- Buffered pedals. You'll actually have more signal loss in a long chain of TBP pedals. You gotta have at least 1 good buffer if you have a long chain. But not all buffers are created equally... some are very good, while the bad ones give buffered pedals their bad reputation.
- The guitar's volume knob. Most guitarists I encounter just leave them full-open, some even bypass them. I like to use mine to control gain and cleanup.
- Danelectro products. Sure, the cheap price may not always translate to good build and sound quality, but their products have unique sounds and refreshing aesthetics.
- Squier products, particularly the Classic Vibe series. Compare them to Mexican Fenders, and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
- Offset guitars. I admit that this is an acquired taste, usually associated with the surf and alternative genres