Unless you’re a mutant who has four arms, it’s impossible to play the guitar and fiddle with your computer simultaneously. Since your feet are free, why not try a foot controller, such as this one offered by Apogee Electronics. Made exclusively for Macs, the foot switch will be recognized instantly by GarageBand, Logic and MainStage for a truly professional play. Assign amp and effects settings and don’t worry about losing your guitar’s natural sound since the switch comes with a built-in preamp and converters. $400.

No self respecting amateur musician would send their demos recorded on obsolete cassette tapes ripped from obsolete recorders. This is the digital age now and even amateur recording artists should take advantage of what technology has to offer. The ONE from Apogee Electronics let you get that studio-quality sound without having to physically go to a studio. Slightly bigger than an iPhone, the ONE is a mic, a preamp for your instruments, and a stereo output all wrapped into one. The multifunction adjuster knob lets you handle all of the ONE’s controls from input level to volume. Perfectly matched for Garage Band, Logic, Final Cut, and a whole spectrum of audio programs so you can get to work on that next big hit. Or you can just vent out your frustrations through a podcast using the ONE. $250.