Buyer’s Guides

Ready to step up from your first guitar? The mid-priced electrics that deliver real build quality, tone and versatility for $450–$900.

Fast necks, hot pickups and tuning stability for the heavy stuff — the metal guitars we'd actually gig, from budget shredders to pro machines.

From a simple spring to vast ambient washes — the reverb pedals we'd actually put on our boards, ranked for every budget and style.

Real valve tone you can afford — the best tube combos under a grand for blues, rock, metal and everything in between.

Warm analog echo, pristine digital repeats and studio-grade multi-engine machines — the delays we'd buy at every budget.

From wall-of-sound sustain to gated chaos — the fuzz pedals we'd actually put on our boards, ranked for every style and budget.

Solid-top acoustics that sound and play far better than their price — the ones we'd actually hand a new player, at every budget.

Great-sounding amps for bedrooms, desks and small gigs — including the smart amps that actually help you practise.

The electric guitars we’d actually put in a beginner’s hands — at every budget from $100 to a confident first “proper” guitar.

From transparent boosts to full-on distortion — the dirt pedals we’d actually put on our boards, ranked for every budget and style.