I filmed this video about a month before releasing it. Always check for new firmware with any of these digital modelling devices just incase there's any major updates. I hope you find this video helpful navigating the amp. 00:00 - About & Disclaimer (Not Sponsored - Amp on Loan) 00:37 - Jam Track (3 tones) 02:14 - Positive Grid Spark GO Overview, Size, Weight, Specs 03:22 - USB-C port / Audio Inteface 03:47 - Under the Front Grill 04:13 - Battery Runtime 04:32 - Clean Tone / John Mayer Slow Dance 05:24 - Sweet Memory Clean Tone (How to switch presets) 05:56 - Off-Clean Tone Two-Stone SP50 06:32 - Great Blues Tone - Blues Ark (Fender + Pedal Tone) 06:46 - Turning off effects 07:01 - Turning Down the Preset Volume 07:18 - Rock Presets - Crazy Crue (Marshall) 07:56 - Soldano (Dark Soul) 08:22 - Metal Presets - Iron Hammer 08:57 - Millenial Lead (Friedman Metal) 10:01 - Alternative - Spooky Melody 10:50 - Alternative (Hide and Seek) 11:39 - How to Create & Save a Preset 15:25 - Positive Grid Spark GO Pros and Cons
I don't like the idea that you might have to pay to unlock basic amp features, hopefully you only pay for things that a useful extra rather than for the basics like compression, reverb, gating or overdrive 🏴
Love mine. DLC is annoying, but not at all necessary. It's just for the Hendrix pack. I paid because I'm a sucker for Univibes and wanted the fancier one, but there is a perfectly decent one in the standard firmware. There's no shortage of amps as standard either. The "smart jam" feature seems pretty useless to me. If it wasn't there, it wouldn't be missed. But for doing the important stuff its great. I play with a cable and it causes no problems at all
I have a few ways to plug in and shredd...but still find myself hooking into my spark, it's on as a iPod speaker all day...and when a song comes on I dig, there's always a guitar plugged in ready to go.
What really blows my mind is that this has the same functionality with the Spark cab and accessories as the bigger sparks. This might be the most adaptable portable amp in the market and they priced it really competitively. The quality of gear you can get dirt cheap these days is astounding.
I’ve just bought one a month ago and I have to say it is exactly the solution that I was looking for. I’ve tried everything else for home practice, I’ve had headphone amps, small tube amps, battery powered amps, desktop amps, etc… some were better sounding but not as portable as this, others were terrible but this is good enough to enjoy the sound. And I can take it everywhere… of course if I need to be loud I take my Engl or Taurus amp, I use Sansamp and Headrush units, have some pedals as well but the Spark is for a different reason and it fills the gap perfectly
I have the mini and its great…plenty loud enough for a bedroom or office…I run mine thru an frfr and it’s fantastic…fyi…the EQ is your friend, if you find it too bassy👍
These Sparks are great. Check out the mini, is like the best between portability and volume, also with internal battery. I had the 40, and the mini love it even more!
If you were going on tour with a four-piece band in a mini-van to play in clubs, would you take something like this, a large modeling anp, Peavey Bandit, or a tube/valve amp?
No, it's shite! Don't believe all the hype, you lose definition of sound when you pull back guitar volume, play a backing track and guitar, both sounds fighting each other, it simply can't handle it, not bad for headphone use, but spend some money and get something decent ;)
Yow,i just ordered this online.. your Review really helped me to take a look inside the app ..thats what i was most interested.. Also some of your demo playing brought tears to my eyes..😮
Just nabbed one of these - have yet to fully deep dive into it but messed with it for about 5 minutes, great parking lot jammer - pairing it with a Ukulele. Fun to throw effects on a uke :)
Hey man awesome video Quick question, when using a single coil strat, the super clean sounds and so low in volume when the amp is gunned. Distorted tones are as loud as you would want though. Is that the same for you?
The DLC is for the Jimi Hendrix Amps (jimi's family wants to get paid) and I got it and didn't feel I need it. Every other feature is included. I love my Spark mini and recommend it to any player who needs a small practice amp.
I dont know but shane has a kinda weird type of holding a pick. And i dont mean that hes a leftie.Thanks for the honest review shane. Love my spark 40, but for traveling and as the "were i be atm" moment i use a nux ml 2. The spark was to expensive for what he does and i dont like the app\dlc
this is a very goo and help ful review, Shane, big thank you! Would be good to also get the Spark Mini and compare it to NUX Mighty 8BT MKii. that are the actual 2 rivals. I wonder which one has a more accurate tone. The Spark Mini may also be lowder despite its smaller size.
I bought one a few months ago and its my best guitar based purchase for years. Its sat on my shelf near my guitar and takes me seconds to start playing. More than enough volume for practice
What about plugging it to an acoustic guitar? Would the device be still good and effective or it’s just good when using electric guitar! Also, could I use it on its own and without connecting to another bigger amplifier?
I ended up returning mine. Loved the form factor (size) and concept and was thought it would be great for travel, but it didn't feel good under the fingers (no "sponginess") at all.
a few years ago I was using an OOntz angle with a compressor pedal. or my Ukulele with active preamp. the recent ones I have have lag but I'm pretty sure most little speakers do it
I love the Spark line of products. I started with the 40. When the Go came out I was intrigued because I wanted a deck/dock amp for convenience and portability. While I know it’s an IR etc, the Go on its own is simply too small. To my ears it sounded like a 70’s transistor radio. I returned it and got the Mini instead. I barely play my 40 since getting the Mini. I love having both though.
I was choosing between the nux and the spark go, i already have the spark 40 for home and i line it. I watched one of these for at work or travel, i just bought the spark go mainly because of recharge ability and the app since i already have a spark. Hope i made a good choice should be here this weekend.
And is it any good mate? I'm thinking of buying one myself... I take delivery of a brand new Fender Squier on Tuesday, can't wait! But I need an amp to go with it....
You can jam along to any song on RU-vid, Spotify or Apple Music. The app even analyzes the song and tells you what chords to play. It's great and a whole lot of fun! 🤘🎸
Replaceable batteries are better. Do we know how long they will make these? Do we know if they will continue making these built in batteries? Built in batteries eventually need to be replaced; just like cell phone and computer batteries. If they aren't made anymore then your amp becomes a paperweight. Rechargeable removable batteries are the best. They are easily replaced when they stop working. These Spark Go amps must be updated with Windoz software. Sorry. I refuse to use spyware computers. GNU/Linux for me. I love the concept, but won't buy one of these.
Really? Once the batteries are no longer charging can't you just keep it plugged in and keep it working? Loses the functionality of portability has to be near a power point but not the same as being a paper weight....or have I got that wrong?
Not all battery operated devices can function while charging. You would need to read the manual to know if this will function while plugged into the wall. @@SiegfriedFarnonMRCVS
It sounds exactly like it looks to me, very small, and very plastic. To me, this is for a 6 year old kid who wants to be a rock band player. If this is all I had to practice with, I'd quit playing. Just being honest with my opinion.
