If chasing big, bold tones is your thing–but you can’t do it at brain-crushing volumes–consider investigating Boss’ Tube Amp Expander. Highly compatible with amps and DAWs, the Expander is a power attenuator with deep controls and adaptability. It’s also easy to use. A dial on the front switches between two impedance settings, appropriate for a combo or a stack. There are 10 rig presents, and it’s easy to design and save your own, too. There’s an “air” dial for ambiance, and speaker, line out, and headphone options. If headphones is your thing, just plug in your amp and don’t worry about a cab. Running with a DAW, a wide world of IRs, effects, and more becomes available. At dealers now at a $699 street price.

DigiTech is synonymous with pitch shifting. At the 2025 NAMM show they introduced the HammerOn Instantaneous Pitch-Shifter that melts into your technique just like a traditional guitar or bass hammer on/pull-off. There's a total of 27 total pitches to choose from, ranging from 2 octaves up to 2 octaves down. The sequence mode allows for user-configurable 2-, 3-, and 5-note progressions. Trust us when we say this pedal is gonna raise some eyebrows and open new dimensions.

EVH's custom shop was quite busy as well. As an unapologetic fan of '90s Van Halen, the finish on this Wolfgang Trans Amber brings back so many memories. Along with the basswood body and Quilt Maple arched top, it has 22 stainless steel frets, EVH Floyd Rose bridge, and Wolfgang Black and Creme Zebra humbuckers. Streets at $5,800.