Articles by Ross Holder

Guitar World

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.

Articles by: Ross Holder

Best bass cabinets 2024: achieve your best tone yet with the perfect bass cab

By Ross Holder published 6 February 24

From Fender to Ampeg, pick the best bass cabinet to bring your desired tone to life

Squier Affinity Stratocaster FMT HSS review: a budget Strat that has plenty of tones to match its sizzling aesthetic

By Ross Holder published 5 October 23

Squier is at it again offering an attractive and affordable flame maple option on a perennial classic

Squier Classic Vibe ‘70s Telecaster Thinline review

By Ross Holder published 26 September 23

Squier is reviving a ‘70s classic with this affordable, versatile, eye-catching version of Fender’s increasingly popular semi-hollow Telecaster

Best Gretsch guitars: Explore those iconic Gretsch tones with our top picks

By Ross Holder published 21 August 23

Whether you’re after a Streamliner, Electromatic or Player’s Edition model, here's our expert pick of the best Gretsch guitars across a range of budgets

Close up of the soundhole of a Fender acoustic guitar

Best Fender acoustic guitars: Our top picks from Fender’s expansive range of acoustics

By Ross Holder published 7 June 23

Whether you’re looking for an impressive jack-of-all-trades or a miniature dreadnought, Fender has an acoustic for you

Best single coil pickups: from trailblazing designs to vintage traditionalists

By Ross Holder published 18 April 23

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

Close up of guitar player with a slide on their pinky finger

Best guitar slides: every budget and material covered, plus how to choose the right slide for you

By Ross Holder published 2 March 23

Getting into the bluesy world of slide guitar? From Shubb and Dunlop, to Taylor and Ernie Ball, these are our top choices

Best ukuleles 2024: Acoustic and electric ukes for all budgets and playing styles

By Chris Corfield last updated 19 October 23

Get started with our pick of the best ukes from Mahalo, Martin and Cordoba, plus a cool Fender Jazzmaster ukulele

Martin LX1E Little martin on a blue background

Best travel guitars: top acoustic and electric travel guitars for portability and performance

By Rob Laing last updated 5 December 23

Top travel guitar choices and buying advice for musicians on the move

Bass guitar leaning against a Boss bass amp

Best budget bass amps: punchy low-end for a low price

By Richard Blenkinsop last updated 30 October 23

Keep your low-end punchy and your bank balance healthy with our pick of the best budget bass amps from Fender, Orange, Ampeg and beyond!

Best beginner bass guitars 2024: starter basses for beginners

By Jonathan Horsley last updated 14 March 24

The best beginner basses for young players, newcomers and the budget-conscious – featuring Yamaha, Squier, Ibanez and more

Young girl playing a beginner ukulele in front of a swimming pool

Best ukuleles for beginners 2024: Get started on the uke with our pick of tropical beauties

By Simon Fellows last updated 11 March 24

The best beginner ukuleles from Fender, Epiphone, Martin, Kala, Gretsch and more – prices starting from $30

Martin LX1E on a light blue background with the text 'Guitar World Buyer's guide: Best 3/4 acoustic guitars'

Best 3/4 acoustic guitars: smaller bodied options from Taylor, Martin, Fender and more

By Matt McCracken last updated 26 October 23

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran there’s a lot to love about these 3/4 size acoustic guitars

Man playing a left-handed Fender Stratocaster

Best left-handed guitars: Top electric and acoustic choices from Fender, PRS, Squier and more

By Matt McCracken last updated 24 July 23

We’re showing the lefties some love with our expert pick of the best left-handed guitars. Read on to find your perfect match…

A Rickenbacker 12 string guitar on a black background

Best 12-string guitars: our pick of 12-string acoustic and electric guitars

By Jonathan Horsley last updated 18 December 23

Our expert guide to the best 12-string guitars from Taylor, Rickenbacker, Fender, and others, from 12-string acoustic guitars to shimmering electrics

Best bass strings: Get the best tone, feel and lifespan from your bass guitar with these string sets

By Jonathan Horsley last updated 31 July 23

Our expert pick of strings to bring the low-end thunder from Ernie Ball, D’Addario, Rotosound and more

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