Thanks for dropping by. What you will find here is not a guide to what you can buy on our site, but rather some tips on helping you get the right things for that guitar player no matter where you buy it from. Hopefully this will make your search for Christmas gifts just a little bit easier.

The key to successfully choosing a gift that will be appreciated, is knowlegde. You need to know what the person you are buying for uses in the way of accessories.

Most musicians are extremly loyal to specific brands or types of producs. This means you either need to ask directly, or do some snooping around to find out what your musician uses.

What follows is a list of gift ideas and things you need to know before making a purchase.

Strings To get the right strings you need to to know several things: Model Number - Virtually all sets strings have a model number somewhere on the front of the package. Notice the model number ESXL120 on the string package to the right. If you know this, your work is done and you can pick up the correct strings. Instrument Type - Are the strings for an electric, acoustic, classical, etc.. Brand - What brand do they prefer? D'Addario, Martin, GHS, etc.. Gauge - There are a lot of different gauges of strings available for all different types of guitars. Sets of strings typically list a gauge type and the specific gauges of the strings in thousands of an inch. The type, light, extra light, medium, etc... is not consistent from brand to brand or even within brands. You should try and find out the actual gauge. E.G. .09-.042 would be how a set of '9s' is referred. If you know this, you'll at least be in the ball park.
Picks Much like strings, picks come in an almost dizzying variety. A set of 12 standard picks will typically run between $2.00 and $5.00. The key elements to consider for picks are: Type - Triangle, Rounded Triangle, Teardrop, Standard, Finger, Thumb, etc... Model Number - Again, knowning the model number of the product your looking for will always be your best bet. Brand - Who makes the pick in question - Dunlop, D'Andrea, Clayton, etc... Gauge - Picks, like strings are gauged by type, light, medium, heavy, etc..., or specific measures. Unlike strings, many picks that are gauged by type, will not have a specific measuer. If you don't know the model number, you will have to know the gauge. Most guitar players are very picky about the gauge pick they will use. Material - Nylon, Delrin, Plastic, Tortex, etc.... Unique Picks - You also may want to consider some of the picks in our 'unique' collection. These picks are little off the beaten path and may not be a players first choice when buying because they are typically more expensive. But one of these may be a welcome gift.
Straps Straps can be a good gift. Most guitar players will be happy with a Nylon strap from Ernie Ball or DR. Prices on plain Nylon straps should be in the $4.00 to $6.00 range. Nylon straps with emblems are typically $9.00 to $15.00. If you really want to wow them get a padded leather strap. These can run $20-$50 and many guitar players are too cheap or too poor to actually get one :)
Other Accessories A few other good ideas for gifts that you will not need to do much research on are as follows: Guitar Care Products - Like polishing cloths, polish, wax, etc... We have some great kits availble. Cables - Guitar players can always use new cables to replace their old ones. Tuners Capos - If they don't have one, thay might thank you for a new toy to play with :) Pedals - This is one where you need to know what they want in the way of effect and brand also.
Don't Bother What ever you do, Don't just pick up a bunch of stuff at the last minute you think they might use or like. Most musicians are very picky about their accessories. They may say a kind thank you, but if it is not their brand, gauge, style, etc... The stuff just won't get used.

Happy Shopping!