
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

“Trust me, the Hizumitas isn’t just a pedal – it’s an experience”: I swore off pedals, but Sweetwater’s time-limited 20% off EarthQuaker Devices Cyber Monday sale is too tempting to ignore
By Ross Holder published
With 57 EarthQuaker Devices pedals on sale, this Cyber Monday is set to fill pedalboards across the land – here are my top picks

We think the Boss Gen 3 Katanas are some of the very best amps in the business – and there's still enough time to get up to 25% off these do-it-all amps
By Ross Holder published
From the brand new Katana 50 Gen 3 to the gig-ready Katana-110 for bassists, Sweetwater has cut prices on a range of the best-selling amps

The ultimate Superstrat just got an amazing discount in the Sweetwater Black Friday sale – save a huge $400
By Ross Holder published
There are massive savings to be had on select Charvel models at Sweetwater, including $300 off a 4.5-star model we rate

Our highest-rated online guitar lessons service just launched its best subscription bundle of the year – and it includes a massive $800 in savings
By Ross Holder published
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better Black Friday guitar lessons deal than Guitar Tricks’ full-access annual membership for only $99

A Taylor acoustic for the price of a pair of sneakers? Buy one Taylor and get a second for as little as $99 in the ultimate Black Friday deal for acoustic players
By Ross Holder published
Buy a Taylor 300 or 400 series and get a Baby Taylor for $99, GS Mini for $199, or an Academy model from $299

Guitar Center just kicked off this year’s Black Friday Epiphone deals super early with up to $150 off Les Pauls, SGs and ES-335s
By Ross Holder published
Here’s my personal pick of four unique Epiphone models, offering pro features and player-friendly prices, with options for both starters and seasoned guitarists

7 stocking filler gift ideas under $20 that guitar players actually need
By Ross Holder published
These recommendations come with our junk-free guarantee

I just found the first Boss Gen 3 Katana amp discounts in the wild ahead of Black Friday
By Ross Holder published
From the brand new Katana 50 Gen 3 to the gig-ready Katana-110 for bassists, Sweetwater has cut prices on a range of the best-selling amps

Best bass guitar picks 2025: our pick of perfect plectrums for bass players
By Ross Holder published
From extra heavy acrylic picks to surprisingly slim signature options by Dunlop, Ernie Ball, D’Addario and more

Best budget bass amps 2025: brilliant bass tone without a hefty price
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
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 Fender amps 2025: famous tube combos to digital headphone amps
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
From beginner practice amps to touring-grade tube combos, these are the best amplifiers from the industry's most famous brand

"With an incredibly smooth, fast-playing neck and low action right out of the factory, there’s little to dislike": Taylor 414ce review
By Ross Holder published
The Taylor 414ce balances beautiful aesthetics with an all-encompassing acoustic tone that can truly do it all

“A masterclass in versatility, seamlessly bridging the gap between practice and performance”: Boss Katana Gen 3 Head review
By Ross Holder published
Is there a more versatile, all-round amplifier on the market today than the Katana Head Gen 3? Let’s find out

Yamaha CG192C review
By Ross Holder published
At the top end of Yamaha’s popular CG series, does the CG192C live up to the range’s reputation? We find out

Best ukuleles for beginners 2025: top picks from soprano to tenor
By Simon Fellows last updated
The best beginner ukuleles from Fender, Epiphone, Martin, Kala, Gretsch and more – prices starting from $30

Best guitars for jazz 2025: smooth swinging options for jazz cats
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
From archtops to solid bodies, these are the best jazz guitars on the market today from top brands like D’Angelico, Gibson, Squier, and more

"With its incredibly low action, flat fingerboard radius, slim neck, and smooth finish, this guitar almost seems to play itself": Yamaha CG182SF review
By Ross Holder published
Is the Yamaha CG182SF one of the best flamenco classical guitars under $1000? We dive in to find out

Yamaha C40II review
By Ross Holder published
Does popularity equate to quality? We test one of the most popular beginner guitars in the world

Best Gretsch guitars 2025: Explore those iconic Gretsch tones with our top picks
By Ross Holder last updated
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

Best 12-string guitars 2025: our pick of 12-string acoustic and electric guitars
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Our expert guide to the best 12-string guitars from Taylor, Rickenbacker, Fender, and others

Best acoustic guitar pickups 2025: electrify your acoustic with our expert picks
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

Best high-end electric guitars 2025: the finest guitars money can buy
By Simon Fellows last updated
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

Should you buy new or second-hand for your first acoustic guitar?
By Ross Holder published
We weigh up the pros and cons of new vs second-hand acoustic guitars and what first-time buyers should consider
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