staff pick
$32 $34
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"I came across this stuff while trying to diagnose a problem with one of my guitar amps. I was ready to fork over hundreds of dollars to have it looked at and repaired but decided to give cleaning the jacks and pots a chance first. Turns out that's all I needed. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube if you're nervous about it."
Andy Frank
Buying this two-pack of CAIG DeoxIT D5 contact cleaner at Sweetwater saves $2 compared to buying each 5-oz. spray bottle separately. Each bottle holds a 5% cleaning solution designed for electrical contacts and connectors. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Sweetwater
Features
- Includes two 5-oz. spray bottles of DeoxIT D5 contact cleaner
- 5% solution formula
- Designed to clean electrical contacts and connectors
- Spray application for easy use on audio and electronic gear
staff pick
$15 $25
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"These are perfectly good sticks and cost way less than the ridiculously inflated name brand offerings these days. There's a good selection of sizes at $15 too."
At Musician's Friend, this Sound Percussion Labs Hickory Drum Sticks 4-Pack is $10 off. The Funk Wood style is $14.99, and several other sizes in the same pack are priced the same. The sticks are made in the USA and use a teardrop tip with a medium taper. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Musician's Friend
Features
- Pack of 4 hickory drumsticks
- Teardrop tip with medium taper
- Made in the USA
- Funk Wood style (wood tip)
- Also available in 5A, 5B, 7A, 2B, and Rock sizes
staff pick
$479 $799
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"This is an amazing price for a mesh-head e-kit. Plus, the module has 671 options, including 74 kits. You can find slightly lower prices on budget brands like Donner, but they don't come close to the specs here."
Musician's Friend has the Alesis Command Mesh Kit Special Edition on closeout at $479, which is 40% off. (You'd pay $799 at Guitar Center.) The price also beats its Amazon all-time low of $549. Stock is limited on this closeout, and Musician's Friend includes free standard ground shipping to the 48 contiguous states. Buy Now at Musician's Friend
Features
- Electronic drum kit with mesh drum heads for an acoustic-style feel
- Special Edition bundle includes what you need to start playing
- Closeout item with limited stock
- In stock and ready to ship
- Free standard ground shipping to the 48 contiguous states
staff pick
$700 $890
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"The Player II Strat is well reviewed, so I bought one a few months ago. The neck feels great, and I really like the pickups. Also, the tremolo is really responsive. Overall it feels like a guitar that would be in the $1,000 range, so $700 seems like a really good bargain."
At Musician's Friend, this limited-edition Fender Player II Stratocaster kit is $190 off and $100 less than the Guitar Center price. The bundle adds a Road Runner gig bag, a D'Addario Equinox USB headstock tuner, and a 10' Livewire cable to the guitar. It ships free and is covered by a 2-year warranty against manufacturer defects. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Musician's Friend
Features
- Alder body w/ gloss polyester finish
- Maple neck w/ rosewood fingerboard, 25.5" scale length, 22 frets
- Three Alnico V single-coil pickups w/ 5-way switch
- 2-point synchronized tremolo bridge
- Includes gig bag, USB headstock tuner, and 10' cable
staff pick
$700 $850
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"The quality of these "low end" kits are so good nowadays that I don't see much reason to spend more, unless you really want to. It's $150 less in Seafoam than other colors, and I happen to like that color anyway. This is a great option if you're looking to buy something to learn on or practice, and I see no reason not to gig with it."
Sweetwater has this PDP Concept Maple 4-piece shell pack at $150 off its regular price in Satin Seafoam. The shells are made of European maple and come with Remo heads already fitted. The sale also includes free shipping and a free 2-year warranty. Buy Now at Sweetwater
Features
- Four drums: 10" and 12" toms, 14" floor tom, and 20" bass drum
- European maple shells
- Remo drumheads included
- Graduated triple-flanged hoops
- Die-cast claw hooks and Dual Turret lugs
- Satin Seafoam finish
staff pick
$59 $75
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"That works out to less than $15 per head, which is far less than you'd pay if you bought them all individually. Pinstripe heads are a good choice for their built-in dampening than produces a focused, low-pitched sound."
This Remo Pinstripe 4-piece tom pack is $58.95, down from $74.95 at Sweetwater. You'd pay $83 at Amazon. It includes batter heads in all four common tom sizes, 10", 12", 14", and 16", so you don't have to buy each separately. The two-ply Mylar design is built to dampen overtones for a warmer tone on rock and pop kits. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Sweetwater
Features
- Includes batter heads for 10", 12", 14", and 16" toms
- Two-ply 7mm Mylar construction for durability
- Pinstripe design dampens high-frequency overtones
- Produces a warm, low-pitched tone with moderate attack
- Clear finish
staff pick
Ends Today
Up to $900 off
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"There are a lot of unique signature models in this sale that I didn't even know existed. You'll find rare pickup configurations and fretboard options on Strats, Teles, Jazzmasters, and Jaguars. There are a couple left-handed models available too."
Musician's Friend is discounting a large lineup of Fender electric guitars in its Rocktober Deals, with the list leaning heavily toward artist signature models. The Fender Artist Series Eric Clapton Stratocaster is $299 off, and the Fender Suona Stratocaster Thinline in the Demo Gear Sale is $900 off. Open-box pricing on select models goes lower still, including a Tom DeLonge Stratocaster open-box unit from $640. Shipping is free. Sale ends November 1. Shop Now at Musician's Friend
Features
- Fender artist signature models from Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Kurt Cobain
- Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar, and Jazzmaster body styles
- Standard Stratocaster from $619
- Open-box and Demo Gear Sale units available on select models
- Financing offered on many guitars with 48-month terms
staff pick
$69 $89
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"I like the subtle tone enhancing properties of this circuit in my NOTADÜMBLË V1. You get that circuit alone here at $20 less than you'd pay elsewhere, and with a cool football helmet art enclosure."
This JHS The Fumble pedal is $68.97, down from $89 at Sweetwater. That's $20 less than other sellers. It's a JFET clean boost built from the same circuit as the clean section of JHS's NOTADÜMBLË V1, with simple input and output controls for shaping tone. Buy Now at Sweetwater
Features
- JFET clean boost circuit identical to the clean section of the JHS NOTADÜMBLË V1
- Two-knob control layout for input and output
- Output knob sets the master volume level
- Input knob simultaneously attenuates bass and gain
- Works as a buffer, overdrive pusher, amp slammer, or solo boost
- Handbuilt and tested by JHS in Kansas City, Missouri
staff pick
$719 $799
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"This is a great guitar in an affordable price range, and you can save $80 if you don't mind that it's open-box. (I generally don't mind.)"
This open-box Taylor 114ce is $79.90 off the $799 price for a new one. It comes with Sweetwater's 2-year warranty and has been inspected and tested to work like new. The guitar also includes a gig bag and features Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics for plugged-in performance. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Sweetwater
Features
- Grand Auditorium body style
- Solid torrefied Sitka spruce top w/ sapele back and sides
- Hard rock maple neck
- TUSQ nut and micarta saddle
- Die-cast chrome-plated tuners
- Taylor Expression System 2 pickup electronics
staff pick
$54
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"I own two sets of these, and they are a game changer. The feel and sound is much closer to real cymbals than pads, and they have so many advantages. You can practice without bothering your neighbors, and they reduce the impact on your ears over conventional cymbals. They're good for rehearsals where you're confined to small spaces and everything needs to be turned down. They're lightweight and easy to carry around. Best of all, they cost a fraction of what you'd pay for the name brand low volume cymbal sets."
At Amazon this 5-Piece Low Volume Cymbal Pack is $53.95. That's $63 below Sweetwater's price for a comparable set. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon
Features
- Includes a 14" hihat pair, 16" crash, 18" crash, and 20" ride cymbal
- Produces 60%-70% less volume than standard cymbals
- Made of stainless steel
- Polished surface and edges
- Weighs 8.32 lb. total
staff pick
$697 $930
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WHY I PICKED IT
"The Yamaha Stage Custom series are really great drums for the price. If you can find an open-box model nearby you'll save hundreds. Keep checking back if you don't like the color. They discount these periodically. "
This open-box Yamaha Stage Custom Birch shell pack is $697.49, down from $929.99. Scroll down and select "Demo Gear" for this price. Find a store near you with stock for pickup. Buy Now at Guitar Center
Features
- 22x17" bass drum, 10x7" & 12x8" rack toms, 16x15" floor tom, 14x5.5" snare drum
- 6-ply birch shells with 45-degree bearing edges
- Air Seal System for round, consistent shells
- YESS suspended tom mounts for open resonance
- Ball-and-socket tom holders and triple-flanged hoops
- High-gloss lacquer finish in Honey Amber
staff pick
$700 $780
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"This is a solid choice for a mid-priced acoustic electric guitar. It features a spruce top and laminated rosewood back/sides. Also, the Yamaha acoustic guitars I've played tend to provide a level of playability above that of other brands in this price range with a smooth neck finish and low action. "
This Yamaha AC1R acoustic-electric guitar is $699.99 at Sweetwater. That's $80 less than other sellers. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Sweetwater
Features
- Solid Sitka spruce top with rosewood back and sides
- Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Concert cutaway body for easier access to upper frets
- Built-in SRT pickup system for amplified acoustic tone
- System 66 preamp with volume, 3-band EQ, built-in tuner, and midrange frequency control
staff pick
$280 $370
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"As far as beginner guitars go, this is a good option given its affordability and playability. There are usually some minor issues to overcome with these guitars, but personally I view it as a good way to learn how to set up and properly maintain a guitar, which is arguably just as fulfilling as playing one. So, think of it like a fun project to work on. There's no shortage of YouTube videos that explain how to smooth out fret ends, lower the action, intonate, etc."
This Squier Sonic Stratocaster pack is $90 off at Musician's Friend, bringing it down to $279.99. That's $20 less than a similar bundle at Guitar Center. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Musician's Friend
Features
- Stratocaster-style body made of poplar with a gloss polyurethane finish
- Maple neck and fingerboard with 21 frets and dot inlays
- Three ceramic single-coil pickups (SSS configuration)
- 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
- Includes a Fender Frontman 10G practice amp (10 watts)
- Comes with a gig bag for the guitar
staff pick
$22 w/ Prime $27
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"Stock up on these strings at around $3 less per pack than you'd pay elsewhere."
This 4-pack of Ernie Ball Regular Slinky strings is $21.99 for Prime members, down from $26.99. That's about $5.50 per pack, and you'd pay $8.99 for a single pack elsewhere. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon
Features
- Includes 4 clear-wrapped sets of strings
- 10-46 gauge, known as the industry-standard Regular Slinky set
- Nickel wound strings with an uncoated finish
- Designed for electric guitar with a balanced tone
- Made in California, USA
- Total weight of 4.2 oz. for the 4-pack
staff pick
$150 $160
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"I like the affordability of this amp, but it also sounds really good. It's intended for bass, but it also makes a pretty good guitar amp for a beginner, or if you just need something to practice on."
Guitar Center has the Fender Rumble 25 V3 bass combo amp in ivory for $150, down from $160. It includes an aux input for playing along with tracks and a headphone jack for silent practice. Delivery is free. Buy Now at Guitar Center
Features
- 25W solid-state bass combo amp
- 8" Fender Special Design speaker
- 3-band EQ w/ contour switch
- Overdrive circuit for added grit
- 1/8" aux input & 1/4" headphone jack
- Weighs 21 lbs.
staff pick
$1,380 $1,680
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WHY I PICKED IT
"I love Fender spring reverb and tremolo, and the Princeton has an absolutely beautiful tone. Plus, this one has a 12" speaker (instead of the conventional 10") that gives it a little more low end response and perceived volume in band situations."
This Fender Limited-Edition '65 Princeton Reverb is $1,379.99 at Musician's Friend. That's $300 less than you'd pay at Guitar Center. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Musician's Friend
Features
- 12-watt all-tube amp head
- Single 12" Celestion G12-65 ceramic speaker
- Two 6V6 power tubes with 12AX7 and 12AT7 preamp tubes
- Built-in long-spring Fender reverb and tube tremolo
- Limited-edition lacquered tweed finish over a birch/pine cabinet
- Includes fitted cover and two-button footswitch
staff pick
$380 $500
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"Classic Vibe series Squiers are generally better quality than low end Fenders, with better pickups and a more authentic vintage feel. If you're a guitarist who doesn't yet own a Jazzmaster, this is a great option for your first one. "
Musician's Friend offers the Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster Electric Guitar in three colors for $379.99. You'd pay $500 elsewhere. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Musician's Friend
Features
- maple neck
- Indian laurel fingerboard
- dual alnico single-coil pickups
staff pick
Musician's Friend · Aug 20, 2026
$350 $750
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At Musician's Friend, this D'Angelico Premier Series Bedford is $349.99 for the Stupid Deal of the Day. That's $400 less than other sellers charge. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Musician's Friend
Features
- Offset solid mahogany body with a gloss finish
- Two Duncan Designed P90 single-coil pickups
- Neck-through maple neck with a C-shaped profile
- Ovangkol fingerboard with 22 vintage-style frets
- 6-point tremolo bridge for pitch bending
- Includes a gig bag
staff pick
$699 $729
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"I like the versatility of brass snare drums. This particular one has a nice ring (dampen it if you like) and a wide tuning range. It uses the same quality brass shell found in Ludwig's Black Beauty snares, left unfinished for a natural patina finish. Also, the P88 strainer is smooth and holds tension well. "
This Ludwig Raw Brass snare drum is $699 at Sweetwater. That's $30 less than you'd pay elsewhere. Shipping is free.
This item is currently backordered, but it can be ordered now at this price and will ship as soon as it becomes available (estimated early November). Buy Now at Sweetwater
Features
- 6.5" x 14" snare drum size
- 2.3mm seamless center-beaded brass shell
- Triple-flanged hoops
- Unfinished exterior with natural patina
- Keystone badge and Imperial lugs
- P88 throw off
staff pick
$168 $198
free shipping
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WHY I PICKED IT
"This pedal has every kind of delay I like, including analog, tape, reverse, shimmer, and more. It does mono or stereo setups, and it also functions as a looper. Plus, the finish is slightly sparkly off white, which should matter, but it strangely does. "
Update: The price has dropped to $168.20 since this was originally published.
This BOSS DD-8 delay pedal is $169 at Amazon. That's $19 below Guitar Center's price. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon
Features
- Eleven delay modes including vintage echoes, shimmer, mod, and looper
- Built-in looper with up to 40 seconds of recording time and overdub capability
- Delay times of up to 10 seconds with tap tempo input
- Three delay types including analog-style warmth, delay with reverb, and rhythmic patterns
- 1/4" audio jack connector and knob controls
- Weighs 1.1 lb. and measures 5.95"L x 3.8"W x 2.6"H