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
The Complete Guide to Acoustic Guitar Strap
An acoustic guitar strap affects your comfort, playing posture, and enjoyment. Discover what makes a great strap and how to choose one suited to your playing style.
Mxr Eq Ten Band for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The MXR EQ Ten Band looks intimidating at first glance, but it's actually one of the most forgiving and intuitive effects pedals you can own. This guide takes away the mystery and shows you how to use...
Fender Telecaster Bass Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Making your first Fender Telecaster bass purchase? This guide covers price tiers, body materials, neck inspection, hardware quality, playability assessment, and common buying mistakes.
Cool Guitar for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A cool guitar isn't just playable—it's motivational. This guide helps beginners find instruments that excite them, at prices that don't break the bank, proving cool and beginner-friendly go hand in ha...
Ambient Reverb Pedal for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A beginner's guide to ambient reverb pedals: understand reverb effects, discover why ambient reverb is advanced rather than essential, and learn when to explore spacious reverb tones.
Fender Guitar Amp: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A practical guide to choosing the right Fender guitar amp for your style, budget and playing environment — from wattage to tone shaping.
Wireless Studio Headphones: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying wireless studio headphones presents a trade-off between convenience and accuracy. This guide shows you which specs matter, what latency means for tracking, and how to choose headphones that won...
Pedalboard Isolated Power Supply for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Tired of hum and buzz from your guitar pedals? A pedalboard isolated power supply solves this problem. This beginner's guide explains what they do, how to choose one for your setup, and how to install...
Jbl Bookshelf Speakers: A Complete Buyer's Guide
JBL bookshelf speakers deliver quality sound in compact spaces. This buying guide covers what specs matter and how to choose for your room.
4 Channel Audio Interface for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting your first home recording setup doesn't have to be overwhelming. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through choosing a 4 channel audio interface, explains key specs, and helps you avoid c...
Double Reeds for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Double reeds are a key part of learning oboe or bassoon. As a beginner, understanding what they are, how to care for them, and what to budget for will help you succeed. This guide covers everything yo...
Dante Audio Interface: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Learn how to select the right Dante audio interface for your networked audio system. Compare channel counts, network requirements, latency specifications, and budget options for professional installat...
The Complete Guide to Vinyl Record Storage Case
A vinyl record storage case protects your collection during transport and storage. Learn about types, features and how to select the ideal case.
The Complete Guide to Fuzz Box Pedal
Fuzz box pedals deliver the thick, aggressive distortion essential for rock and metal. Discover how these iconic effects transform your guitar tone and expand creative possibilities.
The Complete Guide to Billboard Hot 100 Album
The Billboard Hot 100 Album chart measures commercial success in music. Discover how albums climb the charts and what achieving number one means.
Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Confused by large diaphragm condenser mics? This beginner's guide explains what they are, why they're perfect for home recording, key specs to understand, and how to pick your first.
Taylor Electric Guitar for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Nervous about starting with a Taylor electric guitar? This beginner-friendly guide offers encouragement, practical first steps, and insider tips to help you avoid common mistakes and build confidence...
String Synthesizer: A Complete Buyer's Guide
String synthesizers create iconic lush orchestral textures. This buying guide compares vintage versus modern instruments, sound character differences, and how to decide what type of string synth match...
Microphone Boom Arm for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A microphone boom arm frees your hands and improves recording quality. Here's how to position it properly for the best sound.
The Complete Guide to Electric Drums With Headphones
Master electric drums with headphones for focused, silent practice that develops real drumming skills without disturbing neighbours or limiting practice hours.
The Complete Guide to Yamaha Power Speaker
Yamaha power speakers deliver professional audio reinforcement with integrated amplification. From portable models to installation-grade systems, these speakers power venues and events worldwide.
Pick Bass: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying your first pick bass or upgrading to your next instrument requires understanding essential specs, quality markers, and price ranges. This guide breaks down what to look for to make a confident,...
Envelope Module for Beginners: A Complete Guide
An envelope module controls how a sound evolves over time. Learn what ADSR means, why envelopes are essential, and how to choose your first module.
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