Buying Guide

Latest about buying guide

Close up of the Taylor Academy 12e-N nylon string acoustic guitar

Best guitars for small hands 2025: compact, thinline and slim-necked options for all ages

By Richard Blenkinsop last updated

Our pick of compact electric and acoustic models from Fender, Taylor, Epiphone and more

Guitars
Three Fender acoustic guitars leaning against a wall on a wooden floor

Best acoustic guitars under $1,000 in 2025: get great tone for less

By Rob Laing last updated

Enjoy superb playability and sound with our guide to the top mid-priced acoustics

Acoustic Guitars
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 2025: small-bodied, short scale sensations from Taylor, Martin, Fender and more

By Matt McCracken last updated

From beginner nylon string models to solid electro-acoustic travel guitars, there’s a 3/4 option here for every style of player

Acoustic Guitars
Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal on a wooden floor

Best distortion pedals 2025: the top 11 high-gain stompboxes for guitarists

By Jonathan Horsley last updated

Crunch, filth, mayhem! Dive into our expert round-up of the best distortion pedals available today

Effects & Pedals
Two Yamaha Pacifica 112Vs on blue background

Best guitars for beginners 2025: epic entry-level acoustic and electric guitars

By Chris Corfield last updated

Start playing today with our pick of great beginner guitars from Squier, Ibanez, Yamaha and more

Beginner Guitars
Martin LX1E Little martin on a blue background

Best travel guitars 2025: top acoustic and electric travel guitars for portability and performance

By Rob Laing last updated

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

Guitars
An Electro-Harmonix Oceans 11 reverb pedal on a wooden floor

Best reverb pedals 2025: from spring to shimmer, these are our top picks for your pedalboard

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated

Take a deep dive into the cavernous world of 'verb and explore the best reverb pedals for every budget

Effects & Pedals
Fender Lost Highway Phaser on a wooden floor

Best phaser pedals 2025: our guide to this versatile modulation guitar effect

By Chris Corfield last updated

Looking to create that swirling sound effect? These are the best phaser pedals to try from MXR, Electro-Harmonix, Walrus Audio and more

Effects & Pedals
A Fender Rumble LT25 bass practice amp on a grey background

Best bass amps for practice 2025: top combos for working on your chops at home

By Chris Schwarten last updated

Get the most out of your playing at home with one of these great bass practice amps

Combo Amps
Best bass amps: Trace Elliot Elf on black background

Best bass amps 2025: killer low-end amplification options for bassists

By Jonathan Horsley last updated

Give yourself the gift of thunder with the best bass guitar amps money can buy – featuring Trace Elliot, Hartke, Ampeg and more

Bass Amps
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