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 Best Speaker Stands for the Money
Not all speaker stands are worth the asking price. Here's an honest look at which types and tiers deliver the best value for different levels of use.
The Ultimate Guide to Sonor Drum Kits
From the AQ2 to the SQ2, Sonor builds drums with precision hardware and consistent shell construction that holds up from bedroom practice to professional use.
Hollow Body Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A hollow-body guitar is a beautiful choice—if you know what you're buying. Here's a practical guide to choosing between types, brands and price points.
The Best Yamaha Amps for the Money
Forget spec-sheet bragging rights — here's which Yamaha amp tier genuinely suits your budget and how you play, from quiet practice to serious recording.
Qsc Power Amplifiers: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Complete QSC power amplifier buying guide: wattage selection, class comparisons, value assessment and common purchasing mistakes.
Shaker: A Complete Buyer's Guide
One of the cheapest instruments you'll ever buy, and one of the easiest to get wrong for your situation. Here's what actually matters.
Selling Instruments: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Selling instruments effectively requires strategy, honest presentation, and understanding market value. Learn how to get genuine value for your gear.
Kick Pedals for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Learning kick pedal technique doesn't have to be intimidating. This beginner's guide walks you through fundamentals, positioning, basic patterns, and foot coordination for drums.
Wall Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A comprehensive buyer's guide for wall guitar hangers. Learn about weight ratings, materials, installation requirements, and how to choose the right hanger for your guitar.
Yamaha Acoustic Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a Yamaha acoustic guitar means understanding the difference between families and what specifications actually affect how the instrument plays. This guide shows you what matters.
Hand Drum Explained: Features, Types and Tips
"Hand drum" covers a lot of ground. Here's what the term actually means, and how the main families differ.
The Complete Guide to Acoustic Guitar Effects
Acoustic guitar effects unlock creative possibilities when used purposefully. This guide covers effect types, techniques and how to integrate effects authentically into your playing.
Esp Guitars for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The brand's reputation is built on players who know exactly what they want. Good news: you don't need to know any of that yet.
Stratocaster: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Four manufacturing tiers, multiple configurations and a wide price range. Understanding what changes between them makes it easier to spend appropriately.
Common Locking Tuners Mistakes to Avoid
Most locking tuner problems come from a short list of avoidable mistakes. Here's what they are and how to avoid them.
The Complete Guide to Electric Guitar Blue
Blue electric guitars combine aesthetic appeal with musical versatility. From iconic Lake Placid Blue to modern custom shades, blue instruments offer visual distinction and personal expression for eve...
Everything You Need to Know About Mixers Stream
Streaming mixers combine audio mixing with video switching for professional live broadcast production. Discover integrated solutions for contemporary content creators.
How to Set Up and Use 12 String Guitar
A 12 string guitar's doubled strings create extra tension. Here's how to set it up so it plays cleanly and sounds its best.
The Complete Guide to Peavey Vintage 30
The Peavey Vintage 30 is a legendary 12-inch guitar speaker favoured by professionals. Its warm, complex tone and proven reliability make it ideal for serious players.
The Ultimate Guide to Gibson Les Paul Standard Guitar
The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most iconic guitars ever created. Discover its history, distinctive warm tone, design excellence and why it remains a musician's choice across generations.
The Best Yamaha Electric Guitars for the Money
No hype, just the straight answer: which Yamaha electric guitar actually suits your budget and your playing, tier by tier.
8 Channel Audio Interface for Beginners: A Complete Guide
New to recording? This beginner's guide explains 8 channel audio interfaces simply—what channels mean, whether beginners need eight, complete setup requirements, and honest advice on starting your rec...
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
AllLatest articles
All newsSections
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