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The Year in Gear 2015

Our favorite guitars, basses, amps, effects, and accessories from the last 12 months.

Strymon Deco

Few companies achieve the fuzzy, fizzy, hazy sounds of analog via digital means as successfully as Strymon. The Deco, while arguably less ambitious than some of Strymon’s more comprehensive, era-spanning reverbs and delays, nails the sounds of early studio echo tricks. The modulation effects are equally impressive, and the tape saturation emulation is nothing short of delicious. For players who dig authentically vintage echo effects and can do without spacier modern takes on those effects, this Strymon is a killer!
$299 street
strymon.net

Click here to read the full review

In the years we’ve compiled our annual list of Premier Gear Award winners, we’ve probably never seen a list more eclectic than 2015’s. From high-gain monster amps and atmospheric reverbs to mini overdrives and wahs, 2015’s award winners covered all the bases.

As always, it was a joy to see how both big-time musical instrument industry players and little shops a step removed from the garage managed to haul in Premier Guitar’s prize for gear excellence. And if anyone’s counting, we’re pretty sure we also set a record for Premier Gear Award winners. So we hope you’re comfy—this list of primo gear may take some time to cover.

Reverb, the largest online marketplace dedicated to music gear, today announced the new, limited-edition MXR® Jail Guitar Doors Drive pedal from Dunlop/MXR, available exclusively on Reverb.
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PG contributor Tom Butwin reveals his favorite songwriting secret weapon: the partial capo. Watch how the Shubb C7 and C8 can simulate alternate tunings without retuning your guitar—and spark fresh creative ideas instantly.

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PRS Guitars celebrates 40 years with the limited edition McCarty SC56. Featuring vintage-inspired design and modern innovations, this single-cutaway guitar pays tribute to Ted McCarty and his impact on the industry. With only 400 pieces available, this instrument is a must-have for collectors and performers alike.

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Introducing the Future Impact V4 - VIP, the latest evolution in Panda Audio's renowned synthesizer pedals. Designed in response to popular demand, the VIP model is significantly smaller while retaining all the powerful features of the Future Impact V4. With its pedalboard-friendly dimensions of 5”x3.25”x2.5” and weighing less than 12 oz, the VIP seamlessly integrates into any setup.
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