You're gonna HATE me for this SPARK 40 practice amp review (but it's the TRUTH)

[@ArtOfShredYT]

🤘Thanks for watching! Subscribe: www.youtube.com/@artofshredyt?sub_confirmation=1

[@HashiAkitaPuppy]

You are absolutely right, you don't need a half-stack for home use, it's an absurd proposition. What you need is a FULL STACK!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Haha!

[@adventureawaits3646]

I've had mine for a while, ordered when they came out. Love it, sits on a cheap guitar stand under my desk and it's pretty much the only amp I've been using, actually thinking about selling some of the others that are just catching dust. I don't play live or outside the house. I also have the Mini, doesn't sound quite as good as the 40 to my ears, but handy to carry around or take outside since there are no cables. I did also just receive the new GO, but that one is going right back, sound is just not good. All work with the great app, which is really where it's at with the Sparks, so easy to use, amazing sounds, fun practice options, just about perfect for me. I don't have the foot switch, so far had no need for it, but I just play for my own entertainment. Maybe someday if there's a good sale. Great review.

[@PhillipHolt-f9r]

I had to wait a while for delivery because I pre-ordered mine it was worth the wait.

[@dogzillamonster]

Love this amp so much that I bought THREE of them, for convenience in different rooms/floors :) The new Mini may be worth looking into too, for maybe a bedroom. It is worth spending a little time enjoying how to use the app for sure and it apparently works perfectly also with the Mini.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Whoa, nice! Thanks for sharing

[@Ken-yg4um]

I have been using this amp regularly I purchased 5 months ago and brought it over a friend's to jam and he loved it ! We are both experienced player's and we couldn't get over how amazing it sounds ❤️

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thanks for sharing! It really is a good modeling amp 🤘🎸

[@Wooooahhh6272]

I’ve read that there’s technical issues with the alp over time. Have you run into any yet?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

I have had a connection issue or two, but it's pretty rare. Firmware updates and app updates are fairly regular

[@shalomshalom735]

I only use Spark 40 at home. I have other amps, but it's just way way way way too convenient compared to all others. great amp!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thanks for sharing. It's definitely convenient!

[@neleig]

I like the real-time review and the real-world usage, without editing or dubbing. Shows what it is truly like to use. And I liked what I saw. Thanks.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Happy you liked it! I try to be as real as possible with these reviews, even when I'm editing. In any case, I still love the Spark 40 and use it daily! 🤘

[@realSPACEYY]

I got this amp after watching another video you made on a firefly guitar . I love this amp im about to take lessons im hyped ! It has a tone of tones that are in my taste . Thanks for the advice

[@ArtOfShredYT]

oh hell yeah! You made my day. Comments like yours are the reason I make these videos

[@standardvideoproductions1950]

Professional musicians want to compare this amp to thousand dollar amps. This is the best "Buddy" that you could possibly purchase for the price and it has helped me advance my craft tremendously. It's a question of personal choice but the SPARK 40 easily beats any comparable priced amps without the application.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Happy to hear it has helped you advance your craft!

[@rockothepig]

Great video.. thx! Ditched my Marshall since I couldn’t turn it up over 2 in the house! Lol

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Hehe, I hear that! Obviously amazing amps but best for the stage or studio. Tough to beat one of these Sparks for home

[@rockothepig]

@@ArtOfShredYT ok, so qq if ya don’t mind. Hear that the app runs better on apple vs android? I have both, so…

[@ArtOfShredYT]

@@rockothepig I don't actually know. I've only tested on Android. But it would make sense since iOS doesn't have to work with the quirks of so many different phones so it's likely easier to make it work smoothly across devices

[@TheAndybow1964]

I have nice very clean Laney amp rated at 65 Watts. It's kind of a blank canvas. If you want the Spark to play in a live situation just take a 1/8 to 1/4 cable from the headphone jack on the spark (volume very low!) and put into the return on the effects loop. With the laney and I'm assuming other amps it's sounds perfect

[@ArtOfShredYT]

I think some of the issue is less the volume from the amp and more if you're using the Spark with the footswitch and app then things can go south fairly easily.

[@ksmith18]

thanks Karol… I enjoy your reviews and agree and sometimes disagree with you. But that is what is supposed to happen right? Keep on rocking and Im gonna keep watchin. Peace my friend !

[@ArtOfShredYT]

For sure! Thanks for watching & commenting! 🤘

[@clubluchacreativa]

Do you think this amp could be used live if used together with the new Spark CAB they've just released? Or it still could not compare with a "real" amp..?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

It would likely be loud enough but I haven't played live for many years so I might be the wrong person to ask. I'd personally use something else live unless it was a coffee shop or busking situation.

[@Brunosdad]

The mini is more than enough for me at home and as its intended use a practice amp, it sounds great and even better if you like high end gadgets,

[@justmehere6094]

First, the amp select knob on the far left is exactly that. It selects an amp model, not a preset, on whatever preset, or knob settings the amp is currently on. Yes, you SHOULD use the app, if for no other reason, than to set up your 4 presets to use. But doing it once, you could get by without the app after that. Though changing settings on stomp boxes or fx would be impossible with just the amp controls. Bottom line, is you COULD get by day to day, without the amp.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Yeah, that's essentially what I said in the video

[@shrimpu]

Any plans for a Spark 40 vs the new Spark 2 review? :) TIA

[@ArtOfShredYT]

yes, I responded to your other comment. Just received the Spark 2 today!

[@steveperlstein3744]

Really informative video, thanks! My Vox VT-30 modeling amp, which I love, just gave up on me, so I’m in the market. I love the features on this, but a question: How’s the actual sound and volume of the speakers? I’m currently at the open mic stage, so my amp doesn’t need to be too loud, and when I graduate to a band setting I could get the matching speaker cabinet that Spark sells.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Open mic? No problem. The sound and volume are good. Live band? Possibly only with the speaker cab but I haven't tested it.

[@davel_ggw]

True, you do not need a half stack for home use, but it is awesome! Seriously though, even at not insane volumes, it still sounds amazing, and is very rewarding. But, I love the Spark too! For great tones at truly low volume (or louder), with all the effects most people need at your fingertips, I don't think it can be beat. And it is a great sounding Bluetooth speaker when you need one too. I even prefer it to the significantly more expensive Yamaha THR30-II that I briefly had, in every way. Now to go download some of those tones... :)

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Haha, a half stack is definitely awesome and more power to anyone who has family and neighbors who can tolerate one 😂

[@bmdshred77]

I’m seeing lot of reviews saying it’s too low end or dark. Did the firmware fix that? Also I seen someone complain saying Bluetooth headphones sounded terrible with it. Didn’t know if you tried that I know the new model is out but want to trade stuff in and none of stores have new one so I was thinking getting this one on discount

[@ArtOfShredYT]

The new model isn't available except for preorder, so it won't be in stores. As for the low end. Yeah it is bassy but adjusting the EQ helps. I haven't found it to be an issue. I haven't used Bluetooth headphones with it.

[@Corpsegrinder138]

Getting the external battery pack for it is the best purchase I’ve ever made! I can get days of use before I have to charge it.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Nice! I don't have that. Which did you buy?

[@Corpsegrinder138]

@@ArtOfShredYT Amazon.

[@josephallen6042]

Great video! Do you think it would be easy to get lost in the app looking for tones and trying new ones, since I am new to guitar and don't really have a great idea of what I would like or be looking for? Also, have you had any more app connectivity issues since this video? Thanks!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thank you! Yes, it's easy to get lost in the app, but in a good way. Easy to spend hours testing and editing tones. It's fun, though! I've had no other connectivity issues since making this video but obviously that's no guarantee it won't happen.

[@donmilland7606]

My Spark 40 has been cutting out intermittently.- either with the guitar or computer USB connection. Each dead period lasts for a minute or 2. Firmware update did not resolve the issue. So right now its useful only to hold the door open or as step to reach high places. I'm waiting to hear from PG. BOO!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Damn, thanks for sharing. Hope it gets resolved soon!

[@Regantdarcy]

Would you suggest getting the Spark Mini over this? Since both are best when used with the app…i was thinking the mini might be more cost effective for the same app features

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Mini's better if you want a little better/louder speaker or if you maybe want to busk. GO is great for bedroom use, headphone use, portability, and recording demos.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Whoops I thought you were commenting on the GO video. Ha. 40 is great but yeah if cost is an issue you could go with the Mini without losing much.

[@wealthfinder192]

The app has a lot of connection issues. Especially it seems when you try to use the tuner. It will freeze after about 1 minute. You need to turn it all off then on again. Also I found using wireless guitar system make sure you do not have the guitar wireless system set to the same as your internet connection or it will override your internet or wifi. So if your guitar wireless is 2.4G make sure your wifi is 5G and vise versa. This will prevent a lot of freezes when trying to use the spark. Doesn't happen to me until I turn on the spark so take that and do with it as you want. I love the factory settings for the metal sound and I can get a decent clean sound so it is useable without having to go through the app and a lot less hassle. So with or without the app it is useable. To me..

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thanks for sharing with the community! 🤘

[@TheCatwolfman]

Thanks for the video!!, question: if you plug in a looper and record one tone as the base, but then you want to play over it using another tone to give a different sound, does the old sound from the looper change with the new selected tone?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Yeah, if you loop before the signal hits the amp then it's going to be whatever tone you have set on the amp. I don't see a way around that.

[@TheCatwolfman]

@@ArtOfShredYT thanks!! that is what I thought, same issue I had with the Line6 Amplifi150.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Yeah that makes sense, I think you'd need two outputs to do what you want. But I am not very experienced with looping so maybe there is some other way.

[@EleonoraPicca1]

I have bought one and returned it. I really don’t like the sound, it is bassy and muddy. The EQ helps, but not with the bluetooth audio from the phone. But the app is really cool

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thanks for sharing! I'm happy with the sound but it definitely requires some EQ tweaks

[@demayoexperience]

How about this one vs NUX mighty space? Which one would it be the better purchase?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

I don't know. I haven't played that one but I plan to review it eventually. It looks okay though. My only experience with Nux so far is this faulty looper that I bought new kzbin.infoe9pyCwWg7gk

[@franksylva9031]

Does the jam function allow you to change the time signature or is it only 4/4?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

4/4 only as far as I can tell

[@MythicalZone08]

Are all the effects free to use ?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

@MythicalZone08 yeah, through the Spark app you have access to all of them Edit: except the add on Jimi Hendrix pack

[@mrny3405]

New to Spark what username do I search for to dwld your Spark presets?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Art of Shred should be it. Let me know if you can't find it

[@dogzillamonster]

If you are both smart enough and willing to take advantage of the Spark40's app then it's an absolutely brilliant amp. I have three of them, around the house. Bought a Mini iPad to make using the app more convenient than from the phone. Good demo, thanks. edit: oh, I already commented about this :)

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Nice! Thanks for sharing! 🤘

[@dogzillamonster]

@@ArtOfShredYT Again, thoughtful demo, really enjoyed it. Picked up a git for the first time in months and turned on a Spark! :) Good inspiration.

[@daniellarson3068]

You know - If they put the electronics into a pedal and you could output all those sounds to another amp, I think they would sell a LOT. All those sounds from the tone cloud downloaded into a pedal and into ANY amp. I don't have their amp. I would get the pedal.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Spark GO is almost what you want ... it's a very small guitar amp with the same tones as the Spark 40 and Mini amps. I pre-ordered it and will have a review as soon as I can but it's not shipping until May.

[@daniellarson3068]

@@ArtOfShredYT Yes - I just looked at that. It has a headphone output jack. Perhaps that could be adapted to supply another amp and just use it as a pedal. Thanks

[@lleonardi]

true. tone wise this amp isnt the best, obviously. but it is on different market on its own. which is genius move "product-wise". lot of functions that makes you "pick up your guitar". which is the point for people who looking for an amp of this size and price.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

I agree with you. Solid amp, solid tones (and lots of them), fills a specific market niche

[@clarkepersonal9213]

Interesting... I hardly ever use the app.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

That's cool, so you just use the default presets?

[@PortofinoArts]

Thank you!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

You're welcome!

[@capitanvonchickenpants8492]

I bought a nux mighty 8 bt and the little speaker sounds terrible very disappointed

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thanks for sharing. I've never tried one of those.

[@jaydenrossi2094]

what do you mean by you can play over youtube videos

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Through the app you can play along

[@bjunk5344]

It works fine on my note 202 Ultra. I think it's awesome Joe Satriani made this video under his pseudo "art of shred"

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Joe's my uncle's cousin's brother's neighbor's friend

[@petschem]

I must have gotten a lemon. I got one last week. Returned it the same day. It was cutting out. Sound was super muffled. (not bass-y. Muffled). Oh well.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Oh damn that's too bad. But I guess it's bound to happen sometimes. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@psalmsbyharvz81]

Is it just me? Looking at the thumbnail, I thought he didn't have a right hand 😅

[@ArtOfShredYT]

You're not the first to notice that haha

[@JerryWhite-ee5hy]

I love mine

[@easilyoffended7772]

They sell a cab I just wanna play with the functions you can make it live ready

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Yeah the cab should give you the ability to play small venues but I haven't personally tested it.

[@ronr2445]

I like it and I own one ...BUT...I disagree with the statement "if your going to use it with out the app don't do it".... I never use the app it sucks...I see so many tubers saying its so easy to use and this is not true..."I think they get payed to say that"...The app is a nightmare and very complicated. Getting the pedal to connect is hit and miss at best and will not work without the app so don't bother with it. This amp is mediocre at best ... Just buy a Blue jr or Katana 50 and you will have a better experience. Just like this guy this is just my opinion...your mileage may very... But if your looking for something that is easy to use and sounds great this is not it. PS for this kind of money and you have to add a battery this thing is no bargain. When I bought it I got the peddle and case and henderix bundle so it came to about 450ish with tax ..... there are many more amps out there at this price point that crushes this thing full stop.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

I wish I was paid for this 🤣 But thanks for sharing your experience

[@miker2702]

The Spark positive grid , I didn’t like it couldn’t get a good sound out of it and as I only play at home you cannot use a microphone through it . But did make a profit on it, so not all bad 😂

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Interesting

[@petschem]

I wonder if there's a bad batch. Your comment is only 3 weeks old. I bought and returned mine in the same day last week, because I thought it sounded awful and was cutting out. Given the time frame, I wonder if the latest ones have QA issues.

[@NobodyImportant74]

thanks

[@ArtOfShredYT]

You're welcome

[@fieryinsane]

Why's your thumbnail look like you have one hand... Reported!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Does it? 🤣

[@fieryinsane]

@@ArtOfShredYT yep

[@madsam7582]

@ArtOfShredYT It actually looked like an undeveloped hand. I was confused.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

It might just be

[@By-Fun-Jokes-Guitars]

😂 👍

[@ArtOfShredYT]

🤘

[@LuvhandleR]

First!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Second!

[@mrtravoiceburges]

The tone sucks lol not close at all it's junk trust me I know

[@ArtOfShredYT]

trust me bro! I know it all, just trust me. Please trust me. Oh god why won't you trust me? TRUST ME!