10 Great Gifts for Musicians between $100-$400
This holiday season, give the gift of better tone, better workflow, and better inspiration. Musicians love gear that helps them create faster, sound better, and stay inspired — and everything on this list delivers exactly that.
This week we're hitting the midrange, if you want to see ideas under $100, click here.
1. Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 61
Price: ~$299
A powerhouse MIDI controller with 61 keys, deep DAW integration, and hands-on controls (faders, knobs, pads) for plugins and virtual instruments. It’s the perfect “studio brain” for producers who want to elevate their workflow.
Best for: Producers, songwriters, keyboard players
2. Novation Launchkey 61 MK4
Price: ~$280–$330
Designed with Ableton users in mind, the Launchkey MK4 makes clip launching, arpeggiating, and improvising intuitive and fun. Its scale modes and chord tools make it perfect for creatives who like to experiment.
Best for: Ableton Live users, loop-based creators
3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (Open-Back Headphones)
Price: ~$150–$180
A studio classic. With wide stereo imaging and detailed highs, these headphones are ideal for mixing or deep listening sessions. They’re incredibly comfortable — great for long creative days.
Best for: Mix engineers, audiophiles
4. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (Closed-Back Headphones)
Price: ~$140–$170
A durable, reliable workhorse. Perfect for tracking vocals or instruments thanks to excellent isolation and solid low-end response. These remain a favorite in pro and home studios alike.
Best for: Recording artists, DJs, podcasters
5. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (Gen 4)
Price: ~$220
The gateway to professional recording (holy inflation! but we digress...). Clean preamps, guitar/bass inputs, and simple controls make this interface a must for anyone building a home studio. It’s beginner-friendly but absolutely pro-capable.
Best for: Singers, podcasters, home-studio musicians
6. Vox VT40X Modeling Combo Amp
Price: ~$400
A flexible combo amp combining analog warmth with digital modeling. From clean chime to saturated drive, this 40-watt amp is perfect for practice, recording, or small shows.
Best for: Guitarists craving tonal variety
7. NUX Mighty Air Wireless Stereo Amp
Price: ~$160–$210
Small but mighty — this wireless stereo amp includes a rechargeable battery and Bluetooth audio. A favorite among couch players, travelers, and musicians who hate cables cluttering the room.
Best for: Guitarists/bassists who want a portable practice rig
8. Donner Arena 2000 Guitar Amp Modeling & Multi-Effects
Price: ~$200–$220
A compact, budget-friendly amp modeler with IR loading, multi-effects, looper, and drum machine. Perfect for players who want big tonal options in a small footprint.
Best for: Guitarists exploring new sounds
9. Valeton GP-200 Multi-Effects Processor
Price: ~$325–$350
A full-on gig-ready multi-effects system with deep routing, amp modeling, cab sims, and footswitches. Ideal for guitarists wanting consistent tone whether they’re recording, rehearsing, or playing live.
Best for: Performing musicians
10. Saturnworks 5-Loop True Bypass Looper Pedal
Price: ~$175–$190
Not a looper in the recording sense — this is a tone-preservation tool for pedalboard lovers. It lets players organize pedals into switchable loops and maintain pure signal integrity.
Best for: Pedalboard enthusiasts
