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
Guild Guitar Company: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a Guild isn't as simple as picking a model number. Here's how the brand's complicated history affects what you're comparing.
Common Short Scale Bass Mistakes to Avoid
Most short scale bass problems aren't the instrument being awkward — they're habits carried over from a standard-scale mindset.
Xylophone for Beginners: A Complete Guide
An accessible introduction to getting started on mallet percussion — covering the basic stroke, scale practice, first pieces and the case for early lessons with a specialist teacher.
The Best Drum and Bass Artists to Know
From Goldie to Andy C, here's a practical map of the drum and bass artists behind every corner of the genre, grouped by what they actually do.
The Best Chapman Guitars for the Money
No invented shootouts, just an honest read on which Chapman guitar family actually suits your tuning, genre and playing style.
Everything You Need to Know About Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pedal
Electro Harmonix pedals deliver character and personality that define classic rock and alternative tones. From the iconic Big Muff to beloved effects like the Small Clone, explore why these pedals rem...
Pa Subwoofer Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A PA subwoofer delivers the low-frequency weight that makes live music feel physical. Here's how they work, what types exist, and how to get the best from them.
Musician Ear Plugs for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Protect your hearing while learning to play music. This beginner's guide to musician ear plugs explains types, fitting, common concerns, and how to build the ear protection habit early in your musical...
Gibson Lp Classic for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Thinking about your first Gibson LP Classic? Learn why it's an excellent choice for beginners, how to overcome the weight worry, and practical steps to get started with confidence.
The Complete Guide to Hercules Djay
Hercules djay makes DJing accessible by combining streaming music, intuitive controls, and affordable hardware. Learn what it offers, how it compares to rivals, and who should use it.
5 String Fretless Bass: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Ready to explore the expressive world of fretless bass? This guide covers what makes 5 string fretless bass unique, essential specifications to evaluate, sound characteristics, technique consideration...
Common Childrens Electronic Drum Set Mistakes to Avoid
Most kit problems aren't the kit's fault. These are the decisions that seem fine at the time and cause weeks of frustration later.
Chase Bliss: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Essential buying guide for Chase Bliss pedals, covering key specifications, price considerations, common mistakes, model selection, and where to purchase with warranty.
Music Man Bass Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying Music Man means choosing between models, configurations and price points. Here is how to cut through the options and decide what is right for you.
Orange Bass Amp: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Orange makes bass amps for every situation, from bedroom practice to major stages — here's how to pick the right one without being oversold.
Epiphone J 200: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The Epiphone J-200 name covers several genuinely different guitars — here's exactly what to check before you hand over any money.
Synthesizer Keyboard Stand for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A good synthesizer keyboard stand makes playing comfortable and keeps your instrument safe. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to know as a beginner, without the jargon.
Common Pick Up Humbucker Mistakes to Avoid
Most humbucker regrets aren't a bad pickup — they're a small, avoidable mistake in buying or fitting. Here's the list I'd hand anyone first.
Yamaha Amplifiers for Beginners: A Complete Guide
You don't need to understand every spec to buy your first amp. Here's the plain-spoken version of what beginners actually need to know about Yamaha amplifiers.
Vinyl Record Wall Mount for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Displaying your vinyl records on the wall looks stunning and frees up shelf space. This guide walks beginners through selecting mounts that actually work.
Pedal Steel Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A mechanically complex, custom-built instrument deserves a slower buying process — here's exactly what to check first.
Yamaha Pacifica 112v for Beginners: A Complete Guide
You don't need the fanciest first guitar, just one that won't hold you back. Here's why this one keeps turning up on beginner recommendation lists.
Everything You Need to Know About Ten Gauge Guitar Strings
Tens is guitarists' shorthand for 10-gauge strings, where the high E measures .010 inches. This guide explains what tens bring in tone and feel, who uses them and how switching gauge affects your guit...
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