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
Microphone For Amp: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right microphone for amp recording shapes your captured tone dramatically. This guide covers microphone types, specifications, price tiers, and what to avoid when selecting a microphone f...
Everything You Need to Know About Headless Guitars
No headstock, no gimmick — here's the real engineering behind the headless guitar, from Ned Steinberger's 1980 original to today's Strandberg and Kiesel builds.
Usb Mixer: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The key decisions before buying are channel count, preamp quality and whether you need multi-track USB output — this guide walks through each one clearly.
Taylor Nylon String Guitar for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A Taylor nylon string guitar offers beginners quality craftsmanship and comfortable playability. This guide covers everything you need to know to start successfully.
The Complete Guide to Ukulele Tuning Strings
Ukulele tuning strings directly shape your instrument's tone and playability. Master the types, gauges and maintenance practices that keep your uke sounding perfect.
Trombone Range: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A practical trombone buyer's guide—understand types, bore sizes, playable range, and how to choose between new and used instruments.
Timbales Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Timbales get mistaken for small toms more often than they should. Here's the honest rundown on what they actually are and how the different parts work.
Audio Cable Types for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Confused by audio cable types? This beginner-friendly guide demystifies XLR, quarter-inch, RCA, and USB cables so you can confidently choose the right one.
Rock And Pop Trinity for Beginners: A Complete Guide
New to music and wondering which instrument to learn? Explore the rock and pop trinity: guitar, bass, and drums. Discover each instrument's role and how to choose what excites you.
Black Electric Bass Guitar for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting your bass guitar journey doesn't need to be daunting. This guide walks you through choosing your first black electric bass guitar, the essential gear you need, and how to avoid common beginne...
The Complete Guide to Sampler Drum Pad
Sampler drum pads trigger pre-recorded sounds through pressure-sensitive interfaces, essential tools for beat makers, producers, and live performers. Understand pad types, features, and workflows.
Hifi Turntable for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting with vinyl doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. This beginner's guide explains what a hifi turntable actually needs to do, what to watch out for and how to build a complete, affordabl...
The Complete Guide to Vinyl Record Storage Box
A vinyl record storage box protects records while keeping collections organized. Learn about storage solutions that preserve sound quality and album value.
The Complete Guide to Handpan Pan Drum
The handpan pan drum represents one of modern music's most captivating instruments, offering unique tones and meditative qualities that inspire musicians worldwide.
The Complete Guide to Vox Bass Amplifiers
Vox bass amplifiers deliver warm, articulate tone with British engineering heritage and legendary reliability that makes them studio standards and stage favourites.
Pearl Snares for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Pearl snares are professional-grade snare drums trusted by drummers worldwide. Here's what beginners need to know to get started confidently.
Focusrite Controller: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right Focusrite controller means understanding specs that actually matter, identifying your true I/O needs, and matching price to performance. This buying guide cuts through the noise.
Traktor Controllers for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting your DJ journey with a Traktor controller doesn't have to be intimidating. This beginner's guide walks you through choosing your first controller, essential first steps, and proven practice r...
Laney Amplifiers for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Laney amplifiers are excellent for nervous first-time buyers. Discover the right amp size for your needs, understand key controls, and avoid beginner mistakes.
The Complete Guide to Record Player Slipmat
A record player slipmat protects your vinyl and enables smooth playback. Discover how different record player slipmat materials affect sound quality, DJ scratching, and record longevity.
Double Neck Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Deciding whether to buy a double neck guitar requires honest assessment of your actual performance demands and physical capabilities. This guide explores different double neck guitar configurations, b...
Lakland Bass Guitar: A Complete Guide
Lakland bass guitars have earned a formidable reputation among professionals for delivering outstanding playability and tonal versatility with meticulous craftsmanship.
Make Noise Maths for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The Make Noise Maths module looks intimidating at first glance. But here's the good news: you don't need advanced knowledge to start creating with it. This beginner's guide walks you through your firs...
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