Wood can dry out and crack in winter. Read these to keep your guitar humidified. https://www.taylorguitars.com/blog/guitars-more/using-guitar-humidifier-and-other-guitar-humidity-tips

Line6 has come out with amp you can control wirelessly from a handheld device. Play tracks, control effects, or download preset tones. You can connect and record to computer via USB. http://line6.com/amplifi/

Play a gig anywhere even without a power outlet. Rechargeable, lightweight speakers with built in 4 channel mixer. Go anywhere and run it for 20hrs on one charge. Stream music from your device with Bluetooth, or a wireless mic. Awesome! http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/portable-pa/expedition-rechargable/xp106w/

The pocket-sized VT-12 is a traveling vocal coach device. With a variety of built-in exercises and warm-ups, and analysis of your pitch while you sing. The illuminated pitch meter displays your pitch, and can even detect two singers simultaneously for two-part harmony.  It also has backing tracks and etudes from the Berklee Press bundled book http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1250/525 .

Cobalt guitar and bass strings are a new iron/cobalt alloy combination claiming to work better with pickup magnets. Haven’t tried them yet but looking forward to it. Supposedly they last longer, have a higher output, improve tone, sustain and harmonics, and help you execute faster passages. Are they really this good? I’m gonna find out…. Read More >

This bass amp weighs 2 lbs and fits in your bag! Hook it up to a speaker and off you go. Aux input, headphone jack and a decent price. http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/8528/Guitars/Bass_Amps/Gallien-Krueger/MB200_-_Mircobass_200-Watt_Head.htm#Description-tab

The Taylor T5z plays like an electric, yet has a natural, acoustic sound. Three different types of pick-ups take you from vintage jazz and blues to hard rock. http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/electric/t5z