No surprise to anyone, the holidays are coming.

As a journalist, I suppose I should do my part and commemorate this season with the annual ritual of crafting a clever new gift giving guide for guitarists around the world, filled with latest-and-greatest gear suggestions. (Don’t worry, it’s coming.)

But, if I’m being honest, it’s a bit of a challenge this year. That Walter Becker gear auction last month? It kind of bummed me out. Did he (or anyone) truly need all that stuff? Personally, I have all the gear I need. Heck, I have more than enough gear. I have a...