Ross Holder
Ross has been a music lover and guitar player since the age of 8. He has spent the five years since graduating from university working in music retail, selling guitars, amps and more. Ross is particularly interested in electric guitars, pedals and amplifiers and his current rig includes a trusty 2009 American Standard Stratocaster and Vox AC30S1 with a few Walrus Audio and Way Huge pedals in between.
Latest articles by Ross Holder
Best high-end electric guitars 2025: the finest guitars money can buy
By Simon Fellows last updated
If money were no object, this is the all-star list of high-end axes from Gibson, PRS, Fender, and more that you’ll want in your collection
Best Strat-style guitars 2025: Our choice of the finest S-style guitars for all budgets and players
By James Farmer last updated
Don’t want a Fender? Here’s our expert pick of the top Strat-style electric guitars from the likes of Ibanez, Yamaha, G&L, PRS and more
Should you buy new or second-hand for your first acoustic guitar?
By Ross Holder published
We weigh up the pros and cons of new vs second-hand acoustic guitars and what first-time buyers should consider
Best budget multi-effects pedals 2025: access a world of effects at a reasonable price
By Alex Lynham last updated
More is more with these budget do-it-all bargains from Zoom, Boss, Line 6, Mooer and NUX
Best ukuleles 2025: Acoustic and electric ukes for all budgets and playing styles
By Chris Corfield last updated
Get started with our pick of the best ukes from Mahalo, Martin and Cordoba, plus a cool Fender Jazzmaster ukulele
Best pedal amps 2025: big sounds in a small package
By Chris Schwarten last updated
Here are the best small-yet-mighty pedal amp options from top brands such as Blackstar, Strymon, Universal Audio and more - including our pick of amp simulator pedals
Best 3/4 acoustic guitars 2025: small-bodied, short scale sensations from Taylor, Martin, Fender and more
By Matt McCracken last updated
From beginner nylon string models to solid electro-acoustic travel guitars, there’s a 3/4 option here for every style of player
Best travel guitars 2025: top acoustic and electric travel guitars for portability and performance
By Rob Laing last updated
Top travel guitar choices and buying advice for musicians on the move
5 signs your guitar cable needs replacing (and 6 ways to make it last longer)
By Ross Holder published
Assess the health of your cables with our guide to the warning signs, plus our maintenance tips to extend their life
Best bass cabinets 2025: achieve your best tone yet with the perfect bass cab
By Ross Holder published
From Fender to Ampeg, pick the best bass cabinet to bring your desired tone to life
Squier Affinity Stratocaster FMT HSS review: a budget Strat that has plenty of tones to match its sizzling aesthetic
By Ross Holder published
Squier is at it again offering an attractive and affordable flame maple option on a perennial classic
Squier Classic Vibe ‘70s Telecaster Thinline review
By Ross Holder published
Squier is reviving a ‘70s classic with this affordable, versatile, eye-catching version of Fender’s increasingly popular semi-hollow Telecaster
Best bass strings 2025: Get the best tone, feel and lifespan from your bass guitar with these string sets
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Our expert pick of strings to bring the low-end thunder from Ernie Ball, D’Addario, Rotosound and more
Best left-handed guitars: Top electric and acoustic choices from Fender, PRS, Squier and more
By Matt McCracken last updated
We’re showing the lefties some love with our expert pick of the best left-handed guitars. Read on to find your perfect match…
Best Fender acoustic guitars 2025: Our top picks from Fender’s expansive range of acoustics
By Ross Holder published
Whether you’re looking for an impressive jack-of-all-trades or a miniature dreadnought, Fender has an acoustic for you
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!