The Laney Cub 10 is a streamlined 10W 1 x 10" tube amp, tweaked to be similar to boutique tube amps minus the expense.

It doesn't have much in terms of features, but it makes up with its impressive hardware specs, at the core of which are two ECC83 preamp tubes and two 6V6GT output tubes.

It follows after classic amplifier designs with its class A/B circuit that gives it a vintage voicing that many prefer.

One look at the Nady PCM-100 and you'll understand why its popular - it is a cool looking mic that comes with a very affordable price tag. And with that form factor, it is meant to be a stage microphone for use with vocal performers, but there are some who have put it to good use in recording as well.

It has a frequency response of 30Hz to 18kHz which is quite limited, but this limitation gives the mic its distinct presence peak that many prefer. It also has a switchable low-cut filter that allows for low end adjustments when needed.

Behringer's presence in the music gear market is undeniably strong, especially in the the entry level tier. This encompasses the sub $100 condenser mic market, with which the Behringer B-1 is doing quite well in terms of popularity and ratings.

This large diaphragm microphone features a 1" gold-sputtered dual-diaphragm designed for improved transparency and fidelity - and many are raving that it the sonic quality of this mic is comparable to premium mics which are four times more expensive.

The Nektar Impact GX49 features transport and navigation controls for you to play, record or navigate without constantly reaching for your mouse or computer keyboard. This controller also has assignable buttons that you can manually integrate with your DAW even if you own software that's not supported by Nektar's DAW Integration. It is also compatible with iOS devices, such as iPads, and can be connected with the use of an Apple camera connection kit.

Audio-Technica is known for producing reasonably priced audio equipment that both hobbyists and professionals appreciate and the M2 is an excellent example. Among their lineup, the Audio-Technica M2 sits in the sweet-spot where price is accessible for beginners while quality is good enough for experienced users, which in turn allows it to maintain its high ratings.

The name may not be familiar to all, but Hosa Tech's decades of experience with audio equipment have enabled them to produce top rated and affordable cables like the GTR.

This particular instrument cable features traditional designs that make maintenance easy and convenient, including Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) conductors, OFC braided shield, and all-metal plugs.

What sets Hosa apart is how reliable and solidly built their cables are, compared to other similarly priced and configured cables on the market.

The Behringer Europort PPA500BT is a full–fledged PA System that can be compacted into a portable self-contained unit that looks like a bag.

When unpacked, this compact unit separates into three sections, which include two speakers and a central mixing console.

And as usual, Behringer packed this PA system with features that include Bluetooth connectivity, 5-Band EQ, feedback detection, and it even comes bundled with speaker cables and a handheld dynamic microphone.

NB: This has been superseded by the Blue Tooth version - StagePas 600BT.

Like its smaller sibling, the Yamaha StagePas 600i Portable PA System combines portability with sound quality and functionality, only this one is louder and has more input options.

The Stratocaster is easily one of the most familiar electric guitar designs ever, made popular by iconic guitarists but used just as much by aspiring rockers. With so many clones and variations available, the Squier Vintage Modified Stratocaster '70s stand out in terms of ratings, thanks to it being a licensed and good quality reproduction of strats from the 1970s.

The Yamaha GL1 Guitalele is a unique instrument because it combines the dimensions of a ukulele with the tuning pattern of a guitar. Basically, it’s higher in pitch than a standard guitar but the music and technique learned on it can be carried over to a guitar.

The tripod base on the SB9600 can be adjusted for additional height or spread further apart for greater stability when projecting the boom further from the base.

It's can also be extended high enough to use with overhead mics - in fact some people use it in a live setting for overheads even though it's primarily designed for studio use.

The Atlas Sound MS20E is a heavy-duty stand for indoor and outdoor use. Its tubing is designed with cold rolled steel built to withstand extreme conditions. It also comes with a non-reflective ebony epoxy finish.

Musician's Gear is a discount store brand of the Guitar Center group of companies and can be bought from their outlets including Musician's Friend.

The Yamaha DSR115 is a powered active speaker that's meant to handle bigger venues with its 1500W (Dynamic) power rating, 15" woofer and 2" tweeter.

And since it has big woofers, it can reproduce deep low-end frequencies without any problems, and you don't have to worry about overloading the speaker because it comes with built-in DSP limiter.

Speaking of DSP, it comes with Yamaha's D-Contour technology, which constantly monitors and adjusts frequencies for optimal sound quality. This allows the DSR115 to sound good regardless of volume level.

The K8.2 is part of QSC's updated line of K.2 series speakers, carrying over the same quality and standards as the popular original K series, with notable improvements.

Changes include increased power to the LF driver (by taking some away from the HF driver where it's less needed), max SPL (Sound Pressure Level) and improved low-frequency extension, all of which add even more value to the original K8's design.

To be specific, the K8.2's extended bass allows its smaller 8" LF driver to pump more bass, without compromising its midrange clarity.

The Levy's M20 is essentially a longer black version of the M23, with the same discrete plastic sound-hole hook that is meant for guitars with no strap pins, like classical guitars and ukuleles.

With its plain black color, this strap is meant for those who want less color, but want the same functionality. The strap is of the same size at 1", and goes through Levy's tri-glide adjustment configuration.

Carrying heavy solidbody electric guitars for long periods can be quite the task, thankfully there are comfortable straps like the Gibson Switchblade.

This premium strap features 1/2" thick memory foam inner padding that helps distribute the weight evenly as you play your instrument.

The full-grain leather top adds to the straps overall appeal while the soft garment leather backing adds to the overall comfort.

Since wood is easily affected by humidity and temperature, manufacturers like Composite Acoustics have moved to more robust and resilient materials like "Carbon Fiber".

The use of this light and sturdy material, combined with its one piece body-and-neck design makes the Cargo ELE a truly reliable acoustic guitar that can handle extreme weather, humidity and temperature changes.

But its not just about reliability because the carbon fiber material and its shape is designed to give the instrument a sound that's similar to traditional acoustics.

While the popularity and affordability of desktop USB mics have made home recording more accessible, some manufacturers didn't take compatibility with standard pop filters into account.

This is where Auphonix came in with their specially designed clamps that conveniently and securely attach to popular USB desktop mics like the Blue Yeti.

The Auphonix pop filter features a double mesh filter design and comes in a round shape that is 6" in diameter (also available in a smaller 4" version). It also features an adjustable gooseneck for precise and stable positioning.

The RaXXess Stoppit filter is an affordable filter that gets the job done with its straightforward design and practical price tag.

It follows conventional pop filter design with a 6" diameter round fabric filter that is attached to a gooseneck and a clamp. The clamp allows for quick and secure attachments to mic stands and desks, making it useable for desktop recording as well.

It also features a secondary pivot joint that lets you set the screen angle to match the specific pickup axis of the mic you're using.

The Fender Champion 20 is arguably one of the most versatile amps in its price range, with 8 different amp models and onboard effects.

The amp models cover vintage Fender Amplifiers, a Vox model, a Marshall model, and three high-gain models.

The onboard effects are also a great inclusion, featuring the majority of modulation effects the average guitar player is likely going to need. The amp also comes with Fender style reverb, which is the most copied reverb ever.

The Tama Imperialstar IP52KH6N drum set features poplar shells that provide a quick decay and full-bodied tone, and drum rings that provides a wide tuning range and sensitive playing dynamics.

Electro-Voice is known for providing speakers with good specs at a more affordable price point, and the ZLX-12P is a good example of how successful their strategy is.

At just under $400, this powered speaker can get really loud with its 1000W (Peak) class D amplifier built in, which drives a 12" woofer and a 1.5" tweeter.

Positioning flexibility makes it an even better deal.

But what really makes it a market favorite is its clean Hi-Fi sound, which makes it a viable stage monitor with more bottom end, thanks to its 12" speaker.

The Line 6 Spider Jam is true to its name, a guitar amplifier that's meant for convenient jamming, be it with a band, or on your own by playing along with the loops you created, or with the amp's loaded jam tracks.

At its core is a 75 Watt solid-state amplifier that drives a distinct PA speaker like configuration, having a 12" Celestion speaker and a 2" tweeter.

As the name suggests this stand is designed to take on a heavier load and set of work requirements than lighter-weight stands with its heavier diecast leg housings and thicker tubing.

The center clutch grip is coupled with an anti-rotating device on the lower shaft which is designed to make single hand adjustments easier.

Most importantly the Telescoping Boom lets you position the mic wherever you need it - including overhead.

The Gallien-Kruegger MB112-II is a true workhorse road-worthy bass combo amp that packs quite the power and tone in a relatively light and compact profile.

From the tonewoods used in its construction, to the dimensions of the body, neck and nut, the Cordoba C7 CD has a true Classical Guitar design.

The M-Audio MIDISPORT 2x2 was part of M-Audio's 20th anniversary celebration, it expands on the features that are found on the first edition model released in 2000.

Aside from offering two of each MIDI inputs and outputs, it features a stand-alone MIDI merge and THRU functionality, ideal for connecting multiple MIDI devices and daisy chaining.

Connectivity is made easy by simply plugging it into a computer device, and is also powered via USB.

The P-115 is based on Yamaha's uber expensive CFIIIS 9' concert grand piano, recreating its heavy playing feel and its distinct clear piano sound in a compact and portable form factor.

It starts off with Yamaha's fully weighted "Graded Hammer Standard" action keybed, which emulates the feel of hammers hitting acoustic piano strings.

To get the sound right, the company employed their "Pure CF Sound Engine" which sampled the CFIIIS at different volume and dynamic levels, resulting in a more organic and responsive sound.

Since it is pricey, it's only natural for increased expectations, yet Monster Cable is not one to back down. They've been building their reputation on premium audio cables, which include their recreation of the classic coiled guitar cable. While it sports an old school coiled cable look, this one follows the company's modern design to the letter, with its 20 AWG copper conductor, 90% copper spiral wrap shielding, duraflex jacket and twisted pair construction.

The Sennheiser EW 172 G3, carries over the benefits of their wireless microphone technology but tweaked for guitarists to enjoy.

Notable guitar friendly features include a guitar tuner, equalizer, and cable emulator.

The guitar tuner feature by itself can replace an entire pedal, while the 5-band EQ and cable emulator allows you to better fine tune your sound, ideal for those who want more control over the resulting sound.

The BeatStep Pro showcases 16 drum sequencer pads and two other independent sequencers, with 64 steps per sequence.

It's both a sequencer and controller that syncs with any computer via USB.

Other connections include MIDI In/Out CV/GATE, drum gate, and clock sync connectivity - great for those who prefer working with external hardware, such as analog synthesizers.

The Launchpad Mini is a compact alternative to Novation's Launchpad Pro.

With a lighter and more compact design, it features 64 multi-colored mini pads and 16 programmable buttons for triggering clips, playing drum racks, controlling your mixer and different types parameters.

It's class compliant allowing you to connect with any PC or Mac device and iOS devices via Camera Connection Kit.

The Mopho x4 from Dave Smith Instruments features 4-voice polyphony with an all analog signal path.

Each of those four voices exhibits dual oscillators, two sub octave generators, four LFOs, an arpeggiator, a Curtis low-pass filter, three envelope generators, and a gated 16 x 4 step sequencer.

This analog synthesizer comes with a full-sized 44-note pressure-sensitive keyboard and free assignable pitch and modulation wheels.

When it comes to value for money, it'll be hard to top what the G1Xon is able to do.

It doesn't just give you multiple amps (22 models) and effects (105 effects), it also comes with a 30 sec-looper and 68 rhythm accompaniments that will make practice more interesting and effective.

Those are a lot of features in a small unit, thankfully Zoom implemented an interface that makes tweaking and configuring easier.

More often than not, you have to drive tubes hard to get it to sound great. The Blackstar HT-1 lets you do just that, while keeping your volume levels manageable because it is rated at just 1 Watt.

This compact amp houses an ECC83 preamp and ECC82 power amp tube, both of which work together to produce Blackstar's high-gain friendly tones, which would normally be hard to get in a bedroom or small studio setting.

The Stratocaster, AKA 'The Strat', is almost certainly the highest selling electric guitar design of all time having first been released in 1954.

The list of famous Stratocaster players is almost endless, but it includes some of the greatest of all time including Jimi Hendrix and Dave Gilmour from Pink Floyd

The Audio-Technica AT2005USB is a dynamic hand-held mic with both USB and XLR connectivity.

USB condenser mic with switchable capsule for 3 polar pattern operation, cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional.

Released late in 2015, the Yamaha Revstar RS420 is relatively speaking, a new comer.

Said to be inspired by vintage street-racing motorbikes, this guitar has a unique shape that looks familiar, without being just another clone of classic designs.

And it's not just about looking unique and cool, because this guitar also sports some distinct tones, courtesy of its push-pull dry switch. Instead of merely splitting the coils of its humbuckers, Yamaha implemented built-in filters to morph the sound into single coil sounds that are hum-free.

Paul Reed Smith guitars, have grown to compete with big brand contenders in a relatively short amount of time, thanks to the quality of their guitars. And while they are well known for their more expensive instruments, they have since expanded into more budget friendly price ranges with their SE Standard range, including this 24-fret model based on their popular Custom 24 guitar.

Of the many Les Paul clones in the market, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard lets you get as close as possible to the original Gibson version, while keeping the price affordable. And thanks to technology and fierce competition, the quality gap between the two different models is getting smaller and smaller.

Following the "Standard" formula, this guitar features a mahogany body with maple top, and a set-in mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, all of which give this guitar a familiar and elegant look.

This guitar bears the name of Grover Jackson and Randy Rhoads, the same two who helped kick start this company.

The asymmetric V shape of this guitar was co-designed by Rhoads himself, which gave this instrument a distinct shape that appeals to many rock guitarists.

All the shred features are available in this budget friendly instrument, including a 24-fret fast action neck, twin high-output humbuckers and a Floyd Rose licensed tremolo.

The Roland TR-8 is a modern recreation of the iconic Roland TR808 and TR909 drum machines, both of which helped shape what we know today as modern house, dance, techno and hip-hop music. Marvin Gaye, Rick James, Beastie Boys and many more have put these drum machines to good use and helped fuel its popularity.

Note that this model has been superseded by the Roland TR-8S.

Alesis' founder and MXR co-founder Keith Barr entered into the realm of drum machines with the help of Marcus Ryle, who later founded his own company called Line 6. And decades after, the brand is still sought after when it comes to drum machines, with the SR-16 being one of their most popular.

This compact and affordable drum machine was first released in the early '90s, and as a testament to its quality, it is still in production today, with only minor updates to its features and sounds!

The Korg Electribe is a sampler and sequencer that lets you craft classic to modern electronica grooves, with 409 analog modeled drums, percussion, bass, synths and other instrument sounds.

Combine all these sounds with its 36 built-in effects and you get a very versatile drum machine unit that goes beyond the usual.

More than merely crafting drum parts, you can actually build tracks if not entire songs with all the instruments available.

The original Fender Jazz bass first appeared in 1960 and is the second electric bass guitar to come out from Fender's production line. With its distinct two pole piece per string single-coil pickup design, it emphasized the midrange and upper-mids for a cutting tone that allows bassists to stand out in a mix.

The highly rated Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass is an affordable take on this timeless classic, featuring a more comfortable modern "C" shape profile, 34" scale length, 1.5" nut width and rosewood fingerboard.

When I first set out researching for top rated bass guitars in the entry level price range, I did not expect to see Dean Guitars doing well in the bass market. But the ratings speak for themselves, their ML Metalman Bass is a great example of how they get good feedback with their appeal to metalheads.

There's nothing unique about this instrument's specs, following the standard basswood body and maple neck configuration, as well as the 34" scale length and 1.5" nut width neck.

Squier is a sub-brand of guitar manufacturer giant Fender, they make affordable versions of Fender's popular instruments, including bass guitars.

The Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass SS was their most popular bass in the sub $200 price range, thanks to it being easy on the eyes, ears and more importantly easy on your wallet.