“The legends you keep close when you want to sound unstoppable.”
I used to think I’d crown a “Gear of the Year” each December. But now? Gear doesn’t just pile up — it earns its keep or it moves on. If something new comes in, it’s to replace, rule, or be so special that it supports the rest of the lineup. Sometimes I’ll flip for profit, sometimes I’ll keep for life.
So this isn’t an awards list anymore. This is my reference library — the benchmarks that set the standard in each category. Whether I’m hunting, flipping, or replacing, these are the rulers every contender must face.
🎸 Legacy Benchmark – 1996 Gibson R6 “Regent”
A piece of history with soul. Valuable, meaningful, and a potential family legacy to pass on to my girls.
🏠 Home Benchmark – 1988 Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster “Red”, 2023 Fender Haruna Telecaster Boost “Spring”
There’s no place like home. My two #1s, my comfort, my musical safe place.
💪 Workhorse Benchmark – 2012 Gibson Les Paul Studio ’70s Tribute Lefty “Free”
Made in the USA, full Gibson Les Paul, all for $400. The definition of a dependable, road-ready warrior.
🎯 Home Amp Benchmark – Fender Pro Junior IV
Classic tweed tone in a simple, portable package. Perfect for the bedroom at $430.
💰 Budget Amp Benchmark – Blackstar HT-1R
1 watt of real tube punch for just $110. Big tone in a tiny footprint.
🎛 Versatile Amp Benchmark – Yamaha THR10II
All-in-one tone station with effects and Bluetooth. Just plug in and play anywhere.
🎵 Bass Amp Benchmark – ZT Lunchbox LBG2
Small but mighty. Portable power for $70 that doesn’t break a sweat.
🎨 Boutique Pedal Benchmark – ThorpyFX Team Medic
Refined control and tone-shaping versatility at its finest.
🔀 Utility Pedal Benchmark – EHX Tri Parallel Mixer
Three loops, onboard EQ, and boost. The ultimate signal-routing powerhouse.
🤘 Fuzz Pedal Benchmark – EHX Green Russian Big Muff Pi
Dark, gritty, and unapologetically nasty — all for cheap.
💥 Budget Dirt Pedal Benchmark – VOX Bulldog Distortion
Drive, fuzz, distortion, RAT-like bite, and lo-fi MIJ charm for $80? Yes, please.
🦏 Bass Pedal Benchmark – Mosky Beta Ultra
Darkglass clone at a fraction of the price and capable enough for me.
⏳ Delay Pedal Benchmark – H.B.E. Mimic Mock I
Vintage delay vibe that just works, for only $50.
🌊 Tremolo Pedal Benchmark – Danelectro Cool Cat Tremolo
Warm, vintage pulse and simple charm — $36 and done.
Final Word
These aren’t trophies. They’re tools. They’ve proven themselves in real use, not just in spec sheets or showroom demos. Every guitar, amp, and pedal here earns its place because it delivers — on stage, in the studio, or in the bedroom.
The names may change over time, but the idea stays the same:
Every piece of gear I bring in has to beat these benchmarks… or bow to them.