Articles by: 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. I have a massive passion for anything that makes a sound, in particular guitars, pianos and recording equipment. In a previous life, I worked in music retail, giving advice on all aspects of music creation, selling everything from digital pianos to electric guitars, entire PA systems to ukuleles. I'm also a fully qualified sound engineer with experience working in various venues in Scotland.

Articles by: Daryl Robertson

Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster

Best electric guitars under $500/£500 2022: shake up your rig with a super affordable electric guitar

By Daryl Robertson published 16 April 22

We take a look at our favourite electrics under $500/£500 from Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez, Gretsch, Jackson and more

Best Casio keyboards 2022: Tickle the ivories with these top choices from the Japanese tech giant

Best Casio keyboards 2023: Tickle the ivories with these top choices from the Japanese tech giant

By Dave Clews last updated 20 October 22

Interested in a Casio keyboard but bewildered by the array of choices? Fear not, as we’ve done the hard work for you…

Yamaha P-45 Vs Casio CDP-S110: Which is better for beginners?

By Daryl Robertson published 4 April 22

Two of the most popular beginner-friendly pianos go head to head to see who comes out on top

Thomann just knocked 11% off the Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro headphones - our studio cans of choice

By Daryl Robertson published 22 March 22

Make better mixes, all while saving money with a discounted set of Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro headphones

Bag $/€400 worth of free software as well as 25% off the Arturia MiniLab MkII MIDI controller

Save 25% off the Arturia MiniLab MkII controller and bag $/€400 worth of free software with this mega bundle deal

By Daryl Robertson published 18 March 22

You can overhaul your recording setup with money off one of the most popular MIDI keyboards and a bundle of free software – available from Guitar Center and Thomann

Band on stage with PA speakers and pink lights

Is it better to hire or buy a PA system? We weigh up the pros and cons of purchasing vs renting

By Daryl Robertson published 18 March 22

Are you asking yourself whether you should invest in your very own sound system for live performance? We have the answers

Casio CDP-S110 review

By Daryl Robertson last updated 4 July 22

Casio promised improved sound quality, but how does the new CDP-S110 hold up to its predecessor?

Best DI boxes 2023: a studio and stage staple for acoustic guitar, bass and keyboards

By Daryl Robertson last updated 9 February 23

The DI box is an essential piece of gear and we have high-quality options from Rupert Neve, Tech 21, Fishman, Radial and more

Person sat at a digital piano viewing a lesson on their smartphone

Best online piano lessons 2023: recommended piano lesson apps, websites and software

By Dave Clews last updated 9 March 23

Learn to master music theory and play your favourite piano songs over the internet from the comfort of your home

Best Boss GT-1000 deals May 2023: the best prices for this versatile multi-effects pedal

By Daryl Robertson last updated 20 October 22

Discover more about the flagship Boss multi-effects unit and where to find the best prices

Casio Privia PX-770 on a white background

Best Casio Privia PX-770 deals May 2023: bag a top digital piano deal today

By Daryl Robertson last updated 20 October 22

Plus, everything you need to know about this slimline digital piano, suitable for beginner to intermediate players

Overheard shot of Yamaha NP-12 keyboard on a white background

Best Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 deals May 2023: learn to play today with these compact keyboard bargains

By Daryl Robertson last updated 20 October 22

Explore the latest Piaggero NP-12 keyboard deals, plus everything you need to know about this slimline home keyboard

Best Yamaha P-45 deals May 2023: The place to find the biggest savings on one of the most popular digital pianos

By Daryl Robertson last updated 20 October 22

Everything you need to know about this popular beginner digital piano, as well as the best prices from around the internet

Improve your problematic mixes with 35% off Baby Audio's Smooth Operator at Gear4Music

By Daryl Robertson last updated 13 October 22

For only £29.99, you'll gain instant access to a clearer sounding mix with this fantastic deal from Gear4Music

Close up of hands playing one of the best electronic keyboards

Best electronic keyboards 2023: 9 top keyboard options for every budget

By Dave Clews last updated 20 October 22

We round-up the best electronic keyboards for novices through to pros, with models from Yamaha, Roland and Korg

Save a whopping 50% off Auto-Tune Access with this pitch-perfect offer from Antares

By Daryl Robertson last updated 3 August 22

Get professional-sounding vocals with Auto-Tune Access for only $49, as well as a two-month free trial of Auto-Tune Unlimited

Best piano bench 2022: piano stool options to suit all budgets

Best piano bench 2023: piano stool options to suit all budgets

By Dave Clews last updated 23 March 23

A good piano stool or bench is essential for learning the piano with the proper technique. Here’s a rundown of choices to suit every pianist’s posterior

Positive Grid Riff review

By Daryl Robertson published 2 February 22

£133
€159
$179

Positive Grid is bringing recording to the guitar masses with this affordable audio interface

You don’t have long to bag $500 of recording software completely free, courtesy of Line 6

By Daryl Robertson published 2 February 22

Get Cubase Elements and Helix Native plugin for free when you buy a Helix Floor, Helix LT, Helix Rack or Helix Control

Man sands a guitar's body in his workshop

Best DIY guitar kits 2023: put together your dream guitar with these self-assembly guitar kits

By Daryl Robertson last updated 14 February 23

With kits from Harley Benton, StewMac and Martin, this is our pick of the ultimate guitar building kits for the player in need of a project

Get Native Instruments' Stacks and Burnt Hues bundle for only £66 and add some vintage mojo to your hip-hop production

By Daryl Robertson published 13 January 22

Get inspired by top-quality jazz and soul samples, live bass licks, horns, strings, keys, and much more with the Burnt Hues Expansion and Stacks Play Series instrument

RCF EVOX JMIX8 review

By Daryl Robertson published 10 January 22

£859
€1,049
$1,549

A seriously clever all-in-one line array speaker system that's perfect for small gigs

Should you order a piano online?

By Daryl Robertson published 28 December 21

Allow us to quash any worries you may have about ordering your next piano online - be it an acoustic, digital or stage piano

Christmas just arrived early with 50% off all Waves plugins

By Daryl Robertson published 22 December 21

Polish your mix with half-price plugins and bag up to $30 Waves Cash to splash on even more ways to improve your recordings

Treat your ears to superior audio this Christmas with Tidal HiFi Plus for just £2/$2 for three months

By Daryl Robertson last updated 7 January 22

Bag yourself three months of hi-res music streaming, just in time for Christmas

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