Ross Holder
Ross has been a music lover and guitar player since the age of 8. He has spent the five years since graduating from university working in music retail, selling guitars, amps and more. Ross is particularly interested in electric guitars, pedals and amplifiers and his current rig includes a trusty 2009 American Standard Stratocaster and Vox AC30S1 with a few Walrus Audio and Way Huge pedals in between.
Latest articles by Ross Holder

By James Farmer Last updated
Whether you need subtle vintage amp warmth or high-speed rhythmic chops, these are the tremolo stomps that belong on your pedalboard, from TC Electronic, Electro-Harmonix, Boss, Strymon and JHS

By Matt McCracken Last updated
My top picks of small guitar amps that pack a punch and let you practice when you're short on space

By Alex Lynham, Ross Holder Last updated
Best boost pedals 2026: including the best clean boost pedals for guitar Vamp up your tone with the best boost pedals for guitarists, as well as the best clean boost pedals for making your electric guitar solos really sing

By Jonathan Horsley Last updated
Our expert guide to the best 12-string guitars from Taylor, Rickenbacker, Fender, and others

By Alex Lynham Last updated
Want to know your Fuzz Face from your Fuzz Gun, or channel your inner Jimi Hendrix? This guide is for you

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

By Richard Blenkinsop Last updated
Get the most out of your modeler with my pick of FRFR speakers, from on-the-go options to arena-filling mammoths – these active speakers from Fender, Laney, IK Multimedia and more are tonally transparent beasts

By Chris Corfield Last updated
Hang about! These are the best stands and hangers for your guitars right now

By Rob Laing Last updated
My top travel guitar choices and expert buying advice for musicians on the move

By Richard Blenkinsop Last updated
The grandfather of acoustic guitars – our top parlor guitar picks from Gibson, Martin, Yamaha, and more

By Daryl Robertson Last updated
Our expert pick of acoustic amplifiers for all budgets, from AER, Boss, Fishman, and others

By Daryl Robertson Last updated
Whether it’s your first Telecaster or you’ve walked in the boots of guitar-playing royalty, our top Telecasters will help you get your twang on

By Ross Holder Published
D’Addario’s XPND range brings telescopic pedalboard expansion with a rugged design built for real-world use – but is it genuinely practical, or just clever engineering?

By Jonathan Horsley Last updated
Whether it be for performing live or recording at home, the best acoustic guitar pickups from LR Baggs, Fishman and others will help you enhance your tone

By Chris Schwarten Last updated
We rank and review the best guitar amp pedals from Strymon, Universal Audio, Blackstar, and more

By Ross Holder Last updated
My expert pick of straps for electric, acoustic and bass, covering all budgets and materials. Plus, buying advice to help you decide

By Ross Holder Last updated
From Fender Telecaster twang to Gibson P-90 bite, we’ve compiled our pick of the best aftermarket single coils your money can buy right now

By Daryl Robertson Last updated
I count down the best compact acoustics for new players, smaller guitarists and those looking for a neat 'couch guitar'

By Ross Holder Last updated
We check out the top Squier guitars, including the Classic Vibe series, Affinity series, Debut models, and Paranormal series guitars

By Richard Blenkinsop Last updated
I break down the best modeling amps available, covering a range of budgets, brands and sizes

By Ross Holder Last updated
A three-quarter size acoustic that sounds bigger than most of its competition

By Chris Corfield Last updated
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

By Ross Holder Published
A compact, premium acoustic amp delivering stunning tone with simple, singer-songwriter-friendly controls

By Ross Holder Last updated
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
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