Gear Award 2020
RSS
The products listed here received 90-percent or higher cumulative ratings for relevant categories (tones, playability or ease of use, build/design, and value) in reviews published during the 2020 editorial cycle, thus earning them Premier Guitar’s coveted Premier Gear Award.
ARTICLES
The Year in Gear 2020
December 17, 2020
It may be the understatement of the century, but this year was weird. Even so, the killer gear kept coming. Here are the goods that stood out as extra-great amongst our annual haul of Premier Guitar reviews.
Read More
13 Watts of Ringing, Raging Splendor
December 2, 2020
This unique, low-wattage combo produces a potent mélange of Vox and Fender sounds—and sings with a loud and outsized voice. The PG Balthazar Cabaret 13 review.
Read More
PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo: The PG Review
November 26, 2020
With a blendable piezo pickup, Annapolis’ affordable electric hollowbody becomes extra versatile.
Read More
Restoring Balance to the Blazing Tube-Amp/Digital Galaxy
November 5, 2020
If you’re a diehard devotee of tube-amp filth but want in on IR action, this innovative architecture may be just what you’ve been waiting for. The PG Revv G20 review.
Read More
Origin Effects RevivalTREM: The Premier Guitar Review
October 16, 2020
A positively luxurious stomp nails the liquid textures of brown-panel Deluxe bias tremolo.
Read More
An ’80s Cult-Classic Reborn
October 12, 2020
Warm, articulate, natural overdrive and distortion tones offer an alternative to the same old OD blues. The PG Cascade Hosstortion review.
Read More
Death By Audio Rooms: The Premier Guitar Review
October 11, 2020
Unique, complex reverb tones lurk in a fun and imaginative stomp that’s an ergonomic and utilitarian delight.
Read More
An Auto-Wah That Aims for More
October 8, 2020
This soulful filtering machine dishes warm fundamental tones, smooth envelope effects, and rich, throbbing modulation textures. The PG Flower Pedals Hosta review.
Read More
Classic Fender Amps in the Palm of Your Hand
September 30, 2020
The PG Mad Professor Super Black review.
Read More
Source Audio EQ2: The Premier Guitar Review
September 25, 2020
It may not seem as "cool" as a raging fuzz or a complicated modeler, but this programmable wonder can unlock literally thousands of tones lurking within your existing rig.
Read More
Friendly Alien Seeks Echo Romance with the Digi-Curious
September 24, 2020
Need help overcoming irrational analog-delay addiction? This PT2399-driven fox will sweetly, gently (or not) lead the way. The PG Caroline Guitar Company Megabyte review.
Read More
Rangemaster Boost Meets Marshall Muscle
September 23, 2020
If you dig English non-master-volume amps, this "foundation preamp" will drive you straight to heaven. The PG Dry Bell Engine review.
Read More
Mojotone BlackOut British: The Premier Guitar Review
September 18, 2020
This intriguingly flexible take on the 18-watt formula serves up vintage authenticity while upping the EQ power considerably.
Read More
Smashes Hum Dead!
September 13, 2020
This crafty noise gate removes unwanted racket with minimal effect on dynamics. The PG Stone Deaf Noise Reaper review.
Read More
Danelectro Back Talk: The Premier Guitar Review
July 2, 2020
A welcome reverse delay reissue is a mind melt in a box.
Read More
JHS PG-14: The Premier Guitar Review
June 22, 2020
Paul Gilbert’s signature stomp offers impressive midrange control and surprisingly blown-out tones at its extremes.
Read More
Martin SC-13E: The Premier Guitar Review
June 5, 2020
A unique and responsive acoustic with an electric soul.
Read More
One of Portland’s Most Esteemed Luthiers Paves a Path to Boost/Overdrive Bliss
May 29, 2020
The PG Koll High-Rise review.
Read More
Ear-Twisting Textures Are the Cherry on Top of a Superb Analog Delay
May 22, 2020
The PG Jam Pedals Delay Llama Xtreme review.
Read More
Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1960 Les Paul Standard “Norm Burst”: The Premier Guitar Review
May 1, 2020
Deliciously vintage details distinguish an affordable Les Paul that delivers authentically old-school performance, too.
Read More
