Chris Barnes
I'm MusicRadar's eCommerce Editor. In addition to testing the latest music gear, with a particular focus on electronic drums, it's my job to manage the 300+ buyer's guides on MusicRadar and help musicians find the right gear for them at the best prices. I dabble with guitar, but my main instrument is the drums, which I have been playing for 24 years. I've been a part of the music gear industry for 20 years, including 7 years as Editor of the UK's best-selling drum magazine Rhythm, and 5 years as a freelance music writer, during which time I worked with the world's biggest instrument brands including Roland, Boss, Laney and Natal.
Latest articles by Chris Barnes
Cyber Monday Andertons deals 2024: Last chance to grab a deal
By Daryl Robertson last updated
You've not got long to bag yourself a bargain on guitars, pedals, and amps in the Andertons sale
Thomann Cyber Monday deals 2024: The Cyberweek sale is over, but there are still a few ways to save
By Chris Barnes last updated
Thomann's massive 2024 Cyber Monday deals has ended with a bang. These re the bargains you can still get your hands on
Cyber Monday plugin deals 2024: Last chance software savings
By Matt McCracken last updated
Cyber Monday is over but you can still save big on VSTs and music software
Gear4music Black Friday deals 2024: The official Black Friday sale is now over, but there are still deals to be had
By Daryl Robertson last updated
The latest on the big Black Friday savings at Gear4music
Black Friday studio headphone deals 2024: The biggest studio headphone savings from across the internet that are still live
By Simon Arblaster last updated
Grab yourself big savings on Focal, Beyerdynamic, Shure, AKG and more this Black Friday
Black Friday microphone deals 2024: Black Friday is over, and these are the best microphone savings that are still live
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Your place for all the microphone deals from Shure, Rode, AKG, Blue Microphones and more - whether you're a musician or a podcaster
Cyber Monday MacBook deals 2024: Last-minute MacBook deals
By Andy Jones last updated
The sales are over now but you can still pick up some great deals
Black Friday Andertons deals 2024: Black Friday is done but there are still loads of deals to get your hands on
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Don't worry if you missed out on a Black Friday deal at Andertons, you can still find loads of big savings
Black Friday plugin deals 2024: Black Friday is over, but there are still plenty of deals to get your hands on
By Matt McCracken last updated
We round up all the best plugin deals that are still hanging around post-Black Friday
Thomann Black Friday 2024 deals: You can still save up to 70% today in Thomann's massive Cyberweek sale
By Chris Barnes last updated
There's an incredible selection of discounted gear in the Thomann Cyberweek sale - from Harley Benton and Yamaha, to Universal Audio and Boss. We're rounding up all the best deals as they happen, including Daily Deals and new additions
Best podcasting microphones 2024: our expert picks for every budget and level, with audio demos
By Chris Corfield last updated
Record your next podcast or stream your heart out with the very best podcast mics, including our recommendations under $100/£100 – plus expert buying advice
Best electronic drum sets 2024: Top picks for every playing level and budget, tested by drummers
By Chris Barnes last updated
Our expert guide to the best electronic drum kits available today - plus full reviews, buying advice and video
Best Christmas gifts for musicians 2024: 45 affordable festive present ideas for music-makers (which they'll genuinely love)
By Matt Parker last updated
Shopping for a drummer, guitarist, DJ, producer or content creator? Here’s some Christmas gift inspiration for the muso in your life - including last-minute ideas
Best Christmas gifts for drummers 2024: 47 hand-picked ideas to treat the drummer in your life this festive season
By Chris Barnes last updated
Show the drummer in your life some love this Christmas with our pick of the coolest drum accessories, gadgets, handmade gifts, last-minute ideas and more, regardless of your budget
Thomann’s latest 70th anniversary deals just dropped - including bonkers birthday discounts on Taylor, Arturia, Darkglass, Behringer, Baby Audio and loads more
By Chris Barnes published
Whether you’re shopping for guitar gear, studio tools or a new keyboard, Thomann's birthday sale has something for every type of musician
Best electronic drum set for kids 2024: child-friendly electronic drum kits
By Chris Barnes last updated
Get your child started on the drums with these top entry-level e-kits and drum pads, selected with kids in mind
Thomann, PMT, Andertons and Gear4Music are taking the fight to Amazon with these Prime Day-beating sales
By Chris Barnes published
Forget Amazon, these are the UK stores offering the best Prime Day deal for musicians today
Best Roland electronic drum sets 2024: top Roland V-Drums for beginner to pro drummers
By Chris Barnes last updated
Our comprehensive guide to the best of Roland electronic drum kit line-up
How to watch Glastonbury 2024 from anywhere on the planet - your guide to streaming the UK festival
By Chris Barnes last updated
No ticket? No problem! Here’s everything you need to know to catch all of this weekend's biggest performances online - including headliners Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA
Best ukulele strings 2024: From beginner to pro
By Chris Corfield last updated
Our expert round-up of the best ukulele strings is suitable for beginner ukulele players and seasoned strummers alike
Best headphones for drummers 2024: sound isolation for the studio, rehearsal room and stage
By Jai Widdowson-Jones last updated
Our expert picks, tested - including in-ear monitors and the best headphones for electronic drums
Best beginner electronic drum sets 2024: reviewed by experts
By Jai Widdowson-Jones last updated
Just starting out behind the drums? These are the best electronic drum kits for beginners, tested and rated by pros
A one-year Guitar Tricks subscription just got 55% cheaper for a limited time with this mega Father’s Day offer
By Chris Barnes published
Get 12 months of lessons from one of our favourite online guitar tuition platforms - plus a free guitar setup guide - for just $8.25 per month until 18th June
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