The negative comments here are astounding. It's a practice amp that sounds better than anything less than what the pros used when I started playing 30 years ago and it's not good enough? The snobbery here is off the charts.
@@festushaggen2563 I've heard enough to know I don't want to hear anymore. Does that work for ya? Are you the manufacturer? You seem really bothered by this? Edit: I didn't even watch the whole video. A minute or two was enough
@@Jason-cm6uh A partial video played through your phone speakers. You're definitely more than qualified to judge how well this stacks up to other amps. You could be a pro reviewer with those credentials.
To anybody who has never had one of these, the sound is great but I think the app is its main selling point. Sure, you can create your own presets, but I like to go through their cloud and download presets that other folks have already made. You can search pretty much any band or song and, chances are, someone has made a preset for it, and you can change through them with one button press or download them to the spark. I was really surprised that there were some awesome Boston/Rockman presets (a very specific sound thats kind of hard to get right) that some folks made and it nails the tone. Its also small enough that you can take it with you on family trips to the lake, cabin, visiting the other side of the family on Thanksgiving etc and have basically a full sounding rig all in one box. All this, plus the training tools and backing track stuff makes this an awesome learning tool and a really fun toy to play around with.
My 50watts Marshall Solid State is 36lbs... it's a PAIN to carry or move around the house.. compared to this.. you can carry it with 1 hand and bring it with you.. carry it all day in parks. You can also use it as a high quality a STEREO bluetooth speaker. Also as Bass and Acoustic amp. All in one.. It's also smart. It Blows the competition.
There is no other amp on the market that offers as much as this amp does. It is an amazing practice, writing, and recording tool, and it sounds phenomenal.
@spada60 It all depends on how much you choose to limit yourself and your creativity. Spark 2 has access to nearly limitless tones, tools to build your own rhythm tracks, a looper, etc. If you can't see the benefits, that has more to do with your own personal preferences and limitations. ua-cam.com/video/afKGcPgWubw/v-deo.html
I have two tube amps, a Marshall and an ENGL. I also have the Spark 40 and the GO. Guess which I use the most. Bingo! Among the practice amps, Spark 40 is the king. I preordered the second version.
I'm a bit iffy on the upgrade to Spark 2 . I use the Spark Go with headphones more often . Although the upgrade price is good I'm not sure I would use it more
Well i purchased this amd and the cab. I modified it and sent a line out socket from the head to the cab. As plugging in the speaker out disable the amp speaker. Now at home with can and head together. This thing sounds amazing. Just gives you massive sound. Add the hendrix amp package. wow. The looper though mmmm. Glitchy, and anymore than 2 overdubs the playback goes to sludge. Build quality is exceptional. John Bohlinger your videos are legendary 🎉
I really don't understand the people complaining about the tone or sustain of this amp.. You are not paying for emaculate tone.. you are paying for ease of use and practicality.. its just a practice amp.. not a gig-worthy machine.. hell, you could even use this at a small little open mic and sound fine. I've owned most different amps under the sun.. vintage fenders.. high gain marshalls, orange, friedman, vox etc.. I STILL like this amp.. not because it beats the aforementioned tone wise.. but in terms of portability and ease of use.. you get what you pay for.
The people complaining probably never put the time in to really deeply learn to use the Spark and explore the models. I wasn't blown away with mine until I really learned the quirks of its amp models. And it does have plenty of sustain if you have the right settings and playing at a higher volume
Peoples pickups are just dogshit. Your pickups need to be on the hotter side ive noticed if you want that searing old school sound. The noise gate needs to be used sparingly and should be used to cut out tiny noises from idling etc not clean up your bad muting skills, having it more aggressive diminishes the attack a bit ive noticed
I have a Spark 40 and love it. I use it alone so don’t use a variety of presets. I have it set with a basic clean tone. I use an iPad loaded with backing tracks and run my guitar thru a Roland GR55 guitar synth. I am a busker (only). It’s not earth shattering volume wise for certain. But I had been told once to turn down that I could be heard from the ‘back’ of a store…..I’m still perplexed by that.
I’ve had my spark 40 since it was first advertised I also got the cab to go with it and I use it to gig with and and do my practice with I don’t understand why people have such negative feedback about this piece of art
I have a few tubed ear bleeders but they are just too loud to use without neighbour issues, so these inexpensive Spark amps are fantastic for bedroom playing. I now have two of them Spark 40 and Spark 2, and I guess I'll have to try to hook them up and see what happens…👍
Sounds great in this demo. I have the original 40, it haven’t used it since I switched to Tonocracy on a laptop with studio monitors. But this has inspired me to bring that Spark back to my tv room and see how it compares.
I have the original Spark and would like to upgrade using the Spark 2 Upgrade Program. Could you please let me know the cost to purchase the latest version? less than $259?
you'd be better off selling your spark 40 on facebook marketplace. would get way more money for it than that rip of of a upgrade program. I see people getting 150 bucks all day for their spark 40's around my parts.
Register your spark, and it'll give you the upgrade price. I'm in the UK and was quoted £100. And you still keep your spark 1 as well as getting the spark 2. Bargain.
@@therealdavegrohl1098 I registered mine, but I still can't see how much they will charge me to get the new one. Converting 100 pounds comes to 128 USD
Can you control the looper with the foot switch? Expression pedal option? (An option to control the metronome/timing of backing tracks with an expression pedal would be gold). Does it support the Positive Grid wireless system internally/natively similar to Line 6 or Boss?
I like my Spark 40 but would love it to include a looper. People complain about the bass level but you can back it off and I dont have a problem with how it ends up sounding. I use it to practice in my living room on occasions when i need to. It’s much less conspicuous than a Katana or something like that and I think it sounds pretty good. It’s not valve amp good no but would you expect that?
For a casual living room player like me, just trying to be like my guitar hero’s 😎, this is an amazing amp. I bought the spark mini just to test the waters and loved it. I have this one preordered.
why or why did they remove the knob for amp type selection ??? now the only way to do it via the app? THAT knob was a plus for the Spark-40, so hopefully the looper and +10 watts and less "boom" overweighs the amp selection knob
So, the big question for me is ASIO, are they still using the Positive Grid USB Audio Control that doesn't play at all with (cubase)Yamaha Steinberg USB control panel? ASIO4All sux!
I can switch between controlling my spark 40 and Mini on the same phone no problem. I can’t believe they’d take away that ability with the spark 2. They know a lot of people have a 40, a mini or a Go already.
Still waiting for the EQ/MOD to be separate entities as mentioned on the Spark group posts a few years ago. I want to set EQ on each preset and have the ability to select a Modulation pedal as well. Setting the TONE you desire is most important above all else. Until then I will keep my Spark 40.
Yes it has to have simulation on it as this has FRFR speakers. Designed for use with FRFR systems. Pity the line outs always defeat the speakers currently (daft choice). You've a headphone out to do that...
I wonder if they have fixed the overly bassy sound of the Spark 40? Yes they came up with the EQ work-around but that removes any modulation options. I'm really hoping I don't have to shove a sock in the bass port in this one too...
This is the big question I have and I don't see that anyone reviewing this has mentioned it. Seems like a nice upgrade from the first but if they haven't fixed that I wouldn't consider getting one.
@@chrisforrest4581 -It seems they did. Just Google it and you can find people who have gotten the first round of pre-orders who mention the overall sound quality and differences to the original. I can even hear it in this video when compared to videos of the original.
The amp is fine, perfect for the right player. I don’t need one for what I do. But, John, you’re a great player and I always enjoy the music you create in your demos. Just wanted to say that. High five! Cheers.
Question: so if you're using the line out to an aux for recording, can you turn down the volume so that the amp doesn't sound out? Or would you need to plug in headphones in order to kill the speakers?
The JC-120 model sounds SIGNIFICANTLY better than the one in the original Spark. That original is unusuable, I've resorted to using the flat acoustic model to get a reasonable facsimile of the Roland
I’ve had the OG Spark 40 since the first presale drop. Use it constantly. Yes you can even put pedals in front of it! But the tones on board are amazing especially if you take some time to dial it in. I love how reactive it is to touch and dynamics. Can’t wait for my spark 2 to get here. My only “gripe” is that the app disconnects on its own far too often and occasionally it can take a couple tries to get the BT to connect. But I mostly save my own settings to the preset slots and then just fiddle with the onboard controls. I would not perform strictly through the app for this reason but otherwise I LOVE it. My tube amps barely get touched these days.
Yes the foot switch and battery are optional add-ons. I forget what the loop time is, it’s on the Spark Website though. I think it’s around a minute but don’t hold me to that. I just ordered mine yesterday. Can’t wait for it to get here. I might order the foot switch and battery later on down the road.
I've been using Spark since 3 years when I started learning guitar. Sparkie is my bet friend at that. Great practivce amp but if I should upgrade from version 1 to version 2 still not sure... Positive Grid, could you do a video pointing out all the differences between old and new?
These are amazing. So much so that I have bought five sparks. Been at it 30 years and I'm an accomplished guitar player. I don't do gigs anymore I'm more of a living room player. This thing fits all the needs and as a bonus, I use it as a Bluetooth speaker to play music in the background.
I had the original Spark. The thing that killed it for me is the EQ pedal is under the modulation stack. So if you want to use the EQ pedal, very necessary for how dark the amp sounded, you couldn't use any of the modulation effects. The EQ should always have been a standalone effect. I thought that was plain stupid.
I agree....they are idiots! The cabinet is even dumber....have to use a switch to go between xlr and 1/8" input. One or the other! This company is worthless.
Replacing the speakers made a huge difference with regards to the darkness of the tone I was using mine a lot until it ate itself three days' ago, and now I'm waiting for a postal shipping tag to send it back and have a new unit sent.
I have the original Spark. The ultimate teaching amp for guitar and bass and lovely to practice with on those breaks between lessons. The looper would really push me to buy the new one. I have even used the original as a bass amp in a school production where we needed great sounds at sensible volume.
If they fixed the 'bass you can't dial out' thing i'm in. I loved the Spark 40 i just couldn't deal with that. Great for jamming along with backing tracks and great tone otherwise.
Sounds really nice, pretty much like my S40. I see no reason to sell it and buy another for the minor additions. I'll check out the #3 in a couple years.
It is just a 50w amp for indoor personal use n it is good enough for me. It is not for rocking Wembley stadium. I have been using Spark 40 since 2020. I love it. Thank u Positive Grid for creating a good product. I will buy this 50W. Cheers!
I beg to difer....With the right MIC, SM57, and a 90,000 watt pa....you could play any stadium. If you are set up correctly, you don't need a lot. ALL thise speakers you see on stage with these big bands....they're empty boxes. They have nothing in them. Joe Walsh uses a Fender Champ and a Fender Twin reverb, 100 watts. The champ...25 watts. I played an outdoor event, 10-15,000 people with a Marshall code 50, and Fender Champ 100. Stage volume around 4-4.5.....PA blew the sound wide open.....the amp doesn't make all the noise...the PA does.
I really hope the functionality with the spark cab doesn't change with the spark 2 ... like I hope my cab will still work with the spark 2 is what I'm getting at
why not embracing both the new tech and tradional tube amps?…. i have mesa tc50 tube, evh lunchbox tube, fender hotrod iv tube; spark live, fender tonemaster pro…. i like them all…. but if i must choose one or the other, for now i will still go with tube amps (which cost at least 2x more)…
Can I just use an old tablet on WiFi for control rather than a phone with cell service? I'd assume so, but companies do all kinds of odd "proprietary" things now.
It’s a decent practice amp, but for not much more money, you could get the Katana mk3 head with a built in practice speaker as well. The Katana head is 100w so you can gig much bigger venues than the Spark can, and I just like the sound of the Katana better.
I had both the Katana and the first Spark at the same time. The Spark completely blew away the Katana, so much so that it went right back to the store. Katana has more effects variety but overall has a really ugly plastic boxy midrange to me
Not everyone wants to gig nor needs a 100W speaker. No one should expect the Spark series to be gig worthy. That’s not its purpose. It’s like comparing a Fender Mustang Micro to a Boss Katana.
I have a spark (first issue) and a Yamaha Thr I keep going to the Yamaha. Dont think I will be laying out money hard earnt cash on another Spark, but a new Yamaha is a maybe
I’m getting one of these. I have a fender tube amp, but it’s waaaay too loud for the home even with a custom made attenuation knob. This looks like an amazing practice tool. What a time to be a guitarist!
I had the first Spark. I fell for all the cool bells and whistles, tiddlywinks and doodads. But none of them could overcome the fact that the amp sounded like ass. I won't get fooled again. I moved on to the Katana for a while. And recently bought the Line 6 Pod Express. This tiny little plastic box eat's the Spark's lunch for around half the price.
The fact they never really fixed the issues with the first one, but did sell DLC, is a big turnoff. They'll have to do a lot more than this to get me to look at them again. Always nice to hear John playing tho!
Got mine last week after using the Mini for a year. So much bigger and louder sound. It does sound a bit like a speaker rather than a guitar amp but the functionality in Sparks make them a great practise amp. I doubt the crowd at a small gig would critique your tone either. It gets most of the way there.
This upgrade is absolutely great in every way except for one MAJOR FAIL!! Apparently plugging into the new stereo/mono line out mutes the internal speakers in the same way plugging in headphones does. This is gobsmackingly weird. I mentioned this to positive Grid who replied "this is the normal way amps with line outs operate". Um.... NO IT'S NOT!!!
It sounds good because it is STEREO. Amps should be STEREO as standard as LONG time ago since the existence of STEREO Music. Let's NORMALIZE buying Stereo Amps so manufacturers would stop creating MONO Amps. The Blackstar Core amps sounds BIG as well even if it's small.. because it's STEREO. I just ordered mine. It should arrive next week.. Can't wait to get my hands on one. Will also use it as Bass and Acoustice Guitar amp. Amazing. All amps should handle Bass and Acoustic as well as standard.
Spark got the last of my money with the Spark 40. Can't use it....way too much bass....not able to use the EQ and chorus at the same time. Pissed me off! Then I tried the Cabinet. Can't use the 1/8" input and a XLR at the same time. Returned it! I wanted to use a mic....not happening with a mixer....just another thing to carry. If they want to trade my spark 40 for a spark 2 then I'll give them another change. Other then that....buzz off PG!
This new one is supposed to have fixed the issue with too much bass, but it still sounds rather dark to me. What did you think about how it sounded here?
Hmmm… I don’t like the tones here, and thats with Johns phenomenal playing, I can imagine how shite Id make it sound 😂😂… jokes aside, there are better rehearsal options on the market right now.
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Can you upload these presets to the Spark Cloud so we can download them on our spark?
John you are outta sight. Nice I enjoyed it.
The negative comments here are astounding. It's a practice amp that sounds better than anything less than what the pros used when I started playing 30 years ago and it's not good enough? The snobbery here is off the charts.
It sounds crap. Stop yes butting, when I was young...
Buy a JC-22.
It's shit compared to what else is available today.
@Jason-cm6uh It hasn't even been released yet and you only watched a video. Give me a break.
@@festushaggen2563 I've heard enough to know I don't want to hear anymore. Does that work for ya? Are you the manufacturer? You seem really bothered by this?
Edit: I didn't even watch the whole video. A minute or two was enough
@@Jason-cm6uh A partial video played through your phone speakers. You're definitely more than qualified to judge how well this stacks up to other amps. You could be a pro reviewer with those credentials.
To anybody who has never had one of these, the sound is great but I think the app is its main selling point. Sure, you can create your own presets, but I like to go through their cloud and download presets that other folks have already made. You can search pretty much any band or song and, chances are, someone has made a preset for it, and you can change through them with one button press or download them to the spark. I was really surprised that there were some awesome Boston/Rockman presets (a very specific sound thats kind of hard to get right) that some folks made and it nails the tone.
Its also small enough that you can take it with you on family trips to the lake, cabin, visiting the other side of the family on Thanksgiving etc and have basically a full sounding rig all in one box. All this, plus the training tools and backing track stuff makes this an awesome learning tool and a really fun toy to play around with.
My 50watts Marshall Solid State is 36lbs... it's a PAIN to carry or move around the house..
compared to this.. you can carry it with 1 hand and bring it with you.. carry it all day in parks. You can also use it as a high quality a STEREO bluetooth speaker. Also as Bass and Acoustic amp. All in one.. It's also smart. It Blows the competition.
There is no other amp on the market that offers as much as this amp does. It is an amazing practice, writing, and recording tool, and it sounds phenomenal.
Vox gt guitar sounds better sorry.
@@spada60 Nowhere near as versatile
@@plpinkhamreally. Vox has Bluetooth what else you need. Play professional backing tracks and practice to them.
@spada60 It all depends on how much you choose to limit yourself and your creativity. Spark 2 has access to nearly limitless tones, tools to build your own rhythm tracks, a looper, etc.
If you can't see the benefits, that has more to do with your own personal preferences and limitations.
ua-cam.com/video/afKGcPgWubw/v-deo.html
Just got a Mini a week ago...loving it! I'm not a professional, I play for my own amusement...the app is great!!!
I have two tube amps, a Marshall and an ENGL. I also have the Spark 40 and the GO. Guess which I use the most. Bingo! Among the practice amps, Spark 40 is the king. I preordered the second version.
John is a national treasure and the world needs to know 🙌🏽
I own a Spark 40. Great little practice amp so I’m looking forward to this upgrade.
And John B is always awesome!
I'm a bit iffy on the upgrade to Spark 2 . I use the Spark Go with headphones more often . Although the upgrade price is good I'm not sure I would use it more
Well i purchased this amd and the cab. I modified it and sent a line out socket from the head to the cab. As plugging in the speaker out disable the amp speaker. Now at home with can and head together. This thing sounds amazing. Just gives you massive sound. Add the hendrix amp package. wow. The looper though mmmm. Glitchy, and anymore than 2 overdubs the playback goes to sludge. Build quality is exceptional.
John Bohlinger your videos are legendary 🎉
I really don't understand the people complaining about the tone or sustain of this amp.. You are not paying for emaculate tone.. you are paying for ease of use and practicality.. its just a practice amp.. not a gig-worthy machine.. hell, you could even use this at a small little open mic and sound fine. I've owned most different amps under the sun.. vintage fenders.. high gain marshalls, orange, friedman, vox etc.. I STILL like this amp.. not because it beats the aforementioned tone wise.. but in terms of portability and ease of use.. you get what you pay for.
everyone saying they can gig with it making you sound like a dud
@@WhiteDove73-888 You can't gig with it unless you plug it into a can or a pa system
The people complaining probably never put the time in to really deeply learn to use the Spark and explore the models. I wasn't blown away with mine until I really learned the quirks of its amp models. And it does have plenty of sustain if you have the right settings and playing at a higher volume
Peoples pickups are just dogshit. Your pickups need to be on the hotter side ive noticed if you want that searing old school sound. The noise gate needs to be used sparingly and should be used to cut out tiny noises from idling etc not clean up your bad muting skills, having it more aggressive diminishes the attack a bit ive noticed
I have a Spark 40 and love it. I use it alone so don’t use a variety of presets. I have it set with a basic clean tone. I use an iPad loaded with backing tracks and run my guitar thru a Roland GR55 guitar synth. I am a busker (only). It’s not earth shattering volume wise for certain. But I had been told once to turn down that I could be heard from the ‘back’ of a store…..I’m still perplexed by that.
Man, this guy makes any amp sound great with that playing!
I’ve had my spark 40 since it was first advertised I also got the cab to go with it and I use it to gig with and and do my practice with I don’t understand why people have such negative feedback about this piece of art
I have a few tubed ear bleeders but they are just too loud to use without neighbour issues, so these inexpensive Spark amps are fantastic for bedroom playing. I now have two of them Spark 40 and Spark 2, and I guess I'll have to try to hook them up and see what happens…👍
Ok, this sounds much better to me on second hearing. Cool playing by John in the intro. 👏
Does version 2 solve the problem of some later Android devices automatically disconnecting the app after 30 seconds?
Are you allowed to change the signal chain on pedals on this version?
can i get updates thru bluetooth now andcnot have to go thru a mac?
Hey John, can you tell me those glasses! What brand or model? Are they prescription or just for look, and the tint….where do you buy ?
Thxs!!
Sounds great in this demo. I have the original 40, it haven’t used it since I switched to Tonocracy on a laptop with studio monitors. But this has inspired me to bring that Spark back to my tv room and see how it compares.
Always look for John’s video review of a new product! Amazingly knowledgeable and talented!
I have the original Spark and would like to upgrade using the Spark 2 Upgrade Program. Could you please let me know the cost to purchase the latest version? less than $259?
you'd be better off selling your spark 40 on facebook marketplace. would get way more money for it than that rip of of a upgrade program. I see people getting 150 bucks all day for their spark 40's around my parts.
Register your spark, and it'll give you the upgrade price. I'm in the UK and was quoted £100. And you still keep your spark 1 as well as getting the spark 2. Bargain.
@@therealdavegrohl1098 I registered mine, but I still can't see how much they will charge me to get the new one. Converting 100 pounds comes to 128 USD
See what the Positive Grid "Trade Up" Program deal is for getting the Spark 2
@@JTB-- I already did, they haven't disclosed yet the amounts. Do you know how much it will cost for Spark 1 owners in the US?
Can you control the looper with the foot switch? Expression pedal option? (An option to control the metronome/timing of backing tracks with an expression pedal would be gold). Does it support the Positive Grid wireless system internally/natively similar to Line 6 or Boss?
The newer X pedal yes, theres a tiny blurb on the website
I like my Spark 40 but would love it to include a looper. People complain about the bass level but you can back it off and I dont have a problem with how it ends up sounding. I use it to practice in my living room on occasions when i need to. It’s much less conspicuous than a Katana or something like that and I think it sounds pretty good. It’s not valve amp good no but would you expect that?
It's also cheap and has Bluetooth music input and only weighs a dozen pounds
They fixed the bass and added two different loopers to the 2.
For a casual living room player like me, just trying to be like my guitar hero’s 😎, this is an amazing amp. I bought the spark mini just to test the waters and loved it. I have this one preordered.
why or why did they remove the knob for amp type selection ??? now the only way to do it via the app? THAT knob was a plus for the Spark-40, so hopefully the looper and +10 watts and less "boom" overweighs the amp selection knob
So, the big question for me is ASIO, are they still using the Positive Grid USB Audio Control that doesn't play at all with (cubase)Yamaha Steinberg USB control panel? ASIO4All sux!
If you own both a Spark 40 and a Spark 2, can you switch between them from the same app on the same smartphone?
I can switch between controlling my spark 40 and Mini on the same phone no problem. I can’t believe they’d take away that ability with the spark 2. They know a lot of people have a 40, a mini or a Go already.
@@revredbeard3289 Cool, thanks
It is the same app but to play both at the same time you need two cables
@@MDonovanHe’s not talking about playing both at the same time.
Still waiting for the EQ/MOD to be separate entities as mentioned on the Spark group posts a few years ago. I want to set EQ on each preset and have the ability to select a Modulation pedal as well. Setting the TONE you desire is most important above all else. Until then I will keep my Spark 40.
Does the line out have a cab sim on it? Or is the line out usable with a power amp to a guitar cabinet?
Yes it has to have simulation on it as this has FRFR speakers. Designed for use with FRFR systems. Pity the line outs always defeat the speakers currently (daft choice). You've a headphone out to do that...
I wonder if they have fixed the overly bassy sound of the Spark 40? Yes they came up with the EQ work-around but that removes any modulation options. I'm really hoping I don't have to shove a sock in the bass port in this one too...
This is the big question I have and I don't see that anyone reviewing this has mentioned it. Seems like a nice upgrade from the first but if they haven't fixed that I wouldn't consider getting one.
@@chrisforrest4581 -It seems they did. Just Google it and you can find people who have gotten the first round of pre-orders who mention the overall sound quality and differences to the original. I can even hear it in this video when compared to videos of the original.
@@chrisforrest4581check out Phillip McKnight. Great review.
Már imádom! Remélem szeptemberben még is érkezik! 🎶🎸❤️🤗
The amp is fine, perfect for the right player. I don’t need one for what I do. But, John, you’re a great player and I always enjoy the music you create in your demos. Just wanted to say that. High five! Cheers.
Question: so if you're using the line out to an aux for recording, can you turn down the volume so that the amp doesn't sound out? Or would you need to plug in headphones in order to kill the speakers?
The JC-120 model sounds SIGNIFICANTLY better than the one in the original Spark. That original is unusuable, I've resorted to using the flat acoustic model to get a reasonable facsimile of the Roland
I’ve had the OG Spark 40 since the first presale drop. Use it constantly. Yes you can even put pedals in front of it! But the tones on board are amazing especially if you take some time to dial it in. I love how reactive it is to touch and dynamics. Can’t wait for my spark 2 to get here. My only “gripe” is that the app disconnects on its own far too often and occasionally it can take a couple tries to get the BT to connect. But I mostly save my own settings to the preset slots and then just fiddle with the onboard controls. I would not perform strictly through the app for this reason but otherwise I LOVE it. My tube amps barely get touched these days.
Some of the most tasteful Les Pauling I’ve ever heard 👏
Are the foot switch & battery optional? How much loop time? Cool jam.
Yes the foot switch and battery are optional add-ons. I forget what the loop time is, it’s on the Spark Website though. I think it’s around a minute but don’t hold me to that. I just ordered mine yesterday. Can’t wait for it to get here. I might order the foot switch and battery later on down the road.
Only interested if version 2 interacts with Bias Amp and FX2..
Can you please make it possible to move the effects in the chain? That would be great.
I've been using Spark since 3 years when I started learning guitar. Sparkie is my bet friend at that.
Great practivce amp but if I should upgrade from version 1 to version 2 still not sure...
Positive Grid, could you do a video pointing out all the differences between old and new?
Love the spark but would prefer if controls were on the front.
These are amazing. So much so that I have bought five sparks. Been at it 30 years and I'm an accomplished guitar player. I don't do gigs anymore I'm more of a living room player. This thing fits all the needs and as a bonus, I use it as a Bluetooth speaker to play music in the background.
Thats all nice and good but what do you think when comparing the sound of the spark40 and the spark2 ?
It lowers the unnecessary boomy bass frequencies that were so problematic
I have the go, Mini and 40 and cab. Spark2 will come. I'm very close.
Nice playing John. Very tasteful
I had the original Spark. The thing that killed it for me is the EQ pedal is under the modulation stack. So if you want to use the EQ pedal, very necessary for how dark the amp sounded, you couldn't use any of the modulation effects. The EQ should always have been a standalone effect. I thought that was plain stupid.
I agree....they are idiots! The cabinet is even dumber....have to use a switch to go between xlr and 1/8" input. One or the other! This company is worthless.
It could have been because of the limited processing power of the original. However, I agree that the bass was too prominent.
Replacing the speakers made a huge difference with regards to the darkness of the tone I was using mine a lot until it ate itself three days' ago, and now I'm waiting for a postal shipping tag to send it back and have a new unit sent.
@@offbeatbassgear Might be a lot cheaper to put a $40 Behringer EQ pedal in front of it. Not sure if that will work but worth a try.
@@offbeatbassgear what speakers did you replace with??? ty
I have the original Spark. The ultimate teaching amp for guitar and bass and lovely to practice with on those breaks between lessons. The looper would really push me to buy the new one.
I have even used the original as a bass amp in a school production where we needed great sounds at sensible volume.
Just get a separate looper pedal. I love my looper
Are the amps upgraded in sound from the previous
Another great video John,thanks
I have a Headrush FRFR so I guess I could hook the Spark 2 up to it. Nice.
If they fixed the 'bass you can't dial out' thing i'm in. I loved the Spark 40 i just couldn't deal with that. Great for jamming along with backing tracks and great tone otherwise.
There's another review of actual room sound showing it's much clearer than the original
They did fix the bass. There is a comparison on another video
Sounds really nice, pretty much like my S40. I see no reason to sell it and buy another for the minor additions. I'll check out the #3 in a couple years.
Connect this to their speaker cab and you will be blown away !! It is LOUD and easily giggable.
It is just a 50w amp for indoor personal use n it is good enough for me. It is not for rocking Wembley stadium. I have been using Spark 40 since 2020. I love it. Thank u Positive Grid for creating a good product. I will buy this 50W. Cheers!
Also upgraded speakers
I beg to difer....With the right MIC, SM57, and a 90,000 watt pa....you could play any stadium. If you are set up correctly, you don't need a lot. ALL thise speakers you see on stage with these big bands....they're empty boxes. They have nothing in them. Joe Walsh uses a Fender Champ and a Fender Twin reverb, 100 watts. The champ...25 watts. I played an outdoor event, 10-15,000 people with a Marshall code 50, and Fender Champ 100. Stage volume around 4-4.5.....PA blew the sound wide open.....the amp doesn't make all the noise...the PA does.
I really hope the functionality with the spark cab doesn't change with the spark 2 ... like I hope my cab will still work with the spark 2 is what I'm getting at
It absolutely should work
why not embracing both the new tech and tradional tube amps?…. i have mesa tc50 tube, evh lunchbox tube, fender hotrod iv tube; spark live, fender tonemaster pro…. i like them all…. but if i must choose one or the other, for now i will still go with tube amps (which cost at least 2x more)…
No mention that it operates off a built in rechargeable battery too?!?
Can we please have changeable cabs and mic placement
Can I just use an old tablet on WiFi for control rather than a phone with cell service? I'd assume so, but companies do all kinds of odd "proprietary" things now.
It’s a decent practice amp, but for not much more money, you could get the Katana mk3 head with a built in practice speaker as well. The Katana head is 100w so you can gig much bigger venues than the Spark can, and I just like the sound of the Katana better.
I had both the Katana and the first Spark at the same time. The Spark completely blew away the Katana, so much so that it went right back to the store. Katana has more effects variety but overall has a really ugly plastic boxy midrange to me
Not everyone wants to gig nor needs a 100W speaker. No one should expect the Spark series to be gig worthy. That’s not its purpose. It’s like comparing a Fender Mustang Micro to a Boss Katana.
@@slopcrusher3482 spark cab and spark live have entered the chat
@@slopcrusher3482 There's a bigger 150w Spark 'Live' for that apparently.
I, and I'm sure many others, have zero use for a 100W guitar head, regardless of the price.
Could you use this amp as an acoustic amp for nylon guitar (Godin Multiac)?
Yes!!!
I have a spark (first issue) and a Yamaha Thr I keep going to the Yamaha. Dont think I will be laying out money hard earnt cash on another Spark, but a new Yamaha is a maybe
The Spark 2 is way better than any Yamaha
Cab we stop the annoying flashing tap button?
Can’t wait
I’m getting one of these. I have a fender tube amp, but it’s waaaay too loud for the home even with a custom made attenuation knob.
This looks like an amazing practice tool.
What a time to be a guitarist!
You had me at "looper". 👍
John is awesome!!! Cool glasses too! 👍🏾amps not too bad either 😊
Fantastic amp, ordering
Be advised that the battery is $70.00 and the foot switch is $129, carrying bag is $70
Who is the player? He’s awesome
Is it just me who's still using the boss katana mini as a practice amp?
C’mon everyone you can’t tell me this is better than the Vox adio gt. The Vox just sounds way better.
I had the first Spark. I fell for all the cool bells and whistles, tiddlywinks and doodads. But none of them could overcome the fact that the amp sounded like ass. I won't get fooled again. I moved on to the Katana for a while. And recently bought the Line 6 Pod Express. This tiny little plastic box eat's the Spark's lunch for around half the price.
It's not much bass like the previous one?
Supposedly that’s fixed on this gen.
No midi. You cannot select a preset with an external unit.
Great riffage John !
I love the idea of the looper, but so far all the demos I’ve seen the guitar part is so loud we can’t even hear the drums😢
ah. I was hoping this would have been a comparison video between V1 and this one.
Spark is a nice Lil practice amp..
Is the Spark so bright he has to wear shades?
Do you know how much light is in your face while you are recording a professional video?
They're reading glasses 🤓
@@premierguitar 😎
@@premierguitar Ah. Seeing is very important.
@@josearjona3728 Yes, but have you heard of diffusers?
The fact they never really fixed the issues with the first one, but did sell DLC, is a big turnoff. They'll have to do a lot more than this to get me to look at them again.
Always nice to hear John playing tho!
What issues?
Got mine last week after using the Mini for a year. So much bigger and louder sound. It does sound a bit like a speaker rather than a guitar amp but the functionality in Sparks make them a great practise amp. I doubt the crowd at a small gig would critique your tone either. It gets most of the way there.
Preset 2 is cool.
Doze it gave a foot switch ftom clean to dirty for live gigs
can you not move affects around that was a major oversight with the first one that and the speaker was awful.
✨🎸✨🇺🇸 Could you do a review of the 70th Anniversary Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster please Thanks .
I got a nux mg30 connected to the spark .40 ... I dont need this ... 😂
Also, I’m surprised why he didn’t showcase the most requested feature. The LOOPER!
How do you use it without a foot switch?
@@AnnoyingCritic-is7rpbuttons bro😊
@@AnnoyingCritic-is7rp you use the app to set how many bars you want the looper to run.
@@AnnoyingCritic-is7rp -they sell two different foot switches
This upgrade is absolutely great in every way except for one MAJOR FAIL!! Apparently plugging into the new stereo/mono line out mutes the internal speakers in the same way plugging in headphones does. This is gobsmackingly weird. I mentioned this to positive Grid who replied "this is the normal way amps with line outs operate". Um.... NO IT'S NOT!!!
Spark should have made this a real combo amp at 100 watts with the option of lower wattage settings.
You can get the Spark Cab.
Cool🎉
It sounds good because it is STEREO. Amps should be STEREO as standard as LONG time ago since the existence of STEREO Music.
Let's NORMALIZE buying Stereo Amps so manufacturers would stop creating MONO Amps. The Blackstar Core amps sounds BIG as well even if it's small.. because it's STEREO.
I just ordered mine. It should arrive next week.. Can't wait to get my hands on one. Will also use it as Bass and Acoustice Guitar amp. Amazing. All amps should handle Bass and Acoustic as well as standard.
I guess a Negative Grid is out of the question?
Nice euphemism.
@@kierenmoore3236 Euphemism? You mean PUN!
WHAt was I 'euphemizing'?
@@DMSProduktions Hey, whoa … don’t take your closet aggression out on me, batty boy. I wasn’t judging your ‘preferences’ …
Negative graph
@@Derekanic. Brave of him to proposition John like this, on UA-cam … Kudos to him.
my Spark 2 sounds nothing like that
Still sounds dark and muddy....
Hey John, when you finally meet your guitar hero (me), please bring that gold top so I can check it out :D
Thanks!
Spark got the last of my money with the Spark 40. Can't use it....way too much bass....not able to use the EQ and chorus at the same time. Pissed me off! Then I tried the Cabinet. Can't use the 1/8" input and a XLR at the same time. Returned it! I wanted to use a mic....not happening with a mixer....just another thing to carry. If they want to trade my spark 40 for a spark 2 then I'll give them another change. Other then that....buzz off PG!
This new one is supposed to have fixed the issue with too much bass, but it still sounds rather dark to me. What did you think about how it sounded here?
Too much? I heard people say the original didn’t have enough bass, lol. Guess it has some sort of problem with bass either way lol.
Stuff a sock in it and use the eq
i used boss eq and fixed the bass issue
Why are the controls on the top, at the back? Bloody stupid design.
Hmmm… I don’t like the tones here, and thats with Johns phenomenal playing, I can imagine how shite Id make it sound 😂😂… jokes aside, there are better rehearsal options on the market right now.