Buying Guide
Everything published on Viyolens under Buying Guide — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
The Best Headless Guitars for the Money
No invented shootouts — just an honest look at which headless guitar brand, from Donner to Steinberger, actually suits your budget and playing.
Podcast Equipment: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A practical buying guide to podcast equipment — sort your format first, then the microphone, then everything else.
Soundproofing Studio: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Confused about soundproofing your studio? Discover what materials actually work, common mistakes, and how to spend your budget wisely.
Ambient Techno: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Exploring ambient techno can feel daunting when you're new to the genre. Understanding what defines it, where to find quality releases, and which artists matter most will help you navigate this fascin...
Pickguard: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Changing a pickguard can transform the look of a guitar without touching its character — but buying the right one is less simple than it looks. Here's how to do it properly.
Fender Guitar Tuners: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Fender guitar tuners span from simple clip-ons to professional pedal tuners. This guide compares types, accuracy, and value across price tiers.
The Best Taylor Guitars for the Money
Best for the money isn't the cheapest option or the fanciest. Here's where you stop paying for wood and features you won't actually use, tier by tier.
Dynamic Mics: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A no-nonsense guide to buying a dynamic mic: which specs are worth checking, XLR versus USB, what each budget tier actually gets you, and the pitfalls that catch people out.
Hercules Stands: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Hercules stands protect your instruments with stability and protective padding. This buyer's guide covers models, specs, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
The Complete Guide to Synth Piano
A synthesiser piano merges the tactile expression of a traditional keyboard with powerful digital sound design. Learn what they offer and how to choose one.
Akg Mics: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right AKG microphone depends entirely on your specific application. This buying guide helps you select the AKG mic that suits your recording situation and budget.
Wireless Guitar System: A Complete Buyer's Guide
There's a particular freedom in stepping off the stage without a cable pulling you back. Here's how to actually choose one, without the jargon.
Budget Studio Monitors: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing the wrong budget studio monitors leads to mixes that sound great at home but awful everywhere else. This buying guide covers essential specs, common pitfalls, and what to expect at each price...
Epiphone Les Paul: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A no-nonsense checklist for buying an Epiphone Les Paul: what specs actually matter, and how to avoid the common pitfalls.
Warwick Bass Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
RockBass or German-made, Thumb or Corvette, four strings or five — here's exactly what to check before buying a Warwick bass guitar.
The Complete Guide to Guitar Bags
A dependable guitar bag protects your instrument and gives you peace of mind. Learn how to choose between gig bags, hard cases, and soft cases, and discover the features that separate quality bags fro...
Saxophone Mouthpiece: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing a saxophone mouthpiece is more nuanced than it looks. This guide walks through the key decisions — from tip opening to material to budget — so you end up with one that genuinely suits you.
The Best Blues Junior Amps for the Money
Same core amp, three very different price tags. Here's which Blues Junior edition genuinely earns the extra spend, and which doesn't need to.
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