
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

MusicRadar deals of the week: Enjoy a mind-blowing $600 off a full-fat Gibson Les Paul, £500 off Kirk Hammett's Epiphone Greeny, 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 Gibson, Positive Grid, Fender, and more

Guitar Center’s massive Guitar-A-Thon sale has landed, and it includes $600 off a Gibson Les Paul and a host of exclusive models from Epiphone, Taylor, and more
By Daryl Robertson published
The aptly named Guitar-A-Thon sale is the place to go for an epic six-string related bargain

Best PA speakers 2025: Compact and mobile active sound systems for bands and buskers
By Daryl Robertson last updated
These PA systems and speaker setups are ideal for amplifying vocals and instruments – including Roland, Bose, Yamaha and JBL speakers

Best guitar audio interfaces 2025: Record killer guitar parts at home with our top picks
By Chris Bird last updated
The best audio interfaces for guitar from IK Multimedia, Focusrite, UAD and more

Sleep Token just shared new sheet music. We asked a pro pianist to perform it - here's what it sounds like
By Daryl Robertson published
Is this a tease for the new Sleep Token album? Take a listen for yourself and read our piano expert's breakdown of the music

Presidents' Day is here, and that means epic music gear deals at Guitar Center - save $500 on a stunning Gibson Les Paul, $100 off the ever-popular Casio CDP-S110 and much more
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Grab impressive discounts on quality gear from Fender to Gibson, Casio, Alesis to Martin

Fender launches a slew of patriotic deals this Presidents' Day with hundreds off a wide range of USA-made guitars - including $200 off select American Professional II models and more
By Daryl Robertson published
From Pro II to Player Plus, Ultra Luxe to Performer, there is something for everyone this Presidents' Day over at Fender.com

Best portable PA systems 2025: Lightweight and mobile PA solutions for musicians and events
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Easily transportable sound solutions from the likes of Bose, LD Systems, Roland, Mackie for bands, buskers and more

What are the best online piano lessons in 2025? Apps, websites, and software reviewed by an industry professional
By Dave Clews last updated
Master music theory and play your favourite piano songs over the internet with my pick of the very best piano learning platforms

"While the aesthetic flourishes grab the headlines, this guitar’s mismatched specs are its secret weapon": Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul Standard Goldtop review
By Daryl Robertson published
A Les Paul dressed up like an ES-295, Gibson's latest signature certainly has plenty of visual appeal, but can it deliver on playability and tone?

With the LEGO Strat close to its lowest-ever price, who needs the Fender Custom Shop? Be quick, though, you don't have much time left to grab it and build your own
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Fender and Lego have made the perfect gift for Strat fans: Woodworking tools or skills not required

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

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

"This is a game-changer for us. I mean, that's a pretty essential piece of gear": Andertons just slashed £249 off the Behringer X32 mixer, which has Foo Fighter Chris Shiflett's stamp of approval
By Daryl Robertson published
Chris Shiflet called this digital mixer an essential part of his solo tour - and now you can own one for a whole lot less

Is this the best, the best, the best Black Friday deal for Foo Fighters fans? Save a whopping £230 off the newly released Epiphone DG-335 Dave Grohl signature guitar
By Daryl Robertson published
The highly celebrated Epiphone DG signature just received its first-ever discount - it's times like these I'm pleased I saved up for Black Friday

I review guitars for a living - these are my 4 still-available guitar recommendations in the Andertons Black Friday sale - including £700 off a show-stopping Strat
By Daryl Robertson last updated
UK and EU-based musicians can grab serious savings on guitars, studio gear, PA systems, and loads more great gear

With $120 knocked off the Alesis Recital Grand, you're not going to find a better beginner digital piano deal this Black Friday
By Daryl Robertson published
As part of its massive Black Friday sale, Amazon has knocked $120 off the brilliant beginner-friendly Alesis Recital Grand piano as well as other Alesis pianos

50% off Fender Play this Black Friday could take your playing to the next level
By Daryl Robertson published
Learn to play some of the biggest riffs of all time from bands such as Metallica, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Green Day, and many more this Black Friday

"Warm, round, with a chewy mid-range that simply begs to be fed pentatonic licks, this amp sounds fantastic": Fender Tone Master '59 Bassman amp
By Daryl Robertson published
A Fender classic gets a digital makeover, but how does it compare to the real thing?

Score an impressive $240 off the stunning Forest Green Strat and Tele in Fender's first-ever Player II sale this Black Friday
By Daryl Robertson published
The Player II may still be a newcomer, but that hasn't stopped Fender from slashing the price this Black Friday

Fender's massive Black Friday sale is here! Bag up to 50% off 75 guitars - these are the 8 we'd pick up today
By Daryl Robertson published
There are big savings on everything from the insanely popular Player II to the retro-inspired Vintera II, and a few limited editions for good measure

With a mind-blowing £800 off the Korg Poetry, is this the best piano deal we are likely to see this Black Friday?
By Daryl Robertson published
Andertons are slashing prices left, right and centre - and this might just be the best Black Friday offer for pianists

The selection may not be huge, but these Harley Benton Black Friday deals are well worth your time - save big on guitars, amps, pedals and more
By Daryl Robertson published
Step this way for sizable savings on Thomann's formidable budget guitar gear brand

Thomann’s huge Cyber Week sale has the biggest Black Friday discounts they’ve ever offered - up to 70% off PRS, Casio, Taylor, Alesis, Harley Benton and more
By Daryl Robertson published
Over 800 big-name products are up for grabs between now and the 2nd of December

This Black Friday is easily the best I've seen for piano and keyboard deals - save big on models from Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Casio and more
By Daryl Robertson published
With popular models from piano heavyweights, there are plenty of keyboard and piano deals to get stuck into this Black Friday
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