THE WISHBAIT GUIDE

Unusual musical gifts for people who love making noise.

An unusual music gift can be an instrument, a tiny studio, or a new way to play something they already own. Start with the sound they want to make, then check the practice space, power and accessories.

WISHBAIT EDITORIAL · ORIGINAL GUIDE · 7 THINGS TO CONSIDER

For guitarists: change the playing gesture

The Plus EBow lets a guitar string sustain without a normal pick stroke. It belongs with someone who already uses an electric guitar and enjoys controlling a single note in detail. Check that the recipient has a compatible instrument and a separate 9-volt battery; the pictured guitar is not part of the purchase.

For a group: make the room an instrument

Boomwhackers' eight differently tuned tubes turn a group rhythm into something visible and physical. The C-major BWDG set works for playful music-making without a screen, but a person expecting a complete classroom kit could be disappointed: octave caps, bags and additional sets are separate. Think about whether the recipient wants to play alone or with other people.

For someone who likes very strange sounds

Moog's Theremini answers hand movement with pitch and volume rather than keys. Its pitch correction can help find a scale, but the player still needs space around the antennas and time to practise. The exhibition photograph includes a stand and headphones; the linked product does not promise either.

For beginners who want real breath or reed control

The Hohner Student 32 melodica lets a player combine breath and a keyboard, including with its flexible tube. Yamaha's white soprano Venova takes a different path: its unusual body uses a saxophone-style reed and open finger holes. Both take practice, but in different ways. A melodica makes sense for someone comfortable with keys; the Venova makes sense for someone curious about wind technique.

For beat makers: choose a pocket rhythm machine

Teenage Engineering's PO-12 Rhythm can hold a 16-step pattern in a very small device. It is not a miniature full studio: confirm the standalone model TE010AS012, and remember that the silicone case shown in the photo is a separately sold accessory. The Korg monotron DUO is another small electronic choice, but it is a touch-ribbon synthesizer rather than a drum sequencer.

For committed experimenters: a bigger learning curve

Arturia's original MicroFreak offers a touch-plate keyboard and sound-design controls that reward exploration. It has no built-in speaker, so suitable audio equipment matters. Before choosing a synthesizer as a gift, ask whether the person already has headphones, a way to record, and an appetite for menus, cables or patches. The best gift is often the one they will actually use.

Before buying a musical surprise

Compare the exact model, included cables, batteries, power supply, headphones and compatibility before paying the retailer. A picture can include a stage stand, instrument, case or headphones that are not included. WishBait's descriptions are researched editorial summaries, not first-hand performance reviews; retailers control stock, prices and shipping.