Gear & Reviews

Ask about almost any budget guitar in an English-speaking forum and you’ll get the same three words back: “just get it set up.” It’s the most repeated advice in the beginner world — and for good reason. Here’s an honest round-up of what a setup actually is, the difference it makes, and how owners approach…

Guitar teachers see the same buying mistakes over and over — and they cost beginners money, and sometimes their motivation to keep playing. Here’s an honest round-up of what teachers and experienced players in English-speaking communities say are the most common first-guitar buying mistakes, and how to avoid them. Where these takes come from A…

In English-speaking guitar circles, the PRS SE line has a near-cult status as the “value-for-money” mid-range pick. SE Custom 24, SE Standard, the SE Silver Sky — they dominate “best guitar under $1000” threads. But are they as flawless as the hype suggests? Here’s an honest round-up of what owners actually say. Where these takes…

If there’s one amp the English-speaking guitar community recommends more than any other to beginners and home players, it’s the Boss Katana. It shows up in nearly every “best practice amp” thread. But does it deserve the hype? Here’s an honest round-up of what owners actually report — the strengths and the gripes. Where these…

For years, “Epiphone” meant “the cheap Gibson.” Then came the Inspired by Gibson relaunch — new Kalamazoo headstock, better fretwork, ProBucker pickups — and English-speaking forums have been arguing ever since: are they finally as good as a Gibson? Here’s an honest round-up of what owners actually report. Where these takes come from A synthesis…

Ask “what’s the best beginner electric?” in any English-speaking guitar forum and one name comes up again and again: the Yamaha Pacifica 112V. It rarely has the loudest fanbase, yet it’s quietly become the default recommendation of teachers and seasoned players. Here’s an honest round-up of what owners actually report. Where these takes come from…

“Should I get the Affinity or stretch to the Classic Vibe?” is one of the most-asked questions in English-speaking guitar communities. Both are Squiers, both are aimed at beginners — but owners and teachers are surprisingly clear about which one to buy. Here’s an honest round-up of what the forums actually say: the real strengths,…

Squier and Epiphone are the two giants of affordable electric guitars — the official budget lines of Fender and Gibson. If you want a classic design without the premium price, it usually comes down to these two. Here’s how they compare. (If you’d rather hear how they hold up after months of ownership, that’s a…

A new guitar is only the start — a few inexpensive accessories make practising easier, protect your instrument and keep it sounding right. Here are the essentials every beginner actually needs. 1. A tuner Non-negotiable. A clip-on tuner (or app) keeps you in tune every session — see how to tune a guitar. Playing in…

The best amp for home practice isn’t the loudest or most expensive — it’s the one you’ll actually use without annoying the neighbours. Here’s what matters when buying a practice amp, and which type to choose. Keep the wattage low For a flat or bedroom, 5–20 watts is plenty. High-wattage tube amps need volume to…