Latest articles by Chris Barnes
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
Black Friday is nearly here, and Thomann's early deals are live now
Our expert picks, tested behind the kit - including recommended in-ear monitors and the best headphones for electronic drums
Go beyond headphones and turn up your e-kit with top-rated drum amplifiers and personal monitors
Cyber Weekend isn't here just yet, but we've got the lowdown on what to look out for when the biggest sale of the year finally arrives
Tested by our team of expert drummers: we compare top wooden and synthetic models from Vic Firth, Promark, Vater, Ahead and more to help you find your ideal pair
From industry-standards to budget-friendly stepping stones, we've tested the best electronic drum pads for home studios, stages and practice spaces - options from Roland, Yamaha, Alesis, Korg and Nord
From overcoming severe adversity and industry exploitation to battling stage fright, sexism, and sudden loss, these stories demand to be seen
From entry-level mesh kits to high-end touchscreen flagships, here are the standout top-rated Alesis e-drums tested by our team - plus video demos
Just starting out behind the kit? We’ve put the top entry-level e-kits through their paces - testing sound quality, pad feel, durability and more - to help you choose the right setup. Watch our video demos to hear how they perform
And if you’re a beginner, the bundled beginner’s guide will get you off on the right foot
Because Prime Day isn't just about instrument deals...
Our experts have tested over 90 kits to bring you this guide to the best electronic drum kits available today - we've also got full reviews, buying advice and demos
Donner continues its assault on budget gear with an e-kit packing fantastic hardware and standout looks, but the module needs some work
My comprehensive guide to the best of Roland's electronic drum kit line-up - tested and rated, plus video demos
Band websites are still vital for so many reasons – and making your own doesn’t need to be hard, as evidenced by these seven outstanding website builders for creatives in music
Our expert pick of the top cheap USB mics for streaming, podcasting, recording, gaming, work calls, and more
Keep the peace and supercharge your practice with my personal recommendations
Missed out on a Black Friday or Cyber Monday music bargain this year? There's still a chance to save on guitars, drums and recording gear with these epic deals
Thomann's massive 2025 Cyber Monday deal have ended, but there are still plenty of ways to save
Cyber Weekend has officially ended, but there are still some last-minute savings to take advantage of on music software
Grab yourself big savings on Focal, Beyerdynamic, Shure, AKG and more this Black Friday
The Black Friday savings of 2025 have arrived at Gear4music. We've got all the latest info, recommendations and guidance
