
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

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

"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: 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 2026: 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

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

Who needs Prime Day when you can indulge in Guitar Center's epic Guitar-A-Thon sale? Save up to $900 on Taylor and up to $500 on Gibson models
By Daryl Robertson published
The aptly named Guitar-A-Thon sale is the place to go for an epic six-string related bargain

"There’s something incredibly satisfying about playing through this amp": Laney Lionheart Foundry Super 60 112
By Daryl Robertson published
This Laney might be tube-less, but still manages to deliver the roar we’ve come to expect from its fan-favourite Lionheart combo

Best electric guitars: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Find the top electric guitar for your budget and playing style, whether you play rock, metal, blues or beyond

“That actually came from me and Oz jamming on the piano in my apartment in North Hollywood”: From Ozzy Osbourne to Papa Roach, Fleetwood Mac to George Harrison, here's 5 career-defining songs you didn’t know were written on the piano
By Daryl Robertson published
We take a deep dive into classic guitar-driven songs that actually started life on the piano

Casio is giving you access to a one-year Tomplay Pro online lessons subscription with the purchase of select digital pianos until the end of the year
By Daryl Robertson published
Score over 90,000 pieces of interactive sheet music worth £98 for free when you purchase an AP-S200, AP-300, AP-S450, AP-550, or AP-750

"The SE Studio Standard not only looks amazing, but it also delivers an incredible playing experience that keeps you coming back for more": PRS SE Studio Standard review
By Daryl Robertson published
The SE Studio Standard promises plenty of retro charm and more tones than you'll ever need, but how does it stand up to the competition?

“It’s clear that the influence of the Custom Shop’s attention to detail is now making its way to the Mexican-made instruments”: Fender Limited Edition Vintera II Jazzmaster Road Worn review
By Daryl Robertson published
Fender proves it can do tasteful ageing without the Custom Shop price tag

Best looper pedals 2025: My favourite loop stations for every budget
By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Explore my pick of compact and floorboard loopers from the likes of Boss, TC Electronic, Line 6, and more

"A stellar build complements a gorgeous aesthetic, and thankfully, it has the tones and playability to back it up": PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow
By Daryl Robertson published
PRS throws everything at this new SE model to create the ultimate do-it-all electric guitar

MusicRadar deals of the week: Score a massive $1,000 off Roland V-Drums, up to $320 off a range of Fender guitars, and so much more
By Daryl Robertson published
We've uncovered the very best offers on a range of music-making gear from the likes of Fender, Roland, Yamaha, Beyerdynamic and more

Best clip-on guitar tuners: Top headstock and soundhole tuners to buy right now
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Keep your tuning in check in all scenarios with the best clip-on tuners for guitar, bass and ukulele

Best electric guitars under $1,000/£1,000 in 2025: My top picks for players of all styles
By Matt McCracken last updated
Years of playing and reviewing gear have taught me exactly what to look for - here's how to get a guitar to grow with
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