Inexpensive Inroads into Musical Adventures - Part One
Fender are always there to help.....
You might be thinking "It's too damn early to be thinking about Christmas!", and you're probably right. It's not even Halloween yet. But, it's always good to be prepared and there's never any harm formulating some dastardly plans ahead of time. Especially if it makes that dread time of Christmas Shopping a less harrowing experience. Streamlining, we like streamlining, and we absolutely love instruments of every kind so pretty much any chance to highlight some fun new toys and there we are.
So let's get down to it. In this instalment I'm going to highlight some amazing instruments, for beginners to intermediate players, all available for €300 or less. If you are looking to get started, or to find that perfect introduction to music for a child, sibling or loved one of any kind, this is the place to be.
Let's do music.
Guitars
Ah Guitars. Everyone's first port of call in the musical storm, and with good reason really. Portable, applicable to any and all music styles and generally not too loud or offensive in the learning, the guitar is an excellent place to start. This is just the briefest example of what we have in stock instore at Musicmaker so if you have any questions, please get in touch. We're always happy to help.
Acoustics
The Stagg C440M Nylon String Acoustic
Stagg C440M Pack: 4/4 Size Classical Guitar Pack with Tuner and Bag - Natural: The Stagg C440 is the perfect choice for aspiring guitarists, whether you're just starting your musical journey or looking to expand your skills. This beginner-friendly instrument boasts a body crafted from sturdy Linden wood, ensuring it produces a beautiful, warm, and clear tone that's sure to delight your ears.
One of the standout features of the Stagg C440 is its nylon strings, which are not only gentle on your fingertips but also produce a mellower sound, making it an ideal choice for beginners. With its 4/4 size, this guitar is suitable for young learners aged 12 and up, as well as adults looking to explore the world of music.
To make the deal even sweeter, the Stagg C440 is equipped with nickel machine heads that excel at retaining tuning, so you can enjoy uninterrupted playing without constant adjustments. And let's not forget the timeless natural finish, giving this guitar an aesthetic charm that is sure to catch the eye and turn heads. The Stagg C440 is your ideal companion as you embark on your musical journey, making learning to play the guitar an enjoyable and melodious experience.
The Stagg SA25 Sapele
SA25 A Sapele Mahogany Auditorium Acoustic Guitar - Natural: The delightful SA25, a stunning Sapele Mahogany Auditorium Acoustic Guitar in a beautiful natural finish. This exquisite instrument embodies a perfect blend of craftsmanship and tonal excellence. Crafted with precision, the SA25 offers a rich, warm, and resonant sound that's sure to captivate any music enthusiast. Its auditorium body shape not only ensures a comfortable playing experience but also projects the music with remarkable clarity. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, the SA25 is a versatile and delightful companion for your musical journey. Elevate your acoustic guitar experience with the SA25's harmonious fusion of premium materials and exceptional playability.
The Stagg SA25 auditorium acoustic guitar has Sapele Mahogany top, back and sides. This rounded body, auditorium acoustic guitar has great feel from the Okoume neck with blackwood finger board. The compensated bridge is walnut and the machine heads are die cast chrome.
Electrics
Stagg SES-30 BK - 3/4 Size Electric Guitar: Here it is, the Stagg SES-30 BK 3/4, your ultimate choice for a quality electric guitar that's not only compact but also as light as a feather. This little dynamo is your go-to when you're on the move, whether you're a student, a beginner, or just someone who likes their guitar travel-ready.
The SES-30 packs a punch with its trio of single-coil pickups, serving up a crisp, brilliant sound that's bursting with clarity and character. What's more, it's not just your run-of-the-mill electric guitar – it's your ticket to tonal adventure. With a 5-way pickup selector switch, you can effortlessly flip between different pickup combinations, opening up a treasure chest of tonal possibilities. And let's not forget the rock-solid fixed bridge and the trusty die-cast tuners that keep your tuning in tip-top shape.
The Stagg SES-30 3/4 is your reliable partner for electrifying musical escapades, ideal for beginners and anyone who craves a pocket-sized, feather-light axe with outstanding sound quality. So whether you're jamming at home or taking the stage by storm, this guitar promises an awesome playing experience that's both portable and punchy.
Squier Sonic Stratocaster Pack, 2-Colour Sunburst, Frontman Amp: The Squier Sonic® Stratocaster® Pack is your launchpad for an epic musical journey, propelling new players into the stratosphere with a convenient bundle of guitar essentials all in one box. As an iconic piece of music history, the Stratocaster is a fantastic choice for beginners, celebrated for its sleek and comfortable contoured body and a neck that's as smooth as a cosmic ride.
Equipped with three single-coil pickups, this guitar delivers an array of inspiring tones that adapt effortlessly to any musical genre. And if that's not enough, the tremolo bridge invites you to create mind-bending vibrato effects, sure to ignite your creative spark.
The Squier® Frontman® 10G amplifier, compact and portable, boasts both clean and overdrive channels, along with a two-band EQ for tone control. Plus, there's a headphone jack for silent practice and an aux input for connecting your media device, so you can truly rock out on your terms.
But wait, there's more! This interstellar pack includes a padded gig bag to protect your precious cargo, an instrument cable to keep you plugged in, a strap for some rockstar swag, and picks to keep the music flowing. And that's not all – you'll also receive a complimentary 3-month subscription to Fender Play®, the ultimate guide to mastering the art of guitar.
The Squier Sonic Strat in 2-Colour Sunburst, perfect for beginners.
Stagg BC300-WS 4 String Fusion Electric Bass Guitar - Walnut Stain: Let's not forget the budding bassists out there. The Stagg BC300-WS 4-String Fusion Electric is a great bass guitar in a captivating Walnut Stain finish. This sleek and versatile instrument is here to create your bass-playing experience. Crafted with precision and style, the BC300-WS delivers a powerful and dynamic sound that will get your groove on. With its well-balanced design, this bass guitar provides a comfortable playing experience, making it suitable for both beginners and players who want a bass to tinker with. The Walnut Stain finish adds a touch of elegance to your stage presence.
The Stagg BC300-WS is not just a bass; it's your ticket to the heart of the rhythm, offering fantastic sound quality and playability. Whether you're laying down the foundation for your band or creating your own bass-driven melodies, this instrument has got you covered. Get ready to embrace the power of the low end with the Stagg BC300-WS.
The Stagg BC-300 in Walnut Stain
Keyboards & Piano Vibes
I've said it before and I still think it's true, we should all play piano, at least a little bit. It opens up the world of music like no other instrument and , thanks to the wonders of modern technology, it is now more accessible than ever. Here is a couple of examples of very inexpensive keyboards that will have your musical fancies tickled, in no time at all.
Carry-On 49 and 88 Key Foldable Pianos: Well, this is cool. The Carry-on Folding Piano is a truly unique innovation that packs both 49-key and 88-key pianos into a foldable, highly portable format. Thanks to its ingenious design, these pianos offers a playing experience that closely mimics that of a traditional instrument, making it an ideal choice for individuals ranging from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Play to your heart's content at any time, either through headphones for a private session or using the built-in stereo speakers for a more social setting. With a generous selection of 128 sounds and accompaniments, along with MIDI over USB, this piano becomes your all-in-one solution for practicing and recording on the go.
For piano and keyboard enthusiasts, finding a practical solution for practice while traveling has been a long-standing challenge. Previous options typically featured smaller keys or roll-up designs that lacked the authentic touch and feel of a real instrument. This is precisely why the Carry-on Piano was brought to life—an instrument that offers a piano keyboard with the proper touch and feel, all cleverly condensed into a compact format that can effortlessly fit into a small bag or backpack. Say goodbye to the headaches of portable piano practice and embrace the freedom of music wherever you go.
The Carry-On 49-Key and 88-Key Foldable Pianos. Affordable, portable, brilliant.
Casio CT S100 Portable Keyboard, Black: Step into the future of keyboard portability with the Casio CT S100, now available in sleek black. Casio's latest offering in compact and lightweight keyboards brings you a world of musical possibilities. Featuring 61 full-size keys, a rich selection of 122 exciting tones, and 61 accompaniment rhythms, it's your gateway to making music in a truly portable package. Whether it's for school or home use, the CT S100 is the perfect tool for learning the fundamentals of keyboard playing.
What sets the S100 apart is the unprecedented convenience it offers. Right at the top of the keyboard, you'll find an integrated handle, allowing you to carry your new musical companion wherever your heart desires. Weighing in at just 3.3 kilograms, creating music on the go has never been more effortless. The Casio CT S100 opens the door to a world of musical exploration, right at your fingertips.
Ukuleles
There are few instruments as portable and as convenient as the Ukulele. With it's diminutive size and relatively simple, 4-string design, the ukulele is an excellent way to ingratiate oneself into the pantheon of musicality. Check these out....
Stagg US-NAT Soprano Ukulele, Natural, With Gigbag: Finished in a wholesome Natural colour, this stunning Soprano Ukulele comes with a Black Nylon Gigbag. Featuring a Basswood body and Nato neck, this fun and vibrant instrument is perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Stagg US-NAT Soprano Ukulele with Gig Bag
Laka VUS5N Soprano Ukulele, Natural: When you think of a ukulele, the iconic soprano version often comes to mind - it's the smallest and most charming in the ukulele family. Laka has crafted a range of soprano ukuleles that have won the hearts of players all over the world, appealing especially to those with small hands and eager children venturing into the enchanting realm of the uke.
Among these, the Laka VUS5N Soprano Ukulele stands out as the perfect gateway to the enduring popularity of these delightful instruments. This model is not only a hit among beginners but also finds favour with amateur and professional musicians. What makes this little wonder truly special, like all Laka ukuleles, is its incredible portability, allowing you to take the joy of music with you wherever you go.
The Laka VUS5N Soprano Uke
Fender Venice Soprano Uke, Walnut Fingerboard, 2-Colour Sunburst: Behold the Fender Venice Soprano Ukulele WN, a one-of-a-kind instrument that strikes the perfect balance for a harmonious sound. Inspired by Fender's Californian heritage, this ukulele brings the classic Fender tone to an affordable package designed to enchant your senses. Crafted from basswood and walnut tonewoods, it offers a rich and diverse spectrum of tones, infusing sweetness and warmth into your music.
Playing it is a breeze, thanks to the slim "C"-shaped neck profile that ensures comfort during your musical journey. With this ukulele in hand, the music flows effortlessly from your fingertips, free from the constraints of hand strain. As you strum away, you'll find it hard to resist showcasing your skills on this unique instrument. The eye-catching finish is crowned with a Telecaster-style headstock, adding a dash of individuality to your musical expression. The Fender Venice Soprano Ukulele WN is here to make your musical experience truly unforgettable.
The Fender Venice Soprano Ukulele
There you have it. A collection of really beautiful instruments, all for €300 or under. In the next instalment we might raise the price, and the stakes, somewhat and see where the universe takes us.
As ever, pop in to Musicmaker to check all of these instruments out for yourself and if you have any questions at all, get in touch with us via the Contact page or the Intercom button below.
Until next time.