Latest articles by Ross Holder
Best basses for metal 2025: our selection of the best basses for heavy music across all budgets
From Rickenbacker to Ibanez and Schecter, our picks of the best metal basses will help you sound heavier than ever before
"With its incredibly low action, flat fingerboard radius, slim neck, and smooth finish, this guitar almost seems to play itself": Yamaha CG182SF review
Is the Yamaha CG182SF one of the best flamenco classical guitars under $1000? We dive in to find out
Yamaha C40II review
Does popularity equate to quality? We test one of the most popular beginner guitars in the world
Best Gretsch guitars 2025: Explore those iconic Gretsch tones with our top picks
Whether you’re after a Streamliner, Electromatic or Player’s Edition model, here's our expert pick of the best Gretsch guitars across a range of budgets
Best 12-string guitars 2025: our pick of 12-string acoustic and electric guitars
Our expert guide to the best 12-string guitars from Taylor, Rickenbacker, Fender, and others
Best acoustic guitar pickups 2025: electrify your acoustic with our expert picks
Whether it be for performing live or recording at home, the best acoustic guitar pickups from LR Baggs, Fishman and others will help you enhance your tone
Best high-end electric guitars 2025: the finest guitars money can buy
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
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?
We weigh up the pros and cons of new vs second-hand acoustic guitars and what first-time buyers should consider
Best ukuleles 2025: Acoustic and electric ukes for all budgets and playing styles
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
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
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
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)
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
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
Squier is at it again offering an attractive and affordable flame maple option on a perennial classic
Squier Classic Vibe ‘70s Telecaster Thinline review
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
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
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
Whether you’re looking for an impressive jack-of-all-trades or a miniature dreadnought, Fender has an acoustic for you
