Buying Guide
Everything published on Viyolens under Buying Guide — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
Bass with Amplifier for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The wall of amps at the music shop looks like a wattage arms race, but you need far less than that. Here's what a beginner actually needs from a bass amplifier.
Squier Telecaster Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A Squier Telecaster is Fender's affordable take on one of the world's most influential electric guitar designs—with all the single-coil snap and straightforward playability, but at a fraction of the c...
Apogee Electronics: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Before you spend anything, work through the inputs, preamps and connectivity that actually matter when buying an Apogee Electronics interface.
Soprano Saxophone: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The gap between a well-chosen soprano and a poorly matched one shows up immediately — here's what to check before you buy.
The Best Fender Blues Junior Amplifiers for the Money
There isn't one best edition — there's the one that suits your budget and the way you actually play. Here's how the range breaks down.
Sequencer Module: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying the right sequencer module requires understanding sequencer types, connectivity requirements, resolution options, and integration needs. This guide helps you choose an instrument for your modul...
Archtop Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The archtop market covers a wide range of instruments and price points. Here is how to navigate it and decide what is right for you.
The Complete Guide to Drum Set Prices
Understanding drum set prices is essential for choosing the right kit. Our guide covers everything from beginner kits under £200 to professional gear, helping you find the best value for your needs.
Rack Mixer: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The right rack mixer for a fly-rig tour is not the same as the right unit for a permanent installation. This buyer's guide walks you through what to prioritise at each price point.
The Best Epiphone Les Pauls for the Money
Not one crowned champion, but the right pick for your budget and style. Here's how the Epiphone Les Paul tiers actually compare on value.
Walrus Audio: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Considering Walrus Audio gear? Learn what makes these effects special, how to evaluate value, common mistakes, and find the right products for your needs.
The Best Soundbars for the Money
Slim TVs sound dreadful, and a soundbar is the tidy fix. Here's how to judge which soundbar is genuinely the best for your money — for films, telly and music alike.
Tanglewood Acoustic Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Knowing exactly what to check turns Tanglewood's wide range from confusing into a genuine advantage. Here's how to buy the right one.
The Complete Guide to Player Telecaster
The Player Telecaster delivers authentic Telecaster character at accessible pricing, combining genuine tone and timeless design with practical affordability. Perfect for emerging players and experienc...
E Bow: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Not a pedal, not a pickup modification, but a small handheld device whose entire purpose is to sustain one string through magnetism.
Drum Cases: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing drum cases means matching the protection level to how your gear is actually handled. This buyer's guide covers every decision — from gig bags to flight cases, interior fit to hardware transpo...
Sampler Drum Pad: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Sampler drum pads revolutionise beat-making and production. This buyer's guide covers pad types, key specifications, sound quality, and factors for selecting sampler drum pads.
Gretsch Electromatic: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Hollow, centre-block or Jet — here's exactly what to check before you buy a Gretsch Electromatic, no sales pitch included.
Mono Case Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Selecting the right mono case for your guitar is essential for protection and portability. This buying guide covers construction quality, padding, security features, and price considerations.
Turntable 1970: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a 1970s turntable requires understanding mechanical details that separate sound investments from expensive mistakes.
Bass Gig Bag: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Expert guide to choosing a bass gig bag. Learn about protection features, material quality, comfort and avoid common mistakes when transporting instruments.
Taylor Nylon String Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Taylor nylon string guitars offer quality and consistency across multiple price points. This comprehensive guide helps you evaluate Taylor models and select one matching your playing style and budget.
Oboe Instrument: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Everything worth knowing before you buy an oboe, from choosing the right material to the running costs nobody mentions at the till.
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