James Harrison

Mixer Board Yamaha: A Complete Guide

Yamaha mixers are relied upon by sound engineers and venues worldwide for their solid build quality, intuitive interfaces and dependable performance. From compact portable units to large-format tourin...

Guitar Stand: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Choosing a guitar stand is simple once you know what to look for. This buyer's guide covers the key questions — finish type, use case, stability and price — so you don't regret your choice.

Common Gibson Guitars Mistakes to Avoid

The mistakes I see people make with Gibson guitars again and again, and why each one costs more than buyers realise at the time.

Headless Bass: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Cables Jack for Beginners: A Complete Guide

The guitar cable is the first thing in your signal chain. Here's how to buy right, avoid common mistakes, and keep your leads working reliably.

Common Hang Drum Mistakes to Avoid

Behringer X32 Explained: Features, Types and Tips

Channels, buses, DCAs and five different models — here's what the Behringer X32 platform actually is, in plain terms.

Common Pedal Board Mistakes to Avoid

The same handful of pedal board problems come through the shop door every time. Here's what actually goes wrong, and the straightforward fix.

The Best Cabinet Electrics for the Money

From under £200 to serious stage rigs — here's where the best value in guitar speaker cabinets sits at each price point.

Behringer X32 Rack: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Is the rack format the right choice for your application? This guide covers how the X32 Rack compares with the rest of the X32 family and what makes it the right or wrong tool for specific production...

The Ultimate Guide to Phono Stage

Without the right amplification and equalisation, vinyl cannot be played through a modern system. Here is a complete explanation of how a phono preamp works.

The Complete Guide to Taylor 12 String Guitars

Taylor 12-string guitars deliver the distinctive shimmering tone of the format combined with exceptional playability and build quality. A comprehensive guide to the range.

Common Mxr Pedal Mistakes to Avoid

MXR pedals are reliable, but players regularly make avoidable mistakes when buying and using them. This guide covers the most common errors and how to prevent them.

Guitar Cabinet: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Marshall Amp Explained: Features, Types and Tips

The name covers everything from a tiny practice box to a full stack. Here's the plain-English rundown of what a Marshall amp actually is.

Gretsch Falcon Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Different generations use different pickups, bracing and tailpieces — and those differences genuinely change how it plays. Here's what to check.

Maracas: A Complete Buyer's Guide

From gourd to fibreglass, seed to steel bead — here is what actually separates a great pair of maracas from a toy-shop disappointment.

The Ultimate Guide to Thunderbird Bass

Gibson's 1963 reverse-body design became one of rock's most recognisable instruments. Here's everything you need to know about it.

The Ultimate Guide to Guitar Tab Books

Guitar tab is the dominant notation format for guitarists learning songs — this guide explains how it works, what types of tab books exist and what separates good transcriptions from poor ones.

Mxr Pedal: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Buying an MXR pedal means knowing which effect you need and what differentiates the models. This guide covers price tiers, new vs used and how to match the right pedal to your style.

Common Yamaha Revstar Mistakes to Avoid

It's a genuinely good range, but a few honest mistakes crop up again and again. Here's what to check before you buy a Yamaha Revstar.

Strymon Timeline Pedal for Beginners: A Complete Guide

Getting started with a complex digital delay is more approachable than the interface suggests. This guide covers the essential first steps for new users.

Common Tremolo Pedal Mistakes to Avoid

Tremolo is simple to use but easy to use wrong. Here are the mistakes most players make and what to do instead.

Common Bass Amp Mistakes to Avoid

Common bass amp mistakes cost money or kill your gear. Here's how to spot them and what to do about it.