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 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
Best desktop amps 2024: a lightweight and portable practice solution for all guitarists
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Our pick of the finest small-scale amps from Positive Grid, Blackstar, Yamaha, Vox and Orange
Thomann's 70th birthday celebrations just got even bigger with the addition of super deals on PRS, Korg, Taylor, AKG, Bose and more
By Daryl Robertson published
With discounts applied to everything from guitars to amps, studio gear and keyboards there’s something for everyone in Thomann's birthday sale
Fancy a FREE Fender pedal? Well now is your chance with this epic 3 for 2 Hammertone stompbox offer
By Daryl Robertson published
You have your pick of overdrive, distortion, delay and flanger in this insane pedal offer from Fender
Best multi-effects pedals 2024: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
By James Farmer last updated
Our guide to the best multi-effects pedals will help you get your head around amp modelling pedals and multi-FX
Best delay pedals 2024: add dimension to your tone with pedals from Boss, Strymon, Electro-Harmonix and more
By Amit Sharma last updated
Explore the best analogue and digital delay pedals for all budgets
"A high-performance Les Paul that is sure to satisfy even the most contemporary player": Gibson Les Paul Modern Figured review
By Daryl Robertson published
A flashy contemporary take on the classic LP formula – but is it style over substance?
"This contemporary Les Paul may look basic, but it more than delivers on playability and sound": Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite review
By Daryl Robertson published
A proper stripped-back LP with none of the Gibson charm taken away
"This guitar is stunning to look at, a joy to play and has the tone to boot": Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1963 SG Custom review
By Daryl Robertson published
An impeccably styled guitar that might seem pricey for some, is certainly worth the money
Best studio monitors 2024: Studio speakers for musicians and producers on any budget
By Andy Jones last updated
A comprehensive guide to the best studio monitor speakers for home studio recording, whether you’re a beginner or pro producer – including Yamaha, IK Multimedia, Focal and more
The three epic keyboard deals you should consider in Thomann's colossal 70th anniversary sale
By Daryl Robertson published
With sizable discounts on big-name brands such as Akai, Yamaha, Korg and more, Thomann’s 70th anniversary sale is the place to go for keys players
"Not only does this tiny device allow us to beam iconic Boss tones directly into our ears, but the Stage Feel feature delivers an immersive practice experience like no other": Boss Katana:Go review
By Daryl Robertson published
The new Boss headphone amp looks to revolutionise the way you practice at home – but is it worth it?
“When somebody buys my signature Duesenberg in a store, they're buying exactly what I play on stage”: Dave Baksh of Sum 41 interview
By Daryl Robertson published
Dave Baksh lifts the lid on the gear used to record Sum 41’s last-ever album and details the benefits of a digital rig and recording remotely
"With effortless playability and the credentials to absolutely nail those iconic Peter Green, Gary Moore and Kirk Hammett tones": Epiphone Kirk Hammett "Greeny" 1959 Les Paul Standard review
By Daryl Robertson published
The world's most famous Les Paul finally gets the Epiphone treatment – but is it worth it?
Best portable PA systems 2024: 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
Best pianos 2024: Our pick of acoustic and digital options for home, studio and stage
By Dave Clews last updated
Here’s our pick of the best pianos - and the best piano brands - including Yamaha, Casio, Nord, Roland and more…
Best electric guitars 2024: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
By Chris Bird last updated
Find the top electric guitar for your budget and playing style, whether you play rock, metal, blues or beyond
“Holy sh*t, that's good!”: Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett on replacing his amps with the Quad Cortex for his solo tour – plus, the lowdown on the other essentials in his current rig
By Daryl Robertson published
Amp modelling, why the Les Paul is a great country guitar and what fans can expect from his latest Fender signature model
Thomann’s massive 70th birthday celebrations include platinum-quality deals on big-name brands - including Squier, Korg, Yamaha, Akai and more
By Daryl Robertson published
With discounts applied to everything from guitars to amps, studio gear and keyboards there’s something for everyone in Thomann's birthday sale
"The MT-1 Custom is a well-made, highly playable guitar that is ideal for contemporary players seeking a high-performance model on a budget": Soloking MT-1 Custom review
By Daryl Robertson published
This new budget brand is taking on the big guns with high-end specs and flashy looks – but is it enough to be crowned the new king of the affordable guitar space?
Fender's Ultra range gets a wild makeover - exclusive to Guitar Center, the new Tiger's Eye finish looks to be a roaring success
By Daryl Robertson published
Available on the Strat, Tele and P-Bass, this limited edition finish won't be around for long, so you'll want to pounce on it while you can
Best gifts for musicians 2024: 49 affordable present ideas for music-makers (which they'll genuinely love)
By Matt Parker last updated
Shopping for a drummer, guitarist, DJ, producer or content creator? Here’s some gift inspiration for the muso in your life - including last minute ideas
Best gifts for guitar players 2024: Gift ideas for every type of guitarist
By Ed Mitchell last updated
Great gift ideas for guitar players everywhere - from electric guitar strings and capos to acoustic guitars and amps
Best PA speakers 2024: Compact and mobile active sound systems for bands and buskers
By Trevor Curwen last updated
These PA systems and speaker setups are ideal for amplifying vocals and instruments – including Roland, Bose, Yamaha and JBL speakers
A guitarist's guide to getting more out of your band rehearsals
By Daryl Robertson published
We take a deep dive into our band rehearsal best practices and the common mistakes you should be avoiding as a guitar player
Creeper keyboardist and vocalist Hannah Greenwood interview: "I'm the kind of person that, If I can't get it the first time, I get really frustrated, but I'm learning to be more patient"
By Daryl Robertson published
Creeper's Hannah Greenwood gives us the inside scoop on the reality of juggling life in a successful band with a full-time job as well as some solid advice for newbie keyboard players
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