Musical Instruments Reviews

Best Electric Guitars
Electric guitarists are a highly-opinionated bunch. The question of "Best Electric Guitar" is one that surely elicits a different answer from each person you ask. That said, if you are in the market for a new e...
Best Guitar Multi-Effects Processor
Winner: Line 6 POD HD500 Amp Modeling Multi-Effects Pedalboard
This list, “Best Guitar Multi-Effects Processor” is comprised of five serious machines. Forget what you thought you knew about digital guitar...
Best Guitar Overdrive Pedal
Winner: Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive Overdrive Pedal
When I was a teen-age guitarist, each night before I went to bed, I prayed for two things: A girlfriend, and the perfect Overdrive Pedal. After nearly 25...
Best Portable PA System
Winner: Allen & Heath ZED-14FX / Harbinger APS15 PA System
A "PA" or public address system, is normally composed of an amplifier, mixer, and then a relatively light passive loudspeaker or two. While much can be...
Best Drum Machine
Winner: Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-880 Rhythm Machine
Since the first "rhythm machine" (the "Rhythmicon") was invented in 1932, people have sought out a way to overlay their music with loop-based percussion...
Best Acoustic Electric Guitar
Winner: Godin Multiac Spectrum SA Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Acoustic guitarists tend to know what they are looking for. For those whose budget has no limitations, there is rarely a need for a recommended list. For...
Best Budget Guitar Combo Amp
Winner: Line 6 Spider IV 15 15-watt 1x8 Modeling Guitar Amplifier
Many times, I have been asked by readers: “How can I make my little budget amplifier sound like a big expensive 100W amp?” Short Answer: You can’t. The...
Best Wah Pedal
Winner: Voodoo Lab Wahzoo Guitar Effects Pedal
Over the years, I have often been asked by non-musicians what a “Wah” pedal is. Well, trying to describe a Wah pedal and why you would use one is not easy....
Best Guitar Chorus Pedal
Winner: MXR M134 Stereo Chorus Pedal
Most guitarists will agree that chorus is a lovely effect. While it can be (and has often been) over-used, in most cases, it adds a welcome thickness to...
Best Guitar Clean Boost Pedal
Winner: Keeley Katana Pre Amp Clean Boost
Clean boost pedals are one-trick ponies that can serve many purposes. I know that last sentence was a complete contradiction, but it is true. Although they...
Best Guitar Cable
Winner: DiMarzio Instrument Cable
Historically, the guitar cable is considered by most to be “That thing that connects the guitar to the amp”. Well, yes, but there is certainly more to it...
Best MIDI Keyboard
Winner: M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
In the brave new world of MIDI controller keyboards, it's no longer good enough for a keyboard to possess merely MIDI in, out, and thru ports. These days...
Best Guitar Digital Delay Pedal
Winner: Eventide TimeFactor Twin Delay Pedal
If you have ever listened to the brilliant work of Andy Summers (The Police) or The Edge (U2), then you know what a powerful tool Digital Delay can be. The...
Best Digital Modeling Guitar Amp
Winner: VOX VT120 Plus Valvetronix Guitar Combo Amplifier
When digital modeling technology first came out, most guitarists pushed back; mixing computer technology with analog warmth was considered a no-no....
Best DJ Controller
Winner: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 DJ Controller
Although there have been DJs rocking the clubs for decades, the DJ MIDI Controller is a product that's still in its infancy. Even so, its popularity has...