<![CDATA[ Latest from MusicRadar in Prime-day ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/tag/prime-day Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:59:50 +0000 en <![CDATA[ Our highest-rated budget studio headphones just hit their lowest-ever price thanks to a 30% Prime Day discount ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/recording/prime-day-beyerdynamic-headphones-deal T4tGiFBJrY5oRfA9gfBcoR Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:59:50 +0000

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are some supremely even-handed closed-back studio headphones; they were already good for their price, but a 30% discount in the Prime Day sales makes their new $139.99 price even more enticing. In fact, it’s their lowest price ever (verified by the Camelizer price checker).

Reference monitoring is a crucial component for any studio, home or Pro - but not always the most compelling of studio goodies to purchase. This year’s Prime Day music deals, then, are the perfect opportunity to invest in some handsomely-discounted necessaries, as evidenced by this absolute gem of a headphone-monitor discount.

Beyerdynamic’s DT 770 Pro monitor headphones are budget studio wonders, with a plush fit and a frankly impressive 5Hz-35kHz frequency range. They’re wonderfully balanced, sharp as a tack, and give many of their immediate competitors a serious run for their money. The DT 770 Pro are available with three different impedances - 32, 80 and 250 ohms respectively - all of which are available at the same Prime Day 30% discount. It’s an unignorable deal for a set of unignorable studio-staple monitor headphones.View Deal

The Pro X variants of these very headphones were highly-rated enough to top our list of the best budget studio headphones - which should tell you something about the viability of this particular Prime Day deal. The DT 770 Pro are bona fide closed-backs for Professional purposes, combining some supremely impressive specs with keen over-ear comfort. Read our full Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro review to see exactly what we think.

Those specs, incidentally, include a 5Hz-35kHz frequency range, across which the DT 770 Pro’s 45mm drivers deliver impeccable balance. As budget monitor headphones go, these are practically the platonic ideal; there’s a reason you’ll find them, in bulk, in pretty much any professional studio you could think of.

The DT 770 Pro has three different versions, which have different input impedances - namely 32, 80 and 250 ohms. Impedance isn’t the easiest thing for beginners to get their heads around, but the Cliff’s notes is that lower-impedance devices don’t present any issues for smartphones and consumer devices, while higher-impedance devices benefit from the oomph provided by higher-end studio equipment.

All three of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro in this Amazon Prime Day deal enjoy the very same $60 discount, so pick carefully! If you’re after some everyday closed-backs that’ll work with your laptop just as happily as with your audio interface, go with the lower impedance; if sitting on some primo headphone amplifiers though, you’ll want to go higher.

Whichever impedance you go for, you’ll be getting some industry-standard monitor headphones for an incredible price. They’re non-fatiguing, they’re supremely even-handed, and they’ve got enough intrigue in the bass to keep things interesting too. And they’re cheap. Did we mention they’re cheap?

]]> <![CDATA[ I stress-tested the MacBook Neo for music production and failed to topple it - now, with £50 off for Prime Day it’s the only budget laptop I’m recommending to musicians ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/laptops-computers/apple-macbook-neo-prime-day-deal ZXNJPuRoVoBfv3Y2SvXCyK Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:20:33 +0000 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:22:02 +0000

Despite having only been released recently, there’s already an amazing Amazon Prime Day deal on the MacBook Neo. It’s down to just $549 in the Prime Day sale, which is spectacular value considering the performance it offers as a laptop for music production.

I recently gave it a solid four stars out of five in my MacBook Neo review for MusicRadar, and it genuinely surprised me with how ably it performs for music-making tasks, far outstripping what I expected for what is a budget Apple laptop in relative terms.

The base-level MacBook Neo is down to just £549 in the Prime Day sale, which is fantastic value for money. I tested it for MusicRadar, and it blew me away with the performance it offers for the price. It’s way cheaper than a MacBook Air, but it could still handle me mixing a full song with over 90 audio tracks. It feels slick in use, is nice and compact, and if you’re a budding music producer or need something on a budget, I don’t think there’s a better laptop than this at the moment.View Deal

For me, the key takeaway from reviewing the Neo was that Apple machines are so powerful now that they needed to create a lower tier that is affordable for more people. Today’s MacBook Air M5 is as powerful as yesterday’s MacBook Pro, and thus, the MacBook Neo was born. It uses the same chip that’s found in the top-of-the-line iPhone 16, but that doesn’t mean it’s a slow coach.

From the moment I switched it on, I found the performance to be just as slick as that of my MacBook Pro M3, with it responding keenly to installing plugins, my DAW, and dragging over all my audio files from my external hard drive. I began using it with Logic, dragging in a shedload of audio tracks from a session I recently tracked at Spirit Studios with Josh from Squid Audio, and began by organising my tracks and adding in myriad busses to ensure that the session was neatly organised.

I then set about my usual mixing process, using oodles of spectral EQ, multi-band compression, de-noising treatments, and plenty of multi-band saturation to get the mix where I needed it to be. The MacBook Neo didn’t blink once in this entire process. From start to finished product, there was nary a hiccup in the entire process, which I have to admit was a complete surprise. Once I was done, with over 90 tracks and something in the region of 50 plugin instances, I was able to play back the entire track using the onboard audio driver at the lowest buffer setting, without any errors.

Close up of the keyboard on the Apple MacBook Neo laptop

(Image credit: Future)

Now there are a few caveats here. First of all, I was using Logic, which is very well integrated into the Apple ecosystem, so it performs better than something like Pro Tools or Cubase does. Second, I only used stock plugins for the test so it can be recreated across multiple machines, which again are well-honed to ensure they perform at the optimum in Logic. This doesn’t mean it’d be rubbish with another DAW, just that the results you get might not be exactly the same as what I got. Also, if you’re using virtual instruments, then I imagine the track count would be a lot lower, as these are far more CPU-intensive.

I still think that the MacBook Neo is the best budget laptop for music production available right now, and with the extra £50 discount in the Prime Day sale, absolutely worth picking up if you need a machine that performs well without having to spend loads. In my experience, it massively outperforms Windows laptops at the same price, and for the student music producer or budding singer-songwriter, it’s a brilliant laptop to start your music-making journey on.

All the best places to shop at Amazon

]]> <![CDATA[ Amazon Prime Day has over 100 sound treatment deals. I run my own studio – these are the only 5 products that will actually work in your space ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/gear-gadgets/prime-day-acoustic-treatment-deals FLJj8j34HiVmSEiGf2fk34 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:37:17 +0000

Buying stuff for making music is, frankly, second nature to many of us. Even if we’ve technically got enough to get going with, there’s always something new that’ll really make the difference. Unfortunately, it’s never the one thing that’ll actually make a difference: sound treatment.

With the Prime Day music deals here once again, there’s a rich seam of price-reduced sound treatment for studios going cheap, and there’s no more ignoring your studio blind-spot. Of that rich seam, populated unavoidably by useless swathes of acoustic foam, here are five products that’ll actually make a difference. As someone exists almost entirely in a studio and who has done countless hours of research into this topic, I know what I’m talking about.

Fiberglass panels are the platonic ideal for broadband absorption in studio spaces; they’re low-profile, high-absorption where it counts, and extremely easy to set up in any space thanks to their relative lightness. These pre-fabbed, fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels are extremely convenient, and well-sized for treating awkward spots - such as behind your monitors, the first reflections at your listening position, or even the backs of doors. A pair goes for $98.99 usually, but for Prime Day you can get them for just $79.19.View Deal

When you think acoustic treatment, you’re more likely to think of panels, traps and other such tangible things as opposed to glorified moving blankets. But on a bang-per-buck basis, high-mass blankets like these from Vevor are surprisingly high performers. Put them on rails across your walls or to split up your room; they’ll kill high-end reflections and soak up low-end energy, creating the ideal environment for dead drums or controlled vocal recordings. For Prime Day, they’re 15% off - not the most impressive of discounts we’ve seen, but little savings add up, especially if you’re wanting to control a space on the cheap.View Deal

Studio sound treatment isn’t all about absorption. If it was, studios would sound woolly, lifeless, depressing and even actively oppressive. You want sound to spread, but you don’t want it to interact with itself in your space - which is where this BXI diffuser panel comes in. It uses clever maths to scatter incoming audio in a cone shape, sprinkling sound around the room and interrupting destructive comb filtering or room modes in the process. Normally $107.99, these panels are 20% off for Prime Day - and much easier to buy than they are to make from scratch, trust me.View Deal

Sound treatment doesn’t have to look drab to be effective. Tonor’s three-layer wall panels are a highly aesthetic affair, with a wood-veneered front featuring some fetching cutouts - cutouts that also do a little bit on the diffusion front. The three-layer design means more effective capture of a broader range of mid and high frequencies, while the wood front enables a little life to stay in the room. Put these at the back of the room, or along parallel walls in your bedroom for a little more control over some pingier sounds. They’re 25% off, and they were under $100 for four before Prime Day already, so there’s no harm in giving them a go!View Deal

Ok, so the best possible sound treatment for any studio room is, in part, some hefty, deep-enough and judiciously-installed rockwool panels. Now, these thin polyester fiber panels from Umiacoustics aren’t quite going to meet the moment results-wise. However, they are phenomenally efficient mid- and high-frequency absorbers for their size, and cheap per panel, too. They’re ideal when deployed as clouds in low-clearance spaces like basement studios – and, for Prime Day, they’re just $103.19 for 10.View Deal

More Prime Day deals to shop at Amazon and beyond

Today's best non-Amazon sales

🇬🇧 In the UK?

]]> <![CDATA[ 4 Prime Day fan deals to keep your home studio cool and your creativity flowing during the UK heatwave – plus, 3 practical reasons it's a wise investment for any musician ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/gear-gadgets/prime-day-fan-deals-for-your-home-studio 2e7zbVwwm66SKvLVDMuwZc Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:26:32 +0000

Unless you’ve been hiding under a particularly cool rock for the last few days, you’ll know that the UK is in the grip of a brutal heatwave. Now, if the rising mercury has made you think twice about hitting the home studio, the latest Prime Day sales at Amazon have thrown up some solutions that will make your creative space more comfortable throughout the sweltering days and weeks ahead. Of course, I’m talking about the humble fan.

Whether you’re working in a fully treated - and therefore probably stiflingly hot and airless - studio, or you spend your time noodling or mixing away in your bedroom, a little added comfort could mean you can get that track finished before your inspiration literally melts away.

Not all fans are created equal, and there are certainly some types that aren't studio-friendly; for this collection I’m focusing on powerful handhelds, sturdy desk fans and self contained tower and stand fans. I'm not covering air conditioners here as they are too noisy for music-makers.

So far, I’ve found 4 deals on fans to suit a range of budgets, and Prime members will benefit from speedy delivery, too.

This one is a big hit amongst Amazon customers thanks to its low noise level and rapid and consistent cooling capacity. This smart fan comes with 12 fan speeds and four modes that can be controlled with the VeSync app or voice control, making it a super convenient, hands-free addition to any studio. View Deal

Sure it's pricey for a portable, but when you're hopping between your desk and an array of instruments, something you can take with you is a bonus. The coolest (pardon the pun) feature is the Instachill Cryo Plate, which provides speedy temperature reduction when it comes into contact with your skin. This high-speed handheld also includes a misting option, but obviously don't use that around your gear.View Deal

This Dimplex fan carries similar hallmarks to the Shark TurboBlade (but it's way cheaper) and works in a very similar way, providing a horizontal or vertical sheet of air to keep you comfortable, whether you're sitting or standing. Even better, it works great at bedtime, covering you in a 'sheet' of cool air as you sleep.View Deal

Ok, so it's not much of a discount, but it's pretty affordable as it is, and this would make a great under-desk option. The small size means you're not going to be blowing air around the whole room, but for desk-based comfort it's a budget-friendly winner. View Deal

So, why exactly should you consider introducing a fan to your recording setup?

1. Instant relief

A fan sat next to you as you create will provide instant cooling, whilst fans with an oscillating function will also help circulate the air rather than leaving you to sit in your own thick, stagnant, recycled air.

2. Protecting your gear

It’s not all about you. Think about your hardware, too. Your PC or laptop, your audio interface, your tube amp, they all run hot, which not only makes your recording space warmer, but it could also potentially throttle their performance and ruin your session. A decent fan can help keep your gear cool and operational.

3. The noise factor

Air conditioners will do the best job at cooling, but they can be very noisy - a recipe for disaster if you’re recording live instruments in the room. On the flipside, today’s modern desk fans can be whisper quiet, striking the right balance between cooling and letting you record without interference. Fans run at a more consistent frequency too, so they should be pretty easily fixed in the mix if any sound does creep in.

]]> <![CDATA[ Thomann has taken the fight to Amazon with its Prime Day-beating Music Days sale – save up to 60% on big gear brands including Kawai, D'Angelico, Slate Digital, and so much more ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/gear-gadgets/thomann-music-days-2026 CLHG98ihKZ2DmceuEUhZgL Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:23:38 +0000

Well, today marks day one of Amazon Prime Day, and while the internet is buzzing with talk of Prime Day music deals, the most jaw-dropping gear discounts aren’t where you might expect. Instead of scrolling endlessly through Amazon’s offerings of smart devices and toys, we suggest heading straight to Thomann’s Music Days Sale, which runs until July 14th and slashes up to 60% off across a massive range of instruments and studio essentials.

If you’re serious about making music, this is the moment to upgrade your setup. Thomann has long been Europe’s leading retailer for musicians, and their annual Music Days event is legendary for truly deep discounts on everything from beginner guitars to pro audio equipment. Whether you’re a bedroom producer, gigging guitarist, or setting up your first home studio, this is your chance to score professional-quality gear at prices Amazon can’t touch.

Here are a few standout deals from the Thomann Music Days Sale that outshine anything you’ll find in today’s Prime Day music deals:

Thomann Music Days Sale: Up to 60% off
The event runs until July 14th for major savings on big-name brands such as Martin, DW, Slate Digital, ESP, Line 6, and so much more. View Deal

First up is the Kawai ES-120 B Bag Bundle, which has 11% off right now. The ES-120 is a gorgeous cornerstone for aspiring pianists and seasoned players alike. With its authentic weighted keys and renowned Kawai sound, it’s an ideal practice instrument or stage companion. At £529, it's a must-buy for anyone wanting a full-size digital piano on a budget. Listen to our demo video below.

Next is the stunning. D'Angelico Premier Gramercy in striking Black Cherry. This guitar features a Grand Auditorium body shape with a single cutaway, offering both comfort and easy access to upper frets. The top is crafted from solid Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are made from laminated mahogany, accented by 5X white body binding. The satin mahogany neck pairs with an ovangkol fretboard adorned with acrylic block inlays. The ovangkol bridge complements the fretboard, and the guitar is equipped with a D'Angelico pickup featuring a built-in EQ and tuner for versatile amplified performance. All this is just £175!

Next is an axe for those who like things on the metal side, the awesome ESP LTD Phoenix-1000 QM STBS. Featuring a mahogany body topped with stunning quilted maple and a set-in, three-piece mahogany neck for enhanced sustain and stability, this guitar is built for crushing metal tones. The guitar is equipped with a Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Nickel pickup in the neck position and a Seymour Duncan Custom Nickel humbucker in the bridge, and is only £838, with 31% off.

Lastly, upgrade your home studio vocals and instruments with this highly rated large diaphragm condenser. For me, the Slate Digital ML-1A competes with mics twice its price, and now just £259 (that's 45% off), it’s a no-brainer for producers and singer-songwriters looking to capture crisp, detailed recordings.

Shop more Prime Day deals

]]> <![CDATA[ This wireless page-turning pedal is easily the least sexy piece of gear you'll buy all year, but for classical, session, or working musicians who use digital sheet music, it's a no-brainer thanks to a 43% discount for Prime Day ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/gear-gadgets/this-wireless-page-turning-pedal-is-easily-the-least-sexy-piece-of-gear-youll-buy-all-year-but-for-classical-session-or-working-musicians-who-use-digital-sheet-music-its-a-no-brainer-thanks-to-a-43-percent-discount-for-prime-day fgr7brHAoz8CjVrKH8J5Uc Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:49:06 +0000

We’ve all been there: scouring Ultimate Guitar for a tab transcription of a song we want to learn, and spending more time fumbling about with the auto-scroller than actually learning the music. Or maybe you’ve rocked up to a first rehearsal with a new band, sheet music for the whole set loaded up onto your tablet – and lost your place immediately when you reach over to flick onto the next page.

Whether or not you’re a pro session or function guitarist, you’ll have had plenty of experience with sheet music in some form – and plenty of frustration, too. We’re so accustomed to buying peripherals and accoutrements for our instruments, so why not for something as simple, but essential, as turning a digital page? Well, with this year’s Prime Day music deals in full swing, Donner’s heavily discounted wireless Page Turner Pedal, just became an even more affordable addition to your rig.

Donner’s wireless Page Turner Pedal is a Bluetooth controller that gives you hands-free dominion over your digital scores, tabs, lyrics and more. It’s a dual-pedal floor controller, capable of scrolling, page-turning or advancing in a variety of PDF or music-scoring programmes, across PC, Mac, iOS and Android. It’s a lifesaver for smooth rehearsals, and a non-negotiable for seamless function or session gigging - and it’s over 43% off for Amazon Prime Day.View Deal

The Donner Page Turner Pedal is a wireless dual-foot pedal device that wirelessly connects to your phone, tablet or computer via Bluetooth - after which it is capable of taking over scrolling, clicking and other forms of digital navigation - leaving your hands free for actually just playing the guitar or piano. The controller device features big comfortable foot controls for easy, foolproof usage.

The Page Turner works with pretty much every Bluetooth-receiving computational device: Mac, PC, Android or iOS. It has five different modes, which give the pedals a different pair of control commands: page up/down, left/right, up/down, left click/right click, and space/enter. All bases are covered, be they scrolling, scanning, turning, or generally advancing through a score or tab.

It’s not the most glamorous of musical accessories, but it is one of the more straightforwardly convenient things you could buy for yourself, whether you’re a pro that relies on PDF scores for a living, or an at-home learner that wants to sight-read a solo without stopping every few phrases.

Being unglamorous, buying one was never going to be actively on your list, let alone near the top of it. Prime Day, though, is an excellent motivator and the ideal time to grab savings on music gear that you never knew you needed, but will find invaluable.

Shop more Prime Day dea

]]> <![CDATA[ Amazon's surprisingly good piano, keyboard, and synth Spring sale includes a massive $300 off the 4-star Yamaha YDP165 and $200 off the Akai Pro MPC Key 37 ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/keyboards-pianos/score-big-savings-on-highly-rated-pianos-amazon-big-spring-sale ZEXJU3WGzaU2G7SVwREM8Z Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:37:14 +0000

Well, it's officially spring, and Amazon is celebrating with its Big Spring Sale. Over the next few days, we'll see prices slashed on everything from smart devices and TVs to toys, and, of course, musical instruments. Now, in previous years, I've felt let down by the offerings for piano players, but that certainly isn't the case for 2026.

I've searched through the full sale and uncovered enticing discounts on everything from digital pianos to synths, beginner keyboards, MIDI controllers, and more.

Prices range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, so there are potentially massive savings to be had.

Shop the full Amazon Big Spring Sale

Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Save up to 40%
Amazon's spring sale is now live, and as usual, expect to find decent bargains on accessories like strings, picks, capos, and all the essentials a guitarist needs.View Deal

Reading from the UK or EU?

Thomann Spring Sale: Up to 60% off
With massive discounts on guitars, drums, studio gear, keyboards, and loads more, the Thomann Spring Sale is the place to bag yourself a deal on something that will inspire your music-making throughout the rest of the year. With discounts on brands like Gibson, Fender, Universal Audio, Zoom, Soma, and many more, it’s easily one of the biggest and best sales of the year so far.View Deal

Now, before I worked at MusicRadar, writing about music gear for a living, I used to sell pianos and keyboards in a busy music store. So, I’ve used my background in music retail to come up with my pick of the very best piano deals from across these mammoth sales.

Below, you’ll find my expert choices from various price categories and styles. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first keyboard or an experienced player seeking a much-needed upgrade, you’ll find it here.

You'll want to hurry, though, as some of these offers are ending today, so don't delay if you spot something you like!

The Akai Pro MPC Key 37 is a standalone synth and sampling keyboard that promises to blend portability with power and is a firm favourite here at MusicRadar. You can save a cool $200 off right now at Amazon. View Deal

The YDP-165 is a powerhouse in the sub-£1000 category, offering Yamaha’s renowned craftsmanship at a reasonable price. It delivers an immersive playing experience with excellent learning tools. Like its predecessor, it should be a top choice for anyone seeking a timeless home digital piano.View Deal

The Yamaha PSR EW320 Portable Keyboard is perfect for beginner musicians and intermediate players looking to expand their skills. The PSR EW320 boasts an impressive array of 650 instrument voices that bring the sounds of real instruments into your practice room or performance space.View Deal

With a fully weighted 88-key keyboard, 238 tones, and 128 polyphony, the Donner DEP-20 is a pretty great value beginner digital piano - and it's even better with $90 off at Amazon. View Deal

The DDP-80 is unlike anything else on the market, which is both its strength and its weakness. If you’re won over by the design, it’s worth considering, but there are more flexible options out there, even at this low price.View Deal

The Yamaha YPT-W320 is a 76-key, touch-sensitive portable keyboard designed for beginners and intermediate players, featuring 650 high-quality voices, 260 accompaniment styles, and 48-note polyphony.View Deal

Should you buy a piano or keyboard in the Amazon sale?

Casio AP-S200 digital piano review

(Image credit: Future/Quentin Lachapèle)

Okay, so the Big Spring Sale isn't the biggest sales event of the year, but it still sees hearty discounts on everything from consumer tech, such as phones and laptops, to fashion, home furnishings and, more importantly, musical instruments!

I have been covering this sales event for several years, so I have a fair idea of what to expect, and I can say with confidence that you should most definitely be thinking about making your piano purchase around this time. If you can't wait until Black Friday, near the end of year, then now is probably the best time to grab a bargain.

Should you order a piano online?

Quentin testing a Yamaha piano

(Image credit: Future)

While I fully understand the hesitation about ordering a piano online, the reality is, it couldn’t be easier to get your dream instrument delivered directly to your door. In our guide to ordering a piano online, I talk you through what to expect when you buy an instrument on a website, things to look out for, and give you helpful tips on finding the best piano for you.

Of course, it's good practice to go to a store and get hands-on experience with a product, but I'm fully aware that sometimes it just isn’t possible. You may not have a local dealer that stocks the piano you are looking for, you may not be mobile enough to get out and about, or you may feel intimidated walking into a bustling music store.

Just remember to discuss the delivery options with the store you are ordering from and make sure you've made space for your new piano well in advance of its arrival. Also, the piano is going to arrive disassembled, so be prepared to build it.

]]> <![CDATA[ MusicRadar deals of the week: Save a colossal $500 off one of my favourite Sterling by Music Man guitars, grab $200 off a super cool D'Angelico, plus all the week's biggest sales on music gear ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/gear-gadgets/musicradar-deals-of-the-week-save-a-colossal-usd500-off-one-of-my-favourite-sterling-by-music-man-guitars-grab-usd200-off-a-super-cool-dangelico-plus-all-the-weeks-biggest-sales-on-music-gear FaTmugmmXDbqUfGeum6Mth Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:45:05 +0000

Welcome to MusicRadar's deals of the week! Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of fantastic offers on top-rated musical gear from across the internet. We curate a fresh batch of jaw-dropping discounts every week, so be sure to swing by regularly to catch the latest steals.

Well, it’s time for another round of MusicRadar’s deals of the week, and blimey, have the retailers been busy this week! Whether you’re after a shiny new axe, some studio gadgets, or just fancy treating yourself to that pedal you’ve been eyeing up, there’s something tasty cooking at all the big players.

Guitar Center is still going hard with their winter clearance sale, slashing prices across guitars, amps, and effects. With up to 30% off, we’re talking proper savings on Fender Player Series Strats, the ever-popular PRS SE models, and some cracking deals on practice amps that won’t wake the neighbours. If you’ve been holding off on upgrading your rig, now’s the time to pounce - but be warned, the sale does end on Wednesday, the 11th of February.

Over at Sweetwater, they’re doing what they do best – massive discounts with that legendary customer service thrown in for good measure. Their “You Deserve a New Guitar” sale offers genuinely eye-watering price drops on models from Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Martin, Taylor, and so much more.

Meanwhile, across the pond, Thomann’s serving up their usual treasure trove of bargains for our European mates. They don't have a specific sale as such, but the Harley Benton range offers ridiculous value alongside the big-name brands, so it’s worth starting there if you’re on the hunt for an affordable new six-string.

Editor's picks

This op-amp overdrive is an absolute steal at this price. Warm Audio’s known for making pro-level gear accessible, and the ODD delivers that smooth, musical drive that so many of us guitarists love, all without breaking the bank. I actually have this pedal on my board and use it as a solo boost. View Deal

A cracking digital piano that’s perfect for learners and gigging players alike. You’re getting 600 voices, auto-accompaniment features, and Yamaha’s legendary piano sound for a hundred quid less. It’s basically a one-stop music production station in a sleek, easy-to-play package.View Deal

Five hundred dollars off a Sterling? That’s mental! You’re getting Music Man quality and playability at a price that shouldn’t exist. The Sabre’s versatile pickups and buttery-smooth neck make it a proper workhorse for any genView Deal

This Sweetwater exclusive in Satin Desert Gold looks absolutely gorgeous, and it sounds even better. Semi-hollows are incredibly versatile, and D’Angelico’s build quality at this price point is frankly ridiculous. A proper steal for blues, jazz, or indie players.View Deal

32% off studio monitors with proper low-end response? Yes please! The 8-inch woofer gives you honest bass translation, and at this price, they’re perfect for bedroom producers wanting to level up their monitoring game.View Deal

Looking for more bargains? Check out more recommended sales below:

How we choose our deals of the week

Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear-related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our deals.

Our mission is simple - to help you make the best buying decision, find the right gear at the right price, to make the best music you can.

For us to recommend a deal it has to be a product we rate that’s been reduced to a genuinely great price or part of a truly fantastic bundle. It’s also important that we only recommend retailers that we trust.

You can see more of our product recommendations in our buyer's guides and reviews.

Why you can trust our choices

Our editors and writers are all experienced musicians and experts in their fields. They have a deep understanding of the categories that they cover, which means that you can trust their choices when it comes to recommending products.

We pride ourselves on the independence, quality and reliability of our testing processes and the reviews it produces. It’s what has made us the world’s leading music-making publishing company. You can find more details on how we test some specific key product categories, but the principles apply across the board, rigorously assessing build quality, functionality, playability and, of course, sonic performance.

We cover a lot of the big sales events throughout the year, including Memorial Day, Black Friday, 4th of July sales and Amazon Prime Day, and we have a good view of which products are likely to receive the biggest discounts and when, the prices they’ve been in the past and which deals are genuinely worth a look.

Where are the best places to shop?

Online shopping is definitely a lot easier and more secure than it used to be, and we like to recommend a small handful of online retailers who have a sterling reputation and offer fantastic benefits like fuss-free returns, great customer service and, in some cases, full checks and setup of guitars before they are dispatched. So, all the deals we’ll recommend on this page are from retailers that tick these boxes.

What sort of deals should I look for?

Great deals come in all shapes and sizes. There are a few key types to look out for:

  • Single item - A single product with a great discount
  • Site-wide discounts - A single discount percentage on a large range of products across a site
  • Discount codes - Load your basket to a certain value and redeem a discount code for money off your basket contents
  • Added value deals - These include multi-buy discounts, or additional products or software for free when you buy certain items
]]> <![CDATA[ MusicRadar deals of the week: Score $600 off one of our favourite Casio pianos, $200 off top-tier Sennheiser studio headphones, and so much more ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/gear-gadgets/musicradar-deals-of-the-week-score-usd600-off-one-of-our-favourite-casio-pianos-usd200-off-top-tier-sennheiser-studio-headphones-and-so-much-more mGVixEpqgMGDcyE97FghAa Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:36:06 +0000

Welcome to MusicRadar's deals of the week! Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of fantastic offers on top-rated musical gear from across the internet. We curate a fresh batch of jaw-dropping discounts every week, so be sure to swing by regularly to catch the latest steals.

Guitar Center is kicking things off with up to 30% off in the "stay inspired" sale – and yes, that includes guitars, keyboards, interfaces, and so much more. Whether you’re after a new six-string, looking to upgrade your studio, or finally nab that PA speaker you need to sound better live, there’s bound to be something worth checking out.

Over at Sweetwater, the January clearance sale continues, offering discounts of up to 50% on a wide range of gear. It’s the perfect opportunity to snag some quality kit without completely decimating your bank account - but be quick, as it is ending soon.

Making our way over to Musician’s Friend reveals a generous up to 40% off in the Winter Sale. This massive sale has everything from up to $799 off electric guitars to up to $1,000 off keyboards and so much more.

Editor's picks

Looking for your first Les Paul? Well, this is the model I'd start with. I'm a big fan of the Les Paul Standard '60s Quilt Top. From its ProBucker pickups to the SlimTaper D-shape profile neck, this guitar feels, looks, and sounds exactly how a good LP should. Save $150 at Musician's Friend. View Deal

This is currently the biggest Player II Tele deal online, featuring a huge $190 off and a Guitar Center-exclusive British Racing Green finish. The Player II spec sets a standard for value in the Fender catalogue, but at this price, it's a true bargain. View Deal

For us, this slim console digital piano packs an impressive set of features into its compact, elegant cabinet design, all without breaking the bank, too. Better yet, you can save an impressive $600 off at Musician's Friend.View Deal

With a massive $200 reduction, these Sennheiser HD 600 studio headphones are the perfect addition to a studio where you already have a good pair of speakers. I like to use headphones to check the finer details of my mix like the stereo imaging and low end, balancing that with the overall picture through my studio monitors to really fine-tune the overall mix. These Sennheisers are super comfortable and deliver incredible detail, making them a very powerful addition to your workflow.View Deal

Looking for more bargains? Check out more recommended sales below:

How we choose our deals of the week

Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear-related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our deals.

Our mission is simple - to help you make the best buying decision, find the right gear at the right price, to make the best music you can.

For us to recommend a deal it has to be a product we rate that’s been reduced to a genuinely great price or part of a truly fantastic bundle. It’s also important that we only recommend retailers that we trust.

You can see more of our product recommendations in our buyer's guides and reviews.

Why you can trust our choices

Our editors and writers are all experienced musicians and experts in their fields. They have a deep understanding of the categories that they cover, which means that you can trust their choices when it comes to recommending products.

We pride ourselves on the independence, quality and reliability of our testing processes and the reviews it produces. It’s what has made us the world’s leading music-making publishing company. You can find more details on how we test some specific key product categories, but the principles apply across the board, rigorously assessing build quality, functionality, playability and, of course, sonic performance.

We cover a lot of the big sales events throughout the year, including Memorial Day, Black Friday, 4th of July sales and Amazon Prime Day, and we have a good view of which products are likely to receive the biggest discounts and when, the prices they’ve been in the past and which deals are genuinely worth a look.

Where are the best places to shop?

Online shopping is definitely a lot easier and more secure than it used to be, and we like to recommend a small handful of online retailers who have a sterling reputation and offer fantastic benefits like fuss-free returns, great customer service and, in some cases, full checks and setup of guitars before they are dispatched. So, all the deals we’ll recommend on this page are from retailers that tick these boxes.

What sort of deals should I look for?

Great deals come in all shapes and sizes. There are a few key types to look out for:

  • Single item - A single product with a great discount
  • Site-wide discounts - A single discount percentage on a large range of products across a site
  • Discount codes - Load your basket to a certain value and redeem a discount code for money off your basket contents
  • Added value deals - These include multi-buy discounts, or additional products or software for free when you buy certain items
]]> <![CDATA[ MusicRadar deals of the week: Score big savings on music gear ahead of Christmas from the likes of UAD, Casio, Waves, PRS and more ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/gear-gadgets/musicradar-deals-of-the-week-score-big-savings-on-music-gear-ahead-of-christmas-from-the-likes-of-uad-casio-waves-prs-and-more PEYz3M8WQD8vYJwNraBnmE Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:57:52 +0000

Welcome to MusicRadar's deals of the week! Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of fantastic offers on top-rated musical gear from across the internet. We curate a fresh batch of jaw-dropping discounts every week, so be sure to swing by regularly to catch the latest steals.

Okay, let’s be honest, musicians can be pretty hard to shop for. Most of us have had to fake a smile after getting another guitar-shaped mug or a novelty music-themed t-shirt we’ll never wear. Don’t worry, though, I’m here to help with a selection of last-minute gift ideas, and even a few sales that are still live so you can save a little money, too.

Now, with Christmas being right around the corner, I thought I’d highlight a few gift ideas that require absolutely no delivery time. These are digital plugin downloads, lesson subscriptions, and more, so you don’t need to stress about them arriving in time for the big day. Of course, I've included a few instruments and pieces of music tech for those who aren't worried about delivery times.

If you’re looking to score some savings ahead of Christmas and the new year, then you’re in luck, as there are a number of sales running right now. Over at Sweetwater, you can score a generous up to 60% off a wide range of gear, while Guitar Center is offering up to 30% off big-name brands.

Below, you’ll find some pretty tasty deals on gifts that musicians, producers and home recording fanatics will actually like to receive - I know I'd be happy to see any of these in my inbox this Christmas.

Editor's picks

UAD Mixtape: 10 plugins for $99
This bundle deal lets you pick ten of your most wanted Universal Audio plugins, all for the low price of just $99. It includes some amazing plugins like the Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, API Vision Channel Strip, SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor, Manley Massive Passive EQ, and loads more, so if you need to stock up, this is the place to do it.View Deal

For a lot of working producers, Melodyne will be amongst their most used plugins. Pretty much every vocal nowadays is tuned, to the point that most big live shows you go to will have some form of tuning on the vocal. I use Melodyne all the time, and I love its straightforward workflow that enables me to speedily tune vocal takes and get to the important stuff more quickly. With a massive $74 off at Plugin Boutique, this is one Black Friday plugin buy I guarantee will improve the quality of your music.View Deal

One of the all-time classic compressor plugins, Waves CLA-76 is many producers' go-to for drum busses. It can add a specific character that will make your drums sound like they're being hit harder, without drastically increasing your peak levels. It's not just viable on drums, though; it really is a Swiss-army style comp that can do the job on guitars, vocals, pianos, and pretty much anything else, so well worth picking up at this bargain price point.View Deal

It’s impossible not to recommend Drumeo if you’re seeking the biggest range of lessons that are constantly updated, as well as an ever-growing list of song transcriptions. You’ll need to remain focussed as there’s so much stuff - it’s easy to get lesson FOMO and try to watch everything you can - but it really is a one-stop shop of drum education.

OFFER MusicRadar readers can get a full month of Drumeo for free (rather the usual 7-day trial). Your trial will also grant you access to Drumeo's sister platforms including Pianote, Guitareo and SingeoView Deal

The Positive Grid Spark Mini has been my favorite practice amp for a long time now, thanks to its blend of fantastic tones, excellent volume, yet surprisingly small form factor. With a $50 reduction at Sweetwater, taking it just south of $200, it's awesome value for money, and in my opinion, the perfect practice amp.View Deal

Whisper it quietly, but this could be a better 'couch keyboard' than a Reface for a lot of people. Not only do you get 42 voices, but there are also arpeggios, rhythms a phrase recorder and motion effects, and all in a compact battery-powerable package that you can play anywhere. And all at a price that's hard to believe.View Deal

IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors are probably the best small project studio monitors that we have ever tested here at MusicRadar... and that was when they were full price! Imagine our glee now that they're $120 off at Sweetwater this Cyber Weekend. This deal is a no-brainer.View Deal

This piano may look sleek and modern, but it’s not all style over substance, as this piano more than delivers on playability. Casio’s Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard feels incredibly responsive and offers a very satisfying playing experience, while the Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source delivers a massive range of tones. Save a massive $500 at Sweetwater. View Deal

If you love to shred, this one’s for you. With $216 off at Sweetwater, the SE Custom 24 Floyd lets you dive-bomb and chug to your heart’s content, all while showing off its stunning Charcoal Cherry Burst finish. It’s a powerful, stage-ready guitar that proves serious performance doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.View Deal

Looking for more bargains? Check out more recommended sales below:

How we choose our deals of the week

Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear-related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our deals.

Our mission is simple - to help you make the best buying decision, find the right gear at the right price, to make the best music you can.

For us to recommend a deal it has to be a product we rate that’s been reduced to a genuinely great price or part of a truly fantastic bundle. It’s also important that we only recommend retailers that we trust.

You can see more of our product recommendations in our buyer's guides and reviews.

Why you can trust our choices

Our editors and writers are all experienced musicians and experts in their fields. They have a deep understanding of the categories that they cover, which means that you can trust their choices when it comes to recommending products.

We pride ourselves on the independence, quality and reliability of our testing processes and the reviews it produces. It’s what has made us the world’s leading music-making publishing company. You can find more details on how we test some specific key product categories, but the principles apply across the board, rigorously assessing build quality, functionality, playability and, of course, sonic performance.

We cover a lot of the big sales events throughout the year, including Memorial Day, Black Friday, 4th of July sales and Amazon Prime Day, and we have a good view of which products are likely to receive the biggest discounts and when, the prices they’ve been in the past and which deals are genuinely worth a look.

Where are the best places to shop?

Online shopping is definitely a lot easier and more secure than it used to be, and we like to recommend a small handful of online retailers who have a sterling reputation and offer fantastic benefits like fuss-free returns, great customer service and, in some cases, full checks and setup of guitars before they are dispatched. So, all the deals we’ll recommend on this page are from retailers that tick these boxes.

What sort of deals should I look for?

Great deals come in all shapes and sizes. There are a few key types to look out for:

  • Single item - A single product with a great discount
  • Site-wide discounts - A single discount percentage on a large range of products across a site
  • Discount codes - Load your basket to a certain value and redeem a discount code for money off your basket contents
  • Added value deals - These include multi-buy discounts, or additional products or software for free when you buy certain items
]]> <![CDATA[ The Prime Day music deals might be over but these 40 super savings are still around - including a ridiculously cheap MacBook Air perfect for production ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/the-prime-day-music-deals-might-be-over-but-these-40-super-savings-are-still-around-including-a-ridiculously-cheap-macbook-air-perfect-for-production Fem5xBBiozS2p7BadBQNND Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:48:11 +0000

We were treated to two days' worth of savings this year for the Prime Day music deals, and while some might be glad it's over, if you missed out on scoring a deal, you might well be cursing yourself. There were some spectacular savingsthis year, and unfortunately, a lot of them have now finished.

Don't worry too much though, because I've got a huge selection of deals leftover from Prime Day that you can still get your hands on right now. I'm not sure how much longer they're going to be around for though, so if you see something you like, I'd advise swooping in on it ASAP.

If you're looking for a sale to take advantage of in the wake of Prime Day, you can get some cool savings of up to 50% off recording gear over at Sweetwater, great for kitting out a rehearsal space or home studio.

For guitarists, it's well worth checking out the Rocktober sale over at Musician's Friend, which has some massive savings of up to 40% off. It's the best place to shop for a new guitar or guitar pedal as far as I can see.

Below, you'll find all the deals still left over from Prime Day, with some super savings on all kinds of musical instruments and accessories. If you're looking ahead, then the next big sale will be the Black Friday music deals, which we anticipate will start landing in early November.

My top picks

The MacBook Air M1 is a truly amazing bit of kit. The first of the next-gen Apple Silicon chips it’s a brilliant laptop for music making on a budget, and I’m honestly surprised you can still pick them up new. For just $599, the M1 chip will more than hold up to the demands of the home producer, letting you run a DAW, soft synths, and plenty of effects without any noticeable stutter or lag. Having owned one before I upgraded to a MacBook Pro, I can assure you that for the majority of music makers, an M1 will do just fine.View Deal

The Gibson Les Paul needs little introduction, and this Standard '60s version is an awesome example of one of the all-time classic electric guitars. It's got a gigantic $600 reduction at Sweetwater at the moment, making it one of the biggest discounts around.View Deal

If you’ve got a bit more to spend but still value portability, this MacBook Air M4 is just north of $1k over at Amazon. It’s got oodles of power with 16GB of unified memory that will give you plenty of power for running concurrent reverb plugins, yet it’s small and lightweight enough to carry around anywhere in a backpack. One thing to note with a MacBook Air is the lack of ports, with just two Thunderbolt 4 ports on this one. This means you might want to take that money saved and invest in a good USB hub.View Deal

With Casio's multi-dimensional AiR processing, 88 scaled hammer action keys, 26 additional tones and a very accessible playing action, this is a superb option for beginners and intermediates, and with $200 off, you really can't go wrong.View Deal

Laptop deals

The MacBook Air M1 is a truly amazing bit of kit. The first of the next-gen Apple Silicon chips it’s a brilliant laptop for music making on a budget, and I’m honestly surprised you can still pick them up new. For just $599, the M1 chip will more than hold up to the demands of the home producer, letting you run a DAW, soft synths, and plenty of effects without any noticeable stutter or lag. Having owned one before I upgraded to a MacBook Pro, I can assure you that for the majority of music makers, an M1 will do just fine.View Deal

If you’ve got a bit more to spend but still value portability, this MacBook Air M4 is just north of $1k over at Amazon. It’s got oodles of power with 16GB of unified memory that will give you plenty of power for running concurrent reverb plugins, yet it’s small and lightweight enough to carry around anywhere in a backpack. One thing to note with a MacBook Air is the lack of ports, with just two Thunderbolt 4 ports on this one. This means you might want to take that money saved and invest in a good USB hub.View Deal

For those who love MacOS and want optimal power for more complex projects and scoring, you’ll want to look at the MacBook Pro M4. Apple’s latest chip is packing some serious heft, and it’ll put up with the most rigorous strain from projects with hundreds of tracks in its stride. I have the MacBook Pro M3, and so far, I’ve yet to find anything beyond its capabilities, despite running some huge sessions recorded on a 48-channel desk.View Deal

Guitar deals

The Gibson Les Paul needs little introduction, and this Standard '60s version is an awesome example of one of the all-time classic electric guitars. It's got a gigantic $600 reduction at Sweetwater at the moment, making it one of the biggest discounts around.View Deal

Loaded with a trio of Narrowfield DD S pickups, this very well may be the most versatile PRS guitar to date - and better yet, you can save $200 at Guitar Center. View Deal

The stunning Gretsch G2420T Streamliner is big, bold and full of vibe. From the amazing build quality and stylish aesthetic, to the warm tones on offer from both the on-board BroadTron pickups, this guitar oozes class. If this ticks all your boxes, now is the perfect time to pick one up.View Deal

Are you looking for a contemporary Fender Strat? Well, look no further than the Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Plus. This ultra-modern guitar is capable of producing searing lead tones as well as the crisp, clean tones you’d expect from a Strat. Right now, you can get a whopping $200 off! View Deal

Looking for a stunning guitar that sounds just as good as it looks? Check out the ESP LTD KH-WZ, inspired by Kirk Hammett’s iconic White Zombie guitar! It features killer artwork from the classic horror film and comes equipped with signature EMG Bone Breaker pickups. The lightning-fast 24-fret neck, stunning graphics, and Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo make it a must-have for any metal fan. Plus, it comes with a custom graphic case that's just as cool!View Deal

This travel guitar seriously surprised us with it's tone. In our review Chris said, “the sound is so good that I’m starting to question whether the expensive exotic tone woods that so many guitarists lust over really make much of a difference.” High praise indeed for a budget-friendly travel axe. Save 20% at Amazon.

This is a cracking deal on the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline, giving you a lot of guitar for under $360. Two wide-range humbuckers deliver some serious versatility, while the light body weight makes it a comfortable guitar for gigging. The vintage appointments add some serious cool factor, and it’s a stunning-looking instrument more than likely to turn a few heads at your next show.View Deal

Guitar pedal deals

I've seen some cracking deals on EHX pedals over the course of Prime Day, and this one is no different. With a massive $121.95 off, you're paying relatively little for a top-quality overdrive pedal. It acts as a 2-channel pedal which gives you the possibility of both classic and modern overdrive tones, and a cab-sim output makes it more flexible than your average overdrive pedal.View Deal

Looper pedals are a great way to both enhance your practice regimen and your live shows. The Ditto+ takes everything great about the original Ditto and adds the ability to save your loops to the pedal. This means you can build a locker of sounds that you can bring into your playing, or just use it to save those moments of inspiration at the tap of a foot.View Deal

The EHX Soul POG is criminally underrated in my opinion. I've had one on my 'board for years now, sitting near the front of my chain to give me a tone boost through the Soul Food and, of course, that delicious octave guitar tone courtesy of the POG. It's super flexible as you can swap the order of the pedals, or use the send and return jacks to insert effects in between the two. With a ginormous $194.90 discount, it's cheaper than just buying a Nano POG by itself, so you're essentially getting the Soul Food for free. Bargain!View Deal

Line 6 created the HX multi-effects unit for those who want a neat, clean and cost-effective effects processor. With $100 off in the Sweetwater sale, you can use the HX to replace your ‘board entirely or simply use it as a complementary option for an existing setup. Although not as stacked as its bigger siblings, there are still over 200 effects, a built-in looper and full MIDI capability for your troubles. I have always loved the compact yet rugged build of the HX and using the momentary switch options for modulation effects is great fun.

Read our full Line 6 HX Effects reviewView Deal

Everyone needs a Tube Screamer-clone on their ‘board, and even at full price this Joyo Overdrive pedal is excellent value for money. Down to just $50.99 with a 15% reduction in the early Prime Day sale at Amazon, if you’re looking to fill a gap on your pedalboard or just get started building your first one, it’s a great option. Two sections give you a boost and an overdrive function, making it nice and versatile in use and essentially making it two pedals in one bright green enclosure. View Deal

Who says pedals need to cost a fortune? Certainly not Amazon. This Kmise Vintage Overdrive is only $18.99! We're guessing by its color and control layout that this is some sort of Tube Screamer-style circuit, but to be honest, we aren't completely sure. That said, for under $20, it is definitely worth purchasing just to find out. View Deal

Recording deals

With a massive $200 reduction, these Sennheiser HD 600 studio headphones are the perfect addition to a studio where you already have a good pair of speakers. I like to use headphones to check the finer details of my mix like the stereo imaging and low end, balancing that with the overall picture through my studio monitors to really fine-tune the overall mix. These Sennheisers are super comfortable and deliver incredible detail, making them a very powerful addition to your workflow.View Deal

I’m a big fan of Lewitt microphones and this LCT 240 Pro condenser microphone is really great value for money at well below the $200 mark thanks to a $30 discount. As well as delivering superb detail and clarity to recordings, it also includes a shock mount and specifically designed pop filter for the microphone to keep your plosives in check. It also comes with windshield should you need to use it in noisy environments, and a carry case to keep it in good condition.View Deal

Yep, you read that right, $8k for a monitor controller. It’s absolutely ridiculous but I implore you to go take a look at this crazy bit of gear, which has got one of the biggest discounts I’ve seen this year with $3,500 off. Based on the monitor section of the flagship Neve 5088 large-format console, the Class A analogue signal paths of this hardware ensure world-class sound and monitor control. It’s got talkback control and a dedicated headphone amplifier, making it a great all-rounder for pro or home studios that want the best of the best.View Deal

The Scarlett 4th Gen audio interfaces are amongst my favourite ever made, and the 4i4 for me is the perfect balance of inputs versus price point when it comes to home studio work. 4 inputs is the sweet spot for allowing you to multi-mic sources, whilst being housed in a unit small enough to fit on a home studio desk. It’s got loads of additional functionality that can really streamline your workflow too, like the auto-gain and clip-safe functions, as well as the ability to add extra harmonic content via the air button. It’s currently $50 off in the sale, making it absurd value for money.View Deal

With a $60 discount on a single Adam Audio A4V studio monitor, if you buy a pair you’re getting $160 off, which is a hefty chunk of change. These 4-inch monitors are perfect for smaller home studio setups where too much volume will be difficult to handle, giving you superb clarity in smaller spaces. The ribbon tweeter delivers delicious definition to your mixes while the onboard DSP allows you to fine-tune the monitors' response to your particular space.View Deal

Using outboard gear can really take your mixes to the next level, offering a tone you can only get with actual transformers and capacitors. This Golden Age Prokect Pre-74 MKIII budget mic preamp is based on the classic Neve 73, giving you timeless sound from the comfort of your home studio. It’s got a cool $100 off at Sweetwater which takes it below $300, making it one of the best value for money preamps I’ve seen so far this year. Add in the fact it only takes up half a rack space and you’ve got a versatile bit of outboard gear for relatively little cash.View Deal

Accessory deals

This is a brilliant time to stock up on electric guitar strings, thanks to a whopping 50% off these Fender Original 150s during the Prime Day sale. Pure nickel was the flavor of choice during Fender’s golden age, so if you want an instant vintage tone without spending hundreds, the original 150s are a great starting point. Expect a warmer, smoother feel compared to roundwound, alloy-based strings. The sale includes both .009-.042 and .010-.046 sets, so it will cover both your Telecaster and Les Paul.

Full price: pay $2.17 per string
Sale price: pay $1.08 per stringView Deal

D’Addario is acoustic guitar string royalty. Although Ernie Ball is on top in the electric world, it’s D’Addario that I see people flock to when they ask me for strings during my music retail job. The 80/20 strings are slightly brighter and snappier than the phosphor bronze alternatives, so if you like things bright, you will love the EJ11s. You can pick up a single set for a 36% discount during Prime Day sales, or if you want to seriously stock up, the 3-pack has a lovely 33% discount.

Full price: pay $1.78 per string
Sale price: pay $1.15 per stringView Deal

Keeping your gear clean not only makes it look better but also helps it last longer. Every time you change your strings you should use the opportunity to clean your guitar, and these microfiber cloths work well on a variety of guitar finishes. The soft surface of the microfiber means the chances of scratching your guitar are minimal, even if it has a more delicate nitrocellulose finish. They work well with other cleaning products too if you like to use fingerboard conditioner or polish on the guitar body. With 12 in a pack, you’re not likely to run out of them anytime soon either!View Deal

With the easy availability of smartphones with top-quality cameras and the addition of a cheap phone tripod like this one from Sensyne, I never want to see a badly angled guitar video again. If you like to post your playing on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or anywhere else, this phone tripod is a great way to get a more professional look to your guitar videos. It’s adjustable to 62 inches in height, so you can play standing up if you prefer, and it also doubles as a selfie stick, so you can take it on holiday with you too!View Deal

With the Dunlop PH112T1.14 Black Fang, you can ride the riff lightning with a Hetfield-approved pick that is guaranteed to help you with your down picking and riff writing. Save a generous 19% at Amazon. View Deal

If you’ve recently bought a fresh guitar or you’ve got a few in your collection, having a dedicated strap for each can make things just that little bit easier when switching between your guitars. This Levy’s Leather Strap has a nice width, which makes it super comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The ladder style of adjustment means it will fit a variety of different instruments, and the leather means it will last for years and years. I’ve got a couple of leather straps, and one of them is still going even after 15 years of use!View Deal

A good pair of wire cutters is one of those things that you’ll buy once and then not need to replace for years. All guitarists will be changing strings at one point or another, and these are a nice size for getting into the string at the headstock and cutting them as flush as possible once you’re done winding. They also double as a great pair of cutters for making repairs to guitar cables and other audio cables if you’re the handy sort that likes to make or repair their own cables.View Deal

If you use a MacBook like me, you’ll find a USB hub to be an incredibly useful thing to have on your studio desk. Even with a MacBook Pro, I’m limited to three USB ports, so when you start adding MIDI controllers, interfaces, and external hard drives into the mix, you can run out quickly. Laptop screens are pretty small too, so the ability to add an external monitor to your setup can really speed up the workflow and make it a lot easier to edit your waveform and really dial in your automation lanes.View Deal

It might seem like an outlier for music production, but adding a notebook and a pen to my workflow has massively improved my mixing. The idea is that at various stages through my mixing, I’ll take my eyes away from the screen and play the track from start to finish, noting what I don’t like as I go. This keeps me focused on what I need to improve the mix, stops me mixing with my eyes, and really makes me think about the changes I’m making and why. It’s also useful for noting during the tracking phase if I’m trying new mic techniques and placements.View Deal

Tidy desk, tidy mind is a mantra for good reason, and at the start of the year I decided to sort my messy studio desk out once and for all. This cable management kit was key in making sure I had a nice clean desk to work with, allowing me to run various cables from my audio interface, studio monitors, MIDI keyboard, computer keyboard, and my second screen. With 192 different pieces, you’ll find something for any type of cable, and time spent doing this means more space for gear, and less time digging through clutter on your desk.View Deal

A decibel meter is useful for a few different reasons. Yes, you can get one on your phone but this is far more accurate. It means you can keep a reasonable and consistent listening level in your studio, which is crucial for a good mix. It’s also really handy in the tracking phase, as you can monitor the levels of loud instruments like drums and guitar cabinets, ensuring you’re not overloading any of the microphones in your collection.View Deal

Piano deals

For me, the Casio PX-S3100 digital piano combines enhanced playability and sound with a sleek, modern design - that's why it's so easy to recommend. Its innovative touch-sensor controls and Smart Scaled Hammer Action keyboard provide an authentic playing experience, while its compact nature ensures portability and elegance for any setting.View Deal

This unique piano is our top choice for contemporary players in our best digital pianos buyer's guide. While most pianos opt to mimic their acoustic counterparts, this Casio dares to do something different, and we love it! View Deal

With Casio's multi-dimensional AiR processing, 88 scaled hammer action keys, 26 additional tones and a very accessible playing action, this is a superb option for beginners and intermediates, and with $200 off, you really can't go wrong.View Deal

Plugin deals

Another Andrew Scheps signature model, the Scheps Parallel Particles plugin is a brilliant option for enhancing the vibe of a particular instrument that isn't quite cutting it in the mix. Based on Scheps' parallel processing tools, it's a fantastic quick fix for any instrument you like, be it a synth bassline, a shaker, or a lead part that needs an extra push to the front. We found it incredibly easy to use thanks to the simple interface, and it's one of our top choice saturation plugins.View Deal

I first came across the Distressor when I was recording with a band in an analogue studio, and ever since then, I’ve loved using the software version of it on my drum busses. Part compressor and part saturation, it can mimic other famous compressors like the 1176 and LA-2A, as well as inducing harmonics into the signal for tape-style colour and various distortion effects. Although I mainly use it on drums, I have also used it on vocals, and other engineers I know like it on bass guitar. It’s a versatile tool to have in your armoury, and at this price completely worth the money.View Deal

When I’m recording guitars in the box, I love adding UA’s Sound City Studios to help bring them to life. Modelled after the real-life studio, it’s a subtle effect but one that can dramatically change the tone of tracks recorded in the home studio. It’s great for reamping less-than-stellarly recorded guitar tracks, and as well as modelling the legendary live room of the studio, it also replicates the desk and preamps, too. It probably won’t blow you away initially, but once you get it right, it’ll become an indispensable part of your setup.View Deal

I’ve been using the UA ATR-102 on nearly every mix bus I’ve set eyes upon for the last few years. It just adds a lovely low-end warmth and beautiful top-end clarity to a track, even when you just leave it in its default state. It’s my go-to for enlivening the more sterile sounds you often get with the in-the-box recording, and it typically goes as the last thing on my mix bus before the limiter. It really brings the mix together at the final stage, and for just $199 in the Sweetwater sale, it’s truly superb value for money.View Deal

In-ear monitor deals

For those looking to dip their toes into the IEM world, the KZ ZS10 Pro is a tried and tested option and with 20% off for Prime Day sales, there is not much at stake here. The Pros are an upgrade over the standard KZ ZS10s and with it, Linsoul has introduced four custom BA drivers, a stronger 2nd Gen 10mm double-magnetic dynamic driver and an improved 6N OFC cable. You cannot expect ultra-pristine sound at this price, but the clarity across frequencies is respectable and certainly enough to get you up and running. Plus, the sale runs across all KZ ZS10 Pro finish options to suit your tastes. And with an average user rating of 4.5 stars (from over 18,000 reviews), there’s already a serious chunk of satisfied customers.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ With some astonishing discounts of up to $3,500 off, the Sweetwater Recording Sale is the place to pick up studio gear for less this Prime Day ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/recording/sweetwater-recording-sale mnTqnrbvCiybNTqD6YDHhG Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:57:18 +0000

To be totally honest with you, Amazon is not the place to go if you want big discounts on recording gear. For beginner mixers there’s some good stuff there, but if you’ve already got a few mixes under your belt then you’re best off looking for a Prime Day music deal outside of Amazon. Lucky for you, I’ve found just the sale for producers and engineers over at Sweetwater.

It’s got some massive discounts of up to 50% off for you to take advantage of, perfect for upgrading your studio set-up to something a little more ‘pro’ sounding than your average home studio. With brands like Neve, Neumann, Sennheiser, Universal Audio, SSL, Focal, and loads more included in the sale, there’s no word yet on when it will be ending so move quick if you want to take advantage.

I’ve had a look through over 500 bits of gear in the sale and picked out what I think are the best deals for you. Some of it is pretty budget-friendly, while others will be more suited to those who’ve already got some skin in the recording game, but all of this gear will offer a big improvement to the sound and quality of your recording and mixing.

With a massive $200 reduction, these Sennheiser HD 600 studio headphones are the perfect addition to a studio where you already have a good pair of speakers. I like to use headphones to check the finer details of my mix like the stereo imaging and low end, balancing that with the overall picture through my studio monitors to really fine-tune the overall mix. These Sennheisers are super comfortable and deliver incredible detail, making them a very powerful addition to your workflow.View Deal

I’m a big fan of Lewitt microphones and this LCT 240 Pro condenser microphone is really great value for money at well below the $200 mark thanks to a $30 discount. As well as delivering superb detail and clarity to recordings, it also includes a shock mount and specifically designed pop filter for the microphone to keep your plosives in check. It also comes with windshield should you need to use it in noisy environments, and a carry case to keep it in good condition.View Deal

Yep, you read that right, $8k for a monitor controller. It’s absolutely ridiculous but I implore you to go take a look at this crazy bit of gear, which has got one of the biggest discounts I’ve seen this year with $3,500 off. Based on the monitor section of the flagship Neve 5088 large-format console, the Class A analogue signal paths of this hardware ensure world-class sound and monitor control. It’s got talkback control and a dedicated headphone amplifier, making it a great all-rounder for pro or home studios that want the best of the best.View Deal

The Scarlett 4th Gen audio interfaces are amongst my favourite ever made, and the 4i4 for me is the perfect balance of inputs versus price point when it comes to home studio work. 4 inputs is the sweet spot for allowing you to multi-mic sources, whilst being housed in a unit small enough to fit on a home studio desk. It’s got loads of additional functionality that can really streamline your workflow too, like the auto-gain and clip-safe functions, as well as the ability to add extra harmonic content via the air button. It’s currently $50 off in the sale, making it absurd value for money.View Deal

With a $60 discount on a single Adam Audio A4V studio monitor, if you buy a pair you’re getting $160 off, which is a hefty chunk of change. These 4-inch monitors are perfect for smaller home studio setups where too much volume will be difficult to handle, giving you superb clarity in smaller spaces. The ribbon tweeter delivers delicious definition to your mixes while the onboard DSP allows you to fine-tune the monitors' response to your particular space.View Deal

Using outboard gear can really take your mixes to the next level, offering a tone you can only get with actual transformers and capacitors. This Golden Age Prokect Pre-74 MKIII budget mic preamp is based on the classic Neve 73, giving you timeless sound from the comfort of your home studio. It’s got a cool $100 off at Sweetwater which takes it below $300, making it one of the best value for money preamps I’ve seen so far this year. Add in the fact it only takes up half a rack space and you’ve got a versatile bit of outboard gear for relatively little cash.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ With a ginormous $320 off a five-star rated PRS SE, this sale beats anything Amazon’s Prime Day can offer ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/electric-guitars/prs-prime-day-sale aKgDotKZj74iXfyLXrGyfV Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000

If you’re after a properly good Prime Day music deal on a guitar, then you’ll need to look elsewhere than the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale. For me, the best sale on right now if you want a new electric guitar can be found at pretty much any retailer, as PRS is celebrating its 40th anniversary with some huge discounts.

We’ve reviewed a huge number of PRS guitars here at MusicRadar, and in the past couple of years we’ve noticed a trend in that the build quality has been absolutely exceptional. They play and sound great, too, and with some of the guitars we’ve reviewed receiving a rare five out of five stars, it’s a testament to just how good these guitars are.

In our PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow Piezo review we gave it five stars out of five, with our reviewer praising it for its versatile tones. You can currently bag one for a full $320 less than the usual price over at Sweetwater, a significant discount on a top-quality guitar. As we’ve come to expect from PRS, the build quality of our review model was second to none, and it doesn’t just deliver there.

The pickups give off a sound that’s very PAF-like, but a little more ‘enhanced’ and modern feeling. They can cover a lot of ground whether you prefer classic blues-type tones or you want something that’s capable of modern rock, and with the split coils you’ve got a lot of versatility.

It also features a piezo pickup which can be routed separately from its own output jack, enabling you to get some acoustic guitar-type feel to the overall sound.

Close up of the pickups on the PRS SE Studio Standard electric guitar

(Image credit: Future)

When we reviewed the PRS SE Studio Standard we gave it four and a half stars out of five thanks to its versatile tonal offering. Coming from the new Nearfield humbuckers in the neck and middle position, you get something similar to a P-90, sitting in between a single coil and humbucker in terms of tone. Add in a traditional humbucker in the bridge position and you’ve got one incredibly versatile instrument.

It’s currently got a huge $170 reduction over at Guitar Center, so if you want to pick yourself up a guitar that can cover all the bases, this is one of the best value for money options out there right now. Add in that trademark wide-thin neck profile for playability and it’s easy to see why PRS guitars are so highly rated right now.

Finally, there’s a healthy $230 knocked off the price of the PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow at Musician’s Friend, which is one of the bigger discounts I’ve seen on a PRS guitar in the 40th anniversary sale. Delivering a brilliant playing experience thanks to the neck profile, it’s also got a very versatile pickup configuration thanks to its HSH configuration. We gave it a nice four stars out of five in our review, praising it for its versatility.

]]> <![CDATA[ My number 1 rated audio interface just got a sweet $40 discount in the Amazon Prime Day sale, but it won’t be around much longer ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/audio-interfaces/prime-day-scarlett-2i2-deal 2o5drWGEezfwCfdpzGZQtW Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:30:21 +0000

We’re into day 2 of the Prime Big Deal Days and my top-rated audio interface just got a healthy discount with a cool $40 knocked off the regular price taking it well below the $200 mark. It’s undoubtedly the best Prime Day music deal I’ve seen on an audio interface so far, but I can’t imagine it’s going to be around much longer with the sale set to end at midnight on October 8th.

Over the last three years or so I’ve reviewed more audio interfaces than I care to remember. It’s part of my job, as I look after the audio interface guides here at MusicRadar, and when I’m not testing budget audio interfaces in my home studio, I’m using pro-grade ones in a proper analogue studio alongside a console.

So safe to say, I know what’s required of an interface in either situation, and when I was compiling our guide, out of all the interfaces I tested the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen came out as the best. It’s not just because of the audio performance, though. In fact, in my opinion the audio quality is so high amongst consumer interfaces now that for us mere mortals who aren’t working in million-dollar studios, you’re not going to be able to tell the difference.

If not audio quality, then why did I pick the 2i2 for the number 1 spot? Well, what I found when using the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen was that it was not only easy to use, but it had a massive depth of functionality that made it suitable for more than just beginners. It’s pretty much plug and play on Windows, with the additional Focusrite Control 2 software taking care of any driver installation and firmware updates for you.

A Focusrite 2i2 audio interface on a desk with various audio interfaces in the background

In my extensive audio interface testing the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen came out as my top pick. (Image credit: Future/Matt McCracken)

On Mac you can just plug it in and not even bother with the software, but that does mean you don’t get the use of remote functions like changing the input, adjusting the gain, and other core functions for tracking. You can even control it with your phone or tablet, making it a great way of adjusting if you need to go move a microphone or adjust a sound.

Add in the physical buttons on the front that can prevent clipping, automatically sort your input gain, or add a touch of high end frequencies to sweeten the signal coming in, and you've got an incredibly versatile unit that will easily handle anything you can throw at it in a home studio setting.

When I was compiling our guide I also performed latency testing on every single one of the audio interfaces, and of course, the 2i2 4th Gen came in top of the pile. It delivered an astonishing 5.782ms response time at a buffer size of 16 samples, and that’s without installing the codeless kernel extension for Mac which can lower the latency even further.

Why is this important? Well, when you’re playing your instrument into an audio interface, any latency results in a delay between you fingering a note or pressing a key and the sound you hear returning from your studio monitors or studio headphones. This can be really jarring and in my experience, anything over 10ms of latency can really throw your performance. Getting this latency down as low as possible is one of the secret ingredients to getting good quality recordings, and the Scarlett (alongside a good laptop or PC) delivers.

]]> <![CDATA[ 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 ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/gear-gadgets/musicians-friend-rocktober-fall-sale 6sCSsSoDMFs3f4t2Nwu5E Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:51:10 +0000

Now that Fall is here, it can only mean one thing - no, not pumpkin spiced lattes - epic music deals, of course. The folks over at Musician's Friend are bringing the noise with the aptly named Rocktober sale, which sees a healthy discount of up to 40% off an array of musical equipment from the likes of Fender, Ernie Ball, Gretsch, and many more.

This epic sale includes everything from beautiful acoustic guitars, one of the best electronic drum sets around, and even some of the best PA speakers on the market. So, no matter what you use to create music, you'll find something here that suits you - and better yet, you can kit out the entire band while you are at it.

Now, the Black Friday music deals haven't quite started to roll in just yet, but if this epic sale is anything to go by, we could be in for quite the treat as we edge closer to the sales bonanza that is Cyber Weekend.

Below we have picked out a few of our favourite deals from this mega sales event.

Musician's Friend Rocktober Sale: Up to 40% off
The Musician's Friend Rocktober sale has landed, and you can bag up to 40% off a range of big-name brands such as Fender, Casio, Ernie Ball, and more.View Deal

We have to first shout out the stunning Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH in Cherry Burst. The axe of choice for the one and only, Steve Lukather, this guitar features a redesigned pair of Ernie Ball Music Man high-output humbuckers, a built-in 20dB boost on the push/pull volume knob, and a roasted maple neck. Right now, you can save a whopping $800!

Next up is the PRS SE NF 53. Loaded with a trio of Narrowfield DD S pickups, this very well may be the most versatile PRS guitar to date - and better yet, you can save $200 at Musician's Friend.

Now, we’ve always been big fans of Alesis' electronic drum sets here at MusicRadar. Not only do their kits represent excellent value for money, but they’ve always been a beginner-friendly brand, packing features that will no doubt have played a part in the formative years of future drumming stars. That's why we need to shout about $50.99 off the Alesis Nitro Max 8-Piece. Okay, it's not the biggest discount ever, but every little helps!

Moving on to pianos, we love the Casio Casio PX-S7000. This unique piano is our top choice for contemporary players in our best digital pianos buyer's guide. While most pianos opt to mimic their acoustic counterparts, this Casio dares to do something different, and we love it! Save an impressive 198.14 right now.

Obviously, there are many more items on offer, so we suggest taking the time to browse through the entire sale. Looking for more savings? Head over to our Prime Day music deals hub, where you'll find a selection of heavily discounted guitars, keys, software, and more.


]]> <![CDATA[ I've looked through 280+ musical instrument deals in the Prime Day sale - here's what's worth your hard-earned cash ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/guitar-accessories-components/amazon-prime-big-deal-days-accessories 4rHEiPb2GYRjz8xQ2oeryP Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:16:01 +0000

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days have finally arrived, and with it a flurry of sales activity from other retailers across the music industry. To be totally honest, you won’t find many great deals on typical music gear like studio headphones, audio interfaces, or electric guitars, but if you’re after essentials and accessories to augment your home studios, it’s a great way to pick up some absolute bargains.

I cover deals for MusicRadar year-round, so it’s safe to say that I know exactly what’s worthwhile in the Prime Day music deals, and what’s worth skipping. To that end I’ve looked through over 280 deals in the Musical Instruments section of Amazon, and put the very best ones for you right here.

Amazon caused quite a stir when they launched their Basics guitar pedal range, but they’ve also got patch cables on sale which are a much more enticing proposition for me. At $1.78 each, this six-pack of pancake-style cables is an amazing deal, and perfect if you need to top up your pedalboard with some low-cost cables. If you’ve got a ‘board you tend to use at home, then these are plenty durable enough to last a long time.View Deal

If you use a condenser microphone then a good quality stand is a must-have. Condensers are typically pretty heavy versus a dynamic mic, and this Rode PSA1+ is plenty robust enough to hold a weighty microphone at any angle you can imagine. Whether you like to have your mic hanging in from above or have it off to the side, this desktop-mounted mic stand will do a stellar job and you know coming from Rode it will stand the test of time, the same of which definitely can’t be said for a lot of the off-brand gear you find on Amazon.View Deal

If you’re the sort who typically plays with the same pick, you might be surprised at how much difference changing your gauge can make to your playing style. It’s a great way to freshen things up and rather than stabbing in the dark, grabbing something like this Dunlop Tortex Variety Pack could be just the primer you need to unlock some extra creativity. I like to switch picks regularly as I play across quite a few different genres, and I find it a really stimulating way to make a big change without spending loads. At just 0.62 cents each, these picks are an absolute steal in the Prime day sale.View Deal

Okay so it’s not the sexiest buy, but a music stand can be a surprisingly useful tool for any kind of musician. I use one for rehearsals as it allows me to have my setlist and notes in front of me which is good prep for when I play live. At home you can use one for various things, whether it’s holding headphones or even putting pedals on for easy access while sitting down. It’s down to just $32 in the Big Deal Days sale and I’ve noticed these are already selling pretty quickly, so you’ll want to move fast to get hold of this one.View Deal

Arguably one of the most popular MIDI keyboards ever made, the Akai MPK Mini MK3 has got a cool $20 reduction in the Prime Day sale, making it a great option for the producer after their first MIDI controller. It features 25 decent-sized keys, and eight drum pads similar to those you’d find on the legendary MPC. It also now comes with Native Kontrol Standard integration, meaning you can instantly hook it up to instruments in Massive and other NI software.View Deal

If you’re still chaining your pedals together on the floor then this is the deal for you. The Donner Pedal Board is low cost and it includes an integrated power supply which saves you having to buy and fit one separately. The wooden sides give it a classier look than your average all-black construction, and it includes a carry bag so you can take it to rehearsals or shows. For guitarists looking for their first pedalboard, this is an awesome deal with $20 knocked off the regular price.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ With plugins starting from just $24 the Universal Audio Rocktober deal is the best place to power up your productions ahead of Prime Day ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/plugins/universal-audio-rocktober-sale oSNQX7b4EroZaTDY2bQqkk Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:21:10 +0000

Universal Audio’s hardware recreations are amongst the highest-rated out there, delivering some incredibly accurate digital recreations of classic console and outboard gear to the comfort of your home studio. Ahead of the soon-to-arrive Prime Day music deals, there’s an amazing sale over at the official UA site with plugins starting from as low as $24.

The sale will last the whole of October, which gives you a good amount of time to decide what to purchase, but there are no guarantees that certain plugins won’t come off the sale price so I wouldn’t hang about too long. The sale means we’ll be well into the Black Friday plugin deals territory too, as I expect to start seeing those arrive early in November this year.

I’ve been using UA plugins for many years now in my own productions, whether that’s in projects recorded purely at home in the box or full-on studio productions with 20-plus mics on a drum kit. They make up some of my most used plugins no matter what I’m working on, and five of my favourites have got a discount in the sale, making it a great way for you to level up your own productions.

Another bit of outboard gear I’m very familiar with, the Avalon BT-737 Tube Channel Strip can be characterised with a single word - clean. Seemingly no matter how hard you push it them the preamps still remain incredibly transparent, delivering a glossy sheen to whatever signals you feed it. With preamp, opto-compressor, and EQ I use it a lot for vocals, but it’s versatile enough to take a shine to pretty much any instrument.View Deal

The API 500 series is one of my favourite bits of outboard in the studio I work in, so when I’m at home the EQ plugin is one of my top choices. An engineer friend of mine described it as ‘revealing’ and I can’t put it any better than that. Even when you start getting into boosting frequencies in the realm of 12dB it still somehow manages to sound good, and despite being initially confusing, I find the two-tiered knobs really quick and easy to use once you get used to them.View Deal

Another plugin I use on pretty much everything, the Oxide Tape Recorder is a regular customer on my drum bus, adding punch and low end warmth to the overall kit sound. It’s super easy to use unlike an actual tape machine, meaning you can apply it effectively with a minimum of fuss. It’s great for getting that final bit of warmth onto any instrument, and is really effective used on buses to help glue everything together.View Deal

While I don’t have an actual one of these to use, it doesn’t stop me from putting the SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor on pretty much all of my productions. It works amazingly on a drum bus for adding punch, as well as on the master bus for helping add that final touch of cohesion in the mix-down phase. I love how it’s really easy to get a good sound out of it, and the built-in presets give you a strong starting point even if you’re not an expert in compression.View Deal

I love using the Thermionic Culture Vulture on my bass guitar tracks, but it’s a versatile saturation plugin that can be easily utilized across the full depth and breadth of your productions. It can do everything from subtle to thickening to full-on sonic destruction, and the plugin includes some features you don’t get on the hardware, including a mix knob and stereo link function.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ 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 ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/gear-gadgets/musicradar-deals-of-the-week-score-a-massive-usd1-000-off-roland-v-drums-up-to-usd320-off-a-range-of-fender-guitars-and-so-much-more rjUSFS5XwXXGmCiqoV526g Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:34:07 +0000

Welcome to MusicRadar's deals of the week! Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of fantastic offers on top-rated musical gear from across the internet. We curate a fresh batch of jaw-dropping discounts every week, so be sure to swing by regularly to catch the latest steals. 

Kicking things off, we have an incredible offer over at Guitar Center. Shoppers can enjoy savings of up to $320 off on a range of Fender guitars, including the classic Stratocaster and Telecaster models, as well as the innovative Acoustasonic series. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting, this is a golden opportunity to grab a high-quality instrument at a fraction of the price. 

Thomann is also joining the sales frenzy with its Back 2 School promotion. This extensive sale features discounts on a wide variety of instruments, with everything from pianos and guitars to violins and essential accessories all included. 

Meanwhile, Musician's Friend has already launched its Labour Day sale, offering discounts of up to 60% on big-name brands. This sale encompasses a broad spectrum of musical equipment, making it a prime chance to stock up on everything from guitars and effects pedals to amplifiers and recording equipment. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, the savings are substantial, and the selections are vast.

Editor's picks

Fender Player II Strat: Was $899, now $699
Are you looking for a contemporary Fender Stratocaster? Well, look no further than the Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Plus. This ultra-modern guitar is capable of producing searing lead tones as well as the crisp, clean tones you’d expect from a Strat. Right now, you can get a whopping $200 off! View Deal

Featuring a duo of V-Mod II single-coil pickups, a clever top-load/string-through Tele bridge with compensated brass "bullet" saddles and a seriously playable "Deep C neck", this is easily one of the best Telecasters on the market right now. Save $200 at Fender. View Deal

Roland VAD507: Save $1,000!
This premium five-piece kit features wood shells with full depth and diameter, while Roland’s advanced digital sensor technology and dynamic TD-27 drum module provide the sound you've been looking for out of an electric kit. Save a whopping $1,000 at Musician's Friend. View Deal

Beyerdynamic headphones aren't often discounted as they're so insanely popular in the pro audio world. The DT 770 Pro is the go-to studio headphone for monitoring, but I've found its balanced frequency response great for using with amp modelers and modeling amps. They're closed-back headphones too, which means they don't output much noise externally, making them great for late-night practice sessions.View Deal

Looking for more bargains? Check out more recommended sales below:

How we choose our deals of the week

Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear-related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our deals.

Our mission is simple - to help you make the best buying decision, find the right gear at the right price, to make the best music you can.

For us to recommend a deal it has to be a product we rate that’s been reduced to a genuinely great price or part of a truly fantastic bundle. It’s also important that we only recommend retailers that we trust.

You can see more of our product recommendations in our buyer's guides and reviews.

Why you can trust our choices

Our editors and writers are all experienced musicians and experts in their fields. They have a deep understanding of the categories that they cover, which means that you can trust their choices when it comes to recommending products.

We pride ourselves on the independence, quality and reliability of our testing processes and the reviews it produces. It’s what has made us the world’s leading music-making publishing company. You can find more details on how we test some specific key product categories, but the principles apply across the board, rigorously assessing build quality, functionality, playability and, of course, sonic performance.

We cover a lot of the big sales events throughout the year, including Memorial Day, Black Friday, 4th of July sales and Amazon Prime Day, and we have a good view of which products are likely to receive the biggest discounts and when, the prices they’ve been in the past and which deals are genuinely worth a look.

Where are the best places to shop?

Online shopping is definitely a lot easier and more secure than it used to be, and we like to recommend a small handful of online retailers who have a sterling reputation and offer fantastic benefits like fuss-free returns, great customer service and, in some cases, full checks and setup of guitars before they are dispatched. So, all the deals we’ll recommend on this page are from retailers that tick these boxes.

What sort of deals should I look for?

Great deals come in all shapes and sizes. There are a few key types to look out for:

  • Single item - A single product with a great discount
  • Site-wide discounts - A single discount percentage on a large range of products across a site
  • Discount codes - Load your basket to a certain value and redeem a discount code for money off your basket contents
  • Added value deals - These include multi-buy discounts, or additional products or software for free when you buy certain items
]]> <![CDATA[ Step into the world of in-ear monitors from as little as $39.99 in the epic Linsoul Prime Day sale ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/headphones/step-into-the-world-of-in-ear-monitors-from-as-little-as-usd39-99-in-the-epic-linsoul-prime-day-sale 6xoWFRhr3RBBBEnZ6QjEhB Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:41:06 +0000

In-ear monitors are a vital tool for keeping you and your band locked in and your live set running smoothly. While pro musicians have relied on IEMs for years, they are now becoming increasingly popular with gigging musicians and semi-pro players. If you’ve been thinking about giving them a try yourself, that is where Linsoul Audio comes in. Prime Day just became the perfect time to dive into the world of IEMs or upgrade your current setup with something more comfortable, sonically detailed, and better suited to your needs.

An up-and-coming name in the brilliantly dubbed ‘Chi-Fi’ space, Linsoul has been making waves thanks to its wide range of IEMs at every price point, from entry-level options to premium models. And with up to 25% off across their range for Prime Day on Amazon, there are some seriously tempting deals to be had.

If you are new to Linsoul Audio, do not worry; I’ve done the legwork and picked out the very best deals in the sale. While the focus here is on IEMs, there are also some worthwhile accessory discounts, including cables and cases too. So, whether you are replacing a tired set or purchasing for the first time, these are the standout offers worth your attention.

The Linsoul x Punch Audio collaboration is ideal for those who need a bass upgrade with their IEMs. ‘Martillo’ – Spanish for ‘hammer’ – is all you need to know about the performance. The two 8mm DD drivers handle the bass in a powerful, yet musical way; however, by no means does it overpower the other important frequencies. The look and build quality are razor-sharp and for 20% off during the Prime Day sales, this will be a considerable and cost-effective upgrade to your current IEM rig.View Deal

For those looking to dip their toes into the IEM world, the KZ ZS10 Pro is a tried and tested option and with 20% off for Prime Day sales, there is not much at stake here. The Pros are an upgrade over the standard KZ ZS10s and with it, Linsoul has introduced four custom BA drivers, a stronger 2nd Gen 10mm double-magnetic dynamic driver and an improved 6N OFC cable. You cannot expect ultra-pristine sound at this price, but the clarity across frequencies is respectable and certainly enough to get you up and running. Plus, the sale runs across all KZ ZS10 Pro finish options to suit your tastes. And with an average user rating of 4.5 stars (from over 18,000 reviews), there’s already a serious chunk of satisfied customers.View Deal

The Linsoul 7HZ Timeless are lightweight, sophisticated, and demure and they don’t sound too shabby either. With $55 off in the Prime Day sales, now’s the perfect time to pick them up. Of course, not sounding too bad is underselling them. The 14.2mm planar driver delivers clear, balanced audio, and their lightweight build means you will barely notice you are wearing them. A selection of tip sizes is included for a better fit, and the aluminium packaging adds a nice premium touch.View Deal

Shop more Prime Day deals

]]> <![CDATA[ I split my time between home and pro studios - here are 5 Prime Day laptop deals every music maker should see ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/laptops-computers/prime-day-laptop-roundup osZodEFKyer9PE6qCaTE39 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:25:05 +0000

There are sales and savings popping up everywhere at the moment, thanks to the Prime Day music deals. So if you’re on the hunt for a new laptop for music production, it’s a great time to strike while the iron’s a lot cheaper than usual.

As Prime Day is now nearly a Prime week, running from July 8th to the 11th, we can reasonably expect that this year will see more discounts than ever before, becoming an event more akin to a summer Black Friday than its origins as just a single day of deals. That means more prices being slashed, and more time to save big on the music gear you want.

I’m a laptop user who moves frequently between a proper analogue recording studio and my home studio, and my MacBook is my most prized possession. I spent a lot of time researching what to go for before I bought it, and in my job as a gear reviewer, I’ve reviewed a few laptops in my time. Add in an early stint as a young man working in a computer repair shop, and it’s fair to say I know a few things about computers.

Coupled with my job finding the best deals for musicians, I’ve elected to scour all the websites with major sales, including Amazon, to pick out the best deals for musicians looking to take the plunge.

Whether you’ve got a small budget or a large one I’ve picked out a selection of laptops that will cover all bases, and every single one is more than capable of handling the task of producing music. I’ve ordered them by price too, to make it easier to browse.

Top laptop deals

The MacBook Air M1 is a truly amazing bit of kit. The first of the next-gen Apple Silicon chips it’s a brilliant laptop for music making on a budget, and I’m honestly surprised you can still pick them up new. For just north of $500, the M1 chip will more than hold up to the demands of the home producer, letting you run a DAW, soft synths, and plenty of effects without any noticeable stutter or lag. Having owned one before I upgraded to a MacBook Pro, I can assure you that for the majority of music makers, an M1 will do just fine.View Deal

If you prefer a Windows machine but don’t want to spend loads then this is a great deal. While it’s not quite as good as the M1 chip, the Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU alongside 32GB RAM will handle intermediate-level music production tasks, giving you plenty of power to run a good number of tracks and software instruments. Dell laptops are known for being particularly robust, and the 2.5K screen will ensure it looks great while doing so.View Deal

If you’ve got a bit more to spend but still value portability, this MacBook Air M4 is just north of $1k over at Amazon. It’s got oodles of power with 16GB of unified memory that will give you plenty of power for running concurrent reverb plugins, yet it’s small and lightweight enough to carry around anywhere in a backpack. One thing to note with a MacBook Air is the lack of ports, with just two Thunderbolt 4 ports on this one. This means you might want to take that money saved and invest in a good USB hub.View Deal

For those who love MacOS and want optimal power for more complex projects and scoring, you’ll want to look at the MacBook Pro M4. Apple’s latest chip is packing some serious heft, and it’ll put up with the most rigorous strain from projects with hundreds of tracks in its stride. I have the MacBook Pro M3, and so far, I’ve yet to find anything beyond its capabilities, despite running some huge sessions recorded on a 48-channel desk.View Deal

It ain’t cheap, but for those who want one of the best laptops with the most power possible, the Asus ProArt P16 is an absolute beast. I recently reviewed one, and it survived up to the 400-track mark using the D-Verb test in Pro Tools, so I can’t imagine many musicians running into the limit of this machine any time soon. It’s got a gorgeous screen, and I really loved the aesthetic, which is minimal and very classy looking for a Windows laptop. It’s got an AI chip and an additional GPU, so it’ll multitask for any kind of content creation, video editing, and even gaming.

Read more: Asus ProArt P16 reviewView Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ Last call! You've got hours left to stock your home studio with these 8 no-fuss production tools – the cheapest is just $8.41 in the Prime Day sale ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/recording/prime-day-home-studio-accessory-deals r9PezA8ac8V3Rirv4G6nZP Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:48:55 +0000 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:04:45 +0000

Well, it's almost time for Amazon to pull down the shutters on Prime Day. Thankfully, there are a few hours to go to snag one of the Prime Day music deals.

Typically, Prime Day means tech like MacBooks and AirPods are available at much cheaper prices, but is it worth perusing for music makers? Well, if you’re after a new set of studio monitors or an audio interface, then probably not. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great deals available for the home studio.

The deals are there, they’re just on things you might not have even considered as essentials for your studio setup. I’m talking about things like USB hubs, SSDs, cable management kits, and even a notebook. Things like this are relatively cheap but can be massively useful to any producer.

Items like the Baseus Docking Station, which is down to just $45.59 and will massively enhance the productivity of your laptop. Or this Moleskine Classic Notebook, down to just $15.74, perfect for listening with your ears and writing notes on that latest mix.

You’ll find my top pick accessories for the home producer below, and while they may not be the most exciting thing you buy this year, I guarantee you’ll find them useful in the long run.

Top studio accessory deals

If you use a MacBook like me, you’ll find a USB hub to be an incredibly useful thing to have on your studio desk. Even with a MacBook Pro, I’m limited to three USB ports, so when you start adding MIDI controllers, interfaces, and external hard drives into the mix, you can run out quickly. Laptop screens are pretty small too, so the ability to add an external monitor to your setup can really speed up the workflow and make it a lot easier to edit your waveform and really dial in your automation lanes.View Deal

External hard drives are a critical part of my workflow, because they allow me to bring my project files from studio to studio. I often take things I’ve worked on in an analogue studio home, and vice versa, so a portable SSD is a must-have for me. I’ve been using the 1TB version of this Crucial X9 for a few years now, and it's always been reliable for me. It’s nice and lightweight, so easy enough to pop into my backpack and take it wherever I need to, and delivers super-fast read and write speeds that make transferring large project folders a breeze.View Deal

It might seem like an outlier for music production, but adding a notebook and a pen to my workflow has massively improved my mixing. The idea is that at various stages through my mixing, I’ll take my eyes away from the screen and play the track from start to finish, noting what I don’t like as I go. This keeps me focused on what I need to improve the mix, stops me mixing with my eyes, and really makes me think about the changes I’m making and why. It’s also useful for noting during the tracking phase if I’m trying new mic techniques and placements.View Deal

Tidy desk, tidy mind is a mantra for good reason, and at the start of the year I decided to sort my messy studio desk out once and for all. This cable management kit was key in making sure I had a nice clean desk to work with, allowing me to run various cables from my audio interface, studio monitors, MIDI keyboard, computer keyboard, and my second screen. With 192 different pieces, you’ll find something for any type of cable, and time spent doing this means more space for gear, and less time digging through clutter on your desk.View Deal

It’s a simple thing, but this phone stand has made my life a lot easier. Whether it’s taking calls from collaborators, quickly typing into the band chat, or even being used as a pseudo tripod for recording quick ideas, the phone stand is a cheap and easy way to add to an existing workflow. It isn’t fancy but it does a simple job well, and is available in a range of colours if you want to keep your setup coordinated.View Deal

A decibel meter is useful for a few different reasons. Yes, you can get one on your phone but this is far more accurate. It means you can keep a reasonable and consistent listening level in your studio, which is crucial for a good mix. It’s also really handy in the tracking phase, as you can monitor the levels of loud instruments like drums and guitar cabinets, ensuring you’re not overloading any of the microphones in your collection.View Deal

One thing I’m a big fan of is creating an atmosphere in the studio. It really helps get your clients in the mood to create, and can make it a pleasing environment for you to spend hours in, aligning vocal tracks and phase-aligning your drums. A bit of lighting can make a huge difference to the feel of the studio, meaning you don’t have to rely on harsh household lighting when working into the night, and in the case of the LED Strip Lights, allowing you to change up the mood at will via the included remote or a phone app.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ Hurry! These Prime Day keyboard and piano deals are ending soon - score the biggest savings of the year so far on Yamaha, Korg, and Casio at Amazon and beyond ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/keyboards-pianos/prime-day-is-my-sale-of-the-year-so-far-for-keyboards-and-pianos-ive-found-savings-on-roland-yamaha-korg-and-casio-on-amazon-and-beyond utBhYuWFGwTbLVSRaNV5PJ Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:19:03 +0000 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:14:59 +0000

Well, it's officially the last day of Prime Day. Over the last four days, we've seen prices slashed on everything from smart devices and TVs to toys, and, of course, musical instruments. Now, in addition to a slew of Prime Day music deals, all the major music retailers have launched their own sales, and this is a great year to be a pianist or keyboard fanatic! In previous years, I've felt let down by the offerings for piano players, but that certainly isn't the case for 2025.

Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and Musician's Friend all have enticing discounts on everything from digital pianos to synth modules, beginner keyboards, MIDI controllers, and more. Prices range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands, so there are some potentially massive savings to be had.

Now, before I worked at MusicRadar, writing about music gear for a living, I used to sell pianos and keyboards in a busy music store. So, I’ve used my background in music retail to come up with my pick of the very best piano deals from across these mammoth sales.

Below, you’ll find my expert choices from various price categories and styles. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first keyboard or an experienced player seeking a much-needed upgrade, you’ll find it here.

You'll want to hurry, though, as some of these offers are ending today, so don't delay if you spot something you like! 

At the core of this Roland stage piano is a stellar sound engine that delivers magnificent tones to suit any situation - and right now, you can save a whopping $100 at Sweetwater.View Deal

Roland's FP range is one of our favourites when it comes to affordable beginner-friendly instruments, so naturally, we get very excited when we see one with a healthy discount. Right now, you can save £150View Deal

Loaded with the iconic sounds of the JUNO and JUPITER, the VR-09 is a fantastic synth and even better with $390 off at Amazon. View Deal

Equipped with seven mighty sound engines, impeccable RH3 fully weighted hammer action, and advanced controller functionality, the Korg Grandstage is one of the most powerful stage pianos on the market - and right now you can save a whopping $500 off at Sweetwater!View Deal

With Casio's multi-dimensional AiR processing, 88 scaled hammer action keys, 26 additional tones and a very accessible playing action, this is a superb option for beginners and intermediates, and with $200 off, you really can't go wrong.View Deal

Should you buy a piano or keyboard this Prime Day?

Okay, so Prime Day isn't the biggest sales event of the year, but it still sees hearty discounts on everything from consumer tech, such as phones and laptops, to fashion, home furnishings and, more importantly, musical instruments!

I have been covering this sales event for several years, so I have a fair idea of what to expect, and I can say with confidence that you should most definitely be thinking about making your piano purchase around this time. If you can't wait until Black Friday, near the end of year, then now is probably the best time to grab a bargain.

Should you order a piano online?

While I fully understand the hesitation about ordering a piano online, the reality is, it couldn’t be easier to get your dream instrument delivered directly to your door. In our guide to ordering a piano online, I talk you through what to expect when you buy an instrument on a website, things to look out for, and give you helpful tips on finding the best piano for you.

Of course, it's good practice to go to a store and get hands-on experience with a product, but I'm fully aware that sometimes it just isn’t possible. You may not have a local dealer that stocks the piano you are looking for, you may not be mobile enough to get out and about, or you may feel intimidated walking into a bustling music store.

Just remember to discuss the delivery options with the store you are ordering from and make sure you've made space for your new piano well in advance of its arrival. Also, the piano is going to arrive disassembled, so be prepared to build it.

]]> <![CDATA[ Waves just made building a pro-level plugin chain a lot cheaper - grab 2 for $59.99 or 4 for $99.99 ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/software-apps/waves-4th-of-july-2025 EqEawBU7h82yqgKMQ7tpiS Fri, 04 Jul 2025 14:12:31 +0000

For the past few months, I've been working tirelessly in my home studio, mixing my band's debut EP, a punk-fueled concept album about the end of the world. Now that it's done and released, I can't help but feel a little shortchanged. Now Waves has started slashing the prices of its famous software in a slew of 4th of July discounts - where were these deals a month ago when I really needed them? I suppose I'll have them installed and ready for the next release.

If you head over to Waves, you'll find 2 plugins for $59.99 or 4 plugins for $99.99 as part of its 4th of July sale. Now, the offer does exclude Curves AQ, Sync Vx, Abbey Road Studio 3, Clarity Vx Pro, and DeReverb Pro, as well as other select products; however, there are plenty of plugins included in the offer.

In addition to the bundle offer, Waves has also reduced the prices of its popular plug-ins. I’ve curated my top software deals from across the sale below, all of which have been personally tested by our team or are ones I frequently use myself, and each is currently available at a significant discount. 

If you’re aiming to maximise your investment in quality software, these plugins are the way to go. Now, it's worth noting that Amazon's Prime Day music deals are just around the corner, so if you're on the hunt for new hardware, instruments, or even studio essentials such as desks and chairs, you'll want to check out what's on offer on July 8th. 

Editor's picks

Waves Platinum Bundle: was US$1,999, now US$199
Packing 67 bundles into one all-encompassing package, the Waves Platinum Bundle is the perfect place to start your producing journey. Bought individually at full price, they'd total a massive $1,999, but a ginormous 90% discount brings them back into reach of the majority of music makers out there.View Deal

Waves Vocal Production bundle: $1,450, now $279
Bring your vocal A-game with 84% off Waves' fully-loaded Vocal Production package. Roll out the 15 essential tools in this bundle and your vocals will go from zero to hero.View Deal

Scheps Parallel Particles: Was $129, now $34.99
Another Andrew Scheps signature model, the Scheps Parallel Particles plugin is a brilliant option for enhancing the vibe of a particular instrument that isn't quite cutting it in the mix. Based on Scheps' parallel processing tools, it's a fantastic quick fix for any instrument you like be it a synth bassline, a shaker, or a lead part that needs an extra push to the front. We found it incredibly easy to use thanks to the simple interface and it's one of our top choice saturation plugins.View Deal

Scheps Omni Channel: Was $149, now $39.99
We've used the Scheps Omni Channel on pretty much every instrument at some point, whether adding a light touch of vibe or totally transforming the properties of a track. It's a 5-module channel strip that features preamp, EQ, de-essing, compressor, and gating, making it a proper Swiss-army knife tool for your productions. There are loads of great presets built into it that make a good starting point for beginners, and if you know your stuff, plenty of options to tweak and shape your sounds.View Deal

Renaissance Bass: Was $79.99, now $39.99
More commonly known as R-Bass, Waves Renaissance Bass is an essential tool for any producer, and we, among many, many music producers have been using it for years. It may be old but its algorithm is still one of the best in the business for adding richness and punch to instruments in the low end. Whether you want your kick drum to stand out more or you want the bassline with some added rumble, R-Bass is a simple yet indispensable tool for music production.View Deal

Waves Smack Attack: Was $79, now $34.99
Waves Smack Attack enables boosting or cutting of the attack and release parts of the transients in audio - a drum hit or string pluck, for example - to give them much more impact. Smack Attack is a fantastically useful plugin and does a great job on all sounds with transient components, and particularly well on basses, pianos, guitars and synth plucks. Read our Smack Attack review here.View Deal

Waves Infected Mushroom Pusher: $79, now $34.99
Infected Mushroom Pusher is one of Waves' more unusual signature plugins, this time a collaboration with Israeli dance and electronica duo Infected Mushroom. The plugin is an enhancer and limiter/clipper that is designed to improve the sound of pretty much anything - single channels, busses and even full mixes - and it does the job well and in a natural, classy fashion. Basses are bolstered magnificently, mid-range sounds benefit from extra presence, and top-end material is treated to a fabulous sheen. Read our Waves Infected Mushroom Pusher review here.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ My five most-used plugins are all part of Sweetwater’s up to 80% off sale - here’s what makes them essential for my workflow ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/plugins/sweetwater-software-sale nkcDKYGuYY537B4epuNqxH Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:27:00 +0000

Plugins are a key part of the modern producer's toolbox, and many of us, myself included, have many more than we actually use. It doesn’t help that they’re so regularly discounted and, compared to lots of other music gear, relatively cheap.

Buying the right plugin can make a big difference to your production workflow though, so while a lot of us producers may own a surplus, I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. With up to 80% off plugins at Sweetwater right now, picking the right plugin will be a low-cost way to enhance your productions, and the sale is a great way to get ahead of the impending Prime Day music deals next week.

I split my time recording between recording analogue instruments on a traditional studio desk and composing music in my home studio using software and plugins. There’s a lot of crossover in the tools that I use for both methods, and although I try to limit the amount of plugins I use beyond EQ and compression, each project brings a different challenge, so having choices is always a good thing in my book.

Here’s my top 5 plugins I use on the regular that are all available in the Sweetwater software sale right now:

I first came across the Distressor when I was recording with a band in an analogue studio, and ever since then, I’ve loved using the software version of it on my drum busses. Part compressor and part saturation, it can mimic other famous compressors like the 1176 and LA-2A, as well as inducing harmonics into the signal for tape-style colour and various distortion effects. Although I mainly use it on drums, I have also used it on vocals, and other engineers I know like it on bass guitar. It’s a versatile tool to have in your armoury, and at this price completely worth the money.View Deal

I had to hold off upgrading from Superior 2 to 3 because even for software it’s so damn pricey. Over the past few years, it also seldom ever got a discount, no doubt due to its massive popularity. Over the last 12 months or so, I’ve seen it discounted quite a few times, so I finally picked it up at the start of the year, and safe to say I’ve been absolutely blown away by it.

I use it for creating drum tracks for my solo work, whereby I use programmed drums to save on studio time, but I’ve also used it for sample replacing live drum tracks, and stacking drums for that modern drum tone. The fact that you can import multi-track audio and the software replaces the hits automatically is unbelievably powerful, so despite it still being quite expensive even when on sale, I highly recommend it if you want to improve the quality of your drums or work entirely in the box.View Deal

When I’m recording guitars in the box, I love adding UA’s Sound City Studios to help bring them to life. Modelled after the real-life studio, it’s a subtle effect but one that can dramatically change the tone of tracks recorded in the home studio. It’s great for reamping less-than-stellarly recorded guitar tracks, and as well as modelling the legendary live room of the studio, it also replicates the desk and preamps, too. It probably won’t blow you away initially, but once you get it right, it’ll become an indispensable part of your setup.View Deal

Ah, sweet Synchro Arts Vocalign 6 Pro, saver of time, maker of menial tasks much easier. When I have a singer who isn’t so great at nailing their doubles, this plugin gives me far more than its monetary worth in terms of time saved. Aligning vocals is a painstaking, and let’s face it, boring task at the best of times, but with a few clicks of my mouse, Vocalign takes care of the legwork, letting me focus on the fun stuff like delay and reverb throws. I also like to use it on guitar takes that aren’t tight enough, great for fattening up double or quad-tracked guitar takes.View Deal

I’ve been using the UA ATR-102 on nearly every mix bus I’ve set eyes upon for the last few years. It just adds a lovely low-end warmth and beautiful top-end clarity to a track, even when you just leave it in its default state. It’s my go-to for enlivening the more sterile sounds you often get with the in-the-box recording, and it typically goes as the last thing on my mix bus before the limiter. It really brings the mix together at the final stage, and for just $49 in the Sweetwater sale, it’s truly superb value for money.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ This is why I rarely buy new pedals anymore - save up to 66% off gear in the Reverb 4th of July sale ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/guitar-pedals/reverb-independents-day-sale d3DDMQu7CrWjUjJ7zToHGP Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:38:21 +0000 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:54:22 +0000

Things are tight for a lot of people at the moment, which means saving money on gear purchases is more important than ever. Despite this, many musicians overlook the power of buying used, typically because they’re worried about getting a dud.

Over at Reverb, to celebrate them becoming independently owned again, you can now save up to 66% on a range of gear, making it a great place to pick up a bargain on some fresh gear. If you’re looking for an alternative to the influx of Prime Day music deals we’re about to be deluged with, then I’d highly recommend you go take a look and see what you can save.

I’ve been buying used for years now, and I’ve found it’s a great way to save money on the gear you want, particularly when it comes to guitar pedals. I’ve bought and sold more pedals on Reverb than I care to remember, and so far, I’ve yet to receive anything that wasn’t in perfect working order. It’s particularly good for getting your hands on discontinued pedals, or those that are less likely to be stocked at traditional retailers.

It’s not just used gear available at Reverb, though; there are plenty of discounts on brand new gear, including a nice $36.09 off this TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini tuner pedal. It’s a utility pedal, so probably not the most exciting thing you’ll ever buy, but at just over $50 it’s super value for what will inevitably be a pedal you use every practice, rehearsal, recording take, or live show.

Reverb Independents Day Sale: Up to 66% off
Buying used is a great way to save big bucks on new gear, and Reverb's latest sale makes it even better value for money with up to 66% off music gear. There’s a great selection of used gear from independent retailers, but you can also bag big savings on B-stock and brand new gear in the sale.View Deal

Buying B-stock gear is a great way to save big money if you’re not sure about buying used. A lot of manufacturers are now selling their open-box, display, and lightly used models, and many of these come with full warranties as if they were new.

Over at the official Earthquaker Devices store, you can pick up this B-stock Spatial Delivery pedal with a huge $110 reduction. It carries the same lifetime warranty as a brand new item, and might have some small cosmetic blemishes, or have been used for display or demo purposes.

If you want a pedal that’s a little different, then it’s a great shout, offering an envelope filter with the ability to sample and hold. It’s way more than just an auto-wah that’s for sure, and can you get some properly unique tones with lots of scope for tweaking thanks to the three knobs and three mode switch.

If you’re willing to buy used, you can save huge amounts of money on gear, and I spotted this Death By Audio Fuzz War pedal with a cool $40 discount. It’s mint condition, and you’ll seldom find this pedal discounted as new because it’s such a popular choice.

]]> <![CDATA[ Why wait for Prime Day when Thomann's massive Music Days sale will save you up to 65% off big brands right now? ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/gear-gadgets/thomann-music-days-sale Fowgc7uHzXpRoZvmScrcn7 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:35:21 +0000 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:07:08 +0000

The Prime Day music deals are just around the corner, but why wait until July 8th when Thomann is already throwing a massive sale? In case you hadn't heard, Amazon's flagship sale is a four-day extravaganza this year, but Thomann has just dropped a sale that is sure to rival it, especially if you're a musician. For a limited time, you can score up to 65% off hundreds of musical products.

Whether you're just starting your musical journey or you're a seasoned pro, now’s the perfect moment to snag that dream instrument or gear you've been eyeing for ages. Seriously, from Gretsch drums to ESP guitars, Native Instruments MIDI keyboards to Technics DJ Turntables, the options are downright jaw-dropping.

Let’s dive into the goodies we’ve hand-picked just for you.

Thomann Music Days: Up to 65% off!
From now until July 22, you can score up to 65% off on hundreds of products across every category. Whether you're a beginner, a pro musician, or somewhere in between, there has never been a better time to grab a bargain. View Deal

First up, feast your eyes on the radical ESP LTD Arrow BKM, a blacked-out metal beast featuring a fierce single EMG 81 humbucker, an EMG TKO kill switch, and a Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo. With 47% off, this bad boy is now yours for just £679.

If you’re after something more classic, the Fender Standard Strat might be more up your street. Discounted by a generous 15%, this affordable beauty is now only £432. Get those iconic spanky Strat tones without putting a big dent in your wallet.

Now, let’s talk home studio essentials. The Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 is a must-have, and guess what? It has a whopping 47% off right now. Our glowing review hailed it as “a premium quality keyboard and controller” ideal for both DAW and live performances. Don’t miss your chance to scoop up this gem for just £261.

Looking for a versatile condenser microphone that can do it all? The Warm Audio WA-14 is where it’s at. Currently available with an 11% discount, this high-quality condenser mic features a large diaphragm brass capsule that mimics the legendary sound of a C414. Whether you’re tracking vocals or capturing acoustic guitars, this mic is sure to deliver.

And let’s not forget the stunning Gretsch Catalina drum kit in Maple Walnut Glaze. With 18% off, you can grab this classic-sounding kit for just £695, talk about a steal.

Now, that's just a small selection of what's available - there’s so much more waiting for you in this epic sale. We encourage you to check out the Thomann site and see what goodies you can uncover yourself. You have until July 22 to get involved.

]]> <![CDATA[ With up to $550 off in Fender’s summer sale, these are the 3 guitars I’d grab for any budget ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/electric-guitars/fender-summer-sale mqHjWFUKVioJfAQ8V769iK Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:30:36 +0000 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:53:50 +0000

The Prime Day guitar deals are almost here, and loads of manufacturers and retailers are launching sales to compete with the four-day Amazon deals extravaganza. If you’re not interested in air fryers or AirPods, then head over at the official Fender shop where you can get your hands on up to 20% off Fender and Squier guitars.

The sale has a nice selection of guitars and basses available, which cover the gamut from budget-friendly to pro-level, making it a great place to grab a new guitar. I’ve had a look through the whole sale already, so here are three options that will have you covered no matter what your budget.

I wax lyrical about Telecasters a lot, and with a massive $550 reduction, this Fender American Ultra Luxe Telecaster with Floyd Rose is a serious bit of kit. Dual Ultra Double Tap humbuckers deliver fiery tones with S-1 switching to unlock hot single coil tones.

It doesn’t just sound great either, with rolled fingerboard edges, an augmented ‘D’ profile neck that fills out the further up the neck you go, a compound radius fingerboard, and stainless steel frets, it plays like a dream too.

Fender shop: Save up to 20%
If you’re in the market for a new Fender or Squier guitar this summer, then this is the sale to head for. With discounts of up to 20% across a huge range of instruments, it’s the perfect place to pick up a bargain on a new guitar. There are plenty of options too, whether you’re after something ultra premium, an intermediate-level guitar, or something beginner/budget friendly.View Deal

If you want something a little more traditional on a mid-level budget, then have a gander at the Fender Player Plus Stratocaster. It’s got a sweet $240 reduction in the sale, which takes it down to just below the $1k mark.

It’s a proper gigging workhorse guitar with three Noiseless single coil pickups that give you those classic Strat tones minus any extraneous hum. Combine that with the 2-point tremolo and locking tuners, and you’ve got all that Strat signature character with the benefit of modern appointments that ensure excellent tuning stability.

Finally, if you’ve not got so much cash on hand, you can still grab a great guitar in the sale. The Squier Paranormal Offset Telecaster SJ is my pick of the bunch, combining the best of a Telecaster and a Fender offset for some serious tone and visual mojo.

The Tele-style bridge pickup delivers that typical bright tonality, countered by a Jazzmaster pickup in the neck position for plenty of round warmth and bite. Block inlays and neck binding make this guitar look a lot more expensive than it actually is, and even more so thanks to that $70.95 discount.

]]> <![CDATA[ Positive Grid is blowing the lid off Prime Day with up to 50% off smart amps and software - and has reduced the Spark Go to its pre-order price! ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/guitars/positive-grid-is-blowing-the-lid-off-prime-day-with-up-to-50-percent-off-smart-amps-and-software-and-has-reduced-the-spark-go-to-its-pre-order-price 6uAVVfLdfmtrw5RDxrF7uS Wed, 09 Oct 2024 10:35:29 +0000

Amazon's second Prime Day of the year, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is here, and that can only mean one thing: huge savings. Now, while Amazon is certainly the place to go for massive discounts on a range of products, such as air fryers and smart devices, it's not actually great for music gear. That's why we suggest going off-site to find a six-string-related bargain. 

For example, if you're in the market for a new practice amp, you're best heading over to Positive Grid, where you can score up to 50% off Spark amps and software, which includes popular models such as the original Spark, Spark Mini, Spark GO, Spark Live and Riff interface. 

Positive Grid Spark: Was $299, now $239
Regularly topping ‘best of’ lists the Positive Grid Spark is a brilliant amp for songwriting and practicing at home. It’s the perfect option for players short on space who need a desktop or practice amp and is currently reduced to just $239, giving you a tasty saving of $60.View Deal

Positive Grid Spark Mini: $249, $183
Small enough to fit into pretty much any home setup, with a sound that far exceeds its tiny dimensions, the Positive Grid Spark Mini is packed full of functionality and usable practice tools. View Deal

Spark GO: $129, now $109
This pint-sized Spark is the smallest of the range and the perfect practice companion for guitarists on the go - and better yet there's $25 off at Positive Grid right now. View Deal

We’ve been huge fans of Positive Grid’s Spark guitar amps for a while now. In fact, we have a Positive Grid Spark Mini on our desk as we type this and it’s become a regular part of our practice regimen. Whether it’s practicing arpeggios on our lunch break or writing new songs for our band on the weekend, the Spark Mini delivers great tone quickly and easily.

Also in the Prime Day Sales is the Positive Grid Spark 40. The Spark Mini’s bigger, harder brother, the Spark 40 packs a hefty punch with its 40-watt Class D amplifier and two 4-inch custom-design speakers. Its design means it will fit into any household discreetly whilst still retaining enough power to jam with friends or just fill the room with sound when you’re alone in the house.

Also available in the sale is Positive Grid's latest wireless unit the Spark Link, the all-new Spark Cab, and a collection of state-of-the-art software. 

]]> <![CDATA[ Audio-Technica's classic ATH-M50x studio headphones just plummeted in price for Amazon Prime Day ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/headphones/audio-technicas-classic-ath-m50x-studio-headphones-just-plummeted-in-price-for-amazon-prime-day wNqG22dFUZRgW8hrmm3KsM Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:36:13 +0000

When you think about classic studio headphones, there's a handful of pairs that will always come to mind. For us, one such pair is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. These closed-back cans are still some of the most popular all-round performers out there, and right now, for Amazon's Big Deal Days event (known as Prime Day 2 around these parts) have dropped to just shy of their lowest price ever, with a hearty 30% discount.

Despite being on sale for a good while now, the ATH-M50x rarely drop too much in price, so any kind of saving is worth taking advantage of. With an original retail price of $149, today's discount means you can pick them up for just $104. That's only a dollar off their cheapest price ever, and an absolute steal for a really capable pair of 'phones. 

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: $149, now $104 @Amazon
One of the most popular sets of studio headphones of all time have been given a chunky 30% discount at Amazon as part of their Big Deal Days event. At just $104, this is the best deal you'll find on the ATH-M50x today. View Deal

The biggest reason to buy a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, in our opinion, is down to the all-round ability they possess for monitoring, mixing and mastering duties on any project you can throw at them. They also come with the added bonus of working as an everyday set of music-listening cans due to their relatively low-profile. They're collapsible too, making them great for making music on the go. 

The 45mm large-aperture drivers come complete with earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, resulting in exceptional clarity across the spectrum, while the 90-degree swivelling earcups make one-ear monitoring a breeze.

In our opinion, one of the aces up their sleeve is the three detachable cables that come in the box. They're varying lengths, so you can attach the right one for whatever scenario you're in - whether that's mixing at home, listening on the go, or playing an electronic drum set where you need some extra slack - and you'll always have a spare.

]]> <![CDATA[ In a previous life I sold digital pianos and keyboards for a living - here are the best deals I've seen this Prime Day ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/news/in-a-previous-life-i-sold-digital-pianos-and-keyboards-for-a-living-here-are-the-best-deals-ive-seen-this-prime-day C8TTgck8fh5pn8cqZY3CsG Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:40:01 +0000

Over the last few days, the internet has been awash with epic Prime Day music deals, but Amazon has been distinctly lacking when it comes to digital pianos and beginner keyboards. So, to find the very best deals, we turned to music retailers such as Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Andertons, and more to source epic key-based bargains. 

Now, before I worked at MusicRadar, writing about music gear for a living, I used to sell pianos and keyboards in a busy music store. So, I’ve used my background in music retail to come up with my pick of the very best Prime Day keyboard and piano deals from across this mammoth sale. 

Below, you’ll find my expert choices from a wide range of price categories and styles. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first keyboard or an experienced player seeking a much-needed upgrade, you’ll find it here.  

Casio Privia PX-S3100: Was $879, now $799.99
With Casio's multi-dimensional AiR processing, 88 scaled hammer action keys, superb tones and very accessible playing action, this is a fantastic option for beginners and with $79 off, you really can't go wrong. View Deal

Roland RD-88: $1,299.99, $1,099.99
At the core of this Roland stage piano is a stellar sound engine that delivers magnificent tones to suit any situation - and right now you can save a whopping $200 at Guitar Center. View Deal

Roland JUNO-DS88: $1,199.99, $999.99
The JUNO-DS88 boasts a remarkable 88 weighted-action keys, making it the first of its kind in the storied history of the JUNO series. Roland's Ivory Feel-G keyboard with progressive hammer action perfectly complements the expressive new piano sounds, offering high-end touch and playability, all while keeping the instrument light and mobile. View Deal

Roland FP-30X: Was $799.99, now $692
Roland's FP range is one of our favourites when it comes to affordable beginner-friendly instruments, so naturally, we get very excited when we see one with a healthy discount. Right now you can save 13% at Amazon. View Deal

Casio Privia PX-870: Was £812, now $771
With Casio's multi-dimensional AiR processing, 88 scaled hammer action keys, 19 additional tones and a very accessible playing action, this is a superb option for beginners and with £41 off, you really can't go wrong. View Deal

Yamaha PSR-E373: Was $219.99, now $179.99
When it comes to recommendations for beginner-friendly keyboards, we will always go straight for Yamaha. These keyboards are well-made, durable and most importantly sound great! Right now you can score 18% off the fabulous PSR-E373 at Guitar Center.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ I’ve bought a lot of Gibson guitars - this £800 off Les Pauls at Andertons is the best deal I’ve ever seen ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/news/ive-bought-a-lot-of-gibson-guitars-this-pound800-off-les-pauls-at-andertons-is-the-best-deal-ive-ever-seen kJGSLHc6a4nKpvcQJjNVSZ Tue, 16 Jul 2024 18:48:29 +0000

It's fair to say I'm more than just a Gibson enthusiast. My guitar collection is a testament to my deep passion for these Nashville-made guitars. It's not just about the instruments for me; it's about the history, the craftsmanship, and the soul that each Gibson guitar carries - and right now you can join the club for less with up to £800 off Gibson guitars at Andertons. 

Currently, I have 12 Gibsons in my collection. A Firebird V, two Non-Reverse versions, a gorgeous cherry red SG Standard, a Pelham Blue '61 reissue SG Special, a '60s style Les Paul Standard, a '60s reissue ES-335, its little brother the ES-339, a TV Yellow Les Paul Special, a natural Explorer, the workhorse acoustic, the J-45, and my latest addition, the Theodore Standard.

As you can see, I shop for Gibson guitars pretty regularly, but I don't remember seeing a sale this good, with such a diverse range of brilliant Les Paul models featured. From £700 off the stunning Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s in Transparent Oxblood to £450 off the contemporary Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite in Rose Gold Satin, there's an exciting array of LPs for every type of player here.

Andertons Deal Fest: Save up to £800 off Gibson
As part of Deal Fest, running from the 15th to the 21st of July, you can score a mind-blowing up to £800 off a range of 23 Gibson guitars - including the Les Paul Standard and Modern Lite. 

Of course, there is a lot more on offer than just heavily discounted Gibson Les Pauls in the Deal Fest sale. Elsewhere on the Andertons site, you can save a generous £200 off the PRS Ltd Edition SE Custom 24 in Ruby and a whopping £450 off the striking Fender Limited Edition American Ultra Stratocaster in Denim Burst. 

So we implore you to take a look around the full sale to see what other goodies are on offer. 

]]> <![CDATA[ Looking for a great Prime Day guitar deal? Skip Amazon and head to Fender for 10% off Ultra and 20% off Squier Affinity models ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/news/fender-prime-day-sale W4axjhihcZr9Eh6akXtxQH Mon, 15 Jul 2024 15:13:08 +0000 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:18:03 +0000

The Prime Day music deals have well and truly begun, but we've managed to find a stellar sale that's nowhere near Amazon! Fender is offering a fantastic 10% off their Ultra range, along with discounts of 10% on selected Squier Contemporary models and 20% off numerous Squier Affinity guitars and basses. 

You'll find a variety of guitars on sale at the official Fender site, from high-end to budget-friendly options, including Strats, Teles, and offsets. Additionally, there are great discounts on accessories, pedals, and upgrades such as electric guitar pickups, guitar straps, bridges, and locking tuners.

Fender.com: 10% off Fender American Ultra
The American Ultra series is a perfect blend of beauty and functionality. Offering a unique "Modern D" neck profile, Ultra rolled fingerboard edges, and a tapered neck heel for comfortable playing, a 10"-14" compound-radius fingerboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets, Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickups, and sculpted rear body contours, these are contemporary guitars for contemporary players. View Deal

Fender.com: 10% off Squier Contemporary
The Squier Contemporary series features Squier SQR Atomic humbucking pickups with coil-split options, a roasted maple neck, and a double-locking tremolo by Floyd Rose. It also boasts stealthy black hardware and a sleek painted headstock with chrome logos.View Deal

Fender.com: 20% off Squier Affinity
Looking for a super affordable guitar that doesn't compromise on quality? Look no further than the brilliant Squier Affinity series. Featuring everything from Strats to Teles, Starcasters, and Jazz Basses, there's something for everyone here. 

Shop more Prime Day deals

]]> <![CDATA[ Don't wait for Black Friday to bag a digital piano deal - Amazon just slashed the price of the Alesis Prestige Artist ]]> https://www.musicradar.com/news/dont-wait-for-black-friday-to-bag-a-digital-piano-deal-amazon-just-slashed-the-price-of-the-alesis-prestige-artist xJotLunfHrx57xvpSAg7oB Tue, 11 Oct 2022 20:46:07 +0000

If you are sitting getting itchy fingers, just waiting for the official Black Friday keyboard piano deals to land, then you can relax, as we've just found this killer deal on a beginner digital piano that you really need to check out. As part of Amazon's new Prime Day Early Access sale, the online retail mogul has started slashing prices well ahead of next month's Black Friday music deals - and yes, that includes pianos. Right now, you can save $49.05 off the price of the Alesis Prestige Artist - but be quick, this deal is only available for two days.

So what is the Alesis Prestige Artist? Well, this is a compact and relatively lightweight, full 88-note, weighted keys stage piano from digital instrument giant Alesis. Featuring full-sized keys with a beginner-friendly action, a responsive piano-style sustain pedal, and 30 voices, this piano offers fantastic value for money - and it gets even better when Amazon gleefully cuts prices left, right and centre.

This elegant-looking instrument has a strikingly simple control layout, meaning it is the perfect digital piano for budding pianists or those who hate the often crowded layout of modern keyboards.

Alesis Prestige Artist: Was $599, now $549
With 88 fully weighted keys, 30 multi-sampled voices, graded hammer action and a piano-style foot pedal, this is an absolutely brilliant instrument that is perfect for beginners are pros alike, and better yet, it's down to only $549 for a very limited time. View Deal

Not sure if you should wait until late November to pick up a new piano or keyboard? Well, we break down the benefits of buying a piano on Black Friday, as well as give you some tips to get the best deal possible.

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