Expert reviews and recommendations for rock musicians. From guitars and amps to pedals and accessories - find the gear that will make you rock harder.
The Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s is an iconic instrument that delivers legendary tone and timeless aesthetics. While it comes with a premium price tag, the build quality, versatility, and that unmistakable Les Paul sound make it worth every penny for serious rock guitarists.
Fender's American Professional II Stratocaster represents the perfect evolution of the classic design. The V-Mod II pickups offer incredible clarity and definition, while the comfortable neck and modern appointments make this a workhorse guitar for any style of rock music.
The Marshall JCM800 is the sound of rock and roll. From AC/DC to Slash, this amp has defined generations of guitar tone. It's loud, aggressive, and uncompromising - exactly what rock music demands. If you need one amp that does rock right, this is it.
Orange's Rockerverb 50 MKIII delivers thunderous tone with British character that stands apart from the Marshall/Fender crowd. The built-in attenuator is a game-changer for getting cranked amp tone at reasonable volumes. Perfect for stoner rock, doom, and heavy alternative styles.
The Boss DS-1 is a desert island pedal. For under $50, you get a pedal that's been used by everyone from Kurt Cobain to Joe Satriani. It's not the most refined distortion, but it's reliable, sounds great, and has earned its place on virtually every pedalboard in rock music.
The Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 is the secret weapon behind countless legendary guitar tones. Whether you're using it to push your amp into overdrive or tighten up high-gain tones, the TS9's mid-focused voice is essential. This is one of the most important pedals in rock history.
MXR's Carbon Copy is the gold standard for analog delay pedals. The warm, musical repeats sit perfectly in a mix without digital harshness. The modulation switch adds subtle movement that makes everything sound more alive. Essential for everything from slapback rockabilly to ambient soundscapes.
DW's Collector's Series represents the pinnacle of drum manufacturing. The tone, build quality, and attention to detail are unmatched. While the price is stratospheric, professional drummers and serious hobbyists will appreciate the incredible sound and reliability these drums deliver night after night.
The Shure SM58 is the most trusted vocal microphone in the world for good reason. It's been dropped, kicked, used as a hammer, and it keeps working. The sound is tailored perfectly for live rock vocals, cutting through the mix while rejecting feedback. Every musician should own at least one.
Ernie Ball Slinky strings are the standard by which all other strings are measured. They're affordable, sound great, and feel comfortable under your fingers. Whether you're a beginner or a touring professional, you can't go wrong with Slinkys. Stock up and keep your guitar sounding fresh.
All gear reviews are written by experienced rock musicians and tested in real-world conditions. Ratings reflect overall value, performance, and suitability for rock music.