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
Bridge For Acoustic Guitar for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Essential beginner's guide to understanding the acoustic guitar bridge, covering function, care, common concerns, bridge types, and building comprehensive guitar knowledge.
Acoustic Guitar Effects: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Expert guidance on selecting acoustic guitar effects. Learn which effect types suit acoustic instruments, evaluate specifications, and avoid expensive purchasing mistakes.
Behringer Headphone Preamp for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting to record at home? Discover how a simple headphone preamp transforms your monitoring setup and why it's one of the best first investments for beginner producers.
Battery Powered Amp for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Battery amps offer freedom and portability, but the range from disappointingly thin to genuinely professional is huge. This guide helps you choose the right one.
The Complete Guide to Kalimba Thumb
Proper kalimba thumb technique is essential for clear tone and fluid playing. Discover thumb positioning, striking action, and common mistakes to avoid.
Peavey Guitar Amp: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Peavey has built a reputation for reliable, practical amplifiers trusted by working musicians. This guide walks you through their range, what makes them valuable, and how to choose the right model for...
The Complete Guide to Kawai Upright Pianos
Kawai upright pianos combine Japanese precision with accessible pricing, offering students and amateurs a reliable instrument that encourages proper technique and delivers satisfying tone.
Native Instruments Midi Keyboard: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a Native Instruments MIDI keyboard means choosing the control centre for your production setup. Here's what genuinely matters when deciding key count, action, and software bundling.
Saxophone Strap: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A quality saxophone strap makes hours of practice comfortable and sustainable. This guide evaluates materials, design, hardware durability, and weight distribution so you choose a strap that truly sup...
Analog Drum Machine for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Analog drum machines sound warmer and more inspiring than digital versions. This beginner's guide walks you through basic controls, pattern programming, and first steps without intimidation.
The Complete Guide to Vinyl Record Slipmat
Vinyl record slipmats reduce friction for smooth playback and DJ scratching. Explore materials, friction properties and how slipmats protect your vinyl.
Dj Controller Stand for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A DJ controller stand might seem optional, but it's essential for comfort and proper technique. This beginner's guide covers why stands matter and which one suits your needs.
Trace Elliot Bass Amp: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a Trace Elliot bass amp is an investment. Here's what genuinely matters when choosing wattage, impedance, cabinet setup, and tone—plus the pitfalls to sidestep.
The Complete Guide to Itunes Charts America
iTunes charts America have shaped the music industry for decades. Discover how these charts work, their evolving significance, and what they tell us about commercial success.
Marshall 1987 for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Intimidated by your new Marshall 1987? Don't be. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through setup, tone dialling, and practical tips to build confidence quickly.
The Complete Guide to Software Recording Music
Discover the best music recording software for your home studio. Learn about DAWs, features, and how to choose the right platform for your production needs.
The Complete Guide to Zoom Multi Effect
A zoom multi effect unit combines professional effects processing in one portable device. Discover how to choose and master your zoom multi effect for studio and live performance.
The Complete Guide to Head Microphone Wireless
Wireless headset microphones free your hands whilst capturing crystal-clear audio. Explore frequency bands, battery life, and which systems suit performers, instructors, and content creators.
Behringer Digital Piano for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Behringer digital pianos bring weighted keys and decent sounds to budget players. This guide covers why they're great for learning piano without breaking the bank.
Fender Pro Junior Amplifier for Beginners: A Complete Guide
New to tube amps? The Fender Pro Junior is the perfect starting point. This guide covers first steps, essential controls and beginner mistakes to sidestep.
Stage Piano Yamaha: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a stage piano Yamaha requires understanding action, sound quality, and portability. Our guide helps you choose the right professional keyboard for touring or studio.
Gibson Modern: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Gibson Modern guitars represent contemporary engineering and aesthetics—a departure from tradition. Before buying, understand what modern means, which specifications matter, and whether this philosoph...
The Complete Guide to Electronic Music Keyboard Piano
The keyboard is the heart of electronic music production. From classic synthesisers like the Moog to modern digital workstations and software instruments, keyboards have defined the sound of electroni...
The Complete Guide to Modern Vinyl Players
Modern turntables blend analogue warmth with contemporary engineering, offering reliable, easy-to-use players that sound remarkable whether you're a casual listener or dedicated enthusiast.
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