Recommended Gear

Recommended Pick

Shure SM58

Read our full SM58 review.

The Shure SM58 is the microphone I recommend when someone wants a vocal mic that just works — night after night, in almost any situation. It’s durable, forgiving, and consistently delivers clear vocals for beginners and professionals alike.

This is the mic I trust for live gigs, rehearsals, and situations where reliability matters more than chasing subtle tonal differences.

• Legendary durability — built to survive drops and heavy use
• Forgiving dynamic design handles loud vocals and imperfect mic technique
• Excellent feedback resistance for live environments
• Consistent, familiar vocal sound used on stages worldwide
• Works with virtually any mixer or PA without special setup

Best for: live vocals, rehearsals, beginners learning mic technique, and anyone who wants a reliable, no-nonsense vocal microphone.

Shure Beta 58A

A dynamic vocal microphone I recommend when you want more presence and cut than the SM58, but still need durability and feedback control for real-world live stages. It’s a popular upgrade for singers who want a brighter, more forward vocal sound without moving to a condenser.

• Greater presence and output than the SM58
• Supercardioid pattern for tighter pickup and stage focus
• Dynamic design remains durable and road-worthy
• Helps vocals cut through dense mixes
• More sensitive to mic placement than the SM58

Best for: experienced vocalists, louder bands, in-ear monitor setups, and singers looking for more clarity while staying with a dynamic mic.

Pig Hog XLR Microphone Cables

Thick, durable XLR cables with a lifetime warranty. I use Pig Hog cables for live gigs, rehearsals, and home setups—they hold up to real abuse and stay reliable night after night.

• Extremely durable outer jacket
• Lifetime warranty
• Reliable for live performance and touring
• Available in multiple lengths and multi-packs

Best for: live gigs, rehearsals, home studios, stage and PA runs.

Hercules DG307B 2-in-1 Tablet and Phone Holder

Read our full review.

This adjustable phone/tablet holder clamps securely to a mic stand, providing a stable, hands-free way to mount your device for lyrics, setlists, or sheet music. I use it in rehearsals and gigs whenever I want a hands-free reference without worrying about slips or wobbles.

• Holds phones and small tablets securely
• Strong, adjustable clamp for mic stands and similar poles
• Tool-free adjustments make setup fast
• Great for lyrics, setlists, tuners, and playback devices

Best for: musicians and performers who want a sturdy phone or tablet mount for stage or rehearsal use.

Behringer XR18

Read our full XR18 review.

• Built-in tri-mode Wi-Fi router lets you mix wirelessly from your iPad, Android, Mac or PC
• 18×18 USB interface allows multitrack recording and playback without a separate audio interface
• 18-input, 12-bus mixer with 16 Midas mic preamps and 2 line inputs
• X32-derived FX rack with four slots plus Dugan-style auto-mixing and 100-band RTA for precision tuning
• Compact stagebox design fits in a bag or rack; control everything from your device anywhere in the venue

Best for: solo performers, duos, small bands, rehearsals and churches wanting big-console power without the bulk.

Behringer X32

A powerful digital mixing console I rely on for full-band live sound when flexibility and control matter. The X32 delivers professional-level routing, onboard processing, and scene recall at a price that’s hard to beat for working musicians and small production teams.

• Full digital mixing with extensive routing options
• Built-in effects, EQ, compression, and gates
• Scene recall makes setup and repeat gigs fast
• Handles complex live mixes without external gear
• Excellent value for bands, venues, and sound techs

Best for: full-band live sound, venues, churches, and engineers who want advanced control without a high-end price tag.

Behringer WING Digital Mixing Console

A next-generation digital mixing console that builds on what the X32 started, with a more flexible workflow and modern control surface. The WING is what I’d choose when I want deeper customization, faster navigation, and room to grow with more complex live sound needs.

• Highly flexible channel architecture and routing
• Modern touchscreen workflow with customizable controls
• Powerful onboard processing and effects
• Designed for complex live mixes and evolving setups
• A serious step up for engineers who’ve outgrown the X32

Best for: advanced live sound, touring bands, venues, and engineers who want maximum flexibility and future-proof control.

🎸Ibanez Talman TCY10E Acoustic-Electric Guitar

A lightweight, easy-to-play beginner acoustic that’s comfortable for smaller hands and forgiving for first-time players. I recommend this type of guitar for kids and adults getting started because the neck is approachable and the sound is balanced without being overwhelming.

• Slim, beginner-friendly neck helps early learners build confidence
• Balanced acoustics that don’t sound thin or muddy
• Durable build that stands up to frequent practice
• Great price point for learning without risk

Best for: Beginners — kids, teens, and adults taking their first steps into playing guitar.

🎸 Guitar Picks (Beginner-Friendly Variety Pack)

A simple variety pack of guitar picks is one of the easiest ways for beginners to figure out what feels comfortable. Different thicknesses help new players experiment without overthinking it.

• Multiple thicknesses let beginners find what feels right
• Lightweight and easy to grip
• Inexpensive way to reduce frustration early on
• Great to keep extras around (they disappear fast)

Best for: beginners learning basic strumming and picking who want to explore feel and control.

🎒 Guitar Strap (Adjustable & Comfortable)

A comfortable, adjustable guitar strap makes practicing easier and helps beginners focus on playing instead of holding the guitar in place. This is especially helpful for kids and smaller players.

• Adjustable length fits kids, teens, and adults
• Helps with posture and playing position
• Lightweight and comfortable for longer practice sessions
• Durable enough for daily use

Best for: beginners who practice standing or want better comfort and balance while playing.

🪑 Guitar Stool

A simple guitar stool encourages good posture and keeps practice sessions comfortable.

• Stable height for seated practice
• Compact and easy to store
• Durable enough for daily use

Best for: home practice setups where comfort and posture matter.

🎤 Beginner Microphone (Dynamic, Durable)

A simple dynamic microphone is a great way to help beginners hear themselves and build confidence. It’s forgiving, durable, and doesn’t require any complicated setup.

• Dynamic design handles beginner volume levels well
• Durable enough to survive drops and daily use
• Easy plug-and-play setup
• Encourages confidence and engagement

Best for: kids and beginners who want to sing, speak, or perform without worrying about fragile gear.

🎤 Microphone Stand (Adjustable – White Finish)

A simple, adjustable microphone stand that’s easy for beginners to use and less intimidating than traditional black stands. The white finish is especially popular with kids — it feels cleaner, brighter, and more fun to interact with.

• Adjustable height works well for kids and adults
• Stable base helps prevent tipping during use
• White color feels friendlier and more inviting for younger players
• Makes practice setups feel intentional instead of “stage gear”
• Quick to adjust without tools

Best for: kids and beginner vocalists who benefit from a comfortable, approachable practice setup.

🎤 Sparkly Microphone Sleeves (SM58-style fit)

A soft microphone sleeve that adds grip, comfort, and a touch of personality — especially great for kids and beginners. It protects the mic and makes it feel more like their own instrument, encouraging more playful and confident practice.

• Adds a comfortable, soft grip for tiny hands
• Helps protect the mic from bumps and drops
• Bright, playful look that kids enjoy
• Easy to slip on/off and clean
• Great low-cost way to personalize beginner gear

Best for: Live vocals, rehearsals, small venues.

🎼 Music Stand (Adjustable & Lightweight)

A simple music stand keeps sheet music, books, or a tablet at eye level, which makes practice feel more organized and less frustrating. It’s a small addition that helps beginners stay focused and comfortable.

• Adjustable height works for kids and adults
• Keeps music visible without hunching over
• Lightweight and easy to move or store
• Helps practice sessions feel structured

Best for: beginners using sheet music, lesson books, or tablet-based learning apps.

🎸 Guitar Stand (Stable & Floor-Safe)

A guitar stand keeps the instrument off the floor and within easy reach, which encourages more frequent practice. It also reduces clutter and protects the guitar from accidental bumps.

• Stable design keeps guitars upright and secure
• Makes grabbing the guitar quick and easy
• Reduces mess and accidental damage
• Helps beginners treat the instrument with care

Best for: home practice spaces where safety, accessibility, and organization matter.

🎸 Guitar Case (Padded & Lightweight)

A padded guitar case protects the instrument during transport and storage, which becomes important once lessons, school, or travel enter the picture. It’s a simple way to reduce stress and keep the guitar safe between practice sessions.

• Padded design protects against bumps and drops
• Lightweight and easy for kids to carry
• Zippered pockets hold picks, books, or accessories
• Makes transporting the guitar simple and worry-free

Best for: beginners who take their guitar to lessons, school, or practice outside the home.

🔊 Bose S1 Pro+ Portable PA (Optional Upgrade)

The Bose S1 Pro is a portable speaker that makes music feel bigger and more engaging without adding complexity. It’s not required to get started — but for families who enjoy singing together, playing along with tracks, or hosting small gatherings, it can be a fun and confidence-boosting addition.

• Clear, room-filling sound without complicated setup
• Portable and easy to move around the house or yard
• Works well for vocals, acoustic instruments, and playback
• Encourages group music-making and shared experiences

Best for: families who want to sing together, play along with music, or gently expand beyond quiet practice sessions.