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

How to set up an electronic drum set
By James Farmer last updated
Our step-by-step guide to unboxing, building and optimising your electronic drum kit

Waves’ jam-packed Big March Sale has dropped key titles back down to Black Friday prices
By Chris Barnes published
With plugins starting from just $9.99, big bundle discounts and free plugins the more you spend, this is the best Waves sale of the year so far

Best Alesis electronic drum sets 2025: Our pick of Alesis electronic drums for beginners to pros
By James Farmer last updated
Our expert guide to finding the perfect Alesis electronic drum set for your budget and skill level

24 must-have Cyber Monday deals the MusicRadar team is buying this year
By Chris Barnes published
In between writing deals we've been shopping... this is what's in our baskets - from e-kits and plugins, to guitar pedals and tuition subscriptions

Black Friday iPad deals 2023: Up to $100 off iPad Pro, Air and mini models - all with music-friendly specs
By Andy Jones published
Apple's tablet is the perfect tool for mobile music production and this year's Black Friday discounts are heavy, making it the ideal time for you to start you iPad music making journey…

Grab a Guitar Tricks annual subscription for just $99 this Black Friday, and bag an additional $321 of extras
By Chris Barnes published
Make 2024 the year your playing moves up a level with online lessons from one of the best platforms around

There’s no need to wait for Black Friday with these software savings - Waves just dropped a load of titles to $29.99
By Chris Barnes published
And if you buy two plugins you can choose another two for free

Best drumsticks for beginners 2025: Recommended sticks for budding players
By Tom Bradley published
Choose your perfect first pair of sticks from our expert recommendations, including models from ProMark, Vater, Vic Firth and more

EFnote 3X review
By Chris Barnes published
These high-end electronic drums from ex-Roland employees have got the looks, but do they have the midas touch?

NUX DM-8 review
By Chris Barnes published
A newcomer to the competitive e-kit market, NUX’s mid-range offering is a fantastic value package that should keep the competition on its toes

Best bass drum pedals 2025: single and double bass pedals for every budget
By Stuart Williams last updated
Put your best foot forward with our guide to choosing the best bass drum pedal for you, with expert picks from DW, Pearl, Tama and others

Musician’s insurance: Everything you need to know about covering you and your gear
By Chris Barnes published
Whether you teach, tour or own loads of gear, insurance expert John Woosey is here to help you find the right cover

Best drumsticks 2025: wooden and synthetic sticks for beginner and pro drummers
By Chris Barnes last updated
Our experts help you choose the right drumsticks for your budget and drumming style

Best electronic drum pads 2025: Top drum and percussion pads for the studio and stage
By Jai Widdowson-Jones last updated
Explore a world of sound with the best electronic drum pads around, from Roland, Yamaha, Alesis and Nord

Best Yamaha e-kits 2025: Top electronic drum sets from Yamaha for beginner, intermediate, and pro drummers
By Chris Barnes last updated
Use our expert guide to help you find the right Yamaha electronic drum set for you

Best compact drum kits 2025: Our pick of the best mini-kits at any budget
By Stuart Williams last updated
If you’re thinking of downsizing your set, a 16” bass drum kit from Gretsch, Ludwig, Sonor and others is the perfect solution

Best website builders for bands and musicians 2025: Sell your merch, get your music heard and build your fanbase
By Chris Barnes last updated
Do bands still need a website? Oh yes - here's our expert pick of 7 easy-to-use website builders for music makers, bands and creatives

12 essential drum accessories every player needs in 2025
By Chris Barnes published
From studio to stage and acoustic to electronic drums, these are the must-have gadgets and gizmos percussionists need to sound great and stay organised behind the kit

How to watch the Grammys 2023 live tonight: watch the music awards show online, without cable and from anywhere
By Chris Barnes published
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Diplo, Ozzy Osbourne, Adele and Harry Styles are amongst the artists nominated for awards at tonight's ceremony

Best electronic drum amps and monitors 2025: Play your e-kit out loud!
By Tom Bradley last updated
The top monitor speakers and amps designed to bring the best out of your electronic drum set

Load up on studio staples with all Waves plugins slashed to only $29.99 for the holidays
By Chris Barnes published
Even better, buy two plugins, and you'll bag another two completely free!

Waves’ crazy Cyber Monday sale includes plugins from only $5.99 - stock up while you can
By Chris Barnes published
Plus, multi-buy bundles have hit their lowest prices of the year so far

Waves' early Black Friday sale now includes 90 massively discounted plugins
By Chris Barnes last updated
Early bird discounts apply to 90 plugins including Waves Tune, Abbey Road, signature collections, bundles and loads more
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