
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

Best Gibson Les Paul 2025: The greatest Gibson singlecuts for every budget and style
By Daryl Robertson last updated
We break down the latest offerings from Gibson to help you pick the right Les Paul for you

Best acoustic guitars for beginners 2025: top picks for new players, reviewed and demoed by experts
By Daryl Robertson last updated
We've played epic affordable six-strings from Epiphone, Taylor, Fender, Yamaha and more – read on for our best beginner acoustic guitar recommendations and watch our video demos

Best punk guitars 2025: straight-shooting, no-nonsense guitars for punk
By Daryl Robertson last updated
From Gibson to Eastwood, Fender to Music Man, here’s our expert pick of guitars to help you cause some anarchy at your next DIY show

Guitar Center's official Presidents' Day sale is here – score $500 off a Gibson Les Paul, $150 off a striking Gretsch Jet, and so much more
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Grab hearty discounts on quality guitars from Fender, Gibson, Martin, Epiphone, Squier and more

I don't think you're going to find much better than $180 off a gig-ready Fender Player II Strat this Presidents' Day
By Daryl Robertson published
This Blue Burst Fender HSS Player Strat is only $699 right now at Guitar Center

Get first dibs on Fender’s Presidents' Day savings with big discounts on American-made guitars – including $200 off select American Professional II models and more
By Daryl Robertson published
With discounts on everything from the American Professional II, Player Plus, American Ultra Luxe, and American Performer, now is the time to bag your dream Fender for a lot less

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, Line 6, Mooer and NUX

"Gibson is currently producing some of the finest guitars in its history": Gibson Les Paul Studio Session review
By Daryl Robertson published
Flame top, neck binding, and classic mother-of-pearl logo – when does a Studio stop being a Studio?

Best cheap guitar pedals 2025: killer budget stompboxes you need to try
By Alex Lynham last updated
Stock up on new sounds for less with these incredibly cheap guitar pedals from Boss, NUX, TC Electronic and more

"The legendary amp maker is taking aim at other Marshall-in-a-box pedals with a new lineup that is diverse, well-made, and very well-thought-out": Marshall 1959, JCM800, JCM900, DSL, and JVM overdrive pedal review
By Daryl Robertson published
Marshall is going for gold with this new line of pedals – but do they live up to the iconic amps they are inspired by?

Best beginner guitar amps 2025: top guitar amplifiers for beginners
By Chris Corfield last updated
Looking for one of the best guitar amps for beginners? We’ve rounded up our favorites for players of any style from brands including Blackstar, Orange, Boss, and more

Best looper pedals 2025: go it alone with the greatest loop pedals for practice, live performance and jamming
By Alex Lynham last updated
Whether you're writing songs or woodshedding solos, using a loop pedal will make you a better guitarist – these are the best looper pedals from Boss, TC Electronic, Line 6 and more

"Aggressive, heavy, and with enough gain to sink a battleship, this model is designed for high-intensity riffing": Walrus Audio Mako Series MKII ACS1 review
By Daryl Robertson published
Walrus might have hit a new gold standard with this gilded amp modeler

Best Stratocasters 2025: The best Strats for every budget and playing style
By Amit Sharma last updated
Find your fit with our top pick of the best Fender Strats

"Grants you access to serious guitar tones, crystal-clear vocals, and bags of volume, all in a lightweight, portable package": Positive Grid Spark Edge review
By Daryl Robertson published
Positive Grid targets buskers and performers on the move with the ultra-portable Spark Edge

“I’ve seen firsthand how technology and innovation have reshaped the six-string landscape”: 5 reasons why new guitar players have never had it so good
By Daryl Robertson published
Learning the guitar today vs 30 years ago is a very different experience. From online lessons and free resources, to clever practice amps, here's why it has never been easier to master the guitar

Is it too late to order a guitar in time for Christmas? We break down the important cut-off dates from Guitar Center, Sweetwater, Thomann, Andertons and more
By Daryl Robertson published
Here are the important delivery dates you need to know from the biggest names in music retail

Best multi-effects pedals 2025: replace your rig
By Alex Lynham last updated
Our pick of the best multi-fx pedals from Neural DSP, Kemper, Line 6, Boss, and more

Turn $350 into $400 and save on your guitar of choice with this awesome free Fender gift card offer
By Daryl Robertson published
As well as topping up your gift card to the sum of $50, there are also deals to be had on the Player Plus, American Professional II and Vintera II guitars

Best Christmas gifts for guitar players 2025: the ultimate festive gift guide for guitarists
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Treat them right this Christmas with our pick of the 46 must-have guitar items, essential accessories, clever gadgets and instruments for every budget

Best electric guitars 2025: our top picks for every playing style, ability and budget
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Useful buying advice and our expert pick of the best electric guitars for newcomers to pro players

Best acoustic electric guitars 2025: electro-acoustic picks for every type of player
By Rob Laing last updated
Know your piezos from your transducers and experience the best of both worlds with models for beginners to pros and for every budget

Best acoustic guitars under $500 2025: get more for your money
By Chris Bird last updated
These sub-$500 acoustic guitars are ideal for everything from folk and indie guitar to blues and country
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!