Music Gear Guides
We analyze feedback from tens of thousands of music gear owners and process that data with the Gearank Algorithm to produce rating scores out of 100 for thousands of individual musical instruments and equipment.
Our results and recommendations are presented and explained in Gear Guides like these:
Studio Condenser Mics - Small to Large Diaphragm
An amazing 5-way tie for the top spot in large-diaphragm condensers: LA-320, TLM 102, WA-251, KSM42/SG and WA-47.
Microphone Preamps - All Prices up to $1000
Grace Design's m101 is the highest rated for condenser mics while the Cloudlifter CL-1 topped the dynamic mic ratings.
88 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards
The Kawai VPC1 takes the overall top spot having held it for 4 years now, while Arturia's KeyLab 88 MKII is the highest rated option with DAW controller features.
Electronic Drum Sets Under $1000
The $500 Roland TD-1K managed an impressive feat coming in equal first with the more up-market Yamaha DTX532K that sells for $1000.
7 String Electric Guitars - $200 to $2000
The ratings are dominated by Ibanez and Schecter with the highest rated overall being the Schecter Reaper-7 Multiscale in the $500 to $1000 price bracket.
Tube Amps - Combo from $100 to $1000
The top rating was a 3-way tie between the Vox AC30S1, Vox AC15C1 and Peavey Classic 50 212 II all of which scored an impressive Gearank Rating of 96.
Acoustic Guitars - From $100 to $2000
Although Martin scooped the honors with their D-15M and 000-15M, they were only 1 point ahead of the budget priced Fender CC-60S which tied with Martin's high-end 000-15SM.
Vocal Effects Processors - Pedals & Stand Mounted
Boss and TC Helicon dominate the ratings in this category and the top spot went jointly to the Boss VE-20 and the TC Helicon VoiceLive Play Acoustic.
Keyboard Stands - X, T, Column & A-Frame
We analyzed 71 models with up to 3 tiers, and more than 34,200 rating sources, to uncover the highest rated Single X, Double X, Table, Z, Column and A-Frame stands.
Acoustic-Electric Ukuleles up to $300
The budget friendly Cordoba 15CM-E topped the rankings ahead of more highly priced competition from the Fender Grace VanderWaal and Luna Guitars High-Tide Koa.
