If you think you can’t buy high-quality guitar gear for less than $100, think again. Whether you’re looking to get something for a friend this holiday or a little something for yourself, $100 can go a long way. Below we look at various amps, effects, and accessories that can be had for less than $100.

Combo Amps

While amplifiers that can get players through mid-sized gigs and beyond are obviously priced above $100, there are a number smaller amps that fit within that budget that are great in their own right. So, what would a musician do with these smaller amps if they can’t use them for shows? Well, use them in the comfort of their own home without getting noise complaints, for one. They can also easily transport them to a friend’s house for a quick jam session or even use them for a change of sound during a recording. Below are three combo amps I highly recommend, each priced at or below $100. [caption id="attachment_9465" align="alignleft" width="150"] Fender Champion @ $99.99[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9462" align="alignleft" width="150"] Boss Katana Mini @ $99.99[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9464" align="alignleft" width="150"] Fender Acoustisonic @ $99.99[/caption]

Effects Pedals

Few things in the world of music have given players more control over their sound than effects pedals. They also happen to be generally less expensive than a set of replacement pickups or an entirely new instrument. When a player needs a boost of inspiration or a new set of sounds to play around with, a great pedal makes the perfect gift. Luckily, many there are many great guitar effects under $100. If you’re looking for a pedal as a gift, you should think about what type of style they play. If they are a blues or classic rock musician, a good overdrive pedal is what I’d recommend. If metal is more their thing, a high gain distortion pedal is where it’s at. [caption id="attachment_6882" align="alignleft" width="150"]rocktron-reactiondigitaldelay-001-1624 Reverb & Delay Pedals Under $100[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6883" align="alignleft" width="150"]cmb95-01 Wah Wah Pedals Under $100[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9471" align="alignleft" width="150"] Distortion Pedals Under $100[/caption]  

Pickups

Aside from the body type, pickups are what give a guitar a major part of their tone so it stands to reason that the best way to upgrade or simply get a different sound is by installing a new set of pickups. If you don't know much about pickups, that's okay - most manufacturers give suggestions on what type of style their pickups are made for on the product descriptions. You just have to make sure you pick out a pickup that their guitar is capable of equipping, such as a single-coil, humbucker or other (in which case it doesn't hurt to simply ask, even if you have to pretend you're just being curious). [caption id="attachment_6872" align="alignleft" width="150"]aps-1_8 Single Coil Pickups Under $100[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6873" align="alignleft" width="150"]dsv-b53_z Humbuckers Under $100[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6874" align="alignleft" width="150"]classic_t_neck All Pickups Under $100[/caption]  

Guitar Accessories

There are numerous little extras that a guitar player is always in need of, such as spare cables, strings, straps and more. If you're looking to get an accessory as a gift, my suggestion is to always go for something they will definitely put to use. A guitar needs to be tuned, so why not get them one of the best tuners around in the TC Electronic PolyTune2. Unlike simple tuners, the PolyTune 2 can be placed directly in their signal chain, meaning they won't have to unplug their instrument in order to tune it. Better yet, it can tune all of the strings at once instead of one at a time like most other tuners. Another accessory I personally love but was always hesitant about buying myself was a premium guitar strap, such as the Mono Betty. I figured my $10 strap was good enough but after trying one out, I never looked back. The extra comfort while playing honestly goes a long way. [caption id="attachment_6850" align="alignleft" width="150"]sdfdfssssss PolyTune 2 Tuner @ $99.00[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9480" align="alignleft" width="150"] Fender Locking Tuning Machines @ $64.99[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6880" align="alignleft" width="150"]class_inst_2 Guitar Accessories Under $100[/caption]

Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking for a gift for a friend or a gift for yourself, PAL has got you covered! If you have any questions regarding a purchase of any of the items above or any other piece of gear we carry, don't hesitate to chat with one of our friendly PAL pros by using the live chat feature below or by calling us toll-free at 1 877-671-2200. Happy holidays!