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

The Year in Gear 2018

Step inside Premier Guitar’s magical, miraculous time machine and revisit the gear that stood head and shoulders above the rest as Premier Gear Award winners in 2018.

EVH 5150III 6L6

The latest incarnation of Eddie Van Halen’s signature amp is the beastly embodiment of the guitar legend’s ever-evolving tone quest. The 50-watt 1x12 combo’s clean tones are robust and singing, the crunch channel cleans up nicely with volume attenuation, and the lead channel has an open feel with impressive amounts of available gain. The versatile EVH 5150III is inspiring to play and goes well beyond Van Halen sound templates.

$1,299 street
evhgear.com

Click here to read the full review

Stevie Van Zandt with “Number One,” the ’80s reissue Stratocaster—with custom paisley pickguard from luthier Dave Petillo—that he’s been playing for the last quarter century or so.

Photo by Pamela Springsteen

With the E Street Band, he’s served as musical consigliere to Bruce Springsteen for most of his musical life. And although he stands next to the Boss onstage, guitar in hand, he’s remained mostly quiet about his work as a player—until now.

I’m stuck in Stevie Van Zandt’s elevator, and the New York City Fire Department has been summoned. It’s early March, and I am trapped on the top floor of a six-story office building in Greenwich Village. On the other side of this intransigent door is Van Zandt’s recording studio, his guitars, amps, and other instruments, his Wicked Cool Records offices, and his man cave. The latter is filled with so much day-glo baby boomer memorabilia that it’s like being dropped into a Milton Glaser-themed fantasy land—a bright, candy-colored chandelier swings into the room from the skylight.


Read MoreShow less
Bohlinger Builds a Stellar Strat and Tests 2 Maple Necks
- YouTube

Follow along as we build a one-of-a-kind Strat featuring top-notch components, modern upgrades, and classic vibes. Plus, see how a vintage neck stacks up against a modern one in our tone test. Watch the demo and enter for your chance to win this custom guitar!


Read MoreShow less

With 350W RMS, AMP TONE control, and custom Celestion speaker, the TONEX is designed to deliver "unmatched realism."

Read MoreShow less

With over 350 effects models, 120 sampling slots, and a Groove Station with a 480-second looper, this pedal offers unparalleled versatility for guitarists worldwide.

Read MoreShow less