I Bought A Spark Go On Vacation
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
- #knowyourgear
Link to Larry Mitchells music
www.larrymitch...
Link to amp
sweetwater.sjv...
Link to my performance with Larry Mitchell
• Larry Mitchell With Ph...
• Larry Mitchell Featuri...
Link to Kiesel guitars
www.kieselguit...
Hey Phil, that humbucker hard strum breakup can be minimized by going into settings and enabling "Hi-Z Mode". Turn off for low output pickups, turn on for high output pickups.
I have the original spark amp, I brought it thinking it was a gimmick thing that I'd get bored with fast....it's got so many handy features....3 years later I'm still using it everyday.
Same! I like the ability to jam along with the backing track in the app, and I like getting to try out all sorts of amp/effect options. I also love having a built-in tuner. I only have two issues with it, neither a deal-breaker.
First, running the audio out(USB or through the headphone out) sounds great, and the amp itself sounds great, but they sound significantly different to my ears, meaning if I want to record something I have to play with the patch settings to get it to sound the same as the amp did on its own.
Second, and very specific, is that I have a Blackstar HT 40 MkII that I absolutely LOVE, and I can't quite get the sound from the Spark. No on is shipping modelers with Blackstar emulations, so it is what it is.
I bought two of them and I hook them to each side of my hip pull my shirt over and then stroll around jamming and then when people say Where's that sound come from and I say it comes from within my soul..
I forgot.. of course I go wireless
To anybody criticizing this little amp: WTF? Seriously. I would have killed to have this thing when I was growing up! What great little rig, and the sounds and tweaks are almost limitless! A quantum leap in utility and availability to jam and practice almost anywhere. Sure its not the best speaker, but you should have heard what I played through when I was a kid. This tech is next level stuff and will only get better. Bravo.
True, I'd have loved this back in the 80's. The other amps in this range seem really well suited for house use, considering this little amp myself just so long as you don't have to pay a monthly subscription to use app 🏴
This is one of those products that I always find neat until I buy it and never use it. But I very much appreciate you taking time out from your vacation to show us Phillip.
The app/modelling software alone is worth the purchase price and the fact it's also a compact portable amp is a nice bonus as far as I'm concerned. The speaker is a bit weak on it as a standalone device and I wouldn't take it on vacation, although I likely would never take a guitar on vacation either. Mine gets used in my small home office for short sessions and messing about with trying out pedals and tones, to see what I like and if I want to buy another pedal. I think it is really quite a niche product, but if you have a solid use case for it, then it is an excellent addition to a guitarist kit bag.
I use my Spark GO into my PA for solo gigs. Flame On Boys and girls
I bought a Spark Go for this same reason. I've taken it on a few trips already. It hasn't let me down, it keeps me entertained paired up with a travel guitar.
I travel for work and found that the Spark Go is perfect for travel and hotel life. When I travel by plane I put a Vox mini guitar in my backpack along with this, so I don't need to check separate bags at the airport(plus weight matters when travelling). The Spark Mini won't fit with in a backpack along side my work items. The GO is basically a perfect travel amp for all travel situations.
I will be getting myself one of these. It ticks a good few boxes. Probably the most concise review I've seen of the Spark Go so far. Thank you. SALUD !!
Phil, I bought one to play in my "guitar room" so as to keep our dogs out of crooning mode. That duet upsets everyone. I had not explored the unit's capabilities much, and had hoped to find a vlog about the unit. Your demo magically appeared which made my day. As you demonstrated, it travels well, and one can crank it up and make a nice little noise. Thanks for your "busman's holiday" video. You're one of the hardest working people on UA-cam.
if you lay it down on a desk with cubby holes which have the bottom holes open to reflect off the wall you can get improved bass and improved reverb. It is NOT like cranking up knobs, but it adds a better texture to the sound. It will never have the punch of a good 10" or 12" speaker. But it has to be one of the best things to stick at your desk with a guitar so you can just pick it up and play. Also, if you have one of those Bose SoundDock or similar unused and lying around, you can use an auxiliary cord to improve the sound. The whole setup and be carried in a little bag. And that setup will give you a lot more sound and better quality in an incredibly small footprint which you can set up just about anywhere. Plus, you use only one electric source for hours of playing. Yeah, I have one and it is so much easier than using my pedals and multiFx with amp and speaker.
Two of my coworkers just bought the two colors of these and it’s so cool for the size to take effects with you anywhere
Sold my 40 and got a Go, no regrets, love it!
Where ever you are, it looks awesome...
Nice! Whenever I'm out on Maui, I always make my first stop at Bounty Music, not far from the airport, and rent a guitar to use while I'm there. Much easier than flying with one.
I was hoping there’s a music shop. Mahalo! 🤙🏻 🎸
I actually bought one for a week long cruise and used the app. The headphone sounds killer with a good headset or in-ears. You did not mention that you can jam along with tracks to do covers or improv. Very inspirational and makes you want to practice even on a cruise ship! Looking forward to recording tracks with it.
I got one of these a couple months ago, helps me practice while the wife is watching TV... I usually run my pedal board through it no problem.. just have to turn some stuff off.. It's pretty good stuff... have to say the build quality really surprised me.
I just got a Mini and it's amazing for a simple travel amp. A little bigger than the Go. Also doubles as Bluetooth speaker. And the App is amazing - so many different choices for guitar sounds.
The sound out of the speaker is very lack luster, however it’s portability is very hard to beat. It really shines when it’s plugged in to headphones or a external stereo system. The app is where it shines the most, being able to look up songs and play over them Is very fun and very encouraging to play.
I’ve brought my Fender Mustang Micro on vacation and instead of plugging in headphones, using a 1/8” cable out to a separate Bluetooth speaker.
Great review Phil.
Definitely prefer the Mini overall in the entire range. The Go is great for lessons, but the Mini sounds way better. The big one sounds the best and has the most bass, but having to plug it in is a pain.
I'm like you, Phil. I can't deal with the electronics and settings. But this thing has for great sounds right out of the box! Great review. Thanks!
love my spark go.. keep it in my backpack.. i take to the office or when im out trying guitars out in stores. Sounds great and its tons of fun.
I am home player . I have A Katana mk2 50 . I bought the Spark Go and love it . I can be in any room and using my headphones without lugging around a big box . Then , when I want real volume , I line out to my. Katana or Marshall.
Bought this for my 9yo son for learning to play electric guitar. It's been a great purchase for this purpose. It's fun to play around with all of the settings and having the convenience to save presets is a huge plus. I didn't know about the tuning with the present lights though. I'll have to try that out.
Great video as always!!!
Nice, honest review, Phil. I got one of the original 40's when they came out and after playing with speaker choices (ended with one original in the right and an Alpha 4 on the left), I really enjoy it and it's the perfect bedroom amp. The speaker swap took some of the low fluff out for bluetooth duties (it turns out I rarely use it that way, though). For someone needing compact portability, this looks like a winner.
Hi Phil, I'm curious how it compares to the Boss Katana Mini. Perhaps a video comparing the two?
Stop working Phillip, you're on vacation!!
Maybe that makes the vacation tax deductible!!!
This part of his job isn't working. It's playing. But we all want to do all the time. When I'm on vacation I play more than when I'm working.
@@Joe-mz6dc playing with his toy maybe but not sitting at his laptop editing the video and posting it. I'm onto you Phillip! 🤣🤣
@@JimAndDeePatton haha you're probably right 🤣
Guitar is too serious to take a break from.
Thanks for the video Phil. Ordered it love it
The Spark amp is an audio interface, you can plug the USB cable straight into your computer without the need for an audio interface between it and the computer,
I love my Spark 40.... especially after I shoved a sock in the bass port to calm down the bass!
Thanks for taking the time while on your vacation. Seems like a nice grab and go amp for traveling, and it works fine while not having to download the app. Phil, enjoy your vacation with your family.....
Excellent review. I'm not in the market for one since I have the original 40w* spark that I bought for travel and other than needing a 110v outlet it works good enough. A bit too dark and everyone says to install the EQ , but I don't like apps at all and haven't done it yet. I did watch to the end though.
Reviewers should take a lesson from Phillip. Everything you need to know in the shortest time. The 40, great for a permanent home set up. Add the cab when available! The mini, great for portability around the home, or taking to friends. Sounds good as a BT speaker too. Best of the bunch if you only have one spark.
Go, great for travel. Headphones in, backing tracks stream via BT, great for hotels when working.
Just waiting for the headphone amp, no speaker, just use the app. Sure that will happen…..
The Spark Mini is the real star as a practice amp. I like the Go for portability or use with headphones. Positive Grid is releasing a cab that will work with the little Go and other Spark amps.
Very good review. I learned all I wanted to know. Now go shopping. Thx 😊
I have this little amp, basically every guitarist should have this one instead of a bluetooth speaker :). It does not sound incredible but it is a very small speaker after all. I am happy with the purcahse. Positive grid has done what Marshall should have done.
Good video. You should have given us the regular recording for the sound. It would have been nice to hear how it actually sounds in the room vs the zoom recorder
I kind of can’t believe how good that little thing sounds!
Why would you not use the app? It's awesome
Also just bought mine before it went down to $110, oh well. I ordered it on a sunday and tried to get it cancelled a half hour later and it was already in the truck on it’s way. I told my SW rep and he sent a return label. I changed my mind cause l play pedal steel and didn’t think it would have a lot of tone control on clean settings-wrong-O! Kept the thing and l love it. Even play it thru my amps. Effects and tones are great!
I'm one of those that likes 'all of the amazing features in the app'. It's the nicest looking app I've seen for any of the devices in this category. For me, the positive things in the app are the drum backing and jam track backing capabilities. The only slight negative is that I don't think you can change the order of the effects in the signal chain.
Great idea to be able to write off your vacation by doing a travel review! Hope you all had a wonderful time!
I was surprised! I have one of the first "travel" amps it looks like a full size Fender Blues Jr. but it's about 6"x4"x 3" deep. One 3" speaker that sounds like ass. This isn't bad at all. I would take this little thing with me on a trip, for sure!
Much respect for Phil!
So Philip.
First, I AM a professional player, but have learned a LOT from playing informally with others.
I'm looking for an amp that is very small (like this one) to allow me to give me a CLEAN boost for solos with my acoustic archtop when playing at acoustic pickin' parties, with 6 or 8 (non-professional) people trying to demonstrate their rhythm prowess.
I don't need it for rhythm, but just so I don't have to work hard/tense up when my solo comes around
Tones I prefer are clean, VINTAGE Western Swing, Country, Rockabilly,, with occasional EARLY Chicago Blues (Jimmy Rogers/Muddy/Little Walter era), etc.
I have a Spark 40, but find it too big for this stuff, and don't really want all the complications of 50,000 useless (to me) presets.
It's difficult to figure this out because almost all reviews emphasize overdriven & distorted tone (I use a Deluxe Reverb/ Princeton Reverb & Blues Juniors, with no external effects, just amp, cord, guitar)
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Kevin
I think it's very cool, way better than my first Paul amp back in the sixties. LOL good price too. ty always a pleasure Philip.
Thanks Phil now go get some R&R
Great demo, Phil! I was curious about the Go, but I think I'd go for the next one up personally. I dunno. I doubt I need any of them as I have 15 and 20 watt amps and don't plan on traveling with them 😆
?Thanks Phil! Love when you show how some products work and how to put them together . I have a spark amp since the pandemic. The downloading software thing discourages me from using it . Too much thinking about how the software works and not enough playing guitar …I get frustrated with apps …😞
I like mine a lot. Sometime I run it through my Blackstar Fly and extension cab. Get some pretty cool tone out in the woods!
Maui is incredible. I live there.
By the beach, chillin out, playing guitar 🤘
Best thing, it uses the same software as the other Spark amps which is very good. I dont have the GO but i do have the Mini and the Spark 40. The 40 sounds the best by far but I mainly use the Mini as a headphone amp on my desk and a computer input. It works great for that. The Spark 40 sounds very good, The Mini sounds ok but definitely a lot thinner.
Awe man, you were on Maui?! I would've liked to say hello and shake your hand! I hope you enjoyed your time here!
I like my mini Orange amp . Its not got all these built in effects things , but it sounds decent and looks ace and is very handy .
Were you able to pack that guitar in a suitcase?
No I carried it in the plane
Like every other Spark amp there is an equalizer in line after the amp selection in the app. You can adjust the bass if it is "too warm and bassy"
Nice view from Wailea!
Thats the Westin right?
Bought one. Sounded like hell. Sent it back. Cool with all the features though and if you are running it through a PA or something. But the sound is really small.
I love this thing.....gots a ton of of use at mi casa....
Nice little amp... Excellent review!! 8) --gary
Cool vacation rental!
Looks like someone is having fun at The Four Seasons in Wailea
Very very good guess, I do not have four seasons money, but we were close enough to walk to it.
@@PhillipMcKnight still looks super nice. Lived on Maui for 3 years. Been to Bounty music several times. Now I'm living the dream in Surprise Az
I bought this amp through Amazon Prime Days for $100; I thought a great deal. I already own the original Spark and love it. But out of the box I tried direct connecting, no sound? Then tried Bluetooth, weird happenings, my phone showed connection but the Go Bluetooth light never came on, and no sound? I never got sound out of the go. I tried charging overnight but the unit was charged prior to that. Still never got sound. Luckily Amazon has a good return policy. Now I’m afraid to try another, really soured my trust in Positive Grid
I love mine
I was thinking of buying a spark just for taking it on vacations 😅
I feel like the mini is small enough or whatever its called.
I really like my Mini. It's seems like a good balance between size/portability and sound. And I don't have to plug it in, like my Spark 40.
Yeah, I think small is the right word
Hey Phil... check the title... one "You" too many? Cool little practice amp... great video! 😎🤘🎸🐦
I'm with you on the app tweaking, but I struggle to set a rig in real life, and these things almost always overwhelm me. I think a guy like you could create four really functional rigs that mimic some of your actual setups ...
i think i need one... really .... not kidding .... i'm gonna' do it....
The speakers are too small, but otherwise it seems pretty good. I prefer my BOSS Katana Mini for when I play outside. I carry it in a helmet bag attached to my gig bag, so it's not pocket size but still very portable.
Also small enough to throw into a guitar case and use backstage to warm up
Sounds great w/headphones.
The Square speaker is not a speaker. It's what is called a passive radiator. It is made for low end frequency. I can't see something that small putting out much lows. Just letting you know. Enjoy your vacation Phill
The real benefit of the app is the ability to create custom presets to overwrite the ones that are preloaded. A little effort goes a long way.
I know the point is supposed to be the small size but I'll be honest for that price I'd still be looking for something slightly bigger with some multi-speaker 3D sound thing to make it "sound bigger" and cope with the lack of clean headroom. 130 bucks is a lot for something so limited. It sounds ok, but imo it could use a quality bump for the price.
Lmao
Perfect!
Great video....I like mine for blue tooth and the recording feature. Let me know if you still work on guitars because I live in peoria az and have been looking for a new luthier.
Hello, I just bought your positive grid mini amplifier, I am very happy with the sound, but when I open a song from a UA-cam channel on my phone, the sound comes from the phone, not the amplifier, even though Bluetooth is connected. I would be glad if you could help. Thank you
We've come a long way since the Fender Amp Can.
Forget about the Spark Go - I can't get past the beautiful scenery! Congrats on the well deserved vacation.
Thanks for the video. Could you use this as a practice amp for a Takamine acoustic guitar with a looper pedal?
More interested in the Recorder Does a great job !! Wonder what it was ?
Was on the fence about this but Andertons have them for £109 with free shipping so I took a chance and ordered one yesterday.
Clicked on this video thinking "uh oh, hope I haven't made a mistake" but Phil has put my mind at rest.😂
(I know, I can return it if I don't like it)
Why aren’t the clouds & trees moving?
Rocking the Polyphia strap!
This little amp is just too small. It has a distant transistor sound.
The best travel amp I’ve ever owned is the Katana Air but it’s much bigger and costs a LOT more.
Now having said that the Katana Air absolutely can fill up a room. You can easily play with others even drums if he’s restrained lol. The KA is also wireless with a rechargeable transmitter, runs on batteries and its real stereo with volume.
So it’s like this. If you’re broke and just want to noodle the Spark Go is your amp but if you need performance in a small portable package the Katana Air is unbeatable. Even the full size Spark can’t compete!
I’m more curious about that headless strat.
Kiesel Delos.........you can buy one just like it from Kiesel, he has his own skew number.
Love my spark. If they would make a larger amplifier I would sell my Katana artist
They are selling a powered speaker cabinet now. You can plug any of the Sparks into it.
I bought one in the first release. (already had/have the spark 40) Sounds okay through headphones but the speaker and "in room" sound is TERRIBLE! I have used it through Catalyst and Katana using the amp's power amp setting and is okay. Spark GO is okay for travel but you must bring headphones or I'd end up throwing it out my hotel window.
I didn’t know it had a tuner. I’ve had mine for several months now and didn’t know about the built in tuner.
That’s pretty good.
Looks like St. Maarten in the background? Anguilla? I live there.
Prolly Hawaii, I bet. Nonstop from PHX is routine, so, yeah.
I think mine sounds meh when using the speaker but it's terrific even using headphones.
Next time you're on Maui hit me up. I'll show you some good spots 🤙
Looks like you're at Wailea
Maui no ka oi !!!!
It sounds pretty good on my phone being such a little thing. Sure it's better in person.