The Best New Gear of 2024: A Year in Review
Take a break from scrolling through your Spotify Wrapped playlists and let’s talk about something just as exciting—gear! As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year’s most groundbreaking releases in the world of music equipment. From legendary brands fine-tuning their iconic designs to fresh innovations redefining the way we play and create, this year has delivered gear that’s as inspiring as the music it helps produce.
Whether you’ve been busy recording, performing, or just jamming at home, 2024 brought tools to fuel every kind of musician’s journey. In this roundup, we’re highlighting ten standout products that made waves this year. So grab your favorite holiday beverage, and let’s dive into the best new gear of 2024!
1. Fender American Ultra II Series Electric Guitars and Basses
The Fender American Ultra II is a shining example of how Fender remains on the cutting edge of guitar innovation. While the company "got it right the first time" with its iconic designs from the 1950s, the Ultra II demonstrates Fender’s commitment to evolving those timeless classics to meet the demands of modern players. The sleek contours of the body, advanced noiseless pickups, and the ultra-comfortable "Modern D" neck profile make this instrument feel as fresh as it sounds.
Fender's ability to refine 70-year-old designs while maintaining their soul is unparalleled. The Ultra II offers upgrades that today’s guitarists need, such as precision locking tuners and an improved tremolo system for maximum tuning stability and effortless expression. These features keep musicians equipped to explore uncharted sonic territory while staying rooted in the instruments that shaped rock, blues, jazz, and beyond.
This marriage of vintage inspiration and forward-thinking design empowers players to push boundaries and make new music that echoes the classics while forging its own path. The Fender American Ultra II is a testament to Fender’s enduring legacy of excellence and innovation.
2. Alesis Strata Prime Electronic Drum Kit
The Alesis Strata Prime Electronic Drum Kit is the ultimate fusion of affordability and performance for drummers looking to embrace the digital side of percussion. Designed for players of all skill levels, this kit delivers realistic drum sounds and a responsive feel, thanks to its dual-zone mesh drum heads and premium hardware. Whether you're practicing, recording, or performing, the Strata Prime is versatile enough to fit any scenario.
With over 60 drum kits and 671 unique sounds, the Strata Prime ensures you’ll find the perfect tone for your next gig or track. The intuitive module interface makes customization easy, allowing you to tweak your sound with precision. The built-in coaching tools are a standout feature, helping drummers improve timing and technique—a perfect companion for beginners and pros refining their skills.
Whether you're an acoustic drummer venturing into the electronic world or a studio wizard seeking a compact and capable kit, the Alesis Strata Prime is ready to elevate your drumming experience to new heights.
3. Fender Jack White Collection
The Fender Jack White Collection is a testament to fearless innovation, featuring three standout pieces that reflect the boundary-pushing artistry of Jack White and Fender’s legacy of bold design. The collection includes the Fender Limited Edition Jack White Triplecaster Telecaster, the Fender Jack White Signature Triplesonic Limited Edition Acoustasonic Telecaster, and the Fender Jack White Panoramic PanoVerb Combo Amp. Together, they embody a shared vision for redefining what musicians can achieve with their instruments.
The Triplecaster Telecaster reimagines the iconic Tele design with striking visual elements like a mirrored pickguard and unique three-tone finish, along with custom electronics that deliver Jack’s unmistakable tone. The Triplesonic Acoustasonic Telecaster brings unprecedented versatility, blending the rich, resonant qualities of an acoustic guitar with Fender’s groundbreaking Acoustasonic technology, enabling seamless transitions between acoustic and electric sounds. Meanwhile, the PanoVerb Combo Amp offers players lush reverb and panoramic tremolo effects in an amp as visually dynamic as it is sonically innovative.
What truly sets this collection apart is the collaboration between Jack White and Fender—two forces known for their fearless approach to music and design. Fender has long pushed the boundaries of instrument design, and Jack White’s work as an artist and creator has consistently defied expectations. Together, they’ve crafted a lineup that encourages musicians to explore new sonic territories and take risks, just as Jack has throughout his career.
This isn’t just gear—it’s an invitation to innovate, experiment, and create something new. Whether you’re a fan of Jack White’s music or simply looking for tools that inspire creativity, the Fender Jack White Collection delivers in every way.
4. IK Multimedia TONEX One Modeling Amp & Distortion Effects Pedal
The IK Multimedia TONEX One is a groundbreaking piece of gear that redefines what’s possible in a compact pedal format. Combining state-of-the-art amp modeling and distortion effects, the TONEX One is the ultimate tool for guitarists looking to pack studio-quality tone into their live rig or practice setup. With IK Multimedia’s advanced AI-driven modeling technology, this pedal delivers hyper-accurate recreations of classic and modern amps, giving you an expansive range of tones at your fingertips.
What makes the TONEX One stand out is its seamless integration with IK Multimedia’s ecosystem. It allows players to capture and customize their favorite amp sounds using the TONEX software, then load them onto the pedal for instant access on stage or in the studio. From rich cleans to searing distortion, the TONEX One offers limitless possibilities for tone shaping, with user-friendly controls and a rugged design built to withstand the demands of touring.
Whether you're a gigging musician, a home studio producer, or a tone tweaker chasing the perfect sound, the IK Multimedia TONEX One bridges the gap between digital convenience and analog authenticity. It’s not just a pedal—it’s a powerhouse for creativity.
Shop the IK Multimedia Collection
5. Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Reissue
The Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ is a legendary piece of musical history and a defining amp in the world of high-gain guitar tones. Originally released in the early 1980s, the Mark IIC+ became the benchmark for precision, sustain, and power. Its unmistakable sound fueled iconic albums like Metallica’s Master of Puppets and Dream Theater’s intricate prog epics, earning it a reputation as the ultimate do-it-all amp for players who demand versatility and unmatched tone.
This meticulous reissue faithfully recreates the original amp's all-tube design, built around a combination of 6L6 power tubes and 12AX7 preamp tubes. The 6L6 power tubes deliver the bold, punchy cleans and articulate overdrive that Mesa/Boogie amps are known for, while the 12AX7 preamp tubes drive the amp’s iconic cascading gain structure, providing incredible sustain and searing high-gain tones without sacrificing clarity.
The Mark IIC+ Reissue features three channels—Clean, Crunch, and Lead—giving players access to sparkling cleans, tight crunch, and soaring, saturated leads. For added tonal flexibility, the amp includes push-pull controls on the front panel, enabling players to engage different voicings and midrange boosts without changing channels. These features give guitarists the ability to go from crystal-clear clean tones to explosive distortion seamlessly, all while retaining the dynamic response and articulation that made the original amp legendary.
Also returning is the signature five-band graphic EQ, a hallmark of the Mark IIC+ that allows for precise tone shaping across the spectrum. Whether you’re scooping the mids for aggressive metal tones or boosting frequencies for singing leads, the EQ offers a powerful tool to tailor the amp’s sound to your exact needs.
To suit a variety of player preferences, the Mark IIC+ Reissue is available in both a head and combo format. The head provides the flexibility to pair with your favorite speaker cabinets, while the combo offers the amp’s legendary sound in a portable all-in-one package—perfect for home, studio, or stage use.
The Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Reissue faithfully brings back the legendary sound that shaped the tones of countless classic records and continues to be a go-to for players seeking precision, power, and versatility.
Shop the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Reissue Collection
6. Strymon BigSky MX Reverb Pedal
The Strymon BigSky MX takes the legendary, best-selling BigSky reverb pedal and elevates it with enhanced power, expanded versatility, and cutting-edge processing. For years, the original BigSky has been the go-to reverb pedal for countless guitarists and producers, offering lush, studio-quality reverb tones that defined its place as one of the most iconic effects pedals of all time. Now, the BigSky MX refines and reimagines that legacy for the modern musician.
At its core, the BigSky MX retains the 12 revered reverb algorithms that made the original such a must-have, including Cloud, Plate, and Room. However, Strymon has supercharged the MX with improved processing power, delivering even more depth, clarity, and dynamic response. Whether you're chasing pristine shimmer effects, cavernous modulated reverb, or subtle ambiance, the MX expands the tonal palette while maintaining the warmth and organic feel players love.
In addition to its sonic enhancements, the BigSky MX introduces improved user controls, intuitive navigation, and enhanced stereo imaging for immersive soundscapes. It’s a pedal built for the future of music creation, offering seamless integration into modern rigs while honoring the BigSky’s timeless reputation.
For players who’ve relied on the BigSky to craft their signature sounds, the Strymon BigSky MX is the ultimate evolution—offering more power, precision, and inspiration to fuel new musical explorations.
7. Moog Muse 8-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer
The Moog Muse 8-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer is a groundbreaking evolution of Moog’s legendary sound, delivering unprecedented polyphony alongside cutting-edge features. Designed to inspire musicians, producers, and sound designers, the Muse offers eight fully analog voices, each equipped with two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), a modulation VCO, dual voltage-controlled filters (VCFs), and a stereo voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA). This results in lush, dynamic tones that are as rich as they are versatile.
One of the Muse's standout features is its bi-timbral capability, allowing two independent timbres per patch to be split or layered across the keyboard. Combined with the powerful 16-slot modulation matrix per timbre, two global LFOs, and assignable envelopes, the Muse is a sound designer's dream, offering virtually limitless modulation possibilities for crafting intricate and evolving textures.
To further enhance its sonic depth, the Muse includes Moog’s proprietary Diffusion Delay™, inspired by vintage digital rack delays. This stereo processor adds dimension, space, and atmosphere to your soundscapes, perfect for lush pads and shimmering leads. The intuitive hands-on interface features a knob-per-function layout, ensuring fast and fluid navigation for live performance and studio use, with additional "More" menus for deeper sound-shaping options.
On the connectivity front, the Muse seamlessly integrates into any setup. With MIDI In, Out, Thru, USB-MIDI, CV inputs and outputs, and analog clock I/O, it bridges the gap between classic hardware workflows and modern digital production. Stereo audio outputs, headphone outputs, and pedal inputs round out the comprehensive connectivity suite.
The Moog Muse is a landmark instrument that combines Moog’s legendary analog warmth with modern flexibility. Whether you’re crafting timeless analog sounds or pushing boundaries with polyphonic experimentation, the Muse is ready to inspire the next generation of music creation.
8. Positive Grid Spark LIVE 4-Channel Smart Amp & PA System
The Positive Grid Spark LIVE is more than just an amp—it’s a complete performance solution that combines a smart 4-channel amp, PA system, and audio interface in one compact powerhouse. Known for their innovative Spark lineup, Positive Grid takes things to the next level with the Spark LIVE, offering versatile functionality that’s perfect for musicians, small bands, and content creators alike.
With four independent channels, the Spark LIVE lets you connect guitars, vocals, bass, keyboards, and even backing tracks simultaneously, making it ideal for live performances, rehearsals, or jamming with friends. The smart amp features Positive Grid’s advanced tone engine, delivering a vast range of authentic amp and effects models to cover any style of music. Whether you need crystal-clear cleans, high-gain crunch, or lush modulation effects, the Spark LIVE provides everything you need in a single, portable unit.
The built-in PA system ensures that your sound projects loud and clear, with a wide frequency range that makes it just as effective for vocals and acoustic instruments as it is for electric guitars. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream backing tracks or use the Spark App which provides intuitive tone control, smart backing tracks, and AI-driven jam sessions that adapt to your playing in real time.
Designed for today’s versatile musicians, the Spark LIVE also doubles as an audio interface for recording directly into your DAW, making it a must-have for home studios and live streaming. Its compact design, robust build quality, and smart features make it the perfect all-in-one solution for performers on the go.
Whether you’re playing solo, rehearsing with your band, or recording your next track, the Positive Grid Spark LIVE is ready to deliver exceptional sound and cutting-edge convenience.
Shop the Positive Grid Spark LIVE
9. Taylor Guitars 50th Anniversary Collection
In 1974, a young Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug set out to create guitars that would redefine the possibilities of acoustic instrument design. From a small shop in Southern California, they started building guitars with precision, innovation, and a deep love for craftsmanship. Fast forward 50 years, and Taylor Guitars has become a global leader in acoustic guitar design, celebrated for their playability, sound, and forward-thinking approach.
The Taylor Guitars 50th Anniversary Collection honors that rich history while looking ahead to the future. 2024 has been a year-long celebration of Taylor’s five-decade journey—a story defined by groundbreaking achievements like their industry-shaping NT neck design, revolutionary V-Class bracing, and commitment to sustainable tonewood innovation. These advancements, alongside Taylor's relentless focus on player-friendly craftsmanship, have made their guitars the gold standard for musicians across all genres.
To commemorate this milestone, Taylor created a special collection of instruments that embodies their legacy of excellence. Every guitar in the 50th Anniversary Collection features signature celebratory appointments that tie the series together. Elegant gold tuning machines and buttons, ebony bridge pins with gold acrylic dots, and a commemorative 50th anniversary label adorn each model, symbolizing half a century of artistry and innovation. These thoughtful touches give the collection a unified aesthetic that reflects the “golden” anniversary while honoring Taylor’s unwavering attention to detail.
Spanning a variety of body shapes and tonewood combinations, the collection celebrates what Taylor does best—balancing tradition with innovation. From the powerful projection of their Grand Auditorium designs to the compact versatility of the GS Mini, each guitar in this series offers players the tonal excellence and smooth playability that Taylor has perfected over 50 years. Whether it’s the warmth of a cedar-topped instrument or the brilliance of a rosewood back and sides, these guitars showcase the sonic range that has made Taylor a favorite of performers, songwriters, and collectors alike.
As Taylor reflects on its 50-year journey, the 50th Anniversary Collection serves as a bridge between the past and the future. These instruments embody the pioneering spirit that Bob Taylor instilled in the company from day one, combined with the modern innovations led by master guitar designer Andy Powers today. Together, they’ve ensured that Taylor remains at the forefront of acoustic guitar design for generations to come.
Shop the Taylor 50th Anniversary Collection
10. AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ 4-Channel Professional All-in-One DJ System
The AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ is a cutting-edge 4-channel all-in-one DJ system that raises the bar for professional DJ gear. As part of the AlphaTheta lineup, the XDJ-AZ delivers powerful performance features, advanced workflow integration, and a sleek, robust design tailored for both live performances and studio use. Whether you're a seasoned club DJ or a mobile performer, the XDJ-AZ offers the versatility and reliability to take your sets to the next level.
At its core, the XDJ-AZ is built around a familiar, intuitive layout inspired by professional club setups. It features four channels for seamless mixing, alongside dedicated hardware controls for performance essentials like Hot Cues, Beat Looping, Beat Jump, and Slip Mode. DJs will love the precision offered by the responsive jog wheels and the 7-inch high-definition touchscreen, which provides intuitive access to track browsing, waveforms, and real-time playback information.
The system’s advanced connectivity ensures flexibility across various setups. With USB ports for standalone playback, you can load tracks directly into the system without a laptop, while support for rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro ensures seamless integration with modern DJ software workflows. Additionally, the XDJ-AZ supports streaming platforms, allowing access to vast music libraries directly through services like Beatport and TIDAL.
On the sound front, the XDJ-AZ delivers pristine audio quality that meets the demands of professional venues. Its built-in mixer includes high-grade effects like Beat FX and Sound Color FX, providing dynamic tools to shape and enhance your sets. Combine this with AlphaTheta’s focus on ergonomic design and portability, and you have a professional system that’s as powerful on stage as it is easy to transport.
For DJs who demand an all-in-one system that blends advanced performance tools, modern software compatibility, and top-tier build quality, the AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ is the perfect centerpiece for any setup.