The best guitar gear of 2011: guitars, amps, FX and more!

Chris VinnicombeDecember 14, 2011, 17:08 GMT

66/6

Guitar accessory of the year

Apple GarageBand for iOS (£2.99)

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If you are a guitarist who owns a compatible iOS device, there is no excuse for not owning this.

Just six years ago, the desktop version of GarageBand was a major factor in this writer's decision to make the jump from PC to Mac. Fast-forward to 2011 and there's a version for mobile devices that costs less than a pint of beer. We're not sure whether to rejoice the imminent arrival of hoverboards for all, or lament the fact that you can't get a decent pint for much less than four quid anywhere within walking distance of this office...

We first got hands-on with the excellent amp simulations in GarageBand for iPad back in March, then the recent, inevitable introduction of the iPhone and iPod touch-compatible version sealed the deal. Now everything we need for silent practice and fleshing out demo recordings is contained in one app that we carry around in our pocket every day. Make no mistake, it will make you a more productive musician. For iPhone owners, GarageBand is the no-brainer purchase of the decade so far, and the only decision left to make is which iOS audio interface suits you best.

4 Stars