Gear we point people to
Gear picks
Starting points for a home studio and a guitar rig. Every item is labeled: tested means we’ve used it, researched means we’re going on specs and other players’ reports.
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tested we’ve used it
researched specs and other players’ reports
Most picks start as researched. The tested list grows as we use more gear.
Most picks start as researched. The tested list grows as we use more gear.
Most picks start as researched. The tested list grows as we use more gear.
Electric and bass
Guitars
Fender American Jaguar
tested- Good for
- Players who want a guitar with bite that brings out the aggression in how they play.
- Skip it if
- You want a cleaner sound.
- Good to know
- Fender sells Jaguars in several lines and price tiers, so check the exact model before you compare.
Fender Telecaster
tested- Good for
- Players who want that Telecaster twang.
- Good to know
- Fender sells Telecasters in many versions and price tiers, so check the exact model before you compare or buy.
Epiphone Les Paul Standard
researched, not yet tested- Good for
- Players who want the Les Paul look and a humbucker sound for much less than a Gibson.
- Skip it if
- You can’t try it first and you care about small fit and finish details.
- Good to know
- Models differ by year and finish, so compare the exact model name before you buy.
Home studio
Recording
Tascam Model 12
researched, not yet tested- Good for
- Home producers who want a mixer, a multitrack recorder, and a USB audio interface in one box.
- Skip it if
- You only need one or two inputs. A small interface takes less space and costs less.
- Good to know
- It records to an SD card and also works as a 12-in, 10-out USB audio interface for a computer. Check exactly what is included before you buy.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
researched, not yet tested- Good for
- Solo players recording a guitar and a vocal, or two sources at once, at home.
- Skip it if
- You want to record drums or a full band live. Two inputs won’t cover it.
- Good to know
- Focusrite sells several generations of this model, so check which one you’re buying before you compare reviews.
Shure SM7B
researched, not yet tested- Good for
- Podcasts, voiceover, and loud vocals in an untreated room. Dynamic mics generally pick up less room noise than condensers.
- Skip it if
- Your interface has weak preamps and you don’t want to add a gain booster.
- Good to know
- It’s quiet, so it needs a lot of clean gain from your interface or a preamp booster.
Effects
Pedals and effects
Mooer GE100
tested- Good for
- Players who want to save the exact sounds they’re after, with a tuner and drum machine built in.
- Skip it if
- I haven’t found a reason to.
- Good to know
- Mooer also sells a GE100 Pro with different specs, so check which version you’re buying.
The basics
Accessories
D’Addario EXL110 strings
researched, not yet tested- Good for
- Electric players who want a standard light-gauge set, 10 to 46.
- Skip it if
- You play heavier gauges or want a different feel.
- Good to know
- Changing string gauge changes the feel and can call for a setup adjustment.
Dunlop Tortex picks
researched, not yet tested- Good for
- Players who want a common, durable pick that comes in a range of thicknesses.
- Skip it if
- You prefer a textured or very flexible pick.
- Good to know
- Thickness changes your attack more than most people expect. A variety pack is an easy way to find yours.
Instrument cable
researched, not yet tested- Good for
- Every guitarist. Cables wear out, so a spare is worth having.
- Skip it if
- Nothing. The only real question is length.
- Good to know
- Buy the length you need. Very long cables can dull the tone with passive pickups.
Not sure which fits?
Ask Zap.
Tell Zap your budget and what you play. He’ll say what he’d check first and why, and he can be wrong, so verify before you buy.
Ask Zap now