Latest articles by Richard Blenkinsop
Best bass compressor pedals: our pick of pedals to get your low-end in line
We look at the best compressors for bass, from some of the biggest names around including Origin Effects, Empress Effects, Boss, and more
Best high-end electric guitars: the finest guitars money can buy
If money were no object, this is the all-star list of high-end axes from Gibson, PRS, Fender, and more that you’ll want in your collection
Best budget bass guitars: our top pick of basses under $500/£500
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
Fender amps explained: from tubes to modeling, here's everything you need to know about Fender amplifiers
On the hunt for a new amp? Here's our guided tour of everything Fender has to offer when it comes to guitar amps
Everything you need to know about guitar cables – from what they’re made of to how they work
Get to know the science behind your guitar cables’ operation and the additional factors that can have an impact on cable performance
Best nylon guitar strings: top picks from D'Addario, La Bella, Ernie Ball and more
Warm and mellow to bright and snappy; we look at the best nylon guitar strings on offer
ESP vs LTD Guitars: What's the difference?
Looking for a capable guitar for playing rock or metal? We explore the history, spec and tone characteristics of ESP and its affordable sub-brand LTD
5 Fender signature guitars you need to try – and 5 we can't believe they haven't made yet
Our pick of Fender artist collaborations, plus the five players whose autographs we’d like to see adorning signature guitars in the future
Flatwound vs roundwound bass strings: What’s the difference?
Mellow and warm or bright and snappy? We look at the key differences between flatwound and roundwound bass strings
“You might not be fooled into thinking it’s a tube amp, but it’s close enough for silent practice”: Blackstar amPlug 2 FLY review
An affordable silent practice tool with three channels and three effects that covers ground for all guitarists
“If you’re a rock or metal guitarist looking to up your game, then JTC Guitar is an incredible resource”: JTC Guitar review
Some of the best video content out there to help rock and metal players hone their craft
Fender's guitar models explained: we break down the entire Fender line-up from Player to Custom Shop
Get to know your Jazzmasters from your Jags and your Players from your Performers with our breakdown of the vast Fender catalog
Best budget delay pedals: Get echo and slapback for not much greenback
From analog to digital, we check out the best cheap delay pedals to upgrade your 'board for less
“It delivers a lot of the classic Stingray sound and it plays like a dream”: Sterling By Music Man SUB Series Stingray Ray4 review
The most affordable take on the Stingray might just be one of the greatest budget basses money can buy
Should you play guitar with a pick or fingers? We weigh up the tone and technique benefits of both approaches
Use what you’re born with, or stick with a pick? We take a close look at the tones and techniques associated with playing guitar and bass with fingers and pick
Best Epiphone guitars: classic Les Pauls, Flying Vs and more
From good old-fashioned Les Pauls to contemporary shred machines, we look at the best Epiphone guitars available today
Short-scale vs long-scale bass: what's the difference?
Get the lowdown on the low-end - we look at the differences between short-scale and long-scale basses
Fender Jaguar vs Mustang: What’s the difference?
We dive into the nitty gritty of differences and similarities between Fender’s unique Jaguar and Mustang models
"It’s built to a very high standard, and will no doubt last a long time on anyone’s board": Korg Pitchblack X review
Accurate, clear and easy to read, and affordable – is this the tuner pedal you need on your pedalboard?
10 mistakes every beginner guitarist makes
From gear choices to learning paths, these are the most common beginner guitar faux pas that every new player makes – and how you can avoid them
Best DIY guitar kits: self-assembly project guitars for every budget
The best DIY guitar kits for budding luthiers – build your own acoustic or electric guitar today
Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb review
Some of the best cleans and pushed overdriven tones in a friendly 22W combo
Best fretless basses: get more vibrato and texture from your bass guitar
From electric to acoustic, modern to vintage, we take a look at the best fretless basses on offer
