Look, we get it: Capitalism is evil, consumerism is destroying the planet, Black Friday is a hideous tribute to American excess and its addiction to consumption. We read No Logo too.
But 2020 has been, shall we say, kind of a drag, up to and including having to cancel Thanksgiving (even if that’s ultimately a good thing that we should consider making permanent). For a lot of us who’ve been stuck at home for eight months, online shopping is one of the few healthy options for getting a much-needed squeeze of serotonin as the days get shorter and colder. Let the people have their shopping deals.
As usual, this year’s Black Friday offers a bunch of opportunities for music-makers. Here are a few that have caught our eye.
STOREWIDE SAVINGS WORTH A LOOK:
Chicago Music Exchange, home of a truly legendary selection of new and vintage gear, has a bunch of extremely nice stuff on early holiday sale for 15% off.
Black Bobbin is an upcoming Chicago brick-and-mortar store currently offering a great mix of exclusive gear, vintage guitars, and delicious coffee beans online. They’ve got a few great deals currently running—15% off merch, 10% off select used pedals, and a free bag of coffee with any purchase of an exclusive—that are perfect for anyone looking to buy local.
Reverb has a massive holiday sale going on, covering just about every type of gear they carry (which is just about every type you can imagine). Synth geeks and fans of niche effects pedals will find a lot to love.
Newly bankrupt monolith Guitar Center is running weekly deals throughout the holiday season, including a Music Man StingRay bass for under $400.
Sweetwater has a massive sale going on with up to 70% off, covering everything from software bundles to high end guitars. Ever considered buying an electric sitar? They’re $200 off!
SOFTWARE, PLUGINS, AND DOWNLOADS GALORE:
Native Instruments’ “Cyber Season” sale puts a massive range of their top-shelf software on half off, including their industry-leading Kontakt sampler, Massive X synth, and Traktor Pro DJ software.
Putting your music on SoundCloud? This week they’re offering Pro Unlimited accounts, with unlimited uploads and monetization options, for 40% off.
Digital gear brand IK Multimedia has a ton of their excellent plugins on sale for up to half off. Get yourself a virtual Hammond organ, Dime Bag Darrell’s emulated amp, or a toolbox for your next trap project.
Iconic synth makers Korg are running half off an extensive selection of their software, including their iPad-friendly Gadget 2 DAW and their extensive range of iOS apps, like the Gorillaz edition of their legendary Electribe beatbox.
Looking to go digital? Industry-leading DAW Ableton Live 10 is on sale, with a free upgrade to Live 11.
Turn your home recording setup pro with studio-grade plug-ins from Waves Audio, like their Abbey Road saturator that gives you Beatles-y analog warmth for $39.99, 80 percent off the usual price.
OTHER SPLURGE-WORTHY EQUIPMENT:
Rhythmo’s BeatBox is an accessible DIY MIDI controller offering retro-style arcade buttons and easy-to-assemble cardboard construction that works with all major DAWs. This week they’re marked down 20 bucks to $139.99.
Thinking about launching your own YouTube ukulele cover-song channel? Ukutune has its whole line, including mahogany options and a selection of kalimbas, on sale.
