Buying Guide
Everything published on Viyolens under Buying Guide — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
Hang Guitar on Wall: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A two-quid hook once dropped a friend's guitar on my watch. Here's everything worth checking before you buy a guitar wall hanger, so it never happens to yours.
Electric Violin: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Body type, pickup, electronics, strings and comfort, in the right order: a practical buyer's guide to choosing an electric violin that suits your use.
Pa Subwoofer: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a PA subwoofer? Start with your use case, not the spec sheet. This guide explains what the numbers actually mean and what to prioritise at every budget.
The Best Recorders for the Money
Thomas Walker cuts through the options to find the recorders that deliver real value at each level — from trusted plastic starters to the wooden instruments serious players rely on.
Acoustic Guitar Strings: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying acoustic guitar strings is simpler than the forums make it. Know your guitar type, gauge and alloy, and you've got a decent set. Ignore the marketing hype and pick what actually works for your...
Sync Licensing: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Using music in video or advertising requires sync licensing. This guide covers where to buy licenses, what to look for and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Drum Machine Analogue: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying an analogue drum machine is a significant investment. This guide shows you exactly what to look for when evaluating specs, which features matter, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to choose the...
Zoom Audio Interface: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Whether you're exploring a Zoom audio interface for field recording, live performance capture, or studio work, understanding which specifications align with your actual needs prevents wasteful spendin...
Bag For Vinyl: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Selecting the right storage bag for vinyl requires understanding protection specifications, materials, and your specific needs. This buying guide helps you choose confidently.
The Best Headphone Splitters for the Money
There's no single best headphone splitter — here's how to pick the right category for what you're actually doing.
Denon Dj: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Mobile DJ, club installer or bedroom producer? Here's how to actually match a Denon DJ system to the gigs you're doing, not the spec sheet.
Finger Drumming Pad: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Selecting a finger drumming pad involves understanding pad response, build quality and connectivity. This guide covers price tiers, essential features and what to look for when testing before you buy.
The Best Gibson J45s for the Money
Standard, special finish, Century 12-Fret or vintage — here's how I'd spend my own money across the Gibson J-45 range, and why.
Harley Benton Kit: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a Harley Benton kit requires understanding what you're truly getting. This buying guide helps you evaluate kits intelligently, identifying genuine value.
Guitar Nut: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A replacement guitar nut looks simple until you realise how many variables can go wrong. Here's exactly what to check before you order.
Neumann Tlm 103: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The Neumann TLM 103 is exceptional for vocals in a treated room — but its forward presence and high sensitivity mean the room and signal chain matter just as much as the microphone itself.
Dj Software For Mac: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A practical guide to selecting the right DJ software for your Mac. Understand major platforms, evaluate features, avoid common mistakes, and find the software that matches your DJing style and budget.
Korg Mono: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Essential buying guide for Korg Mono, covering specifications, sound design, common purchasing mistakes, price considerations, alternatives, and where to purchase.
Direct Drive Turntable: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A direct drive turntable can last decades — but only if you buy the right one. Here's what to look for before you part with your money.
One Shot Samples: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Purchasing one shot samples requires knowing what to listen for in previews, understanding pack contents, and avoiding filler. This guide helps you invest in samples that actually work.
The Best Audio Technicas for the Money
Audio-Technica makes strong microphones at every price tier — but some models punch harder than others. Here is an honest look at where the best value sits in the catalogue.
12 String Martin: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right 12-string Martin requires understanding what you're paying for and what different price points offer. This buyer's guide covers everything.
The Best Music Mans for the Money
There's no bargain-bin Music Man, so value here means fit for how you play. Here's the best model for six different types of player.
Schecter Left: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a left-handed Schecter requires knowing what to prioritise. This guide covers key specs, price tiers, common mistakes and exactly where to find the best instruments.
Buying Guide is filed under
All topics
Epiphone
Accessible guitars with classic styling, covering electrics, acoustics and semi-hollows for players at every level.
28 topics
Epiphone Les Paul
Classic single-cut electrics with thick tone, long sustain and strong appeal for rock, blues and lead players.
5 topics
ESP
High-performance electric guitars with fast playability, strong output and a bold look suited to rock and metal.
Fender
Fender guitars and related instruments trusted for classic design, tone and versatility.
51 topics
Fender Stratocaster
The fender stratocaster is a versatile electric guitar known for bright tones, comfort and wide genre appeal.
8 topics
Fender Telecaster
The fender telecaster delivers bright, punchy electric guitar tone with dependable playability for stage and studio use.
11 topics
Kids Guitar
Scaled-down guitars for younger players, with comfortable sizes that make learning easier and more enjoyable.
Les Paul
Iconic solid-body electrics known for sustain, thick tone and a classic rock and blues feel.
14 topics
