Latest articles by Matt McCracken
“It’s a guitar that can indeed be a singer-songwriter’s tool, or a guitar for chugging metal”: PRS SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody I Piezo Baritone review
One of the biggest names in pop delivers a first signature electric that bridges the gap between open chords and heavy metal chugs
Guitar Center just launched an awesome acoustic guitar sale with discounts hitting up to 30% off premier strummers from Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Yamaha, and more
If you’re looking for a new acoustic guitar, then we’ve got the lowdown on the sale for you at Guitar Center
Best Squier guitars 2026: the ultimate guide
We check out the top Squier guitars, including the Classic Vibe series, Affinity series, Debut models, and Paranormal series guitars
Guitar Center’s Memorial Day sale has officially landed with up to 30% off the best guitar gear – including $250 off a PRS SE Silver Sky and $599 off a Gibson J-45
Grab yourself some new gear for less in this mega Memorial Day sale over at Guitar Center
Best Memorial Day guitar sales 2026: All of today's biggest discounts and my pick of epic deals on guitars, amps, effects, accessories, guitar lessons and software
Explore all the essential Memorial Day guitar savings in one place – check out the latest from Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, Fender, Guitar Tricks, Waves and more
“I can’t imagine anyone other than dedicated metalheads and Gojira megafans finding loads to love here”: Jackson Pro Plus Series Signature Christian Andreu Rhoads RR24 EVTN6 review
Jackson's new Gojira signature model is a premium tool for modern metal, with an unwieldy form factor
Best modeling amps 2026: get iconic amp and effects tones at your fingertips
I break down the best modeling amps available, covering a range of budgets, brands and sizes
You don't have to wait for the Memorial Day weekend to save big because Fender just jump-started the sales with up to $600 off guitar gear - here’s my 5 standout deals, including $230 off an all-solid acoustic and $74 off an underrated fuzz pedal
Fender is first to the party with a super early Memorial Day sale for guitar players
Best mini amps for guitar 2026: power up your practice with these tiny towers of tone
My top picks of small guitar amps that pack a punch and let you practice when you're short on space
“Despite its toy-like dimensions, it comes across as a very grown-up guitar indeed”: Taylor BT1e Baby Taylor review
Has Taylor’s travel pioneer retained the top spot three decades on? We get hands-on to find out if it’s still the best sofa strummer out there
"Just the thing to fight back against the rise of amp modeling": Two Notes Torpedo Captor X Plus review
Two Notes' uber-popular tube amp companion just got even more powerful thanks to a swathe of additional features
“It does those Spaghetti Western sounds just as well as it does the crushingly heavy stuff”: Sterling by Music Man StingRay Baritone review
The iconic StringRay shape makes its debut in the new world of baritone guitar with some seriously impressive results
Best ukuleles 2026: Acoustic and electric ukes for all budgets and playing styles
Get started or find your next upgrade with our pick of the best ukes from Mahalo, Martin and Cordoba, plus a cool Fender Jazzmaster ukulele
Calling all guitarists! You have less than 24 hours to secure up to 30% off at the Guitar Center Guitar-A-Thon – here's 11 of the best final-day deals including a massive $700 discount on a flagship Gibson Les Paul
Guitar-A-Thon is due to end on April 29th, so move quickly if you want to bag a great deal on guitar gear
“I find it to be a very playable guitar indeed, despite its huge dimensions”: Danelectro Dan O Cool Baritone review
This retro-inspired semi-hollow baritone offers a refreshing departure from your typical extended range guitar
"Modeling tech has gotten so good I doubt many guitarists would be able to tell the difference": Analog vs. digital rig build challenge - here’s how two very different players would spend $2,500
One player puts his stake in tubes and pedals; the other in IRs and FRFRs. We gave them both $2,500 to build the ultimate mid-tier rig
Best noise gate pedals 2026: clean up your signal with the best noise gate pedals for guitar
Unwanted noise in your chain? A noise gate pedal could be the solution
Best 7-string guitars 2026: the ultimate guide to extended range instruments
Navigate scale lengths, active pickups, and multiscale fretboards with our expert-vetted selection of the best seven-string guitars
Best beginner guitar amps 2026: my top picks from over a decade working in music retail
After nearly 10 years working in a busy high-street music store, I’ve seen which beginner amps truly deliver, offering the best value, most useful features, and long-lasting popularity from brands like Blackstar, Fender, Positive Grid, and more
Best acoustic guitars under $1,000 in 2026: great tone for less
Enjoy superb playability and sound with our guide to the top mid-priced acoustics from the likes of Epiphone, Fender, Martin and more
“It can get loud enough to annoy my partner, which is good enough for home use”: Laney Prism-Mini review
This mini practice amp doesn't tether you to your smartphone, but there are some growing pains
Best compressor pedals 2026: control your tone with the must-have utility pedal
My pick of the best guitar compressor pedals will enhance your tone with options from Boss, Keeley, MXR, and more
“A high-octane character that’s occasionally stubborn, but it stands out from the crowd”: Fender 75th Anniversary American Professional Classic Cabronita Telecaster review
The Telecaster’s “asshole cousin” trades traditional twang for a boutique growl that looks as sharp as it sounds
