March 07, 2025By Joshua Fernandez 0 Comment
When Positive Grid introduced Spark NEO, a groundbreaking headphone guitar amplifier, it took many by surprise. What sparked this innovative idea? What sets Spark NEO apart from traditional practice solutions?
To uncover the story behind its creation, Young Guitar magazine spoke with Jesse Liu, Product Manager at Positive Grid, about the inspiration, development, and unique features that make Spark NEO a game-changer.
A New Vision for Guitar Practice
Spark series amps have always challenged the norms of conventional guitar amps, and Spark NEO continues that tradition. Designed to offer a fully wireless and immersive practice experience, it eliminates the need for cumbersome cables and external gear, allowing guitarists to play anytime, anywhere with complete freedom.
Jesse explains that the goal was to bring the renowned sound quality of Spark amps into a portable format that offers flexibility without sacrificing tone. By doing so, Spark NEO empowers musicians to practice seamlessly, whether at home, on the road, or in between.
Beyond Just Headphones
Building Spark NEO required stepping into new territory—designing headphones with amplifier capabilities. Unlike traditional amp development, integrating high-fidelity audio with guitar processing was a complex challenge that the Positive Grid team was eager to tackle.
While the team had extensive experience in audio technology, fusing a high-quality headphone system with an amp demanded fresh innovation. One of the key advancements was the in-house development of specialized drivers, incorporating cutting-edge bio-fiber diaphragm materials to deliver outstanding sound clarity and responsiveness, whether for guitar tones or music playback.
Classic Amp Look, Modern Feel
Spark NEO maintains the signature aesthetic of the Spark series while introducing a sleek, premium feel. The combination of black tolex and a gold arm draws inspiration from vintage and boutique amplifiers, giving the product a refined yet familiar appeal.
More than just stylish, the design is crafted with comfort and durability in mind. The goal was to create a piece of gear that not only looks professional but also supports long practice sessions without discomfort.
A Name That Reflects Innovation
The name “NEO” was chosen to reflect the fresh, forward-thinking approach behind the product. Designed to redefine how guitarists practice, Spark NEO combines wireless freedom, precise sound tuning, and AI-enhanced tone control to create an effortless playing experience.
With professional-grade sound quality, intuitive usability, and state-of-the-art technology, Spark NEO isn’t just another amp—it’s a revolutionary tool for modern guitarists.
A Final Thought
Jesse Liu emphasizes that Spark NEO was built to make playing electric guitar as intuitive and enjoyable as possible. From the moment musicians put it on, they can dive straight into their music without distractions.
And if credibility matters, consider this—Jesse isn’t just a product manager; he’s also the guitarist for the renowned Taiwanese metal band CHTHONIC. If anyone knows what makes an outstanding guitar tone, it’s him.
