Amptweaker TightDrive Pro

As we noted in our review, the TightDrive Pro is for players that like multi-dimensional dirtiness. You could also make the case that it’s an overdrive for control freaks. But this much control was rarely so easy to wrangle or so satisfying to hear. Colorful, dynamically touch-sensitive, and capable of moving from boosted to filthy, Amptweaker’s overdrive flagship is a powerhouse.
$300 street
amptweaker.com

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.