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
The Complete Guide to Guitar Effects Compressor
A guitar effects compressor controls dynamic peaks, adds sustain, and makes your playing sound more professional. Discover how to dial in compression settings for your style.
The Complete Guide to Yamaha A Clarinet
The Yamaha A clarinet is the distinctive choice for orchestral clarinettists, offering bright tone and reliable intonation. Learn what makes it essential for ensemble performance.
Acoustic Guitar Tuners: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Reliable acoustic guitar tuners are essential for maintaining proper pitch and playing quality music. This buyer's guide covers tuner types, key specifications, accuracy levels, and factors to conside...
Microphone For Amp for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Miking an amplifier can seem intimidating, but it's straightforward once you know the basics. This guide walks you through your first recording session with just a microphone and an amp.
Jackson Bass for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Jackson basses are perfect for beginners thanks to their slim necks and responsive playability. This guide takes you from day one through building real skills.
Silent Piano for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Worried about disturbing neighbours? A silent piano lets you practise quietly on a genuine acoustic instrument. This beginner's guide takes you through the essentials.
Drum Key Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A drum key is the one tool every drummer needs but rarely thinks about — here is a plain-spoken breakdown of what it does, the types available, and how to get the most out of it.
The Complete Guide to Moog Synthesizer Keyboard
Moog synthesizer keyboards define electronic music with distinctive warmth and hands-on sound design. Discover why musicians choose Moog and which model suits your needs.
Fender American Professional Ii: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Is the Fender American Professional II right for you? This guide covers what you're paying for, model variations, and how to choose a premium guitar matching your playing style.
The Complete Guide to L1 Compact System
An L1 compact system integrates mixing, amplification, and speakers into one elegant column. Perfect for solo performers and small venues, an L1 compact system simplifies setup whilst delivering profe...
Chorus Bass Pedal for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A chorus bass pedal transforms your tone into something lush and shimmering. For bass players exploring effects for the first time, chorus is excellent and forgiving.
The Complete Guide to 12 String Guild
Discover Guild 12 string guitars: why they're prized for their tone and craftsmanship. Complete guide to models and playability considerations.
Tuner Metronome for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A tuner metronome combines tuning and rhythm in one portable device. Perfect for beginners, it simplifies your practice setup and builds solid fundamentals.
Guitar Wall Mount Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Getting your guitar off the floor and onto the wall is one of the cheapest upgrades your room can get — here's how the hardware actually works.
Bass Strings 5 String Explained: Features, Types and Tips
The honest rundown of what a set of five-string bass strings actually has to get right, from gauge and winding to that all-important low B.
The Complete Guide to Guitar Microphone Amplifier
A guitar microphone amplifier keeps your acoustic's natural tone intact without the cable and colour-shift of a pickup. Here's how to set one up properly — placement, microphone choice, feedback preve...
Lanikai Ukulele for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting ukulele with Lanikai? This beginner guide explains sizing, what makes Lanikai special, what comes in the box, and what to expect during your first weeks of playing.
Guitar String Action Gauge for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A beginner's guide to measuring guitar string action correctly. Understand why action matters, what gauges to buy, and how to diagnose playability issues.
Mic And Arm: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right mic and arm transforms your recording setup. Learn compatibility, specs, price tiers, and common mistakes before you buy.
Orange Guitar Amp: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Orange guitar amps are renowned for quality and tone, but choosing the right model requires understanding wattage, cabinet size and your actual needs. Our guide covers specs, models and common pitfall...
Cdj Stand for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A beginner's guide to CDJ stands: why they matter for learning, what features to look for, proper setup, common mistakes, and ergonomic considerations.
Jazz Drum Kit: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Jazz drums prioritise warm tone and subtle dynamics. This buying guide explains the construction details that create authentic jazz sound and how to evaluate kits.
Music Streaming: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Selecting appropriate music streaming depends on listening habits, audio quality priorities, and budget. This guide covers pricing tiers, audio specifications, library completeness, and practical purc...
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