
Daryl Robertson
I'm a Senior Deals Writer at MusicRadar, and I'm responsible for writing and maintaining buyer's guides on the site - but that's not all I do. As part of my role, I also scour the internet for the best deals I can find on gear and get hands-on with the products for reviews. My gear reviews have been published in prominent publications, including Total Guitar, Guitarist, and Future Music magazine, as well as Guitar World.com. I've also had the privilege of interviewing everyone from Slash to Yungblud, as well as members of Sum 41, Foo Fighters, The Offspring, Feeder, Fever 333, and many more.
I have a massive passion for anything that makes a sound, particularly guitars, pianos, and recording equipment. In a previous life, I worked in music retail, giving advice on all aspects of music creation and selling everything from digital pianos to electric guitars, entire PA systems, and ukuleles. I'm also a fully qualified sound engineer who holds a first-class Bachelor's degree in Creative Sound Production from the University of Abertay, and I have plenty of experience working in various venues around Scotland.
Latest articles by Daryl Robertson

5 reasons a gift card is the most stress-free present you can get a musician this Christmas
By Daryl Robertson published
Forget the fuss and pressure of shopping for a musician this holiday season and get them a gift card - trust me, they'll thank you for it

MusicRadar deals of the week: Score big savings on music gear ahead of Christmas from the likes of UAD, Casio, Waves, PRS and more
By Daryl Robertson published
We've uncovered the very best offers on a range of music-making gear from the likes of Gibson, Casio, Gretsch, Universal Audio, and more

Thomann Cyber Monday deals 2025: the savings are over for another year
By Chris Barnes last updated
Thomann's massive 2025 Cyber Monday deal have ended, but there are still plenty of ways to save

Black Friday plugin deals 2025: These are the last remaining deals on software
By Matt McCracken last updated
Black Friday is over, but you can still bag a last-minute deal on plugins

Positive Grid is knocking up to 30% off its range of top-rated smart amps and software this Black Friday weekend - including the Spark 2, Spark Mini & Bias X
By Daryl Robertson last updated
With so many models included, you'll want to act fast to get your hands on some of the best desktop amps and modelling software around

Black Friday studio headphone deals 2025: 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

Thomann Black Friday deals 2025: Don't miss out on 70% off in the official Cyber Week sale
By Chris Barnes last updated
Black Friday day 3 is here, and Thomann's Cyber Week Sale is still adding new bargains

Gear4music Black Friday deals 2025: The Black Friday sale is live – and there are some great offers for musicians
By Daryl Robertson last updated
The Black Friday savings of 2025 have arrived at Gear4music. We've got all the latest info, recommendations and guidance

Musician's Friend just kicked off its official Black Friday sale, and it's a big brand bonanza, with up to 60% off PRS, Fender, Casio, Shure, and more
By Daryl Robertson published
The Musician's Friend Black Friday sale has landed - saving you hundreds on Fender, Music Man, Roland, Shure and more

I love Boss pedals and amps, and with massive Black Friday savings on everything from the Katana to DS-1, you can see what all the fuss is about for less
By Daryl Robertson last updated
The Boss Black Friday deals are here, and they include the practice-friendly Katana amps, our number one looper and a classic distortion pedal for only $54

As a Gibson and Epiphone super fan, I've pulled together the very best offers from around the internet this Black Friday - including $600 off a Les Paul Standard, $300 off the Hendrix Flying V, and so much more
By Daryl Robertson published
Looking for a new Gibson or Epiphone this Black Friday? Well, I've found hearty discounts on a range of Les Paul, ES-335, Flying V, Theodore and S-200 models

"When it comes to sound, I'm convinced there isn’t a bad tone in this pedal": Crazy Tube Circuits Mirage JR reverb pedal review
By Daryl Robertson published
With a clutch of reverbs from standard to experimental, this could be your one-stop shop for all your spatial requirements

Best studio monitors 2025: Studio speakers for musicians and producers on any budget
By Andy Jones last updated
My comprehensive guide to the best studio monitor speakers for home studio recording, whether you’re a beginner or pro producer

Best digital pianos 2025: I'm a professional piano and music gear reviewer, and these are my top picks
By Daryl Robertson last updated
With a decade of experience selling and reviewing pianos, these are my recommendations for the very best digital pianos from Yamaha, Roland, Casio, and Korg at all price points - including full reviews and video demos

Best multi-effects pedals 2025: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
By Matt McCracken last updated
Our guide to the best multi-effects pedals will help you get your head around amp modelling pedals and multi-FX

"This pedal excels at delivering a completely clean volume boost - and there's plenty of volume on tap": Fender Hammertone Boost review
By Daryl Robertson published
Hammer your solo tone into shape with Fender's hard-hitting but affordable boost pedal

Guitar Center just dropped its biggest sale of the year, with thousands of discounts and up to 40% off for Black Friday
By Daryl Robertson published
The Guitar Center Black Friday sale has landed - saving you hundreds on Fender, Roland, Alesis and more

Best acoustic guitars 2025: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Our pick of the very best flat tops from Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender and loads more

Best Christmas gifts for musicians 2025: 21 affordable festive present ideas for music-makers (which they'll genuinely love)
By Daryl Robertson 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

You can save literal thousands of dollars off music gear in Sweetwater's amazing Early Access Black Friday sale – here are 10 of the best discounts
By Daryl Robertson published
Make big savings on Universal Audio interfaces, Lewitt mics, superb value monitors from Mackie and 25% off Elektron grooveboxes

Best Christmas gifts for piano players 2025: the ultimate festive gift guide for pianists, covering all budgets
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Treat the piano player in your life this Christmas with our pick of 15 must-have piano items, essential accessories and clever gadgets for every budget

Best keyboards for beginners 2025: Get started with our expert pick of beginner keyboards for all ages
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Looking for the best piano keyboard for beginners? Well MusicRadar has you covered with expert advice and useful recommendations from industry professionals

Best digital pianos for beginners 2025: 8 beginner-friendly pianos handpicked by a professional piano and music gear reviewer
By Daryl Robertson last updated
An expert look at the very best beginner digital pianos on the market from the likes of Yamaha, Casio, Korg, and Roland - including full reviews and video demos

Amazon Prime Day is a bust for music makers, but don't worry, the Musician's Friend Rocktober sale is here to save the day with up to 40% off big-name brands
By Daryl Robertson published
Grab yourself a bargain this Fall on everything from the likes of Ernie Ball, Gretsch, Alesis, Casio, and many more
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