Joanne Hall
Joanne grew up in Belfast, where traditional music and a fierce independent streak sit side by side, and both left their mark on her. She's drawn to music with roots and grit. She writes about folk, traditional music and the acts keeping it alive.
Dulcimer: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Two instruments share the name, several tunings and a lot of jargon. Here is what genuinely matters before you buy one.
The Best Harps for the Money
No fake benchmarks here — just an honest, tier-by-tier look at which harps genuinely suit which player, and where your money is best spent at each level.
The Ultimate Guide to Banjo
The banjo's true history, the difference between five-string and tenor, open-back and resonator, and how to choose your first instrument by the music you want to play.
Harp Explained: Features, Types and Tips
From the chordophone basics to Sébastien Érard's 1810 pedal mechanism, here's what actually separates a lever harp from a pedal harp — and where each one turns up in music.
The Ultimate Guide to Sitar
There's far more to the sitar than its famous drone. A grounded guide to how India's great long-necked lute makes its sound, where it comes from, and how to start.
Balalaika: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Not every triangular instrument on sale is built to be played. Here's how to check a balalaika's neck, bridge and strings before you buy, and where your money is best spent.
Dulcimer for Beginners: A Complete Guide
You can get a real tune out of this instrument in your first week. Here is exactly how to start, without wasting money or getting discouraged.
Ukulele Chords for Guitar Players
A ukulele is tuned like the top four strings of a guitar with a capo at the fifth fret. Once you see that, every shape you know transfers, with one catch.
