Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

The Year in Gear 2015

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

Dunlop CM95 Clyde McCoy Wah

The original Clyde McCoy wah looms large in guitar legend as the wah from which all others were spawned. You don’t just slap on the Clyde McCoy name without engendering big expectations. In this case, Dunlop delivered. The CM95 is deep, rich, vocal, and expansive in its tonal range. And Dunlop’s new halo inductor lends both sonic authenticity and surprisingly quiet performance.
$199 street
jimdunlop.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.

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.

Read MoreShow less
Guitarist Sonny Sharrock was one of the most forward-thinking guitarists coming out of the ’60s, and his music stayed on the cutting edge throughout his long career.

Read MoreShow less

Belltone Guitars has partnered Brickhouse Toneworks to create a one-of-a-kind, truly noiseless Strat/Tele-tone pickup in a standard Filter’Tron size format: the Single-Bell pickup.

Read MoreShow less
Berserker Electronics, creators of the cult-favorite Prehistoric Dog preamp pedal, has announced the release of their latest sonic innovation: the Aquanaut Delay / Echo pedal.
Read MoreShow less