We’re Guitar Center customers, too. We get why you’re here—from being inspired by your musical heroes to the electrifying pursuit of the sound and vibe you’re after.
So, it should come as no surprise that when we were presented with this “best of 2025” staff picks article, we clamored for who got to write about what. In this article, you’ll get to hear from industry veterans working various roles within Guitar Center’s Marketing department, from marketing analysts to content producers to some familiar voices on the writing team.
Without getting too sentimental about 2025, let’s rip right into our top keys, synths and drum machine picks of the year.
Arturia Keylab 88 mk3 Keyboard Controller
John Fee, Content Video Producer:
I’ve been an Arturia fan ever since I picked up their V Collection in 2016 for a score I was working on. I loved how realistic the analog synth emulations sounded and how easy it was to find cool sounds using Analog Lab. However, I did miss the tactile enjoyment of turning real knobs on the synths, so I picked up the KeyLab 88 mk1 MIDI controller. The KeyLab 88 mapped seamlessly to the synths in the V Collection and gave me the hands-on control I was looking for when tweaking sounds in Analog Lab.
Shop Now: Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 Keyboard Controller
The Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 came out this year, and I’m excited to add it to my growing Arturia collection. Since purchasing the V Collection in 2016, I’ve picked up a MicroFreak, AudioFuse 16Rig, a KeyStep for my modular rig, Pigments, and other effects and plug-ins from Arturia.
The KeyLab 88 mk3 will be a huge upgrade from my mk1. It has a more natural-feeling keybed, deeper integration with Logic Pro and other DAWs, and a bigger, more vibrant color display.
Moog Messenger Analog Synthesizer
Max McAllister, Sr. Longform Creative Writer:
Moog’s always been a prestigious name in the synthesizer world. Between their longstanding reputation and the hefty cost of their offerings, they were mostly out of reach for the beginning or dabbling synth player—until the Messenger came along.
The Moog Messenger is an awesome little analog monosynth that fills the entry-level gap in the brand’s lineup and hopefully invites many more players into the fold.
Considering Moog’s been loyal to their signature sound for many decades (and rightfully so), I also appreciate the fact that the Messenger has a unique sonic fingerprint. That, alone, sets it apart, and while you can still achieve those legendary, vintage-inspired textures with some savvy programming, it isn’t the Messenger’s default.
I think the Moog Messenger opens the door for a whole new demographic of would-be synth enthusiasts, which is pretty sweet in my book.
Shop Now: Moog Messenger Analog Synthesizer
Akai Professional MPC Live III
Dustin Hackworth, Sr. Manager of New Product Marketing:
When I think of a music producer, I think of long hours in a dark studio; back pain from sitting indoors all day and ear fatigue from high-end monitors thumping for hours. No longer is that the case. With the MPC Live III, you can write and fully produce a song on the beach. Or in a tree. Or even in outer space!
Personally, I am intimidated by traditional recording/producing rigs. Microphones, patch bays, complicated software, etc.—it’s all a bit much for me. And by the time I’ve got it all set up, I’ve completely lost my motivation. The Live III takes all of that away and gets me straight to the source. I can go from having an idea to developing a rough draft scratch track in a matter of minutes.
What sets this apart from virtually any other beatmaking machine is that it is truly standalone—no power source, headphones or even a microphone needed. They’re all built into the unit.
One of the first things you notice with this new model is the button layout. Finally, a dedicated step sequencer and new X/Y performance pads—both make the Live III feel more like an instrument and less like just a production hub. You can actually “play” this thing and it feels great. Grab a seat, flip it on and let the fun begin.
Shop Now: Akai Professional MPC Live III
Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator
Danny Schnair, Sr. Marketing Analyst:
The TR name carries real weight in music history. From the earth-shaking low end of the 808 to the razor-sharp punch of the 909, Roland’s TR line didn’t just define genres—it helped create them.
So, when the TR-1000 arrived, I was curious to see where Roland would take things next. It turns out this isn’t a rehash or a nostalgia play. It’s the next imaginative step in what the TR series can be. The TR-1000 isn’t fully analog, but honestly, it doesn’t need to be. Roland has blended classic workflow with modern sound design in a way that feels intentional and forward thinking.
Shop Now: Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator
When I finally got my hands on it, I was blown away by how immediately usable it was. The interface feels familiar yet fresh, the sound engine is far more expansive than I expected, and the whole unit invites experimentation. Add in access to some of the most famous sounds and sample libraries in music, and you've got yourself a deal.
Calling it a rhythm creator almost undersells it. This is a genuine studio centerpiece, a launchpad for ideas that can take tracks in completely new directions. I have no doubt the TR-1000 will influence the music we hear for years to come.
Yamaha MODX M Digital Synthesizers
Max Lauer-Bader, Sr. Manager, Content and Social Media:
It’s easy to make up your mind about a product well before you've actually tried it. We're all guilty of that, myself included. But none of that really matters when you actually get into the real world and put an instrument through its paces. Enter Nicholas Semrad.
We first worked with Nicholas back in 2023 to launch the Yamaha Montage M. Two years later, he's back with us for the launch of its younger sibling, the MODX M. Watching him digging into the MODX M I was truly impressed by the quality of the sounds, but even more so by the depth of the synth engines themselves.
Compared to some of the other major keyboard manufacturers, Yamaha hasn’t played in the synthesizer "sand box" as much in recent years, but you wouldn’t know it to dig into MODX M’s three engines, particularly the analog modeling AN-X. If you close your eyes, it's easy to forget that you're listening to a digital synthesizer in 2025.
That, plus the fantastic UX (another area Yamaha has made major leaps in recent years), truly sold me on MODX M as a wonderful mid-tier solution for the studio or the stage.
Shop Now: Yamaha MODX M Digital Synthesizers
That’s a Wrap for 2025
Cue the ball drop festivities—2026 is upon us, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. In the meantime, head into your nearest Guitar Center store and see if you’ll come out with a new favorite toy of your own. And if you’re feeling extra determined to ring in the new year with a rig resolution, our expert Gear Advisers are at the ready to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.