Buying Guide
Everything published on Viyolens under Buying Guide — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
Kids Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Half the guitars marked 'junior' or 'student' are fine and half aren't, and the label tells you nothing either way. Here's the checklist that actually matters.
Yamaha Amps: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Before you buy a Yamaha amp, it helps to know how its modelling technology actually works — and which specs genuinely matter versus which are just marketing.
The Complete Guide to Full Set Drum Kit
A quality full set drum kit forms the rhythmic foundation for any drummer. Learn what makes a good kit, how to compare options across price points and set up your first complete drum setup.
Midi Cable: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A clear, step-by-step buying checklist covering connector types, TRS Type A vs B, USB data cables, and construction that actually matters.
The Best Flugelhorns for the Money
There is no single best flugelhorn, only the best one for how you play. Here is the market sorted by student, brass band, jazz and session needs.
The Best Congas Drums for the Money
The best value in congas drums sits at different points depending on your budget and use case. Here are the picks that consistently deliver at each price level.
Gibson Explorer: A Complete Buyer's Guide
What to actually check before buying a Gibson Explorer, from used-guitar red flags to Gibson versus Epiphone.
Serato Dj: A Complete Buyer's Guide
You're not just buying software, you're buying into an ecosystem. Here's exactly what to check before you commit any money to Serato DJ.
Double Bass Pedal: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right drum pedal requires understanding what changes between price tiers and which features genuinely matter for your playing style. This guide covers the key decisions.
The Best Ocarinas for the Money
There's no single best ocarina — just the right one for your budget and how far you want to take it. Here's how the price tiers actually break down.
Trumpet Stand for Beginners: A Complete Guide
As a beginner trumpet player, a good stand is one of your first investments. It protects your instrument, improves your practice routine, and costs very little—here's what you need to know.
Wireless Guitar System Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Cut the cable and everything about how you play changes. Here's what's really inside a wireless guitar system, plain and simple.
Bagpipes: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing your first set is not like picking a guitar off a rack. Claire walks gently through what to look for, what to spend, and what can wait until later.
Stereo Microphone: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a stereo microphone doesn't have to be overwhelming. This buyer's guide covers the specifications that matter, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose the right microphone for your recordin...
Romantic Piano Vst: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Selecting the right romantic piano VST means understanding tone, pedal response, and legato quality. Learn what specs matter and which price tier suits your needs.
Yamaha Trombones: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Yamaha trombones buying guide: understand bore sizes, valve mechanisms, slide condition, and pricing tiers to choose the right trombone for your needs.
The Complete Guide to Vocal Amplifier
A vocal amplifier is a specialised device designed to amplify the human voice with clarity and natural character. Essential for live performances, karaoke systems and professional recording, vocal amp...
Music Rest: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Selecting the right music rest prevents fatigue and improves posture during extended playing. Discover the key specifications and features to consider before buying.
Fender Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
There's no single best Fender in this range, only the right one for what you play and what you can spend. Here's how to work it out.
Sheet Music Stand: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying the right sheet music stand means understanding stability, height range, and material quality. This buying guide shows you exactly what to look for and which price tier matches your needs.
The Ultimate Guide to Drum Sticks
What the 7A, 5A and 5B codes really mean, why taper and tip matter more than the label, and the two-minute check that stops you buying a dud pair.
The Best Digital Pianos for the Money
From entry-level weighted keyboards to premium home instruments, here is an honest look at which digital pianos deliver the most at each price point.
Vinyl Storage Racks: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing vinyl storage racks protects your collection whilst making it accessible and visually appealing. This guide covers materials, capacity, build quality, and practical features to consider when...
Mic Shock Mount: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a mic shock mount requires understanding how isolation works and whether a given shock mount suits your recording environment. This guide helps you select correctly.
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