Accessories - Gear Guides

6 Top Stratocaster Pickups for Every Style: Ultimate 2026 Guide

The Fender Stratocaster remains one of the most iconic electric guitars ever created, but even the most beloved Strat can benefit from a pickup upgrade. Whether you're seeking vintage Hendrix tones, modern high-output punch, or noise-free performance, the right pickups can transform your guitar from good to extraordinary. Our comprehensive guide explores the best Stratocaster pickups, organized by playing style, tonal characteristics, and budget considerations to help you find your perfect sound.

Last updated April 2025

The 8 Best Guitar Speakers: How to Choose the Perfect Match 2026

From vintage warmth to modern punch, your choice of guitar speaker profoundly shapes your tone. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the essential specs, top recommendations, and real-world applications of today's best guitar speakers. Whether you're chasing classic British roar or pristine American cleans, we'll help you find your perfect sonic match.

Last updated February 2025

Top Guitar Wireless Systems 2026: From Budget to Pro Rigs

Playing guitar is one of the most liberating experiences a musician can have – until you're yanked back to reality by that cable tethering you to your amp. Today's wireless technology has finally evolved to meet the demanding standards of professional musicians, offering solutions that not only match the fidelity of high-end cables but often provide additional features that enhance your overall setup.

Last updated February 2025

6 Best Tele Pickups for Country, Blues, Rock and Beyond 2026

The Telecaster remains one of the most versatile electric guitars ever created, but its true potential is often unlocked through the right pickup selection. Whether you're chasing the authentic bite of vintage country, the warmth of blues, or pushing into completely new sonic territory, this guide breaks down the finest Telecaster pickup options available. We've compared top contenders across every price point and playing style to help you make the perfect choice for your sound.

Last updated April 2025

Red Monkey Ace of Spades Guitar Strap Review

An honest, scored review of the Red Monkey Ace of Spades Guitar Strap in Relic Black — who should buy this hand-tooled leather strap, who should skip it, and how it stacks up against El Dorado, Couch, Souldier, and Levy's.

Last updated May 2026

Ultimate Single Coil Pickup Guide: Blues, Rock and Beyond 2026

Few upgrades can transform your guitar's sound as dramatically as a new set of pickups. Single coil pickups remain the gold standard for bright, articulate chime and dynamic responsiveness. Our comprehensive guide explores the finest options available today, from the quintessential vintage-voiced Fender Custom Shop '69s to modern powerhouses like the Seymour Duncan SSL-5. Whether you're seeking authentic blues tones, noise-free high gain, or budget-friendly excellence, we've meticulously selected the perfect pickup for your playing style and instrument.

Last updated April 2025

Top 8 Guitar Headphone Amps for Silent Practice in 2026

The latest generation of guitar headphone amps has revolutionized how and where musicians can practice, offering impressive tone quality that rivals traditional amplifiers. Today's compact options range from simple analog devices to sophisticated digital processors with amp modeling, effects, and wireless connectivity. Whether you're a bedroom player, touring musician, or studio artist, there's a headphone amp solution that can transform your practice routine without sacrificing the tone that inspires you. All of these follow best practices for meta descriptions, avoiding starting with "discover" and keeping within character limits while being informative and engaging.

Last updated May 2025

Best Guitar Tuning Machine Heads: Buying Guide 2026

Nothing kills the magic of playing guitar faster than tuning pegs that refuse to cooperate. Many guitarists overlook tuners when considering upgrades, but guitar tuning machines affect far more than just staying in tune. They influence string changes, instrument balance, and even sustain. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the right tuning machines, from understanding gear ratios and mounting styles to comparing locking versus traditional designs. Whether you're upgrading a budget guitar or restoring a vintage instrument, the right tuners can transform your playing experience with rock-solid stability and smoother operation.

Last updated August 2025

Best Metronomes for Musicians in 2025

The humble metronome remains one of the most powerful tools in a musician's arsenal, yet it's often overlooked or underutilized. That consistent *tick-tock* isn't just background noise; it's the architectural framework upon which all musical precision is built. Whether you're a beginner struggling with timing or a seasoned performer preparing for a complex piece, the right metronome can transform your practice sessions and elevate your musical abilities.

Last updated October 2025

5 Best Guitar Picks: Perfect Plectrums 2026

Choosing the best guitar pick for your needs is one of the best investments you can make as a guitarists. Picks are inexpensive, and having on that is comfortable and lets you attack the strings how you intent to is invaluable. In this guide, we review some things to consider when choosing picks and review some of the best guitar picks out there.

Last updated August 2024

6 Best Music Studio Desks for Comfort & Productivity: 2026

Choosing the right studio desk can be a game changer for your music production. Whether you need extra storage, ergonomic support, or a sleek design, we’ve rounded up the best options to help you work smarter and more comfortably.

Last updated November 2024

7 Best Electric Guitar Strings: Guide to Wonderful Wires 2026

Electric guitar strings - for such a seemingly simple purchase, there are a surprising amount of things to consider, and finding the right ones for you is both an art and a science.

Last updated February 2025

The Top 5 Guitar Wall Hangers | Accesories

Of the many ways to store your guitars or basses in your home or studio, none are quite as cool as hanging them on the wall. In this guide we test out and review the best guitar wall hangers.

Last updated August 2025

Top 5 Guitar Chairs & Stools 2026

Our resident guitarists picked the 5 best, most comfortable & durable guitar chairs and stools that withstand the rigors of daily use and gigging. We took into consideration the needs of hobbyist musicians, guitar teachers, gigging guitarists, and more.

Last updated September 2024

6 Best Guitar Cables: Plug In, Play Loud 2026

Which guitar cable should I buy? Do expensive cables really sound better? You've got questions, we've got answers. We show you the Top Guitar Cables...

Last updated June 2024

5 Best Humbuckers: Gear Guide to Amazing Pickups 2026

As guitar players, we’ve all come to the point where we want to switch out pickups. We might be hot rodding a guitar we love, modding some piece of junk we pulled out of a pawnshop, or just chasing that ever elusive perfect tone. Unfortunately figuring out how to choose the best humbuckers is not an easy task for the inexperienced, and in all honesty it’s pretty overwhelming no matter how much you know about the subject. This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as well as give you five great recommendations to aid you in your search.

Last updated August 2024

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings: A Comprehensive Gear Guide

What you string your acoustic guitar with is a fundamental aspect of your tone. Choose the right set, so your guitar can live up to its full potential. In this guide we explain acoustic guitar strings and tell you some of the best acoustic guitar strings to try on your guitar.

Last updated August 2025

5 Best Harmonicas 2026

Harmonicas are a great way to add texture and and melody to an arrangement. Here, we look at what you need to know when selecting the best harmonica for your needs and give you some recommendations for proven can't go wrong harmonicas.

Last updated September 2024

Best Guitar Stands | 6 Picks That Actually Work

Every guitarist faces the same question: where do I put my guitar when I'm not playing it? A quality guitar stand is not just an accessory but an essential investment in your instrument's longevity and your peace of mind. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best guitar stands available in 2025, breaking down the perfect options for every situation, playing style, and budget. Whether you're protecting a cherished vintage instrument or your first beginner guitar, there's an ideal stand waiting to cradle it safely.

Last updated October 2025

Best Guitar Straps: A Guide to Super Straps

Guitar straps are one of the most overlooked pieces of a guitar player’s rig. However, the right strap can go a long way in your guitar playing journey. The best strap for you will keep your guitar in a comfortable position, keep it securely attached, be comfortable, and durable. We review some of the most proven straps available.

Last updated September 2025

Best Clip-On Guitar Tuner: PolyTune Clip Review 2026

Our team of experts named the TC Electronic PolyTune Clip as the best clip-on tuner out of dozens of models. We tested the PolyTune clip and were very impressed as it is the only clip-on tuner with a boutique pedal feel. In this review, we’ll cover the unboxing, features, functionality, pros, cons, and why we feel this is the top choice when shopping for a clip-on guitar tuner.

Last updated September 2024

11 Best Capos: Reviews & Gear Guide 2026

Simply put, a capo allows you to change the key you’re playing in without changing the position of your fingers. For example, suppose you look up the chords to one of your favorite songs. You practice playing along with that song with the chords provided, but when you finally get it down you discover that the song is too high/low for you to sing along with. By capoing you can change the key to find a better fit for your register without having to relearn the song in a different position.

Last updated June 2024

5 Best Guitar Pickups: Magnificent Magnets 2026

Without the electrical assistance of a functioning pickup, a guitar makes a lovely prop. When the right pickup is installed and activated, an electric guitar becomes an instrument.

Last updated August 2024

Best XLR Cables: Guide to Pro Audio Cables

Microphone cables are an incredibly important addition to any musician’s rig. As a performer, your sound is made up of a million different variables. Any one thing going wrong will have an impact on your tone, and assuming that you want to sound as good as possible (which who doesn’t?) you’re going to want to make sure that you purchase equipment that doesn’t limit you. A bad microphone cable can let you down mid-show, introduce electronic interference into the P.A., and result in a lessened signal that’s devoid of rich frequencies. We’ll give you all the information that you’re going to need to make an informed purchase, and down at the end of the article we’re even going to give you a few great recommendations to aid you in your search.

Last updated August 2025

5 Best Mic Stands: Gear Guide to Capable Mic Stands 2026

A good mic stand can make or break your vocal performance. Stability, comfort, and placement are huge factors. If you’re in the market for a mic stand, make sure you have all the information that you need to get the best microphone stand for your needs.

Last updated August 2024

4 Best Acoustic Guitar Pickups 2026

Picking the correct amplification system for your acoustic instrument can be intimidating. Different pickup systems have different tones, form factors, and price points. So while this list of recommendations is by no means comprehensive, hopefully you’ll find it helpful in selecting the best acoustic guitar pickups for your needs.

Last updated September 2024

Best Guitar Cases & Gig Bags | Gear Guides

So you’ve finally got the axe of your dreams. You did your research (maybe you even used some of our guides, and if you didn’t you should from now on!), pined after it for a few months, then finally pulled the trigger. Now you need to know how to keep the guitar of your dreams safe. If you’re unsure how to choose the best guitar case you’ve come to right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as will as give you five great recommendations that you’ll be sure to love!

Last updated September 2025

Top 7 Headphone Amplifiers: From Budget to Premium In 2026

The journey toward audio excellence often leads to a crucial yet frequently overlooked component: the headphone amplifier. These specialized devices serve as the vital bridge between your audio source and headphones, delivering the necessary power and refinement that standard outputs simply cannot provide. The modern headphone amp market has reached new heights of innovation, offering unprecedented options for every listener profile. From pocket-sized portable solutions to premium desktop centerpieces, today's amplifiers cater to diverse needs while incorporating cutting-edge technology. All three elements avoid emdashes and any reference to testing as requested. The meta description follows best practices by staying within the recommended character limit, avoiding starting with "discover," including a clear value proposition, and incorporating relevant keywords. The social media description is punchier and creates curiosity to drive clicks, while the excerpt provides a substantive preview of the article's content.

Last updated May 2025

Best Trumpets: Top Student to Professional Horns

From the raw and aggressive jazz playing of greats like Louis Armstrong and Chet Baker to the slick and intricate work of classical musicians playing in an orchestra, the trumpet is easily one of the most endearing and notable instruments in western music. Here we talk about what to look for in a trumpet, from student to professional models, to help you find the best trumpet for your needs.

Last updated August 2025

The Finest Classical Guitars of 2025 | Guitar Gear Guides

Choosing the right string can be a bit overwhelming. There’s just so many options to choose from, all of which have a drastic effect on both your tone and the feel of your instrument. We played and tested a ton of nylon stings so you don't have to. Read our reviews to learn what the best nylon guitar strings for you are.

Last updated September 2025

Best Bass Strings: Choice Wires to Bring the Bass

If you’re all about that bass (and prefer a lack of treble) odds are you’ve wondered about the different types of bass guitar strings. It’s a bit hard to know what you should be using when there’s so many different types of bass string on the market that most people couldn’t even name all the brands, let alone the different lines or varients. But if you’ve ever had a hard time figuring out how to choose the best bass guitar strings, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need in order to make an informed purchase, as well as give you five great recommendations to aid you in your search.

Last updated August 2025

5 Best Guitar Books 2026

As musicians, we have a staggering amount of information available to us that can help us hone our craft. The hard part is deciding which resources are valuable and which resources aren’t. Well, not all books are created equal, and you’ve probably not been looking at the right ones. So if you’ve ever wondered how to choose a useful read, this article will give you all the information that you need to choose the best guitar book for your needs.

Last updated August 2024

Wireless Headphones Showdown 2025

The wireless headphone landscape has transformed dramatically, making tangled cables a thing of the past. But with hundreds of options flooding the market, choosing the right pair can feel overwhelming. Our comprehensive guide cuts through the noise to help you find your perfect wireless headphones, whether you're an audiophile, commuter, or casual listener.

Last updated August 2025

Best Keyboard Stands | Stable & Adjustable Picks

Whether you're practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing live, your keyboard stand is the foundation of your setup. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the market's most reliable options for this year, from professional-grade workhorses to budget-friendly solutions that don't compromise on stability. We analyze crucial factors like weight capacity, build quality, and real-world performance to help you make an informed choice that matches your specific needs.

Last updated October 2025

6 Best Guitar Humidifiers: Moisture Management for Your Guitar

Do you live or gig in a dry climate? Manage the moisture in your acoustic with a guitar humidifier.

Last updated September 2024

Elixir Optiweb Strings Review

I’ve been using Elixir’s acoustic strings for over a decade so when the Fed-ex guy dropped off a little box for me last week I was excited knowing that Elixir’s new Optiweb electric guitar strings were inside. For over 25 years I have used Ernie Ball 10 to 46 Slinkies and I’ve only flirted with other roundwound 10 gauges a pack or two at a time (and one of those flirtations was with Ernie Rock n Rolls). For this reason I will make reference to Slinkies throughout the article by way of comparison.

Last updated August 2025

Best MIDI Cables for Reliable Connections

Buying the right MIDI cable seems like a simple purchase - and in many ways it is - but there is still some confusion to be had with dozens of models available on the market today. We’re here to clear up some MIDI confusion and make recommendations for the best MIDI cables for your hard earned money...

Last updated October 2025

Best Patch Cables: Guide to Guitar Patch Cables

There are a lot of parts of being a musician that you never really consider when you’re first starting out, because odds are that you’re likely to be the first musician in your immediate family. Things like cables, matching ohms between a head and a speaker cabinet, and finding the best patch cable(s) for your needs aren’t really explained to you until you run into a situation where you need to figure these things out for yourself. Luckily for you our articles are aimed at exactly that. If you’ve ever run into issues trying to figure out how to select the best patch cables for your needs you’ve come to the right place.

Last updated August 2025

Best Music Stands: Musicians Take a Stand | Gear Guides

The best music stands are built from quality materials, have solid components like threading mechanisms, and are the correct balance or stability and portability for your needs. These music stands are a good balance of rugged, portable, and usable. We review some of the most popular music stands on the market and give you the pros and cons of each model.

Last updated September 2025

Best Trumpets for Top Students & Professionals

A guitar slide is a relatively simple tool, and while picking out the best one for you isn’t rocket science, there are some factors to consider. In this guide we teach you how to choose a great guitar slide, and make some recommendations.

Last updated October 2025