Chris Barnes
I'm MusicRadar's eCommerce Editor. In addition to testing the latest music gear, with a particular focus on electronic drums, it's my job to manage the 300+ buyer's guides on MusicRadar and help musicians find the right gear for them at the best prices. I dabble with guitar, but my main instrument is the drums, which I have been playing for 24 years. I've been a part of the music gear industry for 20 years, including 7 years as Editor of the UK's best-selling drum magazine Rhythm, and 5 years as a freelance music writer, during which time I worked with the world's biggest instrument brands including Roland, Boss, Laney and Natal.
Latest articles by Chris Barnes
Best Christmas gifts for drummers 2024: 47 hand-picked ideas to treat the drummer in your life this festive season
By Chris Barnes last updated
Show the drummer in your life some love this Christmas with our pick of the coolest drum accessories, gadgets, handmade gifts, last-minute ideas and more, regardless of your budget
Black Friday Andertons deals 2024: Everything you need to know ahead of the biggest sale of the year
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Save big on Fender guitars, Focusrite audio interfaces, Roland electronic drum kits, and so much more
Thomann Black Friday deals 2024: Get the lowdown on how to make the most of this year's discounts from the German retail giant
By Chris Barnes last updated
Just like previous years, we're expecting massive deals on music gear and software. This is where you'll find all the latest info and pre-Black Friday savings
Black Friday plugin deals 2024: Everything you need to know including shopping advice, early deals, and more
By Matt McCracken last updated
Get ahead of the game with my top tips on how to get the most out of your plugin deals shopping
Thomann’s latest 70th anniversary deals just dropped - including bonkers birthday discounts on Taylor, Arturia, Darkglass, Behringer, Baby Audio and loads more
By Chris Barnes published
Whether you’re shopping for guitar gear, studio tools or a new keyboard, Thomann's birthday sale has something for every type of musician
Best electronic drum sets 2024: Top picks for every playing level and budget, tested by drummers
By Chris Barnes last updated
Our expert guide to the best electronic drum kits available today - plus full reviews, buying advice and video
Best electronic drum set for kids 2024: child-friendly electronic drum kits
By Chris Barnes last updated
Get your child started on the drums with these top entry-level e-kits and drum pads, selected with kids in mind
Thomann, PMT, Andertons and Gear4Music are taking the fight to Amazon with these Prime Day-beating sales
By Chris Barnes published
Forget Amazon, these are the UK stores offering the best Prime Day deal for musicians today
Best Roland electronic drum sets 2024: top Roland V-Drums for beginner to pro drummers
By Chris Barnes last updated
Our comprehensive guide to the best of Roland electronic drum kit line-up
How to watch Glastonbury 2024 from anywhere on the planet - your guide to streaming the UK festival
By Chris Barnes last updated
No ticket? No problem! Here’s everything you need to know to catch all of this weekend's biggest performances online - including headliners Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA
Best ukulele strings 2024: From beginner to pro
By Chris Corfield last updated
Our expert round-up of the best ukulele strings is suitable for beginner ukulele players and seasoned strummers alike
Best headphones for drummers 2024: sound isolation for the studio, rehearsal room and stage
By Jai Widdowson-Jones last updated
Our expert picks, tested - including in-ear monitors and the best headphones for electronic drums
Best beginner electronic drum sets 2024: reviewed by experts
By Jai Widdowson-Jones last updated
Just starting out behind the drums? These are the best electronic drum kits for beginners, tested and rated by pros
A one-year Guitar Tricks subscription just got 55% cheaper for a limited time with this mega Father’s Day offer
By Chris Barnes published
Get 12 months of lessons from one of our favourite online guitar tuition platforms - plus a free guitar setup guide - for just $8.25 per month until 18th June
How to set up an electronic drum set
By James Farmer last updated
Our step-by-step guide to unboxing, building and optimising your electronic drum kit
Best podcasting microphones 2024: our expert picks for every budget and level
By Chris Corfield last updated
Record your next podcast or stream your heart out with the very best podcast mics, including our recommendations under $100/£100 – plus expert buying advice
Waves’ jam-packed Big March Sale has dropped key titles back down to Black Friday prices
By Chris Barnes published
With plugins starting from just $9.99, big bundle discounts and free plugins the more you spend, this is the best Waves sale of the year so far
Best Alesis electronic drum sets 2024: Our pick of Alesis electronic drums for beginners to pros
By James Farmer last updated
Our expert guide to finding the perfect Alesis electronic drum set for your budget and skill level
Best gifts for musicians 2024: 49 affordable present ideas for music-makers (which they'll genuinely love)
By Matt Parker last updated
Shopping for a drummer, guitarist, DJ, producer or content creator? Here’s some gift inspiration for the muso in your life - including last minute ideas
Best budget USB microphones 2024: Get creative and sound better for less
By Chris Corfield last updated
Our expert pick of the top budget USB mics for streaming, podcasting, recording, gaming, work calls and more
Learn guitar for the price of a coffee - Fender Play is only $3.13 per month with this colossal 75% discount
By Chris Barnes published
This best-ever 75% off promotion from Fender Play ends on 11 December, so you’ll need to act fast!
Missed out on a Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal? These 37 music bargains are still going strong
By Chris Barnes published
You still have a chance to save on everything from keyboards and guitar pedals, to plugins and studio headphones
Cyber Monday Andertons deals 2023: Here are the deals that are still live
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Cyber Monday is over, but you can still bag some bargain gear at Andertons
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