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
Cyber Monday MacBook deals 2023: Including savings on the latest M3 MacBook Pros and M2 Airs
By Andy Jones last updated
An Apple MacBook Pro or Air is an ideal music production computer. For Cyber Monday we're hunting down all the best deals, including money off M3 models
Thomann Cyber Monday deals 2023: The 60% off Cyberweek sale is over for another year
By Chris Barnes last updated
Your place to find all the latest information about Thomann's 2024 Cyberweek deals
Black Friday studio headphone deals 2023: The biggest studio headphone savings that are still live
By Simon Arblaster last updated
You can still grab yourself big savings on Focal, Beyerdynamic, Shure, AKG and more
Gear4music Black Friday deals 2023: The official Black Friday sale is still live and you can save big on popular brands
By Daryl Robertson last updated
The latest on the big Black Friday savings at Gear4music
Black Friday microphone deals 2023: Our pick of epic mic savings that are still live
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Your place for all the microphone deals from Shure, Rode, AKG, Blue Microphones and more - whether you're a musician or a podcaster
Black Friday iPad deals 2023: Up to $100 off iPad Pro, Air and mini models - all with music-friendly specs
By Andy Jones published
Apple's tablet is the perfect tool for mobile music production and this year's Black Friday discounts are heavy, making it the ideal time for you to start you iPad music making journey…
Grab a Guitar Tricks annual subscription for just $99 this Black Friday, and bag an additional $321 of extras
By Chris Barnes published
Make 2024 the year your playing moves up a level with online lessons from one of the best platforms around
There’s no need to wait for Black Friday with these software savings - Waves just dropped a load of titles to $29.99
By Chris Barnes published
And if you buy two plugins you can choose another two for free
Best drumsticks for beginners: Recommended sticks for budding players
By Tom Bradley published
Choose your perfect first pair of sticks from our expert recommendations, including models from ProMark, Vater, Vic Firth and more
EFnote 3X review
By Chris Barnes published
These high-end electronic drums from ex-Roland employees have got the looks, but do they have the midas touch?
NUX DM-8 review
By Chris Barnes published
A newcomer to the competitive e-kit market, NUX’s mid-range offering is a fantastic value package that should keep the competition on its toes
Best bass drum pedals 2024: single and double bass pedals for every budget
By Stuart Williams last updated
Put your best foot forward with our guide to choosing the best bass drum pedal for you, with expert picks from DW, Pearl, Tama and others
Musician’s insurance: Everything you need to know about covering you and your gear
By Chris Barnes published
Whether you teach, tour or own loads of gear, insurance expert John Woosey is here to help you find the right cover
Best drumsticks 2024: wooden and synthetic sticks for beginner and pro drummers
By Chris Barnes last updated
Our experts help you choose the right drumsticks for your budget and drumming style
Best electronic drum pads: Top drum and percussion pads for the studio and stage
By Jai Widdowson-Jones last updated
Explore a world of sound with the best electronic drum pads around, from Roland, Yamaha, Alesis and Nord
Best online drum lessons: Our pick of tuition platforms for new to advanced drummers
By Stuart Williams last updated
Learn drums how and when you want with these 10 excellent online drum lesson resources
Best Yamaha e-kits: Top electronic drum sets from Yamaha for beginner, intermediate and pro drummers
By Chris Barnes last updated
Use our expert guide to help you find the right Yamaha electronic drum set for you
Best compact drum kits: Our pick of the best mini-kits at any budget
By Stuart Williams last updated
If you’re thinking of downsizing your set, a 16” bass drum kit from Gretsch, Ludwig, Sonor and others is the perfect solution
Best website builders for bands and musicians 2024: Sell your merch, get your music heard and build your fanbase
By Chris Barnes last updated
Do bands still need a website? Oh yes - here's our expert pick of 7 easy-to-use website builders for music makers, bands and creatives
12 essential drum accessories every player needs
By Chris Barnes published
From studio to stage and acoustic to electronic drums, these are the must-have gadgets and gizmos percussionists need to sound great and stay organised behind the kit
How to watch the Grammys 2023 live tonight: watch the music awards show online, without cable and from anywhere
By Chris Barnes published
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Diplo, Ozzy Osbourne, Adele and Harry Styles are amongst the artists nominated for awards at tonight's ceremony
Best electronic drum amps and monitors: Play your e-kit out loud!
By Tom Bradley last updated
The top monitor speakers and amps designed to bring the best out of your electronic drum set
Load up on studio staples with all Waves plugins slashed to only $29.99 for the holidays
By Chris Barnes published
Even better, buy two plugins, and you'll bag another two completely free!
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