ATTENTION ALL CHILDREN - Father’s Day is only just around the corner. Falling on June 20th, we’re all pondering how best to show Pops that we love him without shelling out too much of our hard-earned cash. If your dad plays an instrument or makes music, finding the best Father’s Day gift for musicians can be an even tougher ask.
So what do you get the man who apparently has everything? He’d probably raise a pitiful smile over another World’s Best Dad mug and seizure-inducing pair of socks - but why get him a pile of tat when you could get him something genuinely cool or useful? MusicRadar is here to provide 25 gifts guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any music-making dad – whether he’s a drummer, a guitarist, DJ or home producer.
Alternatively, dads, take this as your opportunity to have a look at some super cool gift ideas so you can drop a few subtle (or not so subtle) hints. We all know that saying ‘oh, just get me anything’ is buying yourself a one way ticket to Disappointmentville - population = you.
Father's Day gifts for guitarists
Whether you just want to give him a stringed instrument that is (literally) easy to pick up, or he’s an experienced player, this ukulele is a perfect choice. Styled in the mould of the effortlessly cool Jazzmaster, not only does this Fender offering deliver textbook playability, but it also looks mouth-wateringly stylish. An added bonus is that a few strums and you’re instantly transported (not literally) to a Hawaiian paradise – handy during these times of restricted travel.
Sacrifices may need to be made during fatherhood, one of which concerns space. When a music room is converted into a nursery, that hulking great guitar amp needs to go. But wait, there’s another way! How about if you could get real amp tones from a pair of headphones? That is exactly what these beauties from Boss deliver. An genius idea packed with cutting-edge tech.
For the guitar-playing dad that loves a little DIY, the Nu:Tekt OD-S overdrive pedal is the way to go this Father’s Day. Korg will send you everything you need and then dad gets to build his very own pedal. And if dad’s not much of a DIY-er you needn’t worry, although there is some soldering required, Korg has created handy walkthrough videos on their website. Read our Korg Nu:Tekt OD-S NuTube review and see how we got on with our own attempt at the Korg Nu-Tekt build.
All you need to know about capos is you can't play The Beatles' Here Comes The Sun the way George Harrison intended, without one. That goes for Johnny Marr stuff too. Until recently, you had to pick one of these useful gadgets to fit either an acoustic or electric guitar. The clever little G7th Performance 3 handles both. If you really want to push the boat out, this 18k plated edition is good as gold.
Yeah, get them a great strap without being an accessory to animal cruelty. Don't scoff. Vegan guitar straps are every bit as good looking and strong as those formed from forcibly deceased beasts. There are a load of designs available so if anyone needs to hang a guitar inches from their crotch there's no need to be hell bent for leather.
Looking for a huge range of tones from an overdrive pedal but working with minimal ‘board space? Timmy’s your guy. Based on the much revered, Paul Cochrane-designed Timmy pedal, the MXR Timmy Overdrive promises ‘gritty and textured tones’ to boost your rig’s sound all within its diminutive frame.
In each ear, Marshall has provided a custom-tuned 40mm dynamic driver, enabling the Monitor II A.N.C to provide a rich soundstage with huge dynamic range. The ‘M’ button, although multi-fuction, can be used to switch between three EQ presets - so you know you’ll always find the right balance to suit whatever you’re listening to.
With up to 30 hours play time with Bluetooth and active noise cancelling switched on, it’s likely that your father will be spending every waking hour with these on his head - and to be honest, with an iconic logo like that adorning our cans, we would too.
Father's Day music tech gifts
It may look like a futuristic calculator, but the PO Speak is one hell of a tool that we reckon could inspire entire tracks. Featuring 16 sounds, this vocal synth was created in conjunction with Sonic Charge’s Magnus Lidström and allows users to sample snippets of audio and process them through one of its eight voices.
Read the full Teenage Engineering PO Speak review
This lightweight Apple tablet hits a real sweet spot, offering a great balance between price and performance. Plus, it doesn't matter what kind of musician you are, the iPad is a great tool for everything from writing setlists and noting down lyric ideas, to recording guitar, laying down beats and editing your next vlog. In terms of spec, the 10.9-inch Retina display features Apple’s True Tone technology and an antireflective coating, while the dramatically named A14 Bionic processor should give you plenty of grunt, whatever you're using it for.
Since it’s launch in 2006, the Audio Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone has become a firm fixture in home studios all over the world. At a time when home recording has been booming, few others have been able to rival its balance of sound, rock-solid construction and low price point. The latest model - AT2020USB+ - is a great option for quick and easy digital recording.
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A classy blend of modern technology with vintage aesthetics, Behringer’s BH 770 studio headphones are a cracking choice for those music-makers after a pair of cans that sound great, look cool and don’t cost the earth. With styling that harks back to the acclaimed Beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones, 53mm dynamic drivers and a sub-$/£40 price tag, we’d say the BH 770s tick all the boxes.
What better present for a bedroom producer than the gift of wisdom? A Masterclass subscription opens up a world of educational opportunities from the finest music-makers on the planet, centred around great quality video tutorials. Fancy some tips from Timbaland on production? You’ve got it. Want to mine Armin Van Buuren’s brain on how to create dance music? No problem. Want DeadMau5 to teach you all he knows about electronic music? That’s another big tick. Grab a subscription and immerse yourself in knowledge.
For the music-making dad who wants the power to create while on the go! This 25 velocity-sensitive key USB MIDI keyboard packs a whole load of features into a tiny (18x31x4cm) body. This portable ‘board features a four-way thumbstick, backlit MPC pads and 1,400 onboard sounds, all while weighing in at less than 1kg.
Built into a super tough metal casing, the iD4 MKII makes a fantastic compact travel companion, among other things. Its sleek, timeless design means it looks good on any desk. Exceptionally clean and clear LED visuals provide vital visual feedback, while also looking the part.
The Audient iD4 MKII is one of the most simple, easy to use two-input audio interfaces on the market today. With the focus on fuss-free usability, it's a great option for the father that seemingly has everything.
A father’s day gift for the dad who has his music files and tracks spewed across a plethora of hard drives, desktops and laptops. Get them all stored safe and sound with the Samsung SSD T5. Available in capacity ranging from 250GB to a monster 2TB, these tidy drives will not only protect those vital files, but the slender frame means it’ll slip neatly into your laptop bag.
Fancy helping dad embrace his inner performer? The Yeti from Blue Microphones could help him become the next podcasting sensation. This immensely-popular USB condenser microphone features tri-capsule technology to ensure a pristine recording. That means listeners will pick up every word of dad’s wisdom and, unfortunately, his jokes. They also pack four pattern settings meaning they can also be used as a vocal mic. Not convinced? Check out our guide to the best podcasting microphones.
Father's Day gifts for drummers
Drummers are always in search of that elusive perfect snare drum sound. Previously, that would mean the time-consuming chore of experimenting with tunings or the expensive route of amassing a snare collection. Instead, whack the Big Fat Snare Drum Green Monster on your drum and viola – you can instantly channel your inner Bonham with a fat, ‘70s snare sound.
In recent years, in-ear monitors have become less of a luxury and very much an essential for any drummer stepping onto the stage. Options like these Zildjians offer the blend of ergonomic design, killer sound filtering and a reasonable price tag that will appeal to pro and pub players alike.
The explosion of hybrid drumming shows no sign of slowing and Roland’s TM-1 could be the ideal gift for a drumming dad looking to add some electronics to his acoustic drum kit. This handy little trigger module allows players to introduce all manner of new sounds to their set-up, simply by connecting a trigger pad or by mounting a trigger to a drum.
There’s nothing worse than setting up for a gig, discovering something is loose on your kit and realising you don’t have the right tools to fix it. With the CruzTools Drum Multi-tool you can tackle everything from rattling lugs to sluggish bass drum pedals (and even re-wire a plug) like a pro. The 14-in-1 gadget includes all the essentials you’ll need for any eventuality, including flat and crosshead screwdrivers, hex wrenches and a trusty old drum key.
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Every drummer needs some of this in their stick bag. Whether you’re playing a gig or about to perform a take in the studio, a little dab of this could be the difference between a fat, controlled sound and a ringing mess. They’re washable with soap and water too, so you can re-use them time after time.
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Protection Racket has been providing drummers of all ages and abilities with high quality cases and bags since 1994, and in that time they’ve learned a thing or two about how to make some of the most durable and classy-looking bags money can buy.
Any drummer will tell you that trying to keep your stick pile tidy is a difficult task, and if that drummer is your dad, why not treat him - and his sticks - to their very own bag?
The Protection Racket Standard Stick Bag features a carry handle and detachable shoulder strap, a large outer pocket to keep drum keys, ear plugs and other necessities, and quick release clips - making mounting your stick bag to your floor tom (or any other bit of your kit) super easy. With capacity for 10 pairs of sticks, the Standard Stick Bag should do the trick for any keen drummer.
All drummers have endured that gut-wrenching feeling as their kit shifts towards the edge of the stage during a gig. End that worry forever, and do it in style, with one of Meinl’s striking drum rugs. Available in an absolute bounty of designs, these beauties will keep your kit steady in place the whole gig through. We think the zebra print design is particularly eye catching.
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Once upon a time, recording your drums was a lengthy and expensive process that involved carting your kit to a studio. The EAD10 allows you to record your kit in seconds, just by attaching the sensor to your set-up and then playing. Sounds can be recorded to the module, a USB device, smart device or a computer. It’s a great tool for boosting your kit sound during practice, too.
A compact kit that packs a mighty sound? The Tama Club Jam Flyer does just that. Featuring 14”x10” bass drum, 8”x6” tom, 10”x9” floor tom and 10”x5” snare, this Mersawa/ poplar–shelled kit packs a wealth of neat features such as a bespoke bass drum lifter and handy cymbal bracket.
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