The Perfect Gear to Start Your Electric Guitar Journey

Musicmaker Christmas Guide



Pedals are good too, but that's a story for another day.

So you’ve got your first guitar — or maybe you’re about to give someone theirs this Christmas.

That first strum feels amazing… until you realise there’s one vital ingredient missing.

You need to plug in, tune up, and make it sound alive.

That’s where the right amp and accessories come in — not just the extras, but the essential companions that turn a guitar into an instrument.

Here’s our 2025 guide to the best beginner amps and must-have accessories, hand-picked by the crew at Musicmaker Dublin, the home of Irish musicians since the 1980s.


Laney Amps – Big Sound for Small Spaces

There’s no better starting point than Laney — the legendary brand that’s been powering rock stages since 1967.

For beginners, the Laney LX10 and Laney LX10B (for bass) are unbeatable. Compact, light, and packed with tone, they’re perfect for bedrooms, studios, or sneaky late-night jams.

Why we love them:

  • 10 watts of surprisingly big sound.
  • Simple EQ controls (bass, mid, treble) so you learn tone-shaping fast.
  • Headphone output for quiet practice.
  • Clean and overdrive channels for exploring new sounds.

These little amps are small enough for the desk, loud enough for the room, and built tough enough to last years.

More details HERE.



Compact and affordable - The Laney LX10 series is ideal.

Musicmaker Sustainable Straps – Comfort with a Conscience

When it comes to guitar straps, comfort matters — and so does sustainability.

Our Musicmaker Sustainable Straps are made from eco-friendly materials, durable as anything, and available in a range of colours to match your style. Whether you’re learning standing up or sitting down, these straps give support without slipping or digging in.

Crafted by re.store in northern Portugal, these straps are tremendously community, eco, planet and human conscious.

Why they’re great gifts: they’re practical, ethical, and look properly cool on stage or in the sitting room.

Check them out HERE!



These colours and many, many more. Check them out HERE!

Kyser Capos – The Quick-Change Hero

Every beginner should have a Kyser Capo in their gig bag. Made in the USA, Kyser’s quick-change design means no more fiddling or retuning mid-song — just clamp and play.

Perfect for shifting keys to match your voice or learning songs from your favourite artists. Durable, reliable, and available in loads of finishes, they’re a simple tool that makes a massive difference.

They are the best for the job. Always.

Get yours HERE.



Small but invaluable - the Kyser Quick Change Capo.

Cables That Last – Stagg & Pig Hog

Never underestimate the power of a good cable. Cheap ones crackle, cut out, and ruin the fun — but Stagg and Pig Hog cables don’t mess around.

  • Stagg SGC3DL cables are rock-solid, reliable, and clear — perfect for your first home setup.
  • Pig Hog cables, on the other hand, are the heavy-duty monsters of the cable world — thick, tangle-resistant, and built to survive years of gigs.

Pro tip: Always have one extra cable on hand. It’s the unsung hero of every jam session.

Browse our instrument cables HERE.



Check our a range of Cables Here.

Snark & Stagg Tuners – Stay in Tune, Stay Inspired

Nothing kills a good moment faster than being out of tune.

That’s why clip-on tuners like the Snark SN5X or Stagg CTU-C1 are essential for every player. They’re quick, accurate, and clip right onto your headstock — so you can tune up in seconds.

Both models have bright displays, ideal for stage, home, or studio, and they work on guitar, bass, and ukulele alike.

Because once you’re in tune, everything sounds better — including you.

Check out a range of Tuners Here.


Utterly vital and very accessible - get yourself a Tuner Here.

Musicmaker Promo Packs – All the Essentials in One Go

If you’re shopping for a new guitarist and want everything sorted in one go, our Musicmaker Promo Packs are the ultimate easy win.

Each pack includes a curated collection of essentials every beginner needs:

  • Guitar bag – padded and protective.
  • Instrument cable – clean, reliable connection.
  • Strings & tuner – ready for quick swaps and perfect pitch.
  • Picks & strap – comfort and tone variety built in.

It’s a full setup in one affordable bundle — no confusion, no missing bits, just plug-in-and-play perfection.

Ideal for first-time buyers, gift-givers, or anyone ready to get busy.

Browse our various Promo Packs Here.



Save money and get all you need! The mm Promo Packs are the way to go.

Beginner Gear FAQ – Small Things, Big Difference

Q. Do I need an amp to learn electric guitar?

A. Yes! Even a small amp like the Laney LX10 will help you hear the tone, sustain, and dynamics that make electric guitar special. Plus, it’s way more fun.

Q. How loud are beginner amps?

A. 10 watts might not sound like much, but trust us — it’s plenty for home practice. You’ll rarely push it past halfway.

Q. What’s the best tuner for beginners?

A. Clip-on tuners like the Snark SN5X or Stagg CTU-C1 are the easiest — fast, accurate, and no fuss.

Q. Are expensive cables worth it?

A. Good cables prevent noise and last longer. Even one upgrade from a cheap cable can make your tone clearer and save you from mid-song crackles.

Q. What’s the one accessory every guitarist needs?

A. A strap that feels right and a tuner that works. Everything else comes next — but those two keep you comfortable and in tune, no matter what you play.


The Perfect Stocking Fillers for Every Guitarist

The best gifts for guitarists aren’t always the flashiest — they’re the ones that make playing easier, cleaner, and more inspiring.

This Christmas, grab the essentials:

Or go all-in with a Musicmaker Promo Pack — everything they need, wrapped and ready.


Because sometimes the little things make the biggest impact.