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Dave Kushner Introduces the Guitar Center Holiday Gift Guide | “First, Focus on You”
Grammy-winning Velvet Revolver guitarist Dave Kushner is getting into the holiday spirit. But rather than advising musicians what to buy for everyone else, he's encouraging players to treat themselves to some new gear.
"There's plenty of time to shop for others," says Kushner "So, right now, we're going to focus on you."
In this exclusive Guitar Center holiday video, Kushner plays the part of our “Ultimate Gift Destination Concierge” to explore five ideas for upgrading your rig.
Taylor Sunset Boulevard 214ce Solar Flare Acoustic-Electric Guitar
“If you're a guitarist, there’s a pretty good chance the top of your holiday wish list is another guitar—trust me, I know,” says Kushner. “And if you're still playing that same acoustic Santa gave you when you were 12, then don't you think it's time to ask the big guy for an upgrade? The Taylor Sunset Blvd 214ce Solar Flare acoustic-electric guitar is beautiful guitar, and I think you're really going to enjoy it.”
Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster in Gold Dust
“I like my guitars like I like my records—gold,” says Kushner. “But wait a minute. At first glance, to the untrained eye, the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster in Gold Dust seems like a black guitar. But if you focus in, you'll see the beautiful gold dust within the finish. What I really love about this guitar is the bridge humbucker lets you split the coil so you go from single-coil to double-coil with a convenient tap of a little button. Not only that, you have a 15dB boost switch right here, so if you're soloing on stage and the soundperson is looking the other way, the crowd will hear you.”
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 Special HH in Ivory White
“When I started playing bass, I figured, ‘It’s four strings—how hard could it be?’” remembers Kushner. “Well, let's see what we got here. Five strings? Come on, Santa! The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 Special HH in ivory white is a work of art. It also has active humbucker pickups and a built-in preamp for your bass stylings. It's a beautiful bass. So, get one for yourself—not for your friends.”
AKAI Professional MPC Key 37 G2
“The AKAI MPC Key 37 G2 has more features than I know what to do with,” admits Kushner. “It's a keyboard, a drum machine, a sampler. and a music production studio. All in one. This thing does everything. Back in my day, you needed a whole studio to do this. You kids have it made.”
Shop Now: AKAI Professional MPC Key 37 G2
Simmons Titan 75 Electronic Drum Kit
“This is the Simmons Titan 75 electronic drum kit,” announces Kushner. “If you're thinking about learning drums, this is a pretty good place to start. The best part is you can hear yourself play over headphones, and your family gets to enjoy the holidays. Everybody wins.”
Shop Now: Simmons Titan 75 Electronic Drum Kit
More Holiday Gift Ideas from Guitar Center
Don’t forget, Guitar Center is also the Ultimate Gift Destination for musicians. Check out the following guides to inspire some generosity:
Written By: Michael Molenda
Michael Molenda is a content strategist, editor and writer for Guitar Center, where he has worked since 2022. He is the longest-serving Editor in Chief of Guitar Player (1997-2018), and former Editorial Director of Bass Player, EQ, Keyboard, Electronic Musician, Gig and Modern Drummer. A guitarist, drummer, bassist and producer, Mike co-owned three pro recording studios in San Francisco, and performs with Surf Monster and The Trouble With Monkeys.
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