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I caved to the lure of the Spark 40 amp and while I spent years saying, "no, that's not really special, and why would I bother since I have all those benefits and some of the features are novelty." I bought the amp with a free carry case, and the bluetooth footswitch on a good sale, and the verdict is in. It's a really good practice amp with nice sounds, quick access to features that get you practicing, and the aesthetic means it sits in the room within reach without looking like an amp.
Is it everything? No, and some features like the chord analysis are eh, ok. But Spark pulls a lot of pieces together to make practice easy, fun, and expansive. Oh, you can record to usb output and into your computer so it is an interface.
My act of contrition is to say, Spark amp, mini, go, and other items are on a really good November sale. If you go direct through Positive Grid, you get the travel bag free. I have no affilliate benefits so the only reason I am giving this sale remark is that I think there are a lot of benefits to players who want access to a very portable practice amp with good sound and features that favor practicing and improvement.
Oh, and this amp, class D, is not only light, but it can be powered for hours by a portable battery. I have one and it works very well.
Posted : November 3, 2023 18:44
robert reacted
@Clayton, having my Spark 40 for what is now approaching a year I'm glad to see that you "caved to the lure". And, yes, I also reasoned that "why would I bother", after all I've got my Blues Jr., the Quilter Micro Block and the POD HD 500X. Guess which one I find most convenient to plug into for a quick practice. Guess how long it's been since I plugged in one of those other amps. Yep, except for the Blues, Jr., approaching a year. I've probably used the Blues, Jr. a few times.
It is just soooo quick and convenient. And fun! And with very little tweaking of one of the presets one can get acceptably good tone considering its size.
I'm sure others on here appreciate the heads up about the sale.
BTW, With the Positive Grid progression of "Spark 40", then "Mini" and, finally, "Go", I am convinced the next logical product offering has to be a key chain attachment amplifier! 🤣
Posted : November 4, 2023 16:20
Clayton reacted
Topic starter
@matonanjin Quick and Convenient, that's what gets you playing More!
As for progression, they went big with the Spark Cab, self powered cabinet with a "flat response" (I'm sure compared to the bass heavy reflex of Spark 40). I think the Spark Cab is another indicator of future thinking about gear, and seems like it would be great for a jam practice amp, but no doubt it is not road worthy.
Posted : November 4, 2023 18:37
So @Clayton you don't think the next one is going to be one to go on your keychain? 😉
BTW, what do you use for the battery? I took a face to face lesson here in Omaha with a guy, blues guitarist from Chicago, that was in town for a concert. I took a little practice amp which did work fine. But the Spark, with a battery, would have been even easier.
Posted : November 5, 2023 11:41
Topic starter
@matonanjin Next amp will be in ear, since I hear that the GO is only for personal listening and won't hold any sort of bbq, campfire setting. 🤨
Here's the YT video that sold me, and I don't use the velcro for fear of tearing the tolex. The battery in the video is the one I ordered from Amazon and it's great. I ordered the white battery and saved $12 over the black casing.
Posted : November 5, 2023 17:12