What are the tools you use that nobody would expect you use?  I'm looking for the things that were unpopular and underhyped, or things you use in unexpected ways, such as Absynth for leads.
 
For me, RMV is one of those.  I primarily use it with a kit I got from Wizoo, which sounds great for its small size.  It also contains an industrial kit consisting of hits on pipes, ventilation ducts, etc. which I use as percussion from time to time.
 
Another example is that from time to time I might use something like the Roland GrooveSynth.  It's one of those synths that will always sound dated but never vintage.  Sometimes it works for the cheese factor and sometimes it works in spite of itself.  It doesn't get regular rotation, but sometimes there is a place for it.
 
I still like to use sounds from Dimension and Rapture, as well as Triangle II and Pentagon I from time to time.  They may not be the cool kids anymore, but still fun.

Black Box Analog Design HG-2. Permanent part of my mastering chain.

My Vox ToneLab. I switched out the AX7 for, I don't remember exactly. The FX are average or lower but the Treble Boost and Tube Screamer pedal FX are good. The amps and cabs almost all good. Mine is the original desk top model.

Magic Russ
What are the tools you use that nobody would expect you use?  I'm looking for the things that were unpopular and underhyped, or things you use in unexpected ways, such as Absynth for leads.
 
For me, RMV is one of those.  I primarily use it with a kit I got from Wizoo, which sounds great for its small size.  It also contains an industrial kit consisting of hits on pipes, ventilation ducts, etc. which I use as percussion from time to time.
 
Another example is that from time to time I might use something like the Roland GrooveSynth.  It's one of those synths that will always sound dated but never vintage.  Sometimes it works for the cheese factor and sometimes it works in spite of itself.  It doesn't get regular rotation, but sometimes there is a place for it.
 
I still like to use sounds from Dimension and Rapture, as well as Triangle II and Pentagon I from time to time.  They may not be the cool kids anymore, but still fun.

 At the Cakewalk Store there is tutorial videos on the included instruments.  One of these days.....one of these days...maybe...I will spend some time with Cyclone.  It's been there forever and seemed like it was ahead of it's time. I still keep Beatscape. Shame they stopped that one.

BassDaddy
My Vox ToneLab. I switched out the AX7 for, I don't remember exactly. The FX are average or lower but the Treble Boost and Tube Screamer pedal FX are good. The amps and cabs almost all good. Mine is the original desk top model.

I've got a zillion amp sims and I still use my Vox Tonelab.  Great for Vox and Fender sounds.  Occasionally I'll use a speaker ir from Redwire or Karzog as a supplement.  IMHO this a great unit.

I was so jazzed when I got mine. Couldn't wait to fire it up and see the tube glow. Well, it's just an orange LED in their. Still love it though. 

I run my keyboard synths/samplers with a guitar amp simulator in the FX bin.  I used to be common practice with real electric pianos, but doesn't seem to be so common with VST Keys.

Sometimes the best digital guitars are tweeked pianos run through amp sims.

I like running bass guitar samples through amp sims.  Even if they were recorded through an amp the first time.