Best Gifts for Musicians | Top 10 Christmas Ideas

by admin. Posted on September 5, 2023

05 Sep

Finding the best gift for your friend or loved one can be a difficult task, since musicians come in all shapes and sizes with tastes and interests that can vary widely. They may be passionate about classical music, rock, jazz, electronic, or any other genre. Each one having different accessories to consider. At DoorJamz, we know that shopping for a musician can be both a unique and enjoyable experience, filled with both excitement and challenges. So how do you find the perfect gift that is both thoughtful & useful?

Before you start shopping, we have put together a list of what we have found to be the 10 best Christmas gifts for Musicians. The following music accessories can greatly enhance any musician’s playing experience and overall enjoyment of their craft. Here are ten of the best music accessories for musicians:

1) DoorJamz Guitar Hanger

Great for any musician who owns a stringed instrument. This DoorJamz guitar hanger fits over the top of any door. Great for saving space & keeping your stringed instrument in sight & off the floor!

2) Instrument Tuner

A reliable electronic tuner is essential for keeping instruments like guitars, violins, and wind instruments in tune. Clip-on tuners like the Snark ST-8 Super Tight Chromatic Tuner, or TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Tuner Pedal with Buffer are popular choices.

3) Metronome

Metronomes help musicians practice timing and rhythm. Some digital metronomes also have additional features like customizable rhythms and tempos. One of the best rated & affordable metronomes is the Tama RW200 Rhythm Watch Drummer’s Metronome.

4) Instrument Cases

High-quality cases or gig bags not only protect instruments during transport but also provide storage for sheet music, accessories, and more. Depending on what you need a case for, places like Sweetwater offer a large selection of cases for a variety of needs!

5) Instrument Stands

Stands for guitars, keyboards, and other instruments keep them easily accessible and prevent damage during breaks in practice or performances. The only drawback to these is that they sit on the floor. If you are considering a stand for a bedroom, we highly recommend the DoorJamz guitar hanger to keep expensive instruments off the floor and out of the way of being knocked over.

6) Music Stand

A sturdy music stand with adjustable height and angle is crucial for holding sheet music, allowing musicians to read comfortably during practice or performance. Purchased mainly for it’s functionality & price point, the On-Stage SM7122BB Compact Folding Music Stand with Bag, is often purchased for it’s ability to be folded into a compact bag for convenient storage.

7) Quality Cables

Instrument and microphone cables can affect sound quality. Investing in durable, shielded cables can eliminate interference and ensure a clean signal. One of the top rated cables for musicians is Pro Co due to their durability and resilience for live gig performances. They aren’t the most expensive cables either. These cables come in a variety of sizes.

8) Straps and Strap Locks

Guitarists and bassists often appreciate comfortable, adjustable straps and strap locks to securely attach their instruments. If you know someone’s style, a strap is a GREAT idea for a gift because they come in a variety of fun patterns & colors. If your looking for a stocking stuffer, however that won’t break the budget, this Levy’s M8POLY 2-inch Woven Polypropylene Guitar Strap – Black is less than $10 dollars, and will for sure be used!

9) Instrument Care Kits

These kits typically include cleaning supplies, maintenance tools, and lubricants tailored to specific instruments, helping musicians keep their gear in top condition. One of the top rated kits for guitars at Sweetwater is the D’addario Instrument Care Kit. It’s recommended for polishing your fret boards.

10) Ear Protection

Musicians are exposed to loud sound levels, especially during live performances. High-fidelity earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can protect their hearing without sacrificing sound quality. The Etymotic Research ER-20XS High Fidelity Earplugs are recommended for their price point and their efficacy!

These accessories can be practical, protective, and even inspirational for musicians. Whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, having the right accessories can make a significant difference in their musical journey. Consider their instrument and specific needs when scrolling through what door jamz considers some of the the best gifts for musicians.

Guitar Hanger | Top 5 Ways to Display a Guitar

by admin. Posted on August 17, 2023

17 Aug

If you’re looking for the best way to hang guitars, we’ve compiled a few of the best space-saving and display methods for guitar hanger options. To ensure your guitars safety and longevity, here are six ways to hang a guitar:

1) Over the Door Guitar Hanger:

An over-the-door guitar hanger is a simple and convenient device designed to securely hang and display a guitar or other stringed instrument on the back of a standard door, without the need for drilling holes or using wall-mounted hooks. This type of hanger is commonly used by musicians who want to keep their guitars easily accessible and visible, while also saving space in their living or practice areas. Click here to view guitar holders by DoorJamz.

2) Wall Guitar Hanger:

Wall hangers are popular and space-efficient options for hanging guitars. One of the most popular guitar wall mounts are by String Swing. These mounts attach to the wall and cradle the guitar’s neck, keeping it securely in place. Make sure to use a sturdy wall anchor or find a wall stud for proper support.

3) Guitar Stands:

Guitar stands come in various designs, including A-frame, tripod, and multi-guitar stands. These are freestanding options that hold the guitar by the neck and body, providing stability and easy access for playing.

Guitar Rack: Guitar racks are larger storage solutions that can hold multiple guitars. They are ideal for musicians with several instruments. Racks can be placed on the floor or mounted on a wall. One of our favorite guitar stands are made by Hercules Stands.

4) Display Case:

For a more decorative option, you can use a display case or shadow box by Fender. These cases can be mounted on the wall and provide protection from dust and humidity while showcasing your guitar as a piece of art.

5) Pegboard Hooks:

If you’re looking for a DIY solution, you can mount a pegboard on the wall and use hooks to hang the guitar by its headstock. This method allows you to adjust the height and angle of the guitar to your preference. Here’s an example by Diamond Life.

Remember to consider the following tips when hanging your guitar:

Secure Mounting: Ensure that whatever method you choose provides secure mounting to prevent the guitar from falling and getting damaged.
Room Environment: Avoid hanging your guitar in direct sunlight, areas with extreme temperature changes, or near heating/cooling vents to protect it from potential damage.
Proper Support: When hanging the guitar, make sure the weight is evenly distributed between the neck and body to avoid putting excessive strain on any particular part.
Guitar Angle: Consider the angle at which you hang the guitar. It’s generally best to hang it at a slight angle to prevent it from accidentally slipping off the hanger.
Regular Inspection: Periodically check the mounting hardware and the guitar itself to ensure everything is secure and in good condition.

Whichever method that best suits your space, preferences, and the number of guitars you want to hang.

So You Want To Buy A Guitar

by admin. Posted on July 10, 2016

So you want to buy your first guitar?

Buying your first guitar can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be, it’s good to take your time and learn as much as you can about the many guitar brands, different models, and the way they feel and sound, in particular. For example, buying a guitar is like buying a car: there’s the good, the bad, and the ugly! So, if you do a little research up front, and specifically online, before you go out into the big guitar world, you’ll know what to look for, and an idea of how much you want to pay, before falling in love with some $600 beauty that wasn’t what you wanted.

As you probably know, it’s easy to go out in the world and fall in love with the outward appearance, and this is one of the many pitfalls of buying the wrong guitar for you. Especially because guitars ARE so beautiful in general, it can be like a mirage when you’re standing in a guitar store, staring at the most beautiful guitar you’ve ever seen, with a $300 price tag–especially after you compare it to all the $2,000 guitars hanging on the wall next to it.

You must resist! Restrain yourself! Leave your wallet in the car(No, actually, that’s a bad idea, have you seen some of the people hanging outside guitar stores, they are literally waiting for you to leave your wallet in the car.(Hey, they want to buy a guitar too..!)

Let’s keep it simple here, do not plan on buying a guitar the first day you go into a guitar store. This is the research phase, you are only there to “get to know” a few guitars, not buy one. No matter how badly you want to purchase, no matter how much money you’ve in the bank, most stores are way overpriced, and you will need a little ammo before you try to negotiate anywhere with anyone. You need to pick up, hold, and strum as many guitars as you possibly can before the store owner calls the police(or the men in white coats). The idea is to get a feel for comfort. Think of it this way, you will be more likely to pick up and play your guitar more often if it is comfortable to hold. Keep in mind there are also going to be tons of shiny and colorful guitar accessories strategically planted all over the guitar store, which can be very exciting, so put on you guitar accessory blinders and remember to stay focussed.

First of all, you should already know what kind of guitar you want to buy: an electric or an acoustic. If you are unsure, just think about the music you’re most interested in playing, what you like to listen to most, what you appreciate in terms of sound… this should be an easy decision. If you are buying this for a child, go with an acoustic with nylon strings in a size that fits them, that’s a no-brainier. But if you know you want to learn some songs from Metallica’s Ride The lightening album, like Fade To Black(best song ever), for example, then you know you want electric.

But if you are in to Bob Dylan or John Denver(ok, you’ve probably never heard of him, but he’s classic! Pun intended. Smokey Mountain Range anyone? Oh, wait, that’s Ronnie Milsap! Maybe I’m thinking of Rocky Mountain High..?), you will likely want to go with acoustic.

Keep in mind there are far more guitar accessories you will need to purchase over time with an electric, such as amps, effects, guitar strings, and electric guitar cords(which often need to be replaced for some strange reason I can’t seem to figure out…), while acoustics are somewhat low maintenance and portable, without requiring said guitar accessories.

The point is, you know what you like, so just do some research before purchasing. You must read forums, compare pricing, and even consider starting out with a used guitar. Once you have an idea which kind of guitar you want, it’s easy to find people willing to trade or sell some pretty decent guitars at a fair price, as their search for the next best guitar continues. It’s completely addictive! Just don’t plan to spend more than $300 on your first guitar, buy something you can kick around and won’t be afraid to take out of the case. Better yet, display it on a door so it will always be accessible without taking up valuable floor space or getting knocked over, like with a DoorJamz Guitar Hangers, $30. But don’t get me started on all the guitar accessories you will eventually be looking to purchase, you are about to embark on an expensive journey so before you walk into that guitar store…research, research, research!

There are many choices when it comes to beginner guitars, I just recommend you steer clear of any guitars made in China. However, just about any guitars made in Japan are pretty decent.

If you DO have some money to spend, and you want the best, I have one word for you…Rickenbacker(Sorry Fender but I think you know what I’m talking about.)

But seriously, regardless of your budget or the kind of guitar you decide to play(and eventually buy), just find something that feels comfortable and sounds good to you, because the absolute most important factor in all of this, by far, IS THAT YOU PLAY IT!