There’s a lot of new gear out there. Some of it is worth the price, some of it may be hype. I’m not here to say what anyone should buy, only what I know from experience as to what’s reliable and usually less expensive. What I find as a general rule is that there are some pieces of gear that never change and have been in use for a long time, for good reason:
- Tech 21 GT2- say what you will about the new digital stuff, this analog pedal is the OG of amp simulators (actually the Sansamp classic). The foundation tone.
- MXR Phase 90- one knob, lots of phase sounds, from Pink Floyd vibe to rotary speaker sounds.
- Boss DD3- get the new one with tap tempo, the DD3T. This covers every ambience on stage.
- TC Ditto Looper- the easiest, most reliable looper.
- Pedaltrain nano or nano plus- the most organized pedalboard. Your spouse will thank you.
- Boss BD2- clean boost to overdrive to hard rock.
- Boss CS3- clean boost and transparent compression. Boss really made it right.
- Yamaha CP Reface- a really good set of keys to have and easy to transport.
- Mackie CRT desk monitors- great sound for $99.
- Shure Sm58- good vocals already EQed for you. And yes, you can mic instruments with it.
These pieces will save you money in the long run because you wont keep replacing them. So stop the gear acquisition syndrome and go classic.
And that’s that.
