
Richard Blenkinsop
After spending a decade in music retail, I’m now a freelance writer for Guitar World, MusicRadar, Guitar Player and Reverb, specialising in electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and almost anything else you can make a tune with. When my head’s not buried in the best of modern and vintage gear, I run a small company helping musicians with songwriting, production and performance, and I play bass in an alt-rock band.
Latest articles by Richard Blenkinsop

Best guitar cleaning kits and tools 2025: Keep your guitar looking and sounding sweet
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
Keep your instrument in its prime with my pick of the best cleaning kits and maintenance tools

“All-solid body construction and premium electronics for under $350? You have my attention”: Harley Benton CLC-650SM-CE review
By Richard Blenkinsop published
Harley Benton is once again pushing the boundaries of what 'bang for your buck' actually means

Best clip-on guitar tuners 2025: hit the right note with my top pick of cost-effective tuners
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Whether you play acoustic, electric, or bass, these clip-on tuners offer a quick, easy, and affordable way to achieve concert pitch every time you pick up your instrument

Best mini amps for guitar 2025: power up your practice with these tiny towers of tone – these are my top picks
By Matt McCracken last updated
Short on space? Practice anywhere with these small guitar amps that pack a punch

Best overdrive pedals 2025: from mid-hump to transparent tone
By Matt McCracken last updated
My pick of the top-rated overdrive pedals will get your gain tones on point

Best guitar wireless systems 2025: set your playing free, from the rehearsal room to the stage
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Fed up with cumbersome cables? Here's my pick of the best wireless guitar systems for every budget

Best acoustic electric guitars 2025: electro-acoustic picks for every guitarist whatever your budget
By Simon Fellows last updated
Stand and be heard – embrace the creative opportunities an acoustic electric guitar presents, whether live on stage or in the studio

Best beginner guitar amps 2025: my top picks from over a decade working in music retail
By Ross Holder last updated
After nearly ten 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 Squier guitars 2025: Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jaguars and more for the budget-conscious player
By Ross Holder last updated
From budget Teles, to vintage-spec’d Strats, I look at the best Squiers available today

Best volume pedals 2025: control your tone with these essential pedal picks
By Matt McCracken last updated
It might get loud! Our pick of the best volume pedals from Mission, Ernie Ball, Lehle and more

Best guitars for small hands 2025: compact, thinline and slim-necked options for all ages
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
Here's Guitar World's pick of the best compact electric and acoustic models from Fender, Taylor, Epiphone and more

Best dreadnought guitars 2025: big body acoustics for powerful tone
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
Looking for bassy lows and crystal clear top end from your acoustic? These budget-spanning dreadnoughts all fit the bill

“Perfect for home use and has some excellent features on board”: Mooer SD10i Intelligent Amp review
By Richard Blenkinsop published
A mini amp with 52 amp modes, 49 effects, tuner, drum machine and recording interface all in a compact, portable package

Best in-ear monitors for guitar players 2025: stay in tune and on time
By Chris Corfield last updated
Plug yourself in with the best in-ear monitors for guitar players from Shure, Sennheiser and more

Best headphone amps for guitar 2025: portable practice solutions
By Matt McCracken last updated
You don’t need to sacrifice tone to practice quietly with my expert pick of the best headphone amps for guitar players

Best acoustic guitar pedals 2025: pedals to transform your tone and boost creativity
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
Improve and shape your tone with the best acoustic guitar pedals from the likes of Boss, Fishman, MXR & LR Baggs

Best hollowbody electric guitars 2025: Our pick of the greatest hollowbody guitars you can buy today
By Amit Sharma last updated
Want increased resonance and a beefier sound, all the while looking spectacularly cool? You’ll want one of the best hollowbody electric guitars then

Best modeling amps 2025: get iconic amp tones at your fingertips with these top picks
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
I break down the best modeling amps available, covering a range of budgets, brands and sizes

Best cheap acoustic guitars 2025: budget acoustics with genuine pedigree
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Great tone doesn’t have to break the bank – these are the best cheap acoustic guitars from Fender, Yamaha, Alvarez and more

“A well-made, reasonably-priced power supply”: Harley Benton PowerPlant ISO-10AC Pro review
By Richard Blenkinsop published
Thomann's affordable brand takes on the big boys and knocks it out of the park

“For the price, it’s pretty much unbeatable”: Harley Benton JAMster Guitar review
By Richard Blenkinsop published
Two channels, bluetooth connectivity, mains and battery powered operation for less than $40!

“The perfect first guitar for any style of player”: Mooer MSC10 Pro review
By Richard Blenkinsop published
Mooer enters the world of traditional-style, budget electric guitars making very few compromises

Best solid state amps 2025: Our amp picks for those who play, dirty, clean, or anything in between
By Simon Fellows last updated
Save your back and your wallet with the best solid state amps from the likes of Fender, Boss, Yamaha and more
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!


