very honest out of the box type of journey. Imma order mine nowwwwww XD
Hi Mike. I have had my Spark for about 3 months. I 'play' almost 100% of the time through my Audio Technica headphones... out of sympathy for my neighbours. Very pleased with it and agree pretty much with what you said.
For the Bluetooth ear buds I think you can use the iPad to set them in the Bluetooth prefs. I figured this by accident and it let me hear the app equipment plus the guitar through the headphones.
If you use less fingertip and a bit nearer the nail to hold the preset buttons, then you can see the glow through the nail.
The volume control for music level for headphones is a common complaint about its size. A match for the other knobs would have been more acceptable, albeit the 'skirt' might have needed a shave to allow for varied headphone jack sizes.
The tuner is pretty accurate. I usually have my line in via a BOSS TU-3 and the Spark matches it well.
I too went straight for the Glassy choice. I am still exploring things like the Tone Match etc. but pleased with it as a home practice amp.
Hey Mike. I’ve been using this Amp since it came out, and love it! Amazing 🥲 tones, and simple. Hope to see you back in Minneapolis sometime! You rock brother.
Dennis Zins
Great review! Thanks, I have had this amp from for over a year. You really simplified all the features quickly. I did not like the bias samples, a bit noisy, and complicated than I hoped. I will revisit the amp after this review. I was considering buying another amp, now I have changed my mind.
I'm so glad you started off with the "keep your money" stuff - because it came out sounding like an advert :)
For a noodler of many years, having the Spark is fantastic for me. I kinda went through the same as you, playing with the knobs etc. and loved it - put away my old practice amp forever...
then I got the app - and I was blown away.
I wanted to learn "Joker and the Thief" - so using the app I found a tone, downloaded the settings and it just sounds like the record! I would have taken ages to come close just trying to make the settings myself! - and I can also play along with backing tracks on CZcams etc. using the app - and it lets me adjust the speed of playback while I learn.
Now _I'm_ sounding like an advert!
It would be good to get you to do a vide playing with the various app features - good and bad (and there are some bad features, too!)
Great run down. I'm one of those players that was initially skeptical, but was won over...even way past just home/bedroom use. Three of us in my band own the Spark. GREAT home practice amp without a doubt...but the two other (rhythm) guitarists use it as their stage amp. Headphone out into two channels on the FOH, monitored through their in-ear mix. I have mine set up in a "kit" as a backup in case my Headrush craps out on a gig. I have the Spark, an aftermarket footswitch that allows me to select between my 4 on-amp presets, as well as toggle individual effects in and out...an EB VPJr, and appropriate cords all packed up in a nylon carry bag. Haven't needed it, but I'm confident I could easily get through the gig with it. Since we're all in-ear, stage volume isn't an issue. I think this amp is really versatile...well worth it IMO.
Mike, I appreciate this review. Not sure why so many folks are dinging you for not talking about the app features. Virtually every other “out of the box” review devolves into an app discussion and really ignores the tactile features of the amp, itself. You didn’t do that and thank you! I have the Pearl version of this amp and absolutely love it. Thanks again for a great, honest review.
My Spark 40 arrived yesterday, and the first thing I noticed obviously was the size. NGL I was a little worried I got an inferior product, or that I couldn't gig with it, it wasn't going to get me the distortion I'm seeking (massive Metallica fan) but for anyone apprehensive about the power/size/output let me tell you looks can be deceiving. This little dude packs a serious punch, and you could easily play an intimate gathering with absolutely no audible issues. Best amp I've ever used, honestly.
Great review Mike! I am a novice beginner. I purchased this amp and it is awesome for sure! I am such a novice though that, at the moment, I can't take full advantage of all the awesome pedals and effects within the app due to my inability to solo. But am staying positive that one day I will unleash this amps FULL potential! :)
The spark became an integral part of my setup. I run the stereo output into a powered 4x12 marshal cab and the sound is pretty incredible...
the head phone output?
Best demo ever, not only on YT, but in the universe. Thank you so much I bought one. Awesome playing too.
Great review. I liked the format. Thanks for sharing!
Here are the digital amps/pedals by SPARK and what they emulate - enjoy!
Clean Amps
01 Silver 120 - Roland Jazz Chorus 120
02 Black Duo - Fender Twin Reverb
03 AD Clean - Orange AD 30
04 Match DC - Matchless DC30
05 ODS 50 - Dumble ODS 50 HRM
06 J.H. D-Show Master - Fender Dual Showman
07 J.H. Sun 100S - Sunn 100S
08 Blues Boy - Fender Blues Junior
Glassy Amps
09 Tweed Bass - Fender Bassman
10 AC Boost - Vox AC30
11 Checkmate - Teisco Checkmate 20
12 Two Stone SP50 - Two Rock Studio Pro 50
13 J.H. 45/100 - Marshall JTM45/100
14 J.H. Bass Master - Fender 1968 Bassman 50
Crunchy Amps
15 American Deluxe - Fender ’57 Custom Deluxe
16 Plexiglas - Marshall Super Lead 100
17 JM45 - Marshall JTM45
18 Lux Verb - Fender Deluxe Reverb
19 J.H. Super 100 - Marshall Super Lead 100
20 J.H. Tone City 100 - Sound City One Hundred
High Gain Amps
21 RB 101 - Bogner Ecstasy 101
22 British 30 - Orange AD30
23 American High Gain - Mesa Boogie JP-2C
24 SLO 100 - Soldano SLO-100
25 YJM100 - Marshall Yngwie J. Malmsteen YJM100 Signature
Metal Amps
26 Treadplate - Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier
27 Insane - EVH 5150 III
28 insane 6508 - Peavey 6505
29 Switchaxe - Hughes & Kettner Switchblade
30 Rocker V - Orange Rockerverb 50
31 BE 101 - Friedman Brown Eye 100
Acoustic Amps
32 Pure Acoustic - a Positive Grid original
33 Fishboy - Fishman Acoustic Amp (Loudmouth 60 Watts?)
34 Jumbo - a Positive Grid original
35 Flat Acoustic - a Positive Grid original
Bass Amps
36 RB-800 - Gallien-Krueger 800RB
37 Sunny 3000 - Sunn 300T
38 W600 - Eden WTP600
39 Hammer 500 - Aguilar Tone Hammer 500
Comp/Wah
01 LA Comp - Teletronix LA-2A Compressor
02 Sustain Comp - Boss CS-3
03 Red Comp - MXR Dyna Comp
04 Bass Comp - EBS Multicomp
05 Optical Comp - BBE Opto Stomp
06 J.H. Legendary Wah - Vox 846 wah-wah pedal
Drive
01 Booster - MXR Micro Amp
02 Clone Drive - ?
03 Tube Drive - Ibanez Tube Screamer
04 Over Drive - Boss OD-3
05 J.H. Axle Fuzz - Roger Mayer Axis Fuzz
06 J.H. Super Fuzz - Marshall Supa Fuzz
07 J.H. Octave Fuzz - Roger Mayer Octavia
08 J.H. Fuzz Zone - Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone
09 Fuzz Face - Dunlop or Arbiter Fuzz Face
10 Black Op - Pro Co RAT
11 Bass Muff - Electro Harmonix Bass Big Muff Pi
12 Guitar Muff - Electro Harmonix Big Muff
13 Bassmaster - Maestro Bass Brassmaster
14 SAB Driver - Wampler Plexi-Drive / Fulltone OCD Overdrive
Mod
01 Tremolo - Mad Professor Mellow Yellow
02 Chorus- Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
03 Flanger - Electro Harmonix Electric Mistress
04 Phaser - MXR M-107 Phase 100
05 Vibrato - BBE Mind Bender (vibrato switch only)
06 UniVibe - MJM Guitar FX Sixties Vibe Classic / Shi-Nei Uni-vibe
07 J.H. Legendary Vibe - Roger Mayer Voodoo Vibe Junior
08 Cloner Chorus - Electro Harmonix Small Clone
09 Classic Vibe - Voodoo Lab Micro Vibe
10 Tremolator - Demeter TRM-1 Tremulator
11 Tremolo Square - TC Electronic Pipelilne
12 Guitar EQ (6-band)
13 Bass EQ (6-band)
Delay
01 Digital Delay - Boss DD-3 Digital Delay
02 Echo Filt - Marshall EH-1?
03 Vintage Delay - Boss DM-3?
04 Reverse Delay - a Positive Grid original (feels like EarthQuaker Avalanche Run)
05 Multi Head - Boss RE-20 / Roland RE-201 Space Echo?
06 Echo Tape - Maestro Echoplex EP-2 Tape Delay
Reverb
01 Room Studio A
02 Chamber
03 Hall Natural
04 Plate Short
05 Hall Ambient
06 Plate Rich - EMT 140 Plate Reverb
07 Hall Medium - Electro Harmonix Holy Grail Reverb
08 Plate Long - Wampler Reflection Plate Reverb
09 Room Studio B
Great review! The cheap power cable may be your best friend on hooking it up to a battery source.
With a reverse polarity barrel plug cable (cheap), you can connect it to a USB source as in a power block and/or Jackery style battery 👍🏽
I do this occasionally with my Boss Katana Air ~
btw I believe it was Link Ray, the guitarist who wrote/performed the song “Rumble”, whom was one of the pioneers to razor cut the amp speakers for distortion.
Great review!!! Thank you for taking the time. Im still trying to figure out how to have it connected to my phone, but still use the regular amp knobs and saving preset buttons.
I freaking love my Spark. And I got mine when they were $139. In a lot of ways it's the best Amp I've ever owned. Unfortunately it's not quite loud enough to practice with drums, but you can rig it as a Head. It's not a gigging Amp obviously. But especially for the price, it's the best little lunch box bedroom Amp I've ever owned. It's got amazing tone. Again, especially for the price. Now they're like $250, but still a great price.
I really enjoyed your honest opinion video! "Its not the end of the world"! That cracked me up. Just purchased this amp for my grandson. He's gonna love it! Thanks.
Thanks for the great review! One thing that enhanced the Spark for me even more is XSonics' wireless footswitch system "Airstep Spk Editon". It enables you to switch between the effect or the presets super easily for only 99,-. The only downside is you cannot use the app and the footswitch at the same time, because both connect via the same bluetooth channel I guess. But I cannot recommend this little addition enough!
Wow! I am mostly impressed with your review! I appreciate the non biased-ness! Thank you
I just ordered this amp! can't beat the versatility/price. I'm very excited to try it out!
i have the spark amp I’ve had since 2020 i love this little amp it’s great for practice i use it for practicing scales with the backing tracks which i love to do i also want to get the mini and the go too just to have all 3 it’s one of the best little practice amps around thank you for the review
Many thanks for this review it helped me understand this amp and how to use it a lot more!
I love mine! I started out in 1987 with a little crate 10 &, if I could’ve had one of these, I would’ve been in heaven! I also wish it had a dedicated out! Maybe someday.
I've had this for a year, I love this thing. I don't even use any of my other amps anymore.
Totally agree with all that stuff on the wish list.
And for me the best practice amp would be one that you can sort out your tones on and then gig with - so a direct out is essential.
I love mine ..I use it every day for practice instead of any others i own..like you said with the app its limitless..making your own backing tracks..finding out chords for songs..unlimited effects sounds ,,and they add more amps and pedals with updates ..i even love the full sound as a bluetooth speaker...hooking up my computer to play drum tracks through it to play over sounds amazing
This is the best review i have seen on this amp !
You absolutely can use it as an amp processor with a 3.5mm to 1/4" cable out of the Headphones Jack right into your Amp Face or Sound Board! No tone loss and all functions are available,,,it's A AWESOME THING!!!
That's what I thought. Definitely going to try that, thanks.
I enjoyed your review. I've watched other reviews on CZcams and really liked yours. I hope you do a review on the app in the future. Thanks.
Ive actually been using my spark more for my E-Drum kit more than my guitars/basses. It sounds phenomenal sending a drum kit through it funny enough.
Legend has it that it was Dave Davies who took a razor blade to his speaker to get the distorted sound for "You Really Got Me". Thanks for the review!
Been dithering over this amp for ages…. Good vid. Buying one now ✌️
Great little product. I got back into guitar mid-2020 after 10+ years off and eventually picked up a Spark as an alternative to the old Boss GT3 I was using. It blows the GT3 away in terms of the quality and range of the tones it can produce and I was amazed by how far things had moved on during my time away from guitar. The youngsters starting guitar with this kind of kit available are lucky! Aside from the tones that can be produced with the app, it's great to be able to hook it up to the computer for recording, to play in music / backing tracks via the app for jamming along with, and also the metronome is really handy.
Love this series
I beleive The guy from The Kinks first done the razorblade trick then recorded "You Really Got Me."
Thank the gods that distortion has gotten light years better since then
I think it was the rockabilly star Link Wray who did that first on his song Rumble.
@@brianjauch9958 I read somewhere that he used to poke holes in his speaker cones with a pencil
Hey Mike, awesome review! Loved the honesty about it. There's one thing I would've like mentioned in the review and I'll detail it here. I use a usb focusrite audio interface + positive grid bias fx and a daw to record (reaper). Windows has this nice driver that allows for low latency between the guitar and the effects processor, but for more stacked effects the guitar signal needs to be sampled many times, this adds a slight delay, but it's noticeable. How was the feel of the Spark in this regard? Was it super immediate like when plugging the guitar in a tube amp?
I used my spark amp everyday. I love it. The only gripe is its bassy, so you have to turn that way down. It also sounds even better through good headphones. But, I love switching guitars and playing with different sounds from the sound cloud. The app makes the amp better. I just got the Jimi Hendrix pack.
Plug the port
You can also use the EQ pedal from the update to take out some of the bass on the app.
@@michaelv151 still can't find it...updated...dumbles there etc but can't find it...
I love the BASS it puts out! Awesome for a small amp.
I’ve had mine for about 6 months. Best practice amp ever. It even has some great bass tones.
I just gotta add after finishing your whole review, I felt the same way. This amp would have been life changing to me as a young padawan. You kids today are spoiled!
The software for the phone/ipad interface can be a little glitchy at times, but I still love this thing. Being able to jam along with songs, slow them down to learn them. Finding the exact right tone in the tone cloud takes a lot of the frustration out of twiddling virtual knobs. There are lots of classic song tracks with the lead guitar digitally removed, so you can BE SRV or Jimmy Page. The Jam Tracks are helpful for practicing, but sometimes the chord and bass progressions are off or just plain wrong. I've had this thing for over a year, and still finding new stuff to do with it. I just ordered a Mini for travel.
I use mine every day as my main Bluetooth speaker at the cabin for podcasts and music, Love that feature. Have not messed with the app much yet. Plenty of variety just as it is.
Great video. I've watched all the main youtubers reviews these and I've had one now for a few months. I have the white pearl model and I love it. Its also a great Bluetooth speaker as well as an amp. I probably only use 0.1% of what this thing can do. Like you said, it's limitless. I've done the smart jam features etc. I hate the tiny aux in volume knob though
I like that you reviewed the product as is without the app. This is what it will be like in 10-20 years when the app could be discontinued or maybe doesn't support the Spark anymore.
Dude the glassy sound on it gave me chills when he strummed it I for sure have to get this for my self.
Good job in the video, I think you nailed it. I didn’t even realize it has an acoustic setting lol
The stand idea is a great one. I hope they add that in the future but the walls on this unit are probably not thick enough even to try and mod it.
I have seen people run these off li-po batteries there are even brackets that you can 3D print to attach it to the amp.
I agree, I would have loved to be able to use BT headphones with it. But most people get around that by using an adapter.
I have one and I love it. So much fun plus I can use it for guitar AND bass. I also use it as a soundbar/bluetooth speaker and it works great in those capacities as well. It's also a USB Audio interface. I use it as a very low latency input for Rocksmith as well. This thing is extremely versatile. He is missing so much by not using the app with it. Soundcloud is full of tones from other users and the manufacturer. You can upload your own as well and assign any tone to one of the 4 preset buttons on the amp. He's really just scratching the surface of what this thing can do. If you are on the fence about buying this amp, go for it, I promise, you won't regret it. (for the record, I am not a rep or anything, I'm just a very pleased customer)
Hey Great review so far Early adopter here. I look forward the next one that gets into the app which allows streaming of backing tracks and of course endless peddles cabs etc. I wanted to point out that you can DIY add a battery. To get the correct battery for the job costs 65.00 but comes out of the box really ready to go accept for a way to mount it to the back which is easy with a magnet or Velcro.
With battery tech now days the battery is pretty thin about the size of a hard drive. Sturdy and gives you 6 hours of solid playtime. I did a few tests and lost no. power , volume or functionality. I use this system for busking and that battery paid for itself day one. I also use the new wireless control peddle which allows you to switch channels and some other things on the fly. Lucky for me its battery operated and wireless. Now if we only had a built in looper the world would be complete.
There are plenty of little things I would change but this amp made practice and playing so much more fun it was so worth the money. For me anything that gets me playing and practicing more while having fun is a good thing. Today I played in a redwood forest by the creed. It was so awesome.
Got one of these a year ago. If you like it before the app, it will blow your mind once you explore it with the app. Tones are limitless and good.
I think I'm gonna get one... I already have BIAS on my laptop... I've been using a Fender Mustang V2 for a couple years, and it was great, but I've gotten so used to all the presets I'm ready for something new. Great review, thanks.
Mine was defective upon arrival and took over a month to get sorted out. Customer support was friendly enough. After the unit was repaired, it worked mostly as is should, but I still had intermittent connectivity issues with either the iPad or Android connection when changing sound tones. It would lock up and I'd have to reboot everything. Other than that, it sounded pretty sweet, was very easy to use with just the physical control knobs and eventually found 4 favs and stored them. After that I never used the apps again. I gave it away to another fellow guitarist-in-need and is still happily chugging along. For the price, you can't really go wrong with these, but I prefer the Yamaha THR amps overall.
My Spark plugs into the back l STRONGLY AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT THE CORD . Great skills you have. Sounds great’ thank you’ I can definitely learn more this video. 🎸👍
Hi thanks for explaining the Amp. Great video and very helpfull. I have just bought this amp and a rechargable battery pack from Amazon, so I can use it outside..I bought it with this in mind as I am an acoustic player mainly playing guitar instrumentals. Great for outside weddings and stuff like that.. The battery pack was about £100 and works great. Thanks Phil
Good review. Thanks. I ordered one based on your, Darrell Braun and Phil McKnight's opinion's of it. I trust that the three of you aren't shills for the product. I would like to see a long term review though.
19:10 They really wouldn't need a more power to run this to a 1x12, 2x12 or even 4x12 cabinet. The Orange Micro Terror or the Joyo BanTamP amps at 20 watts do great on larger cabinets. I run a 50 watt Katana into 2 1x12 cabinets. I may add a speaker out when the warranty is over.
20:20 Headphones, you can add a Bluetooth transmitter to the 3.5mm headphone jack. I can see why they didn't do it though. The latency really depends a lot on your earbuds. Cheap earbuds are going to have a lot of latency between the time you hit the string and you hear it.
🙂
I got him too, and that what you say with the big sound that fill the room, that is true that is Amazing and that is what put you in your Element to play better 100% sure! That absolutely my experience!
My guitar teacher uses this for him and his students and it’s really good, i plan to buy this to take to college
The BEST review so far.
Great review you were on spot pluses and the negatives. I have one and I learn something new every day. A lithium battery would be great! Maybe they'll make the change with the next production.
Greg
I own this amp and there is a lot more for you to discover when you connect it to your Ipad/tablet and computer. Also the battery option, a you tuber bought a 19v laptop rechargeable power supply and Velcroed it to the back and it seemed to work a treat.
How many guitarists do you know of that are computer literate? You shouldn't have to connect anything to anything in order for it to work right. I never had to connect my Mashalls to some computer box in order to get massive crunch out of them.
@@bobdobbs7828 Noone cares old timer. That aren't even the same thing, there is still a place for tube amps, and it's not the bedroom
@@bobdobbs7828 how many batteries did your Marshall use?
@@bobdobbs7828sure buy a Marshall, then boost it. Then pedal it to death. What is this the 1960s
I've been playing guitar for nearly 40 years. Have an attenuated Vox AC30 and a bunch of pedals. But I love this amp... it's pretty much my goto every time now.
I am thoroughly impressed with the Positive Grid Spark 40. The way it breaths is what makes me smile. Plus where can you get an amp that can be used for Bass, Acoustic, and electric guitar?
Pretty much accurate. After getting this one, I've returned THR10II, sold my older THR10x/10c models and don't really mind that much about not having a small tube amp to use for practicing. It also takes certain drive/boost pedals really well and doesn't overload when using a looper in front.
The only thing I hate about it is the heavy handed noise suppressor and that at least the early batches used to come with improperly grounded AC adapters, causing lots of hum.
The stability of the app depends a lot on the phone/tablet you're using and they've still to offer a desktop app version that could be used via USB connection, for instance. It isn't a big deal but can ruin your day especially when somethimes attempting to tether the newer dedicated footswitch to the app and failing miserably :)
Bass is quite heavy handed and I felt the speakers/woofer and enclosure create a lot of sound pressure which is great for practicing guitar but less desirable when simply using it as a bluetooth speaker. It does work great as a soundbar when gaming / watching movies as well.
Great product and fantastic value, overall, in my opinion, despite any shortcomings. You can also make it fully wireless by slapping a compatible notebook battery pack on its back and getting yourself a decent WiFi transmitter/receiver pair if that's your thing - it can run for hours and hours without becoming excessively weighty with a big enough powerpack.
You do know that the THR isn’t a tube amp right? The led lights inside the unit illuminate like a tube amp. It’s cool but not a real tube amp
i bought one of these last year and havnt seen a single bad review for it. I love it. I use the USB out to my PC and use Magix Music maker and it works really well with some tweaks. Studio One works a bit better. I want to get the foot switch for it but for some reason im put off by it being wireless combined with the app. I just think theres going to be some form of latency in switching. Maybe check out the foot switch and let us know what you think? Thanks!
Been researching this amp for a couple days. I'm getting it.
I bought one a year ago and it’s amazing. Some of the download amp set ups are off but over all it’s an amazing practice amp with loads of effects and preset amps. Love it 100%
As an at home, mostly headphone, player this amp + the app is incredible. I never thought software could rival analog until now.