The portability of such a device makes it a wonderful stocking stuffer as well as a perfect “toy” for those who want to jam along with music from their phones/music players and not have to buy three different cables to do so. It allows you to listen and/or jam along with music without the inconvenience of cables. What a perfect little contraption for anyone who wants to turn any amplifier with a Line In into a wireless stereo audio receiver. If you aren’t keen on listening to your gift recipient practicing their craft and you live in the same house, you may want to pick up a pair for yourself as well. These differ from the cheap foam inserts because they are designed to reduce the overall decibel level of the sounds around you, not just muffle them. DUBS, Hearos, Fender, Blackstar, and many other manufacturers make rather affordable and effective ear plug style protection that you can buy for anywhere between $25-$50 a pair.

There are several options for hearing protection, ranging from the cheap foam bullets you can buy for a dollar at most rehearsal spaces, all the way up to the customized, professional-level in-ear “plugs” that can also double as on-stage monitors. While all of us suffer from bouts of selective hearing, the last thing a musician wants to lose is the most important element to their craft: hearing. “What?” “Can you turn me up?” “Can you please repeat that?” It goes without say that a new guitar or bass under the tree is never a bad idea!) Ear Protection With that in mind, let’s get right to the point with the 2015 Seymour Duncan Holiday Gift Guide. This year we’re going to give you some other options just in case you’ve already exhausted those. Last year we focused on more conventional things like custom made picks, guitar straps, guitar maintenance products, lessons, or a practice amp. We can get all sentimental about how “it’s not about the presents,” yet doing so does not help the people tasked with delivering appropriate gifts on the Christmas morning.

And I did not receive any hot pink acoustic guitar-shaped earrings. Last year it seemed as though some people in my household may have read my 2014 Holiday Gift Guide, because Santa was very kind. The annual Black Friday stampedes, er, “sales” have officially kicked off the holiday shopping season. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of the year again.

Riffstation review 2015