Category: My Blog

With the holidays just around the corner, you might find yourself in need of a gift for that special DJ, producer or musician in your life. Or maybe you just need a few ideas for your own wish list. Whichever the case may be, we’ve compiled a list of the best gift ideas to spark some inspiration and help you out this gift-giving season.

Check out our list below and don’t forget to enter the Supreme Holiday Giveaway, because we’re giving away the ultimate gift – a DJ gear prize pack worth over $6,000! Once you’ve entered, you’ll automatically receive a $50 coupon to grab the newest gear from IDJNOW.com.

Laptop Stand

One of the most overlooked but important items for a DJ is a proper laptop stand. Buying a sturdy, new laptop stand for a DJ won’t go unappreciated. Even if they already have one as their primary stand, extra stands always come in handy for propping up other equipment like CDJs, controllers or samplers. Check out some popular solutions from Crane Pro Audio.

Ableton Live 10 Software

Music production software, Ableton Live is offering 20% on Live 9 with a free upgrade to Live 10 (to be released in early 2018.) It comes in three editions and price levels: Intro, Standard and Suite. Live 10 will introduce new instruments, effects, and an expanded sound library.

Travel Pillow

A travel pillow is a great gift for DJs who are on the road often, or even for anyone who loves to travel. Check out this comprehensive list from Travel + Leisure — it’s sure to have an option for any kind of sleeper.

Serato Control Vinyl and Software

Serato is a leading software for professional DJs and musicians, and for a limited time, you can buy their Control Vinyl and full software suite for 50% off. Run, don’t walk.

Headphones

A great pair of headphones is an essential tool for any DJ or producer. They can vary in price, style and quality. If you’re not quite sure which headphones are the best choice, check out our helpful article on this year’s best new headphones. And don’t forget a gift receipt so they can make exchanges if necessary!

DJ Gear Skins

12InchSkinz will completely customize DJ gear and equipment with names, logos and colors. What better way for a DJ to express themselves?

Vinyl Cleaning Kit

The vinyl DJ or audiophile in your life will love a professional cleaning kit to keep their records sounding great. A quality kit will include a record cleaning brush and a stylus cleaning brush, as well as anti-static cleaning solution and a soft, lint-free cleaning pad or cloth.

Roland DJ-202 Controller

Roland and Roland Boutique have released some great products this year. We could easily add more than one to our wish list. One of our favorites is the DJ-202 Serato DJ controller with features and layout of a full-size professional controller in a lightweight and portable unit. And the best part – for a limited time, when you purchase a Roland DJ-202 controller, you’ll receive a free 90-day BPM Supreme Standard membership!

Printed Tees

T-shirts are the standard DJ uniform – and you can’t go wrong with a fun print. We really like the one below, but just make sure they have a sense of humor before gifting this one! There are plenty of options to choose from – find the one that’s perfect for the DJ in your life.

If you hang around the electronic music scene long enough, there is a very high chance that you’ve inevitably become friends with some aspiring DJs or even some producers who are rising stars. With the holiday season here already, we’ve found some great gifts for the DJ or producer in your life that they’ll surely love!

Make sure to get your orders in soon so your gifts will arrive in time for the holidays!

Start them off with the perfect controller as they launch their career as a DJ!

Has your friend expressed interest in starting their career as a DJ but doesn’t have a controller yet? If you’re looking to get them a solid gift for this holiday season then that may be the perfect gift!

Kick off their career with the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2, which supports Serato and features jog-wheel tension that is similar to CDJs so they won’t be too lost when taking the stage at a club. If they already use Rekordbox you can grab the DDJ-RB model instead!

Additionally, if Traktor is the system that they want to live within a solid pick there would be the Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller. Coming in at $400 it is still a budget pick for those who reside within the Native Instruments family.

A mid-level controller to upgrade their setup and get them into the groove!

Has your friend who DJs been using some old, outdated equipment lately? Want to get them to the next level of DJing? Getting them a mid-level controller would be a perfect choice this holiday season!

Pictured above, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 is a great choice for artists who are currently using Serato and is the next step up from the previously mentioned DDJ-SB2. Those who are using Rekordbox will want to make the jump to DDJ-RR instead, as it exclusively uses that management program.

Already living in the Native Instruments World? Upgrade their experience by jumping from the starter Kontrol S2 to the sleek Kontrol S4 MK2 which will run in the same price range as the Pioneer setups at $700.

Help them hear their bangers with a pair of quality studio monitors!

Nothing is worse than producing a track from your laptop only to listen to it on a pair of quality speakers and find out it sounds like trash. Your friend who DJs will thank you tremendously once you get them a pair of monitors for their bedroom studio that will let them hear every sound, crisp and clean as ever. The pair of Pioneer DJ DM-40 pictured above is a great, affordable start at only $129.

If you’re looking for some monitors that are a bit more on the high end, we recommend grabbing the KRK RP5G3-NA Rokit 5 Generation 3 Powered Studio Monitors for an extra added punch of sound quality. This pair of monitors comes highly recommended, and while it will effectively double the price at $300, the DJ in your life will be thanking you for them for some time to come!

Headphones for the studio and when they’re behind the decks are important!

The number one accessory that nearly every DJ we have spoken with needs is a pair of quality headphones. Whether they are on stage performing or in the studio recording new beats, these are a crucial element to their careers. Normally at $150 but currently slashed down to $99, we highly recommend grabbing a pair of these Shure SRH750DJ Headphones. Not only is the sound quality fantastic, but they also feature a 50mm neodymium driver that is optimized for DJ mixing.

Not “shure” you want to grab those headphones? We also recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x which are great for in-studio work and come with a carrying case at a solid price of $148. Additionally, the Sony MDR7506‘s are at an unreal price right now at just $79.99 with qualifying orders.

Extra earplugs are the gift that keeps on giving to protect their hearing long-term!

Whether you’re attending shows or behind the decks, it is highly important that your hearing is protected in loud environments. Give the gift of hearing protection to your favorite DJ and show them how important their safety is to you.

For those looking to purchase good quality earplugs at a reasonable price, we recommend EarPeace. If you’re looking for something with a bit more protection, we love ACS Customs, and so do many artists like Armin van Buuren, ZEDD, Deadmau5, and more.

At a slightly lower price point, Etymotics are the perfect stocking stuffer if you’re short on cash. They are a bit pricier, but will keep your hearing protected for years to come!

Give them a quality backpack to carry their gear to gigs and while on tour!

Traveling long distances and playing gig after gig means that DJs need to be able to carry their crucial gear in a convenient fashion. Giving the artist plenty of pockets for everything from their laptop to headphones, the Odyssey Backspin 2 is a great choice for the DJ on the go.

Another great pick for the DJ who is in dire need of a new backpack would be the SlappaMask Jedi. This bag is both “checkpoint friendly” and features a strong outer material so that the contents inside are safe and sound.

Unsure what to get the DJ in your life? Whether you need something for a beginner or a long-time player, Musician’s Friend has what you need. While this article only focuses on 9 pieces of gear, take some time to check out our DJ gifts collection. If you’re still having trouble deciding on the perfect gift, Musician’s Friend offers gift certificates, deliverable via mail or e-mail.

SERATO 12 Inch Control Vinyl – Performance Series – Glow in the Dark

For the Serato-based DJ, we present this pack of two glow in the dark 12″ control records. Whether DJ’ing at home or at a gig, you’re going to want a cool setup and nothing says “vibe” like two glowing records spinning around. These Serato Control Vinyl packs are available in a variety of different styles.

Shure M44-7 Competition DJ Cartridge

Shure’s M44-7 is a great cartridge choice for performing DJs. Designed with turntablism in mind, this cartridge offers powerful bass and unmatched skip resistance. With ultra-low record wear, DJs can feel comfortable using this cartridge night after night.

Glowtronics Solid Black Out

If you’re a DJ, you need a slipmat for your turntable. The Glowtronics Solid Black Out is a professional-grade slipmat, designed with a specially glazed bottom surface, now an industry standard. Made with high-grade 16 ounce felt material, this pair of slipmats will offer the performance you need as you put your decks to work.

Magma Cases DJ Riot Backpack XL

A fantastic gift for the gigging DJ, the Magma Cases DJ Riot Backpack XL is designed with DJ gear in mind. Capable of carrying a mixer like the Rane Sixty Two or a controller like the Traktor Kontrol S4, plus a laptop and accessories, this backpack offers all the flexibility you’ll need to get your gear where the gig is.

With a fully waterproof shell and zippers, the Magma Cases DJ Riot Backpack XL is made entirely from PVC Tarpaulin, a very strong material. Generous internal storage, and a separate, padded 17″ laptop compartment means gear will stay safe inside.

Roland DJ-202 Serato DJ Controller

The affordable Roland DJ-202 Serato Controller is a great entry-level choice for a budding DJ. Packed with the features and layout of higher priced professional grade controllers, the USB-powered mixer offers a lightweight, compact design for grab and go portability.

The DJ-202 is designed to offer seamless Serato integration and performance, and with its plug-and-play performance, even novice DJs will be spinning and scratching in no time. In addition to its intuitive control surface, DJ-202 features classic Roland TR drum machine sounds including Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Hi-Hats and more. With a built-in 1/4″ mic input, on-board reverb and FX and more, the DJ-202 really is the perfect gift for the beginner DJ in your life.

Pioneer DJM-S9 2-Channel Battle Mixer for Serato DJ

Designed for use with Serato DJ, the pro-grade Pioneer DJM-S9 mixer is loaded with all the features a professional DJ needs. The fully customizable Magvel Fader Pro has multiple options for a variety of different styles, while 16 performance pads (8 per channel) give quick access to cues, samples and more. Even better? DJM-S9 features a number of buttons that can be mapped to Serato’s effects, the perfect complement to the S9’s built-in effects.

With great feel, professional features and eye-catching good looks, the DJM-S9 mixer from Pioneer is a fantastic choice for grabbing complete control of Serato DJ.

Pioneer PLX-500 Direct Drive Turntable

Pioneer DJ’s PLX-500 Direct-Drive Turntable is a high-torque, scratching-friendly deck that offers high-quality analog sound. Shipping with a cartridge, stylus and slipmat, the PLX-500 is ready to go right out of the box. The full complement of outputs include phono, line and USB, allowing you to hook up the PLX-500 with your PA system, mixer or computer of choice.

The PLX-500 also ships with a dust cover and record sleeve stand so you can display your record sleeves while you scratch.

Sterling Silver Bracelets are one of the most popular metals in the world, discovered in antiquity. Centuries ago, it was worth more than gold, since pure silver metal alloy was valued in the market because of its rarity. But, over time, people began to dilute the substance with other impurities. Therefore, now there are enough samples of this substance.

Where did the name “sterling silver” come from, what is it? There are the following versions of the origin of the name. According to the first, the metal was so named because of the pound sterling, which was used in everyday life in the middle Ages. In the middle of the 12th century, the king of England, Heinrich 8, issued a decree according to which a coin made of 925 sterling silver came into use . This alloy was considered equal to ordinary silver, from which money was then made. Such a pound sterling was used for large purchases.

The second version says that silver, in which there were only 8% of impurities, was produced in the Sterling region in Saxony (Germany) from the 11th century. From this subject and went name. Coins, which were issued in the northern region of the country, were used for settlement with England during the allied actions. The then ruler of the country liked these strong coins so much that he soon put them into use. Actually, two versions of the origin of the name of the metal flow from each other.

925 sterling silver

Sterling metal is popular because it consists of 92.5% pure silver, and only 7.5% copper is copper. The alloy under consideration is very difficult to melt, since it requires a certain temperature and special aging. But, the metal, as a result, becomes very durable, high-quality, has a long service life. In the middle Ages, such coins were used for trading.

The difference between ordinary silver and sterling

What makes silver familiar to everyone different from what is being considered? Precious metal, due to hydrogen sulfide, which is in the air, becomes dull. It is the loss of beauty due to tarnishing that is considered the main disadvantage of jewelry made of noble substances. But sterling silver does not have this flaw. The fact is that the smaller the copper in the alloy, the less susceptible it is to the effect of sulfur compounds.

Since the usual noble metal is soft and ductile, only jewelry is made from it, and is not used in the manufacture of dishes and interior objects. Therefore, all expensive silver sets of dishes, coins are made of sterling metal. As you can see, it is easy to distinguish it from the usual, if it is not decoration.

How to store and care for the product

Basic tips for the proper care of sterling silver:

The place of storage should be a dark and dry place to eliminate the risk of sun falling on the metal surface (it darkens from it);

Although products made of sterling silver do not lose their attractiveness for a long time, it is not always possible to follow all the rules for their storage. If the metal is darkened, you should clean it with a soft cloth soaked in a coin cleaning liquid (you can buy it at the household chemicals store).

In no case can mechanical cleaning be performed, it will only scratch the surface of the product;

When a special liquid does not help, a solution consisting of hydrogen peroxide, liquid ammonia and tooth powder should be made. After the execution, you must wipe the metal with a clean, dry cloth.

Men’s silver bracelets, clips for ties, money, signet rings, belt buckles are created in many styles and are accessories for a modern wardrobe.

New gift options have appeared to mark retirement, promotion or simply say “I love you”: combs and brushes, engraved key rings, lighters, flasks, pocket knives, desk stationery, travel clocks, even men’s silver dials.

A carefully selected accessory from sterling is a memory of emotions, events, events. Nobody will forget such a gift.

Impact on tradition

From the dawn of civilization, people were bewitched by the spells and glitter of mystical white metal. For centuries it has been used to designate historical milestones, celebrations, achievements, and special occasions. No one will say with confidence when the gift from this element was first presented. Ambassadors from the island of Crete in 3100 BC They brought silver vases as an offering to the Egyptian rulers.

The popularity of metal influenced languages ​​and customs. The silver spoon began to symbolize amazing luck and privileges from the 17th century, when the Spanish writer Cervantes deftly remarked that “not all people are born with her mouth.” The tradition of “silver jubilee” takes its origins in Germany, where it was decided to give a sterling wreath to a woman after 25 years of marriage.

Favorite material for creative and innovative modern designers because of its availability and malleability is silver. Men’s jewelry is mostly made from it. Virtually any shape can be given to this metal. A special gift from sterling is a touching expression of love, friendship, celebration or gratitude.

Jewels for him

Men’s silver bracelets can be the final sign of trust and difference. It’s a wonderful gift for everyone but once exclusively for nobles. Sterling cufflinks, in traditional geometric forms or thematic styles with images, with stones – are required for any man. Decoration should place accents, but not be a central part of the look. For most men, buying this precious metal is a tempting option. It complements the various skin tones, blends in with the casual and official style.

Silver bracelets on hand create an amazing addition to clothes. They are simple, elegant. Silver is perceived as gray, neutral, functionally outside the color wheel, on a gradient from black to white. It does not provide an attractive contrast that gold gives.

It is said that a clock and a wedding ring are sufficient for the stronger sex. However, fashion trends are constantly changing. Wearing bracelets for men has become acceptable. Silver bracelets are versatile; they can be an amazing touch to formal and casual wear.

What to look for when choosing. Before touching on the issues of taste and style, think about what is best for you. The size, size of sections, beads carry value.When choosing men’s bracelets on hand, considers the structure of the joint of the hand. Knowing the width of the bone, determine which one to choose: narrow, massive, laconic, and extravagant.

When buying jewelry, evaluate the quality of the design. Inspect carefully fasteners, fasteners. Hinges, locks must be securely fastened and function properly. Fasten easily, safely.

How to determine wrist size?

Try to connect the thumb and index fingers, clasping the opposite. If the fingers touch each other lightly, then the wrist is narrow. Medium – if barely touched. Wide – fingers cannot be connected, between them there is free space. For small male wrists, it is advisable to choose a sleek double silver bracelet. Braided from laces, in the Byzantine style with short links will not work.

What are the samples of silver?

The element is naturally found in the ground, is considered in its pure form too soft for practical use in jewelry or cutlery. Commonly used alloy with copper.