Laura Mitchell
Laura found her way into music through the folk sessions of Edinburgh's Old Town, where she learned that a song can hold a room without a single amplifier. A festival city upbringing gave her a taste for everything from fiddle tunes to fringe experiments. She writes about acoustic instruments, folk and the craft of songwriting.
Articles by Laura Mitchell
Sustain Guitar Pedal: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Shopping for a sustain pedal? This guide explains compression vs distortion sustain, what specs matter, and how to choose between budget and premium options.
The Complete Guide to String Instruments Double Bass
The double bass is the deepest-voiced member of the string instruments family, serving as the harmonic and rhythmic foundation of orchestras and jazz ensembles worldwide.
Amplifier For Busking: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Busking amps need more power than bedroom practice units and genuine portability. Learn what specs actually matter, what to avoid, and how to find the right balance.
Five String Banjo: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Selecting a five string banjo requires understanding construction, materials, playing styles, and your budget. This buying guide cuts through confusion to help you choose the right banjo from entry-le...
Denon Cdj: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Denon CDJ buying guide: understand CDJ types, assess used equipment condition, verify compatibility, and avoid costly purchasing mistakes.
Preset Packs: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying preset packs? Discover what makes collections worth the money, how to judge quality from demos, and how to choose between budget, mid-range, and premium options.
Cleaning Guitar Strings for Beginners: A Complete Guide
When you first pick up a guitar, your strings gradually get grubby. Cleaning guitar strings is easier than you think, takes just minutes, and transforms how your guitar sounds. Here's how.
Hip Hop Vinyl for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Hip-hop on vinyl isn't just nostalgia—it's warm, engaging, and rewarding. This beginner's guide covers essential gear, shopping tips, and the listening practice that makes collecting meaningful.
Qsc Amplifiers: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right QSC amplifier means matching wattage to venue size, understanding impedance and deciding between new and used. This guide covers the essential specs.
Concert Ukulele for Beginners: A Complete Guide
G–C–E–A tuning, three chords and a relaxed strum. Here is how to make the most of your first sessions on the ukulele.
The Complete Guide to Uk Singles Chart Today
The UK Singles Chart measures musical success and cultural impact across British audiences. Discover how it works and why artists care about chart positions.
Mic Acoustic Guitar for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Acoustic guitar miking beginner guide: position correctly, prevent feedback, play naturally, and capture authentic acoustic tone through practical experimentation.
Kids Keyboard: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a kids keyboard doesn't have to be complicated. This guide cuts through marketing hype to help you choose an instrument that supports learning and inspires daily practice.
Mackie Pa Speaker: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Mackie PA speakers are professional equipment at accessible prices. This buying guide covers which models offer value, when to buy, and what to avoid.
Autoharp for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The autoharp is one of the kindest instruments a nervous beginner can start on — you can make a full, correct chord in your first ten minutes. Here's how.
Fender Guitar Tuners: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Fender guitar tuners span from simple clip-ons to professional pedal tuners. This guide compares types, accuracy, and value across price tiers.
The Complete Guide to Cases, Bags & Accessories
Drums and percussion cases, bags and accessories provide essential protection for valuable instruments. Quality protective equipment prevents damage, ensures consistent performance and facilitates eff...
What Laura Mitchell covers
Accordion
The accordion is a versatile folk instrument with rich tone, expressive bellows and many layouts for traditional and mod...
2 topics
Bagpipes
Bagpipes are powerful traditional instruments with strong regional identities, used across Scottish, Irish and wider fol...
Didgeridoo
Resonant Australian drone instrument with powerful sustained tone, circular breathing and distinctive rhythmic effects.
1 topic
Harmonica
Harmonicas are compact, expressive instruments ideal for folk, blues and acoustic performance.
Kalimba
Kalimba instruments are compact thumb pianos with a soft, melodic tone, ideal for beginners and atmospheric playing.
2 topics
Mandolin
Mandolin instruments deliver a bright, ringing tone with strong folk and acoustic appeal across many styles.
2 topics
Ocarina
Compact vessel flute with a clear, haunting tone and simple, portable appeal.
Ukulele
Popular portable instrument with a bright sound and several sizes for folk and acoustic playing.
14 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