James Farmer
James is a freelance writer and former Junior Deals Writer at Guitar World. Before writing, James worked as a guitar salesman at a local music store, so he knows a thing or two about matching people with their perfect instruments. James also has experience working in other areas of the music trade, having briefly worked for online music distributor, RouteNote. James is a guitarist, bassist and drummer and has also toured the UK and Europe with his old band Hypophora.
Latest articles by James Farmer
Best guitar cables 2024: recommended instrument cables for electric, acoustic and bass guitar
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
Plug in with confidence using our expert guide to the best guitar cables from Planet Waves, Mogami, Ernie Ball, George L’s and more
Best tremolo pedals 2024: 8 top pedal choices, from old-school vibe to chopped-up tones
By James Farmer last updated
The best tremolo pedals on the market right now, from the likes of TC Electronic, Electro-Harmonix, Boss, Strymon and JHS
Best electric guitars 2024: 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 Strat-style guitars 2024: 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
Best budget bass guitars 2024: our top pick of basses under $500/£500
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
Need to tackle the low-end on a budget? Not to worry, our experts have run the rule over our favourite bass guitars that come in under $500/£500
Best Telecasters 2024: the top Fender Tele electric guitars for all budgets and styles
By Amit Sharma last updated
Figure out which is the best Telecaster for you - we pay homage to Fender's iconic electric guitar
Best delay pedals 2024: classic analog and modern digital delays to give your tone new life
By Alex Lynham last updated
Whether you prefer digital or analog delay pedals, the options in this round-up will help boost your creativity on the guitar
Best guitar straps 2024: play in comfort and secure your guitar in style
By Chris Corfield last updated
Our expert pick of straps for electric, acoustic and bass, covering all budgets and materials
Best amps for metal 2024: our top picks for high-gain heroes
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
These powerhouse metal amps from PRS, Orange, Friedman, EVH, and more will have you primed to seek and destroy
Best Tube Screamer clones: top alternatives for all budgets
By James Farmer last updated
Ibanez Tube Screamer not doing it for you? Here’s our expert pick of killer Tube Screamer alternatives from EarthQuaker Devices, Mooer, JHS and more
Best electric guitars under $1,000 2024: 8 killer options for beginners and pros
By James Farmer last updated
From vintage-style classics to modern options, here's our pick of electric guitars that deliver for less than a grand
Best guitar accessories for beginners 2024: our pick of beginner guitar gear essentials
By Chris Barnes last updated
Start on the right foot with the best beginner guitar and bass accessories – including strings, picks, cables, tuners, cases and more
Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Stratocaster review
By James Farmer published
Squier does it again, with the only budget Strat you'll ever want (and need)
Positive Grid Riff review
By James Farmer last updated
This affordable, compact audio interface from Positive Grid just made recording guitars even more accessible
Best guitar VSTs: our pick of the top plugins for guitarists
By Alex Lynham last updated
The hottest studio software essentials for guitar players from the likes of IK Multimedia, Positive Grid, Eventide, Neural DSP and more
Best pedals for blues overdrives, reverbs and more, primed for blues
By Alex Lynham last updated
Assembling a pedalboard for a blues gig? Start here with our picks from Ibanez, Analogman, Boss and more...
Best beginner guitars for metal: 10 top axes to cover all your metal needs
By James Farmer last updated
Explore the very best in beginner metal guitars from the likes of Squier, Epiphone and PRS, including a selection of great options under $500/£500
Best Ibanez guitars: 13 standard and signature Ibanez models for every budget
By James Farmer last updated
Our pick of the best Ibanez guitars for beginner to pro players, along with useful buying advice
Squier Bullet vs Affinity: Which one is right for you?
By James Farmer published
We compare two killer budget guitar ranges from Squier to help you spend your hard-earned cash wisely
You can already save hundreds this Independence Day with Guitar Center's early 4th of July sale
By James Farmer published
There's amazing deals to be had on guitars, amps, effects and more with up to 35% off deals in every department
Save up to 60% off guitars and accessories this month at Musician's Friend
By James Farmer published
The Musician's Friend Electric Guitar Month saves you hundreds on guitars and gear from the likes of Gibson, Fender, Sterling by Music Man, Hagstrom and D'Addario
Fancy a new Strat? These are the best Memorial Day Fender Player Stratocaster deals available now
By James Farmer published
This Memorial Day, grab one of Fender's most popular Strats - the Player Series - for less
Guitar Center's Memorial Day sale is here! Save up to 35% off a host of guitar gear and accessories
By James Farmer published
Update and upgrade your setup for less this Memorial Day, thanks to Guitar Center
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