
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

"It’s fair to say that the design of this model will divide people, but what isn’t up for debate is this Strat’s build quality": Squier Limited Edition Hello Kitty Stratocaster review
By Daryl Robertson published
The cat is out of the bag – Squier’s famous feline-themed Strat is back and better than ever… but it's also pricier

Despite over 2 weeks to go until Cyber Weekend, Fender has decided to slash hundreds off a huge range of guitars, including $200 off the highly-rated American Professional II
By Daryl Robertson published
With deals on everything from Acoustasonic to the American Performer, Vintera II and Player Plus, there is no need to wait until the big bay for a bargain

Best guitars for kids 2025: top electric and acoustic guitars for children
By Daryl Robertson last updated
The top kid’s guitars available today and everything you need to know to get your child started with the guitar

Guitar Center's huge pre-Black Friday sale has almost 5,000 savings. The best one? A massive $700 off a Gibson Les Paul
By Daryl Robertson published
Guitar Center is kicking off Black Friday early with monstrous deals on guitar favorites from Gibson, Epiphone, Fender, and more

Best Epiphone Les Pauls 2025: Our pick of the greatest budget-friendly versions of Gibson’s iconic single-cut
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, our list of the best Epiphone Les Pauls is sure to inspire you

Best Christmas gifts for bass players 2025: the ultimate festive gift guide for lovers of low-end
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Show your bass-playing buddy, parent, or partner some love this Christmas with 22 brilliant gift ideas for bass players

Sweetwater's Beat The Holiday Rush Sale has guitar gear and stocking fillers from only $8.80
By Daryl Robertson published
Beat the Black Friday rush and score up to $500 off D'Angelico and over $1,000 off B.C. Rich and Guild

"With effortless playability, charming good looks, and a distinctive sound, it's no wonder the J-45 is still going strong over 80 years after it was first introduced": Gibson J-45 Standard review
By Daryl Robertson published
Gibson's legendary acoustic is beloved by everyone from Dylan to Slash, but is it really worth the price? We find out

Every single PRS SE guitar is 15% off right now – including 5 of our highest-rated picks
By Daryl Robertson published
With everything from the Custom 24 to the Silver Sky included, there's no need to wait until Black Friday to take the plunge on a new PRS guitar

"The sound is warm and inviting, with a powerful low-end thump that only comes from a jumbo acoustic": Guild F-55E review
By Daryl Robertson published
The F-55E is a larger-than-life jumbo with an all-encompassing tone and striking good looks

Positive Grid’s Spark Go just dropped back to its insane pre-order price for Prime Day
By Daryl Robertson published
The world’s smartest practice amps just got even better value with sizable up to 50% off across the range

With $200 slashed off the Fender Tone Master Pro, I'm considering ditching the amps and finally going digital
By Daryl Robertson published
Unlock a wealth of tones for a lot less with a sizable discount on one of our favorite multi-effects units

Forget Amazon's Big Deal Days sale, Guitar Center's Guitar-A-Thon is primed and ready with up to $430 off select D'Angelicos and up to $300 off Martin
By Daryl Robertson published
Guitar Center is slashing up to 35% off guitar gear from now until October 9, and these are the 11 deals we have our eye on

Acoustic guitars FAQ: from understanding tonewoods to the different sizes available, get to know your acoustic with these common questions answered
By Daryl Robertson published
From shape to tone, classical to steel-strung, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding the wonderful world of acoustic guitars

Boss discontinued the Katana:GO mere months after launching it – these are 4 headphone amps you should try instead
By Daryl Robertson published
With the Boss Katana:GO unexpectedly retiring early, these are the headphone amp alternatives from Fender, Vox, Boss and Positive Grid you should try instead

Best overdrive pedals 2025: explore which drive pedal is right for you
By Alex Lynham last updated
Overdrive is one of the most essential guitar effects pedals. These are our top picks for every budget

“Evokes the spirit of the original”: Epiphone Inspired By Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard review
By Daryl Robertson published
With an ambitious swing at the most desirable guitar ever made, Epiphone wants everyone to get a chance to experience the beauty of the ’Burst

Sweetwater's Labor Day sale strikes the right chord with a mind-blowing $1,300 off B.C. Rich and up to $600 off select D'Angelico and Guild semi-hollows
By Daryl Robertson published
The music retail giant has just dropped its Labor Day sale a few days early, and it includes insane discounts on the likes of Gretsch, Roland, Ernie Ball, Blackstar, and more

Best Klon clones 2025: Our pick of the best Klon Centaur Klones for every budget
By Alex Lynham last updated
From straight-up klones to full reimaginings, here are some of the best Klon Centaur-inspired pedals on the market today

Best wah pedals 2025: add an essential tone-shaping effect to your pedalboard
By Alex Lynham last updated
Get to know your Cry Baby from your Bad Horsie and choose the best wah pedal for you

Positive Grid Spark 2 vs Boss Katana 50 Gen 3: which practice amp is right for you?
By Daryl Robertson published
Both brands have recently updated their flagship practice amps, but which one should you choose?

The 5 most famous acoustic guitars of all time – and how Willie Nelson's Trigger, Cobain's Martin D-18E became guitar icons
By Daryl Robertson published
We take a deep dive into the most recognizable flat tops ever made and the reasons they became so famous

How to sell your guitar online: 5 handy tips for selling an instrument on the internet and common scams to avoid
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Looking to cash in your old gear to fund a shiny new axe or amp? We have some expert guidance for you
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