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 🏴
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 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.
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 :)
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
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!
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
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👍
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.
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?
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 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.
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.
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?
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 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....
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 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
You can jam along to any song on TH-cam, 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! 🤘🎸
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 ;)
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.
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
Didn't find/see the link for the wireless pack. Which one do you suggest?
@@xtimator I was wondering the same thing myself
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 🏴
Who would dare skip Shane's sweet opening jams?
IKR!!!
Yes and he has performance playlists and lessons on his channel
Very Cool, Thankyou. What an awesome little unit, with all the "amp" Options and Effects. Sounds amazing. All the Best. Cheers
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’ve been thinking about grabbing either this or the 40 for times I am traveling. Great vid Shane! 🎸🔥🎸🔥🎸
I have the 40W and just love it! It's wonderful and quite louder and more realistic sounding than the Spark Go IMO.
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.
Can't find the wireless guitar connection he talks about being in the description? Anyone know?
Thanks for helping me to decide if I want to buy one or not when on the road and may be getting the wireless as well.. Thank you & keep rocking 🤘🏻🎸🤘🏻
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 :)
Should've watched this before I ordered one, tho luckily it seems it wasn't a bad choice after all, great review ty
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
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!
Thanks Shane 😊
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
So what are the cons of this amp? Also it would be helpful to actually know what DLC is locked off
Cool video. I’ve got the 40. I like the positive grid stuff. Ive found it a really good platform for beginners and more advanced players.
I have one!
As an amp, if used “near field”,…because that is what it was designed to be used as,…it’s a lot of fun.
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👍
Where’s the link to the wireless guitar device?
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’m thinking it would be work well attached to the guitar strap with a short cable to the guitar and it would stay on the strap in the gig bag.
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?
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 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.
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.
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?
*Small* modeling / tube amps
Looks like a nice wee busking amp, heard its loud and I can strap it on my belt too.
No good for busking as it’s only 3 watts. You can attach it to your belt.
I have the Spark 40 and I’m pretty sure the only pay-to-use downloadable content is the Jimi Hendrix add-on.
You mentioned a link to the wireless pack. Couldn't find it.
What is the recommended headphone impedance? Will regular phone headphones work?
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?
Damn! That amp it smaller than my prospects once I reach retirement age!
TINY!
🙃😅😅😅😅
The wife (I may have hinted) has got me one for Christmas.
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....
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
What wireless system are you using?
The cable does tip mine over
Just saw this video, have had my spark go for a few months and the presets sound nothing like these, any advice?
The only DLC is the Jimmy Hendrix tone pack, right?
How are the sounds of this amp compared to the NUX mighty lite BT?
Can I ask what Bluetooth kit you used on this video to link to the Positive Grid Spark GO?
I was connected to the Spark via Bluetooth. There's an official app you download to interact with the amp.
Mini, me. It rocks.
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
Does the amp come with some jam tracks included to practice?
You can jam along to any song on TH-cam, 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! 🤘🎸
Locked content? Nope. I will go for the NuX
does it sound good using electric acoustic guitars?
Yes, if you set it up correctly it’s pretty cool for acoustic instruments but don’t expect it to be loud
bitter sweet. Ive spent thousands of dollars on amps and gear. This may be all you need.
God bless you!
SOLI DEO GLORIA
(To The Glory Of God Alone)
Father, Son & Holy Spirit
-Ronnie
Say's he's not a metal player and confirms it by playing a 7b5 chord immediately.
It was ok. A LOT of modern gaming is a total scam!
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 ;)
What would be something decent according to you?
@@stephaneruhlmann3262 Boss Katana
@@stephaneruhlmann3262boss katana mk2
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.
Mine arrives tomorrow! A few of my students gave me Amazon gift cards. I’m a teacher so I’ll be using this a lot!
How is it?