A Killer Practice Amp: Positive Grid Spark Mini Review
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I’ve tried a lot of practice amps over the last 20 years and I have to say, this is far and away my favorite so far. While it’s great to have the studio to jam out in, it can get a little isolating on a daily basis, especially on evenings when I just feel like casually playing a little mindless guitar. That’s possibly what makes me happiest about this little amp – it looks great sitting dormant on my tv console, I can fire it up in 30 seconds, and I can play at low volume with great tone. Sure, that’s the essence of any practice amp. But this thing comes with some really cool goodies that I haven’t seen anywhere else for this price.
First Impressions
The amp is super light – just under 4 pounds. And it comes with a strap to make it easy to move around. This thing is as easier than turning on a microwave. Hit the power button and you’re off and running.
Sound
I’m impressed with the quality of sound and tone. Obviously it doesn’t have tubes in it, but it’s pretty surprising how well it can emulate tube sounds. Will you get crystal clear cleans like a Fender Twin Reverb? No. But for a 10w amp the clean tones are sparkly and crisp. Turn the dial to an overdrive channel and it will rip. I’ve been breaking out all my old Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and GnR songs. I almost forgot how fun they are to play.
The volume gets plenty loud too. If you put this little amp on the floor next to you or on the coffee table facing you, you won’t need to go past 7 to start feeling a little ringing in your ears. If you go all the way to 10, some channels can get a little breakup but you have to be listening for it to really notice.
If you need a little extra volume and power, for about $30-40 bucks you can upgrade to the 40W Positive Grid Amp. It has all the same features as the mini, but it’s a little bigger, a little more powerful, and a little less portable. If want something to do small gigs with, this is the way to go. Just make sure to lock your bluetooth 😉
The Cloud
Ok, here is where this amp gets really really cool. The Positive Grid app is one of the most innovative advancements in music I have seen in a long time. First of all, there are pre-programed amps and pedals built into the app that the amp can emulate. Want a Marshall Plexi? It’s there. Want a Digi-delay pedal? It’s there. Not only can you select different amps and pedals, but you can actually turn the dials on each of them to customize your tone. It’s a little weird at first but once you get used to it you’ll customize every setup in your library.
Now, here is my absolute favorite feature about the app. If you jump into the cloud you open the door to a gigantic repository of customized tones that other people have created. Anyone who customizes or creates a tone can share it in the cloud. Think about that. You can access and download literally thousands of tones in an instant. You can also save your favorite 4 to presets on your channel knob so you don’t need to open the app to switch to them.
The cloud has a search feature, which I’ve had a lot of fun tinkering with. I like to search for artists whose tones I like. Everything from Hendrix to Petrucci to Gilmore or anyone else you can think of is available. You will find a lot of different tones for popular guitarists and some sound better than others. But with so many options you will easily find something that matches what you’re looking for.
The Verdict
Ok, The Positive Grid Spark Mini has become an integral part of my practice routine. Its compact size means I can easily move it from my home office to the living room or even the backyard. While it has its limitations in terms of raw power and some minor software quirks, its versatility and innovative app integration make it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced players alike.
Just remember, it’s not going to replace your main gigging amp, but for what it is – a compact, feature-packed practice solution – it’s hard to beat. It’s made those late-night practice sessions when inspiration strikes much more convenient (and neighbor-friendly). It’s alright to annoy your neighbor a little bit though right?