Spark: Chords, Backing Tracks 17+

Good but problems - updated

After waiting several months I received my spark amp today. The various amp models work fine and sound better than I expected. The smart jam feature also works quite well. However, I am having a serious issue with the auto chord feature. I synched the app with my Apple Music account and downloaded several songs, however when I tried to play along, none of the songs would play. For most of the songs the app created a chord chart that was fairly accurate ( I downloaded several songs I know well to see how it wold do) but none of the songs would play so that I could play along. Since auto chord was a primary reason I purchased the amp, I am not pleased. I updated the firmware, turned the amp on an off and deleted and reinstalled the app on my iPad and my iPhone. I also made sure the amp was not connected to both the phone and iPad at the same time. Nothing worked. I have emailed positive grid and I hope there is a solution, but I didn’t find anything in my online searches. - UPDATE - positive grid responded to my email within a day informing me they had updated the app to correct the problem. The auto chord feature now works great. Loving the amp

Avoid this amp like the plague

If I could give this thing zero stars I would, but you have to give one star in order to post a review…so with that out of the way…where do I start with how useless this thing is…how about, some background. I’ve been playing guitar and have been in and out of bands and recording studios for the past forty years…So with that said…First, l’ll start this review by pointing out how overwhelmingly muddy and bass heavy the amp itself is, and that’s with plugging the bass port. Additionally, trying to use the bass controls (in the apps amps) to tame the bass is useless as well. Also, the treble controls either add harshness to the tone, or are useless. Plus, I tried a Strat, a Tele, a Les Paul, an ES335, a Firebird, an Explorer, a Gretch, and a Yamaha, and didn’t make a bit of difference in getting a passable tone. I also tried single coils, humbuckers, mini humbuckers, P90s, and soapbar pickups, and that didn’t help in dialing in a satisfactory tone. And trying to get a tone on the amp using the bridge, neck, or the two together was futile. Though, I will say this, if you play metal the Spark amp and app are passable. Look, I could go on, but I won’t, though I will offer this piece of advice…do yourself a favor and buy a Vox Valvetronix modeling amp, or a Yamaha THR series, or just buy Bias Amp 2, or Bias FX 2 and an iLoud, you’ll be better off. The only thing the Spark amp is good for is a door stop. Again, avoid this thing like the plague!

Developer Response ,

Hi, thank you for bringing this to our attention, could you please send us a support ticket here for the follow up ? https://help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/requests/new , thank youHi, thank you for bringing this to our attention, could you please send us a support ticket here for the follow up ? https://help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/requests/new , thank you

Fantastic!

I read the criticism regarding delays in orders. With great trepidation...I finally pulled the trigger and just settled in for a long wait. I placed the order on Sunday and received the amp on Thursday. Four days. I was shocked but pleasantly surprised. I figured the myriad reviews singing it’s praises were pure paid rubbish. I was skeptical, to say the least. After Plugging in and fiddling around with the straight amp, then trying out the presets...I was grinning ear to ear. Then I downloaded the app and an hour and a half disappeared in mere seconds. I had to force myself to stop and turn it off for the night. I was like a kid in the candy store running from one flavor to the next. It is simply outstanding. I don’t expect it to be my one and only amp. For its purpose of practicing, chasing tone, jamming to backing tracks and potentially using it to record to the computer...absolutely brilliant. I am completely and utterly in love with this feisty amp. The flexibility and control are fabulous. I don’t understand shipping the cover separately. Still no word on that item but at least it’s not the other way around.