Positive Grid Spark 2 Demo | First Look

A powerful app for sound crafting and a stacked menu of loops, backing tracks, and inspirational sounds help the Spark 2 transcend practice amp status.

Positive Grid launches Spark 2, the next evolution of their cutting-edge smart guitar practice amplifiers and Bluetooth® speakers. Engineered for acoustic, electric guitar, and bass, Spark 2 delivers an immersive practice and playing experience. Enjoy detailed sound and an all-new upgraded speaker design powered by Positive Grid’s exclusive Sonic IQ Computational Audio technology. With an onboard creative looper, optional battery power, and intuitive AI features for tone exploration and practice, Spark 2 is the gateway to a musical experience that goes beyond expectations.

Proprietary Audio and Advanced Technology
Spark 2 represents a leap forward in amplifier design. It integrates a new DSP amp modeling engine with double the processing power, and at 50 Watts, it packs 25% more volume than the original. Positive Grid’s proprietary Sonic IQ Computational Audio delivers incredibly detailed and dynamic sound. New HD amp models, enhanced by multi-band dynamic range compression and virtual bass augmentation, redefine the sonic landscape.

Equipped with two premium FRFR speakers and reflex ports, Spark 2 offers wide stereo imaging and broader frequency response, ensuring refined bass and clear, immersive sound.

Built-In Creative Looper
Spark 2’s built-in Groove Looper features hundreds of hyper-realistic drum tracks. From basic loops to multi-layered soundscapes or the ultimate jam session, this intuitive tool inspires endless creativity. Onboard amp controls provide quick, on-the-go looping functionality.

AI-Powered Tone and Smart Jam
Spark AI revolutionizes tone exploration. Describe any desired tone in the Spark app - from practical to outlandish - and Spark AI will suggest tones to audition or download. The more it’s used, the smarter it gets, delivering the perfect sound.

Additional smart features make it easy to practice, learn new songs and improve playing skills. Smart Jam listens to the user's playing style and generates accompanying bass and drum parts, while Auto Chords analyzes any song streamed and displays the guitar chords in real time, to make learning and practicing new songs easier than ever.

Enhanced Hardware Design and Portability
Spark 2 allows for storing up to eight customizable presets directly on the amp for quick access to favorite sounds. Perfect the tone with large, visible onboard controls for looper, EQ, gain, reverb, and more.

Designed for convenience, an optional rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime for on-the-go sessions. The new double-thick strap and durable build ensure easy and secure transport. Spark 2 is also Bluetooth® ready, allowing for music streaming and jamming along with favorite tracks anytime, anywhere.

Multiple Outputs and Advanced Features
Spark 2 offers versatile connectivity with a headphone out for private practice, stereo line outs for external audio sources, and a USB-C port which enables it to function as an audio interface. WiFi-enabled, Spark 2 allows convenient over-the-air firmware updates, keeping the amp up to date with the latest features and improvements.

"I've used a ton of practice amps while touring the world for over 38 years and it was always just a technical, bland exercise," says guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter and producer Nuno Bettencourt. "Spark 2 is like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go – epic and versatile."

0:00 - Bohlinger Playing Intro
2:54 - Signal Chain
3:12 - Features & Controls
4:24 - Upgraded Spark App & Functions
5:11 - Spark 2 Default Preset Tones
9:06 - App Backing Tracks
9:46 - Metronome, Tuner & Looper
10:40 - Final Thoughts
10:55 - Bohlinger Playing Outro

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#guitar #guitarist #guitarplayer #amp #amps #positivegrid #spark #spark2

[plpinkham]

There is no other amp on the market that offers as much as this amp does. It is an amazing practice, writing, and recording tool, and it sounds phenomenal.

[egorillad]

John is a national treasure and the world needs to know 🙌🏽

[nunyabusiness]

To anybody who has never had one of these, the sound is great but I think the app is its main selling point. Sure, you can create your own presets, but I like to go through their cloud and download presets that other folks have already made. You can search pretty much any band or song and, chances are, someone has made a preset for it, and you can change through them with one button press or download them to the spark. I was really surprised that there were some awesome Boston/Rockman presets (a very specific sound thats kind of hard to get right) that some folks made and it nails the tone.

Its also small enough that you can take it with you on family trips to the lake, cabin, visiting the other side of the family on Thanksgiving etc and have basically a full sounding rig all in one box. All this, plus the training tools and backing track stuff makes this an awesome learning tool and a really fun toy to play around with.

[festushaggen]

The negative comments here are astounding. It's a practice amp that sounds better than anything less than what the pros used when I started playing 30 years ago and it's not good enough? The snobbery here is off the charts.

[vikguitarbackingtracks]

I have two tube amps, a Marshall and an ENGL. I also have the Spark 40 and the GO. Guess which I use the most. Bingo! Among the practice amps, Spark 40 is the king. I preordered the second version.

[druchumley]

As a player of 40+ years, I can say without hesitation that the Spark 2 is the most impressive amp I have played through yet. For what you pay and what you get, it's pound for pound a KILLER rig. The possibilities are endless. I can get a very respectable blues tone, a smooth jazz tone, a blistering rock tone, and top it all off with beautiful tones for my nylon electric. No other amp or modeler can touch it for sheer versatility. I've played Fender tube amps, Helix modelers, etc. You name it, and I've tried it. The app is also designed very well. The Spark has inspired me to play more in the last few days than I have played in a month. Period.

[jerryhorton]

I own a Spark 40. Great little practice amp so I’m looking forward to this upgrade.
And John B is always awesome!

[dannygoode]

Well i purchased this amd and the cab. I modified it and sent a line out socket from the head to the cab. As plugging in the speaker out disable the amp speaker. Now at home with can and head together. This thing sounds amazing. Just gives you massive sound. Add the hendrix amp package. wow. The looper though mmmm. Glitchy, and anymore than 2 overdubs the playback goes to sludge. Build quality is exceptional.

John Bohlinger your videos are legendary 🎉

[diegoreyes]

Man, this guy makes any amp sound great with that playing!

[TheChrisfinley]

I’ve had my spark 40 since it was first advertised I also got the cab to go with it and I use it to gig with and and do my practice with I don’t understand why people have such negative feedback about this piece of art

[LTCamaro]

For a casual living room player like me, just trying to be like my guitar hero’s 😎, this is an amazing amp. I bought the spark mini just to test the waters and loved it. I have this one preordered.

[renodavid]

Ok, this sounds much better to me on second hearing. Cool playing by John in the intro. 👏

[drothberg]

Yes, this makes me want to the Spark 2, but I want the ‘52 Goldtop Les Paul Deluxe with Bigsby a lot more. That thing is killer!😮

[Robt.Velasquez]

I have a Spark 40 and love it. I use it alone so don’t use a variety of presets. I have it set with a basic clean tone. I use an iPad loaded with backing tracks and run my guitar thru a Roland GR55 guitar synth. I am a busker (only). It’s not earth shattering volume wise for certain. But I had been told once to turn down that I could be heard from the ‘back’ of a store…..I’m still perplexed by that.

[HAMMERHEAD-gh]

These are amazing. So much so that I have bought five sparks. Been at it 30 years and I'm an accomplished guitar player. I don't do gigs anymore I'm more of a living room player. This thing fits all the needs and as a bonus, I use it as a Bluetooth speaker to play music in the background.

[drothberg]

John was really on for this. His playing unusually good.

[WarrenMusic]

just ordered my first Spark 2 today. can't Wait for it.

[elephantricity]

I really don't understand the people complaining about the tone or sustain of this amp.. You are not paying for emaculate tone.. you are paying for ease of use and practicality.. its just a practice amp.. not a gig-worthy machine.. hell, you could even use this at a small little open mic and sound fine. I've owned most different amps under the sun.. vintage fenders.. high gain marshalls, orange, friedman, vox etc.. I STILL like this amp.. not because it beats the aforementioned tone wise.. but in terms of portability and ease of use.. you get what you pay for.

[ApriliaRacer]

Just bought it today…love it. Caught the guitar bug again.

[robertsnow]

Always look for John’s video review of a new product! Amazingly knowledgeable and talented!