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
Flying V Bass: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A Flying V bass makes a statement on stage. This buying guide covers essential specs, price tiers and mistakes to avoid so you choose the right instrument.
Everything You Need to Know About Guitar Neck
The neck is the part you actually touch every second you play. Here's what each spec actually changes.
Amplifier Explained: Features, Types and Tips
An amplifier is never just a volume knob — here's what it actually does, the main types, and the rules that keep speakers safe.
The Complete Guide to Bass Guitar Compressor Pedal
A bass guitar compressor pedal is an essential tool for achieving consistent tone and professional presence. This guide explains how compression works, why bass players use it, and which pedals delive...
Rackmount Synth: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing a rackmount synth? Learn what specifications matter, compare sound engine types, assess integration needs, and avoid common buying mistakes.
Brass Trombone For Sale for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Choosing your first synth doesn't need to be complicated. This guide explains synth types, what specs matter, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes.
Esp Explorer for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The ESP Explorer's distinctive shape works beautifully for developing players. This guide helps beginners get started confidently.
Combo Organ for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting combo organ feels intimidating until you understand the basics. This beginner guide breaks down what looks complicated into manageable first steps.
Fender Stratocaster Guitar Body: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Selecting a Fender Stratocaster guitar body? Compare types, wood options, and specifications to choose the perfect body for your build.
The Complete Guide to Record Cases
A proper record case keeps your vinyl safe from damage, dust, and warping. Learn what to look for in storage solutions for your collection.
Music Publishing for Beginners: A Complete Guide
New to music publishing? Understand why it matters, what a PRO actually does, how you collect royalties from performances and streaming, common fears addressed, and your first concrete action steps as...
Ibanez Classical Guitars for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Comprehensive guide to choosing and learning classical guitar on an Ibanez instrument, covering quality assessment, budget guidance, and proper technique foundations.
Flatwound Guitar String for Beginners: A Complete Guide
If you've just picked up your first bass guitar, flatwound guitar strings offer comfort, durability, and a warmer tone that helps you learn faster. This beginner's guide covers everything you need to...
The Complete Guide to Bass Jaguar Fender
The Fender Jaguar bass combines striking aesthetics with distinctive playability and sonic character. Discover why this alternative bass appeals to musicians valuing individuality and unconventional s...
Rockschool Grades: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Selecting the right Rockschool grade level determines exam success and motivation. Discover grade structure, skill requirements at each level, preparation strategies, and tips for maximising grade val...
The Complete Guide to Music Production Machine
A music production machine is the integrated system of hardware and software that enables modern music creation. From computers and audio interfaces to DAWs and plugins, discover how to build and opti...
The Complete Guide to Bass Guitar Amplifier Heads
A bass amplifier head delivers the tone and power that define your sound. Learn the differences between tube, solid-state, and hybrid designs to choose the right one.
The Complete Guide to Analogue Synths
Analogue synthesisers generate sound through voltage-controlled electronics, offering distinctive warmth and hands-on control unmatched by digital alternatives.
The Complete Guide to Reading Music Notation
Reading music notation is the fundamental skill that unlocks access to musical repertoire and enables communication between musicians across instruments and languages.
Orange Amp Pedal: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Orange amp pedals deliver quality and portability, but they're not for everyone. This buying guide helps you decide whether an Orange amp pedal fits your needs or whether alternatives serve you better...
Snare for Beginners: A Complete Guide
No wiring, no software, just a shell, two heads and a set of wires. Here's the honest, no-nonsense version of what a beginner actually needs to know.
The Complete Guide to Digital Piano Stands
A digital piano stand provides proper height, stability, and aesthetics for your keyboard. Discover what to look for in a stand and how to choose one that enhances your playing experience.
Two Rock Guitar Amp for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Two Rock amplifiers have a fearsome reputation, but they're built to be played and enjoyed. This beginner's guide shows you the controls, explains how to get started, and reveals why these amps reward...
Qsc Pa Speaker for Beginners: A Complete Guide
New to professional audio? This beginner's guide walks you through choosing your first QSC PA speaker, connecting it safely, avoiding common pitfalls, and running your first event with confidence.
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