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
Common Guitar Neck Mistakes to Avoid
The same handful of guitar neck mistakes turn up again and again. Here's what actually goes wrong, and the fix.
Everything You Need to Know About Digital Guitar Amps
Digital amplifiers have revolutionised modern music by delivering studio-quality tone in portable packages, offering flexibility and reliability that traditional tube amps cannot match.
The Ultimate Guide to Nylon String
Nylon strings define the sound of classical, flamenco and a wide range of fingerstyle guitar — here is a plain-spoken guide to how they work, what the types mean, and where to start.
The Complete Guide to Prs Guitar Studio
When recording engineers need reliable, consistent tones that translate beautifully through microphones and mixing consoles, a PRS guitar studio model often gets the call. These instruments represent...
Everything You Need to Know About Bass with Amplifier
Plug a bass into a guitar amp and you'll hear the problem straight away. Here's the honest rundown of how bass amplifiers actually work, and what the specs really mean.
Rcf Audio Speakers for Beginners: A Complete Guide
No need for the wattage wall of noise yet. Here's the plain-English way to set up your first RCF speaker and actually get it right.
The Best Gibson Sj 200 Guitars for the Money
There's no single “best” Gibson SJ-200 — just the right tier for your budget. Here's how the range actually breaks down.
Common Fog Machine Mistakes to Avoid
Most fog machine mistakes aren't complicated. They're simple oversights that damage equipment, trigger alarms or irritate audiences—and they're all preventable.
Guild Acoustic Guitar Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Guild acoustic guitars are built to a standard that places them alongside the best American instruments. Here is a complete overview of the brand, its range and what makes it distinctive.
The Best King V Jacksons for the Money
There's no single "best" King V — just the tier that matches how you actually play. Here's where the real value sits at each level.
The Best Handpans for the Money
There's no single best handpan — here's where genuine value sits, from a first cautious try to a premium extended-range build.
Drum Cases Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Drum cases range from lightweight padded bags to heavy-duty ATA flight cases. This guide explains the types, what each offers, and how to match the right case to your situation.
The Complete Guide to Snare Head
The snare head determines your snare drum's tone and character. Discover the differences between materials, finishes, and sizes, plus how to install and maintain your snare head for consistent perform...
Common Sound System Mistakes to Avoid
No sales pitch here, just the honest list of habits that trip up sound system setups again and again, and the straightforward fix for each one.
The Complete Guide to Natal Drums
Natal drums deliver professional tonal quality at fair prices through British craftsmanship and independent manufacturing. Explore what makes them special.
Common Guitar Bridge Mistakes to Avoid
Most guitar bridge problems aren't the hardware failing — they're small habits that quietly cause bigger ones. Here's what to fix first.
3/4 Acoustic Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
What genuinely matters when buying in this category, since the '3/4' label alone tells you almost nothing.
The Complete Guide to Haze Machine
Discover how haze machines create atmospheric effects that enhance live events and concerts. Explore types, features, operation and maintenance to choose the right equipment for your venue.
Kids Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Half the guitars marked 'junior' or 'student' are fine and half aren't, and the label tells you nothing either way. Here's the checklist that actually matters.
The Complete Guide to Laney Amplifiers
Laney amplifiers combine British engineering heritage with straightforward, reliable design. From bedroom practice to touring rigs, discover what makes Laney amps the choice of working musicians.
Marshall Amp for Beginners: A Complete Guide
It looks more complicated than it actually is. Here's the genuinely simple path in, no jargon, no wasted spending.
Pickguard for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Changing a pickguard can be a ten-minute job or a wiring project, depending on the guitar. Here's how to know which one you're in for before you start.
Phaser Pedal for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A phaser pedal is one of the most approachable effects in the guitar world. Here is everything a first-timer needs to know — what the knobs do, where to start, and three sounds to try right away.
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