Positive Grid Spark: "THE" Fix
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- #positivegridspark. #spark40. #sparkamp. #spark. #12string. #12stringguitar
The Positive Grid Spark40 is the best selling amp of last three years and although the reviews are generally favorable, there is one recurring issue that everybody seems to have with it: it's too bassy! Here's a simple fix. An easy way to dial in whatever tone you're looking for and get rid of any unwanted low end. It's also the Spark's best kept secret. I also take a look at the 3 newest amps from last year's free firmware update. For step by step instructions on how to get the update, click here • SPARK GEAR DROP: New A... . I hope you enjoy the video. Email me at markaranalli@gmail.com with any questions or feedback.
If you're interested in buying the Spark, you can get it for $259 with this link amzn.to/3DJsFld I do make a couple of dollars (I honestly don't know how much) but it doesn't cost you any extra. Thanks so much.
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - The Value of a Good EQ Pedal
01:13 - Spark Firmware Update (3 new amps, 3 new pedals)
02:01 - Spark Guitar EQ
02:31 - Clean comparison
03:48 - Blues comparison
04:14 - Hi Gain comparison
05:15 - Telecaster comparison
06:05 - Guitar Giveaway
06:15 - Final Thoughts
Vangoa 12- String Guitar Giveaway Contest (2/5/22-3/15/22)
I'm giving away another COMPLETE VANGOA 12-STRING PACKAGE THIS MONTH. TO ENTER:
1. Watch any ANY VIDEO in my catalog and leave a comment.
2. You get 1 entry for EACH video you watch and comment on.
3. You have to actually WATCH the video to get credit (I can tell if you're going through and watching 30 seconds of each video. If you don't care to take a few minutes and check out some old videos it's totally cool, but you won't win).
4. Subscribe to the channel
5. Make sure that all bell notifications are turned on (i.e. you're notified of all uploads)
That's it. If you have any questions, please shoot me an email at markaranalli@gmail.com. Good luck!
Links to the New Upgraded Vangoa 12-String Models:
(the US models are Amazon Affiliate links meaning I make a couple of dollars if you purchase a guitar using this link. I made sure all the links are to the least expensive price listed on Amazon)
US:
Sunburst:amzn.to/3C8JnIv
Black Matte: amzn.to/3qtEN5v
Natural: amzn.to/321ba1n
Sapele Brown: amzn.to/3HrmHqW
Black Left Handed: amzn.to/3HjFRyC
Canada:
Black: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07TJHYQFS
Natural: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07YXR31Y3 - บันเทิง
I'm new to your channel. I love how much information you give without dragging on the nonsense. Thanks for educating us.
I wasn’t worried about the bass before but now that I have ordered the amp I’m glad I found this video. Awesome sounds man thank you!
Thanks for this video. My spark is on its way. I haven't picked up my guitar in many years. I looking forward to reigniting my passion for playing and learning more. Thanks again for the positive vibes. 👍
I appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness. Thank you for your time and help here.
Incredible amount of information in a short video. The review was very positive and the demonstration was fantastic.
Hey Michael. I appreciate you comment...I really mean it. I was on the fence about making it as I was thinking people might not care. Mark
Fantastic - thank you! As a new player, the Spark has opened my eyes to so many sound options. After adding the EQ pedal into the tones everything sounds so much cleaner!!! I hope everyone with a Spark finds this video!
Great info! My Spark is older so the link to upgrade is especially helpful. Many thanks. The on/off comparisons really tell the tale. Thanks
I tried not to go too deep as I am far from an audiophile and I didn't want to talk out of my....
Really good demo. I like all the options for sound.
I haven't ever looked into pedals much but this was an amazing demonstration of how much difference a single eq pedal makes.
Is your Finger allways in your nose ...vor why!?
This video is very helpful. I’ve not totally understood the EQ and it’s effects on sound. Now, the door has been opened. I understand more after watching. Thank you Mark for helping people along.
Hey Jim. I kept it pretty simple as this isn't my wheelhouse. I know just enough to be dangerous....and not in a good way. Thanks for always supporting. mark
Had just updated my Spark, then happened upon this vid. GREAT info and demo. Will use EQ all the time now! THANKS!
Can't thank you enough for this info. Was just about to list my spark on GBase. Tried for hours to get rid of the constant muddy low end. All without making a difference. After following your suggestion about using the EQ, I now love my spark. Thanks again.
I always thought the only thing wrong with the spark was too much bass. Thanks for the solution!
Great vid. I'm getting back into guitar after a few really busy years and the spark is actually showing up tomorrow - appreciate this!
Hey Jack. At the end of the day, anything that's going to inspire us to play more is a good thing. If you need help with anything or have any questions, feel free to email me at markaranalli@gmail.com. Everything on my channel is 100% free and I don't sell anything. Thanks for checking out the video. I appreciate your time and comment. Take care and be well. Mark
Great video. And thanks for the links on how to set it up.
I tried it and it’s even more impressive in person. Sound is radically different and better.
hey Rick. I appreciate you so much. I'm glad you got something out of the video. Talk soon. Mark
Great job of showing us the features and another great video! Tks! 🤠
I really appreciate that brother. I am so appreciative of your time. I hope you have a great week. Mark
Yessir this is what I needed because I was having a big problem with the bassiness on my high gain tones and didn't know how to figure it out. Thank you
Glad you made this. Like your focus on brief concise informative review. So many people talk and play too much. This probably finalized my decision to buy this.
THIS changes EVERYTHING!!! How did I miss this??? Thanks!
Thanks! I was just doing some research on the spark, and was dissapointed from all the reviews and comments talking about the bass, but your video is really good news and saved my perception of the spark :)
Hey Jorge. You have to keep it in perspective too. For all you get for $250, it's a no brainer. I'm not sure what people are expecting. I was a touring musician for years and I've played 100s of gigs. It sounds great. Anybody who needs their practice amp to sound better, is in a different league than I am. The most important thing for me, and the real game changer and why I love it so much, is the convenience factor. I have it sitting on my desk. I literally play the electric twice as much since I bought it and it's a constant reminder that I should be practicing. An amp that is responsible for improving your playing....priceless IMHO. The Boss and Yamaha are good too, but they don't have as many options, aren't as convenient, and are more expensive. Whatever you decide, if you don't like, you can always return. But yeah man, the EQ makes all the difference if you're a tone junkie. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. Have a great day. Mark
I am not in the market for an amplifier right now, but I always appreciate your gear reviews.
Hey Robert. I tried to make it about EQ in general as well. Didn't get too detailed as I'm not an audiophile and I don't want to talk out of my butt. I appreciate you so much. Mark
Thanks for the video. The amp is great and for the price is exceptional. I was an early adopter and have had it for a while now. The unfortunate part of the EQ is that it is in the MOD/EQ selection so when using it excludes the use of other effects (Chorus, Phaser, Flanger etc). So fine with headphones but not so good when you use the amp speakers and want to use other effects.
Just recently got the Spark and the bass was the first thing that jumped out. This video was a great help.
Hey Andy Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. I'm glad you got something out of it. I was on the fence about making it but I was tired of everyone complaining as if there's no way around it. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
Cool, just bought mine (Dec 2023), and didn't realize there was an EQ i could use. Thanks for the tip!
Great video...new to pedals and this video opened my eyes how useful an EQ pedal can be! Being able to "fix" the low end bias of the Spark has made a great amp even better! 👍🏻😉
Hey namgrunt. Yeah, people are getting way too deep into the nuances of a simple $250 practice amp, but for sure that part of it is/was annoying. Thanks for checking out the video. I appreciate your time and comment. Take care and be well. Mark
Freekin loves me some P90!!
Well done!! thank you for showing some great detailed A-B Examples on these nice upgrades for our Sparks .. Keep them Coming PG.!!
Such a difference maker!!! Thanks for making this video
Mark, thanks so much for the EQ info. I bought my spark early on but have been in motion so I'm barely at the point where I can actually use it so your video was timely thx again!
Hey Dave. Just don't let it cut into your practice time. I always check myself if I find I'm falling down the rabbit hole. :). Mark
@@8MinuteAxe haha, good point, Mark, I'll have to remember that, thanks!
Legend! What a difference that simple EQ pedal makes. Thank you!
I haven't looked into pedals however that demonstrates that I need it...thanks Mark
Great video Mark ! To often players over look the simplicity of correcting tone and sound. I know PRS has come out with some great amps, including the Hendrix special. A bit on the pricey side, but worth it, if your willing to spend the money. However, You hit the nail on the head, by showing, that with just a few adjustments, you can achieve the sound and tone your looking for, on a not so quality made amp. Well done !!
This is really helpful, even for someone not comfortable with pedals and what they can do. THanks.
Great info! I just picked one of these up today, now to dig in and figure the thing out!
I just received the Spark 40. I look forward to experimenting with it. Thanks for the information, I have heard a lot about the bass on this amp. I have not had an opportunity to try it out yet.
Thanks for this video. As a newbie I love my spark and even though I am not an audiophile, I can notice the high base in the sound. Cheers!
Hey Goldenbear. Audiophile. That was the word I was looking for yesterday. I'm not either. I tried to take the everyman approach and focus on what's practical. At the end of the day practice is more important...but people get tired of me saying that. LOL. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
great demo of how an eq works and how to get rid of the annoying bass on the Spark.
Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
AWESOME video! Just bought the Spark and thanks for the EQ ap.
The EQ pedal improved 200% all my Spark presets, I’ve been using it all the time and it brings the tone to a whole new level!
Except the ones with a tremolo.
Great video, extremely helpful. I just got my Spark and this video helped resolve some frustration with the bassiness of it. Thanks
I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know that and i'm glad you got something out of it. I hope you enjoy the spark as much as I do. Have a great weekend and take care. Mark
That looks like a recipe for several lost afternoons in the studio, fun overview!
Thanks - didn't realize this was in there. It will be very helpful!
I love my Spark amp. Thanks for all the tips.
Great stuff!!
Been all over your vids the past couple hours......epic!!!
Thank you, mate! You sure saved me some money. I have been looking for your solution for quite some time. Cheers! Subscribed.
Love it, thanks! Can't wait to try it!
Great video! Gonna buy a Spark as I haven’t played electric guitar for years now and this looks like the most fun amp to play around with at home. Can’t wait to get back into noodling around.
So simple and makes a significant difference. Nice 👍☮💗
Hey JAH. I saw your comment in another random video. You and I must have the same stuff running through our head or the algo has us pegged pretty similarly. I always run into you. :). Mark
Thanks Mark for sharing this awesome amp with us!
Hey Bob. I hope you got something out of it and I really appreciate your time and comment. Have a great week. Mark
Glad i saw this video. Just ordered the amp!
Good video. If you don't already have the spark, the more video's on it keeps you thinking about getting one.
Hey Bob. That's a great point for better or worse. I've been wanting to do this video for months but I was reticent because I'm not trying to push the Spark on anybody. Thanks for always supporting. Take care and be well. Mark
I just bought one earlier this week and noticed the bassiness. Even on one of the Steve Vai tones I downloaded. This video has removed the mild regret I was feeling. Thanks for this.
Thanks! Just what I was looking for!
Hey Jason. I'm glad you got something out of the video. Thanks so much for checking it out. I appreciate your time. Have a great weekend and take care. mark
Thank you. Love my spark, but it is bass heavy. I just rolled down the bass on the knobs. Thanks for explaining the eq. I will give this a spin this weekend
i just want to thank you. this is something that always annoyed me. but now my amp feels alive. thank you!
Great demo and info for the spark users Mark. Great video man 😀🤘🎵🔥🔥🔥
Hey Adam. What can I say. You are truly amazing in your support. I appreciate it so much. Love your guitar playing on the new vid. Mark
Thank you Sir...I love the Spark... best money I have spent in awhile...didnt even think about using the onboard EQ pedal....
Fellow Georgian and with a Spark to boot! Had to subscribe! Great channel dude.
Hey J. Sorry for the delayed response. Much appreciated my friend.
One of your best yet
Thanks brother. Talk soon.
Thank you. I have a spark and i knew it was missing something. Thanks for pointing it out.
Hey Art. Thank you for taking the time to check out the video and for comment. I just did a review of the Spark Control footswitch if you're interested. th-cam.com/video/luFdPe6BEUg/w-d-xo.html. Take care and enjoy the rest of your day. Mark
You are the man , as usual ! Possible for to, some day, show how you adjust the pickup heights for the best balance, etc ?
Hey RZ H. Thanks so much brother. I know nothing about pickup height and how it affects tone. Email me at markaranalli@gmail.com and it will remind me to research it and mess around with my p90s. I have heard that they respond a lot to height changes. Mark
I just got a Spark and you got a new Sub!
I’ve held off but I think I’m going to pull the trigger. This video has sold me.
I just ordered the Spark and even a bassists review said the amp was too bassy on the low end. Can't wait to try out this fix once I get it.
Amazing difference with the EQ 👍👍 ON... Thanks haven’t bought a Spark yet, definitely considering it .
Thank you. That was something I did not know.
I've heard great things about this amp, good video!
Hey FW. Convenience and price are the two reasons why I love it so much. DSP has improved so much and the people at PG have figured out how to do it on the cheap and make a quality product....THAT SITS ON MY DESKTOP! :). Mark
@@8MinuteAxe like Vangoa, a cheap quality product
I’m going to try it out. Thanks!
Thanks for the information 👍
Most Excellent video. I just found out where the EQ was ... in the modulation section.
ideally for me, I would put the EQ at the front of the chain. But no big deal, THX
I just found your channel and you got a new subscriber!
Hey Martin. I really appreciate it. Over the first year or so that I made videos, I didn't do any product reviews because I'm not the most picky person. I've made a bunch over the last six months trying to use the 'everyman' approach and take it from the perspective of a beginner. They are always the most time consuming because I feel a sense of responsibility. I'm surprised at how many emails and comments I get telling me that a person bought a particular piece of gear because of my review. I don't do any paid endorsements other than I recommend Vangoa 12 strings as a great entry level 12 and they provide me with a guitar to give away each month. This only came about because I genuinely think that Vangoa makes the best entry 12. It's basically like all the rest but it's $30 cheaper and you get a ton of extras with it. I've never had any problem with mine. Anyway, I'm rattling on about nothing. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. Email me anytime at markaranalli@gmail.com if you need help with anything or have any questions. Take care and have a great week. Mark
Never thought about doing that great information thank you when mine went in that 12-string either I love 12-string guitars now I've looked at so I'm on there and they do have some nice ones
I was about to sell my spark..glad i saw your video…thank you..subbing
Nice demo Mark!
Hey Pete. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. I hope the gigging is going well. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
Great video, thanks for sharing!
Mark, I own a Spark. Thanks! You do great videos, man! :)
Hey brother. I can always count on you. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
Mark, great video !!
Hey R A. Much appreciated. I just did a review of the Spark Control footswitch if you're interested. th-cam.com/video/luFdPe6BEUg/w-d-xo.html. Take care and enjoy the rest of your day. Mark
Great demo. I just pulled my Spark pearl out of mothballs and will follow your advice.
Mark - very helpful, thanks!!
Hey DH. I'm glad you got something out of it. I really appreciate you letting me know that all the work was worth it. Please take care. Mark
There are two Eq pedals the black one and the blue one., I've been using the black one. you've inspired me to experiment more. Thx!
I love my Spark and I had absolutely no idea about this EQ pedal and how much it does. THANKS.
Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
I don’t have the spark but enjoyed the video and love that Telecaster. The Epiphone is lovely too.
Hey SHP. I bought the tele new in 98. I bought the LP behind me new in 88 (well, I was a kid, my dad bought it for me). Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
Great Fix!!! Thanks!!
I thought I was the only one addicted to this thing, its a must have
Hey Stephen. The BIGGEST asset is the convenience factor. I've been telling my students the same thing for 25 years. Anything that's going to inspire you or cause you to play more for any reason is a good thing. I appreciate you checking out the video. Take care and be well. Mark
The only problem using the EQ is you can't use the other effects like chorus, flanger etc... It would be nice to have the EQ separately like the noise gate.
Hey Larz. I know. It sucks that if you want to eq anything you dont get chorus or tremelo. I'd rather not give up anything either but if I had to, I'd give up the gate. Take care and have a great weekend. Mark
@@8MinuteAxe Can you explain what you mean about this? Why does using the EQ mean you can't use other effects? It looks to me like there are other effects in your chain (in the video) in addition to the EQ. Is it only certain ones - and, if so, which ones?
Sure thing. The Spark has 6 different categories of effects such as 'distortion' and 'reverb'. You can only use one effect in each category. The EQ is in the 'Modulation/EQ' category so if you choose EQ you can use any kind of chorus, flanger, phaser, or tremelo. This may suck to a lot of people but for me it's fine. If I'm looking to shape a sound to the point where I'm using EQ, I'm not going to add a flanger or tremelo. I hope you had a nice holiday. Take care and be well and thanks for watching the video! Mark
Easy fix to your problem Rhino.... see that knob on top of your Amp marked "Bass"? Turn it to the left. Vioila!!!! Less Bass _and_ you can use a chorus, flanger, or whatever in the virtual chain!!!
Hey Gary. I know my friend. Some people are so picky. I don't know how old you are but I'm 52. I remember all the crappy amps I had growing up. I would have killed for something like the Spark. It's funny thar so many people are such haters. Most of them probably don't even gig or play for anybody. I have no problem with that. Heck, I encourage everybody to have fun with it. But you don't need to be so picky in your basement. People ask me questions about technical stuff that have been playing for 3 months. I tell them, don't worry about it. Go practice. When you get your first record deal then you can start complaining. Lol. I appreciate you checking out the video. And yes, the bass knob works fine. I actually did another video where I mention that.
I really think I need one of these!
The easiest fix was simply to roll up a sock and shove it in the bass port. The cover is held on with velcro so you can put on designer covers.
I tried the sock and it worked. Maybe too well so I am going to try some different foams and maybe sponge. The solution is non destructive and
doesn't limit or change or complicate anything about using the Spark. I like the solution offered here. but it does require adding the EQ in the chain.
For anyone that likes to keep it simple this might be the tweek.
id love a twelve string im looking into a spark amp so this video was very helpful thanks
You almost hit the 100 likes Mark, It is a shame I can't add another couple for you to make it the full 100 but no doubt it will hit that later 😊
Hey Sandra. I just don't understand the algo. YT is all about people interacting. My percentage of likes and comments is off the charts but they haven't pushed my videos going on 10 months. I appreciate all you do so much. Take care and have a great week! Mark
@@8MinuteAxe It's got up to 143 Mark now so it is getting better 😊
This video is fantastic. When I got my Spark I gave it a try and put it back in the box. It didn’t sound good or like any of the amps it tries to emulate. I though that’s the way it sounds. This video has a fix.
The question is “why did Positive Grid make it this way”?
Great find
Great info, thanks
Oh mannn, first of all thanks for this video...I just picked up a used unit in ultra-mint condition (guy used it in an apartment maybe 10 times) for 230$ CAD and although I had watched a lot of videos prior to buying it, I hadn't come across any of the "too bassy, too muddy" reviews. Hence, I was considering the possibility of adding an EQ pedal, the EQ pedal add-on was needed and my word this thing is now turning into a small beast! I haven't even plugged into it yet! That Epi with the P90s sounds amazing! Must be because I own one haha!
Awesomeness!!!
That EQ pedal was the fix for sure. Did the trick on mine.
Hey Fester. I'm glad to hear it. It can literally get rid of anything. People that are still complaining are super picky. In all honesty, I don't do a lot of reviews for that reason. I've never been a picky guy. I love gear but every time I get caught up in looking at something on reverb I remind myself that it's probably a good time to practice. Take care and enjoy the rest of your week. Mark
Haven't been playing my electric much lately, but I think the spark might get me enthusiastic again.
Hey John. I practice about 8 hours a week, teach 12 hours a week, and play maybe another 10. Pre Spark. 90% acoustic. Post spark 60%. It sits on my work desk and is so damn convenient. Whatever inspires you is a good thing. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
Thank you.. you saved the day!
I use the EQ pedals and I plugged the port with foam, that helped to tighten the bass and focus it so it’s less muddy sounding. You can also just use a little wedge to angle it up a bit, also helps with the low frequencies. It’s a great little amp for the price!
Thanks so much for this video. I just got a Spark 40 a couple of weeks ago, still exploring it, but I did notice the bassiness (is that a word?) and wondered how to fix it. 😀
I discovered the EQ pedals when I tried to create my own tone. It is as good as any EQ I have ever tried.
Hey Kevin. It's amazing how much we search for tone when an EQ pedal has so much control. Thanks for checking out the video. I appreciate your time and comment. I just did a review of the Spark Control footswitch if you're interested. th-cam.com/video/luFdPe6BEUg/w-d-xo.html. Take care and enjoy the rest of your day. Mark
Guys go easy with the 1.4k slider on the eq…. That’s the fast lane to tinnitus (that’s how I got here). Boost, shape, and massage your tone, but protect your hearing.
Great advice. He did say he was showing extremes. I only learned last year that it's pronounced TIN - i -tus. I always thought it was tin - I - tus. :0
@@clemlabelle8740 me too! Of course my hearing ain’t what it used to be….. I’ve actually heard it pronounced TIN-it-is, so I have no idea.
Me too! That is too funny. I literally learned it last year from a Rick Beato video. I thought he was pronouncing it wrong. LOL. Mark
I highly doubt that this little spark is loud enough to hurt your hearing
Just got mine and heading straight to that eq.