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Finding the ideal gift for the guitarist is a tricky thing to do for someone not entirely sure what they’re looking for or at.

Sometimes just listening to the blah blah blah of your average guitarist as he/she talks about about that new fangled gadget or wotsamacallit can lead you nowhere.

Anyway here are a few of my favourite gadgets that came on to the market this year.

A lot are computer based, ie USB interfaces – they allow guitar to be recorded and also have the added bonus of using laptop or desktop as an effects processor.

I’ve looked at guitar gadgets and toys under £100

Perfect for the laptop or desktop musician keen on getting their guitar chops into their computer recording setup.

Or simply using their laptop as an effects unit.

GX is a rock-solid interface that’s really easy to use. It features a super-quiet 1/4-inch guitar input, a 1/8-inch headphone/line output and a volume knob for instant, straightforward recording.

£69 @ Gear 4 Music

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The G2M™ is a simple-to-use, highly effective, guitar-to-MIDI converter. It is “Universal” because it doesn’t need a special pick-up mounted on your guitar, but instead simply connects to your guitar like any other effects pedal or tuner.

Designed to give accurate triggering, with low-latency, it is a true plug-and-play solution for monophonic MIDI guitar. It can be used to sequence bass lines and guitar solos add an edge to your live performances — it opens up many creative possibilities.

£74 @ Dolphin Music

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Whether it’s a clean, shimmering guitar sound, raucous crunch, or full-tilt gain with outrageous overdrive, the new DA5 has it, and all points in between.

Great sounding effects.

The versatility extends to a full complement of 11 digital effects. The DA5 features auto-wah, chorus + delay, chorus + reverb, compressor, compressor + chorus, compressor + phaser, delay, flanger + reverb, reverb, rotary + reverb, and tremolo + reverb. There’s also a Tap Button that makes it easy to set the delay time or modulation speed.

£79 @ Gear 4 Music

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Native Instruments Guitar Rig Mobile – compact USB 2.0 audio Interface (24-bit/192kHz), 1/4″ jack instrument input, 1/4″ TRS stereo line/headphone out, includes Guitar Rig 3 LE Software (2x guitar & 1x bass amp models, 12x speaker models and 12x FX.

£81.91 @ Thomann

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Seamless design for live play or recording work The G1u gives you not only 67 versatile guitar effects, it also features full USB audio interface capability. Whether you’re just practicing, playing a gig, or having a recording session, the G1u will impress as a multi talented performer.

Record directly to computer.

67 Studio Quality Effects.

Battery or USB powered.

£84.99 @ Gear 4 Music

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IK Multimedia Stealth Plug USB Audio Interface.

With an in-line Guitar Cable USB audio interface housing a 1/4� jack on one side and a USB port on the other, entering the world of software based amp and effects modeling is as simple as plugging your guitar into your computer. StealthPlug also includes volume adjustment buttons, indication LED, and a 1/8� stereo output for headphones, powered speakers, or an amp.

The perfect mobile solution for playing, recording, or practicing – anytime and anywhere.

Use AmpliTube Live, for playing and AmpliTube LE within your recording environment for the ultimate in flexibility. For live playing or practicing anywhere at any time, the StealthPlug is a complete guitar amp and effects modeling solution. Use the StealthPlug with AmpliTube Live and LE, in either plug-in or standalone format, with all major Mac and PC platforms.

Easy to use, just plug your guitar into your computer.

£95 @ Gear 4 Music