This focuses on the best mics for live vocals as opposed to ones for speaking conferences or making announcements over PA systems. All these mics are great for vocals, but some can also be used on instruments, and some are also handy studio mics.

Unlike standard MIDI keyboards, a portable keyboard has built-in speakers so you can play anytime without having to plug in additional equipment. The keyboards included in this guide can also run on batteries so you can play them anywhere.

Anyone who has ever gigged with an acoustic guitar can tell you what a lifesaver acoustic pickups are. The days where guitarists had to carefully position their instrument in front of a microphone are long gone, because acoustic guitars have become plug and play instruments.

If you go to many of the major online retailers you'll find well over 100 options priced under $1,000 listed in their drum set categories which can be very confusing if you're just starting out. This guide simplifies the process of buying a beginner drum set and tells you what you need to know to avoid some of the pitfalls in buying drum kits online.