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.

Guild Jetstar

The Jetstar is a wildly styled throwback with a fantastic balance of modern appointments and retro charm. Its build quality exceeds many imported solidbodies in this price class, its twin LB-1 “Little Bucker” mini-humbuckers are lively and articulate, and its exceptional fretwork adds significantly to the instrument’s value. Refined and versatile enough to be a primary guitar, the Jetstar’s super-accessible price makes it an absolutely screaming deal.

$599 street
guildguitars.com

Click here to read the full review

This wonky Zim-Gar was one of many guitars sold by importer Gar-Zim Musical Instruments, operated by Larry Zimmerman and his wife.

The 1960s were strange days indeed for import guitars, like this cleaver-friendly Zim-Gar electric.

Read MoreShow less

In line with the MOOER’s recent expansion on the MSC range, the company is excited to announce the new MSC50 Pro, an Alder-bodied electric guitar with gloss finish, available in the new Magic Crystal color.

Read MoreShow less

The Oceans Abyss expands on Electro-Harmonix’s highly acclaimed reverb technology to deliver a truly immersive effects workstation. The pedal is centered around dual reverb engines that are independently programmable with full-stereo algorithms including Hall, Spring, Shimmer and more. Place these reverbs into a customizable signal path with additional FX blocks like Delay, Chorus, Tremolo, or Bit Crusher for a completely unique soundscape building experience.

Read MoreShow less

Our columnist’s silver-panel Fender Bandmaster.

How this longstanding, classic tube amp design evolved from its introduction in 1953.

Read MoreShow less