With the Matador Customs, LP have done a fine job in producing a playable, great sounding conga set for the intermediate market

The new company's most versatile distortion pedal is great value.

Blackstar's simplest pedal offers plenty of edgy overdrive

A lack of drum shell does equal a lack of bass tone but these Compact Congas and Bongos still manage to sound great

This revamped percussion set looks remarkable and won't break the bank it's just a shame LP didn't add their pro-care shell protectors

The second-gen version of NI's DX7 emulation really hits the mark in terms of both sound and usability

Thanks to NI, now everyone can have access to the magnificent sound of the Hammond B3 organ

Tycoon produce a staggering number of keenly priced instruments with mostly reassuring quality and the 900 Series is no exception

With only minor cosmetic complaints, Tycoon's Master Series Congas and Bongos deliver comfortable playability and superb tones

Pete Engelhart's range of affordable handcrafted instruments might be too lively for some, but their innovative looks and sounds are wonderful

Valve-driven distortion offering Metallica-style crunch

US and British-style overdrive from a new team of ex Marshall men

An excellent valve-driven boost pedal from some ex-Marshall men

Apart from a few minor details, Gibraltar have delivered something for both classic kit-lovers and bear-like rockers alike with these crops of metalwork

Absynth has always been a big favourite with intense sound designers - this version allies accessibility to its power features

If you're looking for portability and easy, one-touch tuning then Flats Lite is for you - as long as you don't mind the dated looking hardware

NI has given its powerhouse sampler a facelift and produced what could be the most comprehensive sampling solution ever seen

Decent, affordable hardware isn't always easy to find but if you can live without a big brand logo, the Elites are a good-looking option

The Elite is a welcome addition to British custom drum-making and despite the lack of original hardware, this is an impressive kit

NI has improved the sound of its amp and effects system and made it easier to use. Result

If you're sick of programming your drums on a MIDI keyboard, give this neat little controller a try

A pedal that serves up overdrive flavours of the '60s

Engl's latest features a six-pack of EL34s for a knock-out punch

An electric sitar simulator from UK boutique builder