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 practice amps 2024: 10 great picks for honing your guitar and bass chops at home
By Chris Corfield last updated
These are the best practice amps for enabling you to keep the noise down when getting in some essential practice time with your electric guitar or bass
Best punk guitars 2024: 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
Best cheap guitar pedals 2024: 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
Best multi-effects pedals 2024: top do-it-all guitar effects units
By Alex Lynham last updated
The best floorboard FX modelers on the market for all budgets, including gear from Line 6, Boss, and Neural DSP
“The sleeker design and stellar tones still make this one of the greatest headphone amps on the market”: Vox amPlug 3 AC30 review
By Daryl Robertson published
Vox gives their famous headphone amps a facelift – but how do they stand up to the competition?
“Don’t let its modest price tag fool you – this charming guitar offers a smorgasbord of contemporary features and tones”: Shergold Provocateur Standard SP12 review
By Daryl Robertson published
This affordable UK electric is sure to provoke a positive reaction
I have 11 Gibson guitars in my collection and with a massive $600 off the Les Paul Traditional Pro V this Presidents' Day I want to add another
By Daryl Robertson published
The Musician's Friend Presidents' Day sale has just dropped, and it includes this mammoth Gibson offer that will make the heart of any Les Paul fan race
Presidents' Day is officially here and Guitar Center is the best place to go for a blues-based bargain – score a mind-blowing $750 off a Hagstrom hollowbody
By Daryl Robertson published
Grab hearty discounts on quality guitars from Fender, Gibson, Martin, Epiphone, Squier and more
Fender is rising up to the challenge of their rivals with this stunning Tiger’s Eye finish exclusive to Guitar Center
By Daryl Robertson published
Fender has just unveiled a wild new finish that’s available on the American Ultra Telecaster, Stratocaster and Precision Bass
Best classical guitars 2024: nylon-string guitars for every budget
By Chris Corfield last updated
From classical, flamenco and crossover, to acoustic-electric models and beyond, these are the best nylon-string guitars around right now
18 essential gadgets that will dramatically improve your guitar practice routine
By Daryl Robertson published
From must-have tuners to state-of-the-art desktop amps, these are the guitar gadgets that will allow you to get more out of your practice sessions
“Just the ticket for those aspiring to recreate the monstrous riffs from across Thayil’s remarkable discography”: Guild Polara Kim Thayil review
By Daryl Robertson published
It took three decades, but the wait is finally over, the Soundgarden icon has got his name on a Polara. Was it worth it? You bet
“We are greeted with a guitar that looks like it arrived here in a DeLorean”: Fender Vintera II '70s Competition Mustang review
By Daryl Robertson published
Fender rolls back the clock for a vintage-inspired take on the classic budget short-scale, which remains tonal nirvana for a certain breed of guitarists
Best acoustic guitars under $500 in 2024: 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
“Playability is where this guitar shines. This Strat is a player”: Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster review
By Daryl Robertson published
With its Road Worn finish and easy neck, the Pearl Jam guitarist's new signature Strat feels like it's had a few decades under its belt, and is just warming up
Positive Grid Spark LINK wireless system review
By Daryl Robertson published
Positive Grid is cutting the cord and setting your tone free with the launch of the new Spark LINK wireless system
Positive Grid Spark LIVE review
By Daryl Robertson published
The Spark family welcomes a new member – but it’s more than just a louder version of the beloved practice amp
Best desktop guitar amps 2024: our top desktop amps for portable practice
By Nick Guppy last updated
The desktop guitar amp market is getting crowded, but our top picks from Yamaha, Blackstar, Fender, and more might just be the finest money can buy
“An affordable way to harness a little bit of vintage mojo without breaking the bank”: Fender Vintera II ’70s Jaguar review
By Daryl Robertson published
A top-seller and player favorite, the Vintera series is back, and this charming Jag more than justifies a second run for the series
New Year, new gear: Score massive discounts in the epic Fender, Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend and Positive Grid January sales
By Daryl Robertson published
From crazy deals on everything from Fender and Gibson to ESP, Taylor, Martin, Yamaha, PRS and more, there's never been a better time to save
Short-scale vs long-scale bass: what's the difference?
By Richard Blenkinsop published
Get the lowdown on the low-end - we look at the differences between short-scale and long-scale basses
Best Jackson guitars 2024: Our pick of high-performance Jackson guitars for all budgets
By Daryl Robertson published
From the King V to the Dinky, Soloist, Rhoads, Kelly and more, here are the greatest guitars from the current Jackson catalog
Fender proves it's the season of giving - score an extra $75 when you buy a $500 gift card this Christmas
By Daryl Robertson published
As well as topping up your gift card to the sum of $75, there are also deals to be had on the Squier Paranormal and Sonic series, Player guitars and more
Gift great guitar tone this Christmas with a chunky $65 off the Positive Grid Spark amp - plus a free bag worth $60
By Daryl Robertson published
Land a hearty discount on one of the most popular practice amps ever this holiday season – and nab a free bag, too!
Fender California Series King Vintage review – This guitar is sure to cut through the noise of a busy open-mic night, and there’s an abundance of character in the tone
By Daryl Robertson published
Fender’s regal dreadnought is a love letter to the company’s past, and might just be the big-voiced acoustic you need in your life
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