Daryl Robertson
Daryl is a Senior Deals Writer at Guitar World, where he creates and maintains our 200+ buyer's guides, finds the best deals on guitar products, and tests the latest gear. His reviews have been featured in prominent publications like Total Guitar, Future Music magazine, and MusicRadar.com.
During his career, he has been lucky enough to talk to many of his musical heroes, having interviewed Slash and members of Sum 41, Foo Fighters, The Offspring, Feeder, Thrice, and more. In a past life, he worked in music retail. For a little under a decade, he advised everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned pros on the right gear for their needs.
Daryl's world doesn't just revolve around guitars either; he also has a passion for live sound. Daryl is a fully qualified sound engineer who holds a first-class Bachelor's degree in Creative Sound Production from the University of Abertay and has plenty of experience working in various venues around Scotland.
Latest articles by Daryl Robertson

Squier Paranormal Custom Nashville Stratocaster review: Fender combines the Strat and Tele for an intriguing hybrid
By Daryl Robertson published
Two sonic worlds collide to create a solid-gold winner – even if it is a Strat as you’ve never seen it before

Forget Black Friday - Guitar Center just slashed $700 off a Gibson Les Paul in its huge Guitar-A-Thon sale!
By Daryl Robertson published
Guitar Center's epic Guitar-A-Thon sale has landed and you can score up to 35% off big-name brands such as Gibson, Fender, Yamaha, Boss, Line 6 and more

Gibson SG vs Gibson Les Paul: what's the difference between these Gibson heavyweights?
By Daryl Robertson published
Not sure which iconic Gibson model is for you? Allow us to unpack the history, players and tones of the legendary Les Paul and SG to help you decide once and for all

Thomann's epic Harley Benton sale is back - score 25% off 25 guitars, basses and amps for 25 days
By Daryl Robertson published
From incredible value electrics to solid-topped acoustics and thunderous basses there's something for everyone in this epic sale

Fender Limited Edition Tom DeLonge Stratocaster review – nails all the small things
By Daryl Robertson published
Say it ain't so: the Blink-182 guitarist's stripped-back Strat has returned after 20 years away, and remains an addictive single-pickup rock machine

10 live mistakes every guitarist makes
By Daryl Robertson published
Playing live can be stressful but avoiding these mistakes will ensure your show goes off without a hitch

Guitar Center is raising hell and reducing prices on big-name brands in their demonic Metal Mayhem Sale
By Daryl Robertson published
With as much as $499 slashed off a Strandberg seven-string, $350 off the Kemper Profiler and up to $150 off select Jackson models, this sale is a metalhead's dream

These Amazon Prime Day Fender and Squier deals are still live - but they won't be around for long!
By Daryl Robertson last updated
As Amazon Prime Day comes to a close, time is running out to grab a Fender-related bargain

Sweetwater’s Prime Day-beating demo gear sale just put your dream guitar in reach
By Chris Barnes published
Every instrument has been inspected in house, is fully working and comes with a 2-year guarantee – includes Gibson, Fender, Martin and Gretsch

Which Positive Grid Spark amp is right for you?
By Daryl Robertson published
From the Spark 40 to the pint-sized Spark Mini and portable Spark GO, we’ve tested all three, here's which one to buy

Fender Jazz Bass vs Fender Precision Bass: what’s the difference?
By Daryl Robertson published
We break down the main points of difference between these two low-end legends

What is reamping? Here's everything you need to know
By Daryl Robertson published
Want to know how the professionals get their epic guitar tones? Pay attention as we walk you through the concept of reamping your guitar, and whether it's something you should consider

Best Gibson SGs 2025: Our budget-spanning picks of Gibson’s famous Solid Guitar
By Daryl Robertson last updated
From retro reissues to contemporary shredders, here are the best Gibson SGs on the market right now

Best guitar amps under $1,000 in 2025: 9 top combo amps and heads
By Amit Sharma last updated
Looking for the best-sounding guitar amps under a grand? We’ve got you covered…

Sweetwater’s Memorial Day sale is the place for pedal lovers with sizable discounts on Line 6, Eventide, Walrus Audio, Pigtronix and more
By Daryl Robertson published
You can even bag tasty savings on essential accessories such as strings, capos, straps, and stands

Best guitar brands 2025: Whether you’re an acoustic or electric player, these are the guitar companies you need on your radar
By Daryl Robertson published
From Fender to Gibson, Taylor to Martin, here are 17 guitar brands you should know about

Best Jazz Bass 2025: recommended J-Bass guitars to suit all levels, budgets and tastes
By Chris Corfield published
There’s a jazz bass for everyone. Here's our expert pick of iconic offsets from Fender and beyond

Ed Sheeran makes Lowden signature guitars available in the US through Amazon
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Sheeran by Lowden Guitars is now available on Amazon with a full complement of models on offer

Best Electro-Harmonix pedals 2025: We break down the very best EHX pedals available in all effects categories
By Daryl Robertson published
From the Big Muff to the Memory Man, Electric Mistress, Soul Food and more, here are the greatest pedals being made by EHX right now

Guitar Center just dropped exclusive new finish options for popular Fender, Gibson, Taylor and Schecter models
By Daryl Robertson published
From the Gibson Les Paul Classic to the Fender Player Series, Guitar Center has just unveiled some tasty exclusive models you need to see

Best Gibson guitars 2025: Our pick of the guitars that embody Gibson’s quality, prestige and innovation
By Daryl Robertson published
From the Gibson SG to the gorgeous Les Paul, ES-335, Firebird and Explorer, here's the best of the best from this American institution

Strum into spring with 20% off select Fender acoustic guitars
By Daryl Robertson published
Make sure your spring is as sunny as the Golden State with 20% off California Series and Classic Design acoustic guitars

Martin vs Taylor: What's the difference between these two iconic acoustic brands?
By Daryl Robertson published
We take a deep dive into two titans of the acoustic world to find out which is the most suitable for you
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