James Harrison
James learned guitar in a cold Leeds practice room and taught himself to fix his own gear when he couldn't afford to replace it. That DIY instinct became a lifelong obsession with how instruments are built and why some just feel right. He writes buying guides and gear features for players who want the honest version, not the sales pitch.
Articles by James Harrison
Bass Types Guitar for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Understanding bass types guitar options doesn't require mastering technical specifications—it requires knowing what suits your hands and musical direction. Start here.
String Cleaner for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Regular string cleaning extends lifespan and maintains consistent tone. This beginner's guide covers practical maintenance habits, safe products, common mistakes, and how to develop routines that enha...
Common Rickenbacker Electric Bass Mistakes to Avoid
The honest list of mistakes owners and buyers most often make with a Rickenbacker electric bass, and how to sidestep them.
Explorer Bass Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The Explorer bass guitar looks distinctive but isn't for everyone. This buying guide explains what to check, pitfalls to avoid, and whether an Explorer suits your needs.
The Complete Guide to Guitar Amplifiers
A guitar amplifier is as important as your instrument itself, shaping tone and inspiring creativity. This guide explores types, specifications and how to select the perfect amplifier.
Keyboard Stand Stool: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The right keyboard stand keeps you comfortable and stable whilst you play. This buying guide cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually matters—stability, height adjustment, portability and m...
Bass Preamp Pedals for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Confused about bass preamp pedals? This beginner's guide explains what they do, the different types, key features, and how to pick your first pedal without overspending.
The Complete Guide to Guitar Chorus Pedal
Discover how guitar chorus pedals create lush, thick tones. Complete guide to chorus effects, pedal selection, and settings for every musical style.
The Complete Guide to Power Chords For Guitar
Power chords for guitar form rock and metal's foundation. Discover fingering, technique, and how to play them musically.
Fender Telecaster Guitar Neck for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The Fender Telecaster neck is iconic and beginner-friendly. This guide walks through how it feels, what to expect, why it works so well, and how to keep it in great condition.
Fender Play: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Whether Fender Play is worth your money depends on your learning style, your current level and what you actually want to learn. This buying guide compares it to alternatives and tells you who should a...
Vinyl Record Slipmat: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Need a vinyl record slipmat? This buyer's guide covers materials (felt, paper, specialty), friction levels, performance impact, and how to match slipmats to your needs.
Guitar Amp Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A guitar amp is half of your core tone. Understanding the types, controls and wattage will save you money and help you find your sound faster.
The Complete Guide to Microphones For Singing Recording
The right microphone for singing recording captures your voice with clarity and character. Understand microphone types, frequency response, and polar patterns to find the perfect fit for your home stu...
Ibanez Tube for Beginners: A Complete Guide
An Ibanez tube amplifier produces warm, responsive tone that rewards good technique. This guide covers setup, safety, maintenance, and beginner benefits.
Electric Bass Preamp: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Understanding electric bass preamps—whether built-in or standalone—helps you choose the right tone-shaping tool for your needs and budget.
The Complete Guide to Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Large diaphragm condenser microphones are studio recording standards for vocal performance and acoustic instruments. Learn how they work and which characteristics matter for your recording setup.
The Complete Guide to Shure Wireless Microphone Receiver
A wireless microphone receiver captures radio frequency signals from transmitters and converts them to audio—essential for reliable live performance and broadcast applications.
Music Theory for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Music theory isn't intimidating once you understand it. This beginner's guide covers the foundations in plain language and shows you how to apply them immediately.
Roland 2000: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a Roland 2000? This guide covers specifications, vintage alternatives, price tiers, and what to check before investing in Roland 2000 equipment.
Moog Digital Piano for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Moog digital pianos are more accessible to beginners than you might think. This guide walks you through setup, preset exploration, touch sensitivity, and building confidence with your new instrument.
Analog Mixing Desk for Beginners: A Complete Guide
An analog mixing desk looks complicated, but it's genuinely learnable. Understand the channel strip and you'll be comfortable mixing within a month.
In Ear Monitor System: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Shopping for an in-ear monitor system? This guide explains channels, latency, wireless range, comfort, and what to look for for live performance.
What James Harrison covers
Acoustic Guitar
An acoustic guitar is a versatile steel-string instrument for strumming, fingerstyle, songwriting and live performance.
23 topics
Electric Guitar
A versatile amplified instrument for rhythm, lead and genre-spanning performance, from clean tones to high-gain sounds.
27 topics
Fender Stratocaster
The fender stratocaster is a versatile electric guitar known for bright tones, comfort and wide genre appeal.
8 topics
Guitar Guitar
Guitar guitar is a broad category for instruments and accessories suited to players at every level and style.
Guitar Tuners
Reliable tuning hardware for acoustic, electric and bass guitars, with options for upgrades, replacements and classic re...
1 topic
Music Accessories
Essential music accessories for UK musicians: instrument cases, stands, cables, straps, tuners, metronomes, and instrume...
75 topics
Sheet Music & Learning
Your guide to sheet music, scores, music theory books, and graded exam resources for UK musicians — from beginner method...
54 topics
Stratocaster
Iconic double-cut electric guitars with versatile tones, comfortable contours and wide appeal across many genres.
21 topicsPopular topics
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Index- Guitars 1,525
- Pianos & Keyboards 491
- Drums & Percussion 278
- Orchestral Strings 76
- Wind & Woodwind 97
- Brass Instruments 70
- Folk & World Instruments 108
- Studio Recording 484
- Music Software & DAWs 250
- DJ & Electronic Production 199
- Live Sound & PA 143
- Music Accessories 165
- Sheet Music & Learning 63
- Music Genres 285
- Music News & Industry 246
- Hi-Fi & Home Audio 64
- Artists & Bands 39