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
Celebrate Green Monday with an extra $10 off your plugins order at Waves
By Chris Barnes published
Save even more on top-rated plugins for music production – but hurry, this mega offer ends soon
Save $400 on the music-friendly Dell XPS 13 laptop – just $799.99 for today only
By Chris Barnes published
Now could be the time to invest in a top music-making machine
Native Instruments' massive 50% off sale is almost over – save big on Massive X, Traktor and more while you still can
By Chris Barnes published
Loads of deals are still live in the NI Thanksgiving XXL sale, including half price Komplete upgrades
Supercharge your guitar recordings with big Cyber Weekend plugin savings for guitarists
By Chris Barnes published
Waves is offering HUGE money off PRS Supermodels, Eddie Kramer Guitar Channel and more
Waves' Silver plugin bundle has dropped from $599 to $49.99 with this epic Cyber Weekend deal
By Chris Barnes last updated
Get everything you need to make music in one package – 16 plugins including compressors, EQs and special effects
Love free music? Buy an Amazon Echo smart speaker and get 4 months of Amazon Music Unlimited for nothing
By Chris Barnes published
This deal is included with purchases of the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show or Echo Plus
NAMM 2019: Prog virtuoso Angel Vivaldi puts his name to new Charvel Signature guitar
By Chris Barnes last updated
Plus, Steel Panther’s Satchel rolls out a wild new Pro-Mod DK finish
The best Plugin Boutique deals right now: top synths, virtual instruments and plugins for less
By Chris Barnes published
Supercharge your music making with software from KV331 Audio, u-He, Izotope and more
Gerry Morgan: “Get stuck in and you’ll be fine. It’s never too late to learn another instrument”
By Chris Barnes published
The James Bay and Niall Horan drummer explains why embracing technology has been the greatest tool in realising his creative vision with pop’s biggest acts
Brann Dailor: “I see riffs cinematically”
By Chris Barnes published
Brann Dailor reveals his approach to songwriting, why he’s never sung better and what it takes to climb ‘drum mountain’
Clutch's Jean-Paul Gaster: “For me, drumming is a meditation”
By Chris Barnes published
30 years into his career, Jean-Paul Gaster knows a thing or two about the business of making music
NAMM 2019: Fender expands effects range with 6 new pedals
By Chris Barnes published
Introducing Fender-designed chorus, drive, tremolo, phase and more
NAMM 2019: Jackson’s new JS Series Spectra basses offer comfort, playability, style and affordability
By Chris Barnes published
Plus X Series Concert basses get a spruce up
NAMM 2019: Charvel unleashes the high performance USA Select DK24 HH 2PT CM from its Californian custom shop
By Chris Barnes published
Premium alder body and caramelized maple neck are a potent pairing
NAMM 2019: All-new Pro and X Series axes incoming from Jackson Guitars
By Chris Barnes published
Plus new finishes and updates to existing models
NAMM 2019: EVH embraces the exotic with new Wolfgang WG Standard Xotic models
By Chris Barnes published
Plus, smart new finishes for Wolfgang Standard QM and Special guitars
NAMM 2019: EVH launches the Striped Shark, an electric guitar with bite
By Chris Barnes published
EVH sinks its teeth into one of Eddie Van Halen’s iconic axes
NAMM 2019: 9 heavyweight signature models unveiled by Jackson
By Chris Barnes published
New axes from Jeff Loomis, Misha Mansoor, Phil Collen and more
NAMM 2019: Roland opens hybrid drumming up to the masses with the TM-1
By Chris Barnes published
Affordable module makes electro-acoustic drumming even more accessible
NAMM 2019: Magnatone celebrates its 80th year in style with special edition amps
By Chris Barnes published
Boutique amps for modern players
NAMM 2019: Cort unveils first ever multi-scale 8-string guitar and more
By Chris Barnes published
Guitars to suit every player from vintage to modern
NAMM 2019: 7 new wallet-friendly basses incoming from Cort
By Chris Barnes published
Smart looks and neat features at affordable prices
NAMM 2019: British Drum Company aims sky high with new Aviator aluminium snare drum
By Chris Barnes published
Plus, KickFix bass drum anchors and Archer snare revealed
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