James Farmer
James is a freelance writer and former Junior Deals Writer at MusicRadar. Before writing, James worked as a guitar salesman at a local music store, so he knows a thing or two about matching people with their perfect instruments. James also has experience working in other areas of the music trade, having worked for the online music distributor, RouteNote. James is a guitarist, bassist and drummer and has also toured the UK and Europe with his old band Hypophora.
Latest articles by James Farmer
Best Roland TD-1DMK deals December 2024: find the best prices on a beginner-friendly Roland electronic drum set
By James Farmer last updated
We’ve got the top Roland TD-1DMK deals available right now in one place, plus everything you need to know about this affordable all-mesh electronic drum kit
Best Yamaha Pacifica 112V deals December 2024: find the best prices on this killer beginner-friendly electric guitar
By James Farmer last updated
Everything you need to know about the legendary Yamaha Pacifica 112V and where to find the best deals
Best high-end guitar amps: Our pick of the best, for experts and pro players
By James Farmer last updated
Find the best premium guitar amps, heads and combos for rock, metal, blues and beyond
Best cheap bass guitars: Top budget basses for every style of player
By Chris Bird last updated
Take a tour through our pick of the best budget bass guitars for beginner to intermediate players
Best low volume cymbals: Top choices for quieter drum practice
By James Farmer last updated
Keep the neighbours happy with our favourite low volume cymbal sets, plus other low-decibel alternatives
Best compressor pedals: Make your clean tones really stand out
By James Farmer last updated
Our experts pick 10 of the best compressor pedals available for all budgets, including an option for bassists
Best guitar pedals for beginners: 9 great pedals for a versatile pedalboard
By James Farmer last updated
Expand your tone and explore new sounds with this collection of the best beginner effects pedals for guitarists
Best high-end electric guitars: Our guide to the best high-end electrics for experts and pro players
By Jonathan Horsley, James Farmer last updated
Looking for premium electric for rock, metal, blues and beyond? We’ve got the best high-end electric guitars right here
Best semi-hollow guitars: 10 killer semi-acoustics for all styles and abilities
By James Farmer last updated
Want that unmistakable semi-hollow sound? These guitars are the very best at every price point
Best Squier guitars: 10 killer guitars that won’t break the bank
By James Farmer last updated
Want all the style and sound of the big ‘F’ without spending the big bucks? With these Strats, Teles, Jazzmasters and more from Squier, you can do just that
Best chorus pedals: premium digital and analogue chorus effects for guitar
By Alex Lynham last updated
The chorus is back! Find out why with our pick of the best chorus pedals you need to try today
Best budget signature guitars: sound like your guitar heroes for less
By Chris Bird last updated
From a PRS for Mark Tremonti fans to a Slash-approved Epiphone, these are the best cheap signature guitars around
Best beginner bass guitars: 10 epic beginner basses for all
By Chris Corfield last updated
For those just starting out, we’ve picked out the best beginner bass guitars from the likes of Squier, Epiphone, Sterling, Ibanez and more
Save up to a massive 80% on a range of epic software plugins at Thomann until December 14th
By James Farmer last updated
You thought Thomann's Cyber software sale was good? Get big money off 16 plugins from Serato, KV331, Fab Filer and others, and kickstart your new year of music making
Get 50% off 250 plugins and bundles in the Native Instruments Black Friday sale
By James Farmer last updated
Make massive savings on VST’s, effects and more with NI’s annual Cyber Season offers
Alesis Turbo Mesh review
By James Farmer last updated
Alesis brings all-mesh to the masses with this cracking beginner e-kit
Best combo amps 2022: all the tone you’ll ever need in one package
By James Farmer published
Explore our choice of the very best combos on the market from the biggest brands in the business, including a range of the best combo amps under $500/£500
Blackstar Fly 3 review
By James Farmer published
Three surprisingly loud watts of pure practice amp happiness, with a few tricks up its sleeve
Get 50% off Guitar Rig Pro 6 while offer lasts!
By James Farmer published
For only $99.50/£89.50, you can upgrade your guitar recordings with this killer Native Instruments plugin deal
Bag £980 of free plugins when you buy an Apollo Twin or Apollo Solo Heritage Edition interface at Thomann
By James Farmer published
Grab one of the greatest audio interfaces available right now, as well as a killer plugin bundle, and make your tracks sound better than ever
Loopcloud launches its best-ever sale! Save a massive 50% on all annual plans
By James Farmer published
Get access to 4 million sounds for as little as £30 for a full year and take your tracks to new heights
Channel some legendary studio magic with cut-price Waves Abbey Road plugins - now only $29.99 each
By James Farmer published
Get a huge 90% off every single Abbey Road plugin for a limited time, and choose up to three free plugins when you spend $120
TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini review
By James Farmer last updated
TC Electronic delivers premium polyphonic tuning at an affordable price
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