Daryl Robertson
I'm a Senior Deals Writer at MusicRadar, and I'm responsible for writing and maintaining buyer's guides on the site - but that's not all I do. As part of my role, I also scour the internet for the best deals I can find on gear and get hands-on with the products for reviews. My gear reviews have been published in prominent publications, including Total Guitar and Future Music magazine, as well as Guitar World.com. I've also had the privilege of interviewing everyone from Slash to Yungblud, as well as members of Sum 41, Foo Fighters, The Offspring, Feeder, Fever 333 and many more.
I have a massive passion for anything that makes a sound, particularly guitars, pianos, and recording equipment. In a previous life, I worked in music retail, giving advice on all aspects of music creation and selling everything from digital pianos to electric guitars, entire PA systems, and ukuleles. I'm also a fully qualified sound engineer who holds a first-class Bachelor's degree in Creative Sound Production from the University of Abertay and I have plenty of experience working in various venues around Scotland.
Latest articles by Daryl Robertson

MusicRadar deals of the week: Score a massive £800 off the Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul, £400 off the Dave Grohl signature Epiphone, as well as hundreds off live sound equipment
By Daryl Robertson published
We've uncovered the very best offers on a range of music-making gear from the likes of Yamaha, Gibson, Truefire, PreSonus, Fender and more

Sleep Token just shared new sheet music. We asked a pro pianist to perform it - here's what it sounds like
By Daryl Robertson published
Is this a tease for the new Sleep Token album? Take a listen for yourself and read our piano expert's breakdown of the music

Presidents' Day is here, and that means epic music gear deals at Guitar Center - save $500 on a stunning Gibson Les Paul, $100 off the ever-popular Casio CDP-S110 and much more
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Grab impressive discounts on quality gear from Fender to Gibson, Casio, Alesis to Martin

Fender launches a slew of patriotic deals this Presidents' Day with hundreds off a wide range of USA-made guitars - including $200 off select American Professional II models and more
By Daryl Robertson published
From Pro II to Player Plus, Ultra Luxe to Performer, there is something for everyone this Presidents' Day over at Fender.com

MusicRadar deals of the week: Score £160 off select PRS guitars, £134 off the popular Novation Circuit Rhythm, and $200 off the Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12
By Daryl Robertson published
We've uncovered the very best offers on a range of music-making gear from the likes of Novation, PRS, Pioneer, Fender and more

Best portable PA systems 2025: Lightweight and mobile PA solutions for musicians and events
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Easily transportable sound solutions from the likes of Bose, LD Systems, Roland, Mackie for bands, buskers and more

Best keyboards for beginners 2025: Get started with our expert pick of beginner keyboards for all ages
By Dave Clews last updated
Looking for the best piano keyboard for beginners? Well MusicRadar has you covered with expert advice and useful recommendations from industry professionals

What are the best online piano lessons in 2025? Apps, websites, and software reviewed by an industry professional
By Dave Clews last updated
Master music theory and play your favourite piano songs over the internet with my pick of the very best piano learning platforms

Best acoustic guitars 2025: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
By Chris Bird last updated
Our pick of the very best flat tops from Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender and loads more

Best electric guitars 2025: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
By Chris Bird last updated
Find the top electric guitar for your budget and playing style, whether you play rock, metal, blues or beyond

"While the aesthetic flourishes grab the headlines, this guitar’s mismatched specs are its secret weapon": Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul Standard Goldtop review
By Daryl Robertson published
A Les Paul dressed up like an ES-295, Gibson's latest signature certainly has plenty of visual appeal, but can it deliver on playability and tone?

Best Christmas gifts for musicians 2025: 43 affordable festive 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 Christmas gift inspiration for the muso in your life - including last-minute ideas

Best multi-effects pedals 2025: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
By Matt McCracken last updated
Our guide to the best multi-effects pedals will help you get your head around amp modelling pedals and multi-FX

Best PA speakers 2025: Compact and mobile active sound systems for bands and buskers
By Daryl Robertson last updated
These PA systems and speaker setups are ideal for amplifying vocals and instruments – including Roland, Bose, Yamaha and JBL speakers

With the LEGO Strat close to its lowest-ever price, who needs the Fender Custom Shop? Be quick, though, you don't have much time left to grab it and build your own
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Fender and Lego have made the perfect gift for Strat fans: Woodworking tools or skills not required

Cyber Monday Andertons deals 2024: Last chance to grab a deal
By Daryl Robertson last updated
You've not got long to bag yourself a bargain on guitars, pedals, and amps in the Andertons sale

Thomann Cyber Monday deals 2024: The Cyberweek sale is over, but there are still a few ways to save
By Chris Barnes last updated
Thomann's massive 2024 Cyber Monday deals has ended with a bang. These re the bargains you can still get your hands on

Gear4music Black Friday deals 2024: The official Black Friday sale is now over, but there are still deals to be had
By Daryl Robertson last updated
The latest on the big Black Friday savings at Gear4music

Black Friday studio headphone deals 2024: The biggest studio headphone savings from across the internet that are still live
By Simon Arblaster last updated
Grab yourself big savings on Focal, Beyerdynamic, Shure, AKG and more this Black Friday

Black Friday microphone deals 2024: Black Friday is over, and these are the best microphone 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 Andertons deals 2024: Black Friday is done but there are still loads of deals to get your hands on
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Don't worry if you missed out on a Black Friday deal at Andertons, you can still find loads of big savings

Black Friday plugin deals 2024: Black Friday is over, but there are still plenty of deals to get your hands on
By Matt McCracken last updated
We round up all the best plugin deals that are still hanging around post-Black Friday

"This is a game-changer for us. I mean, that's a pretty essential piece of gear": Andertons just slashed £249 off the Behringer X32 mixer, which has Foo Fighter Chris Shiflett's stamp of approval
By Daryl Robertson published
Chris Shiflet called this digital mixer an essential part of his solo tour - and now you can own one for a whole lot less

What are the best digital pianos in 2025? I'm a professional piano and music gear reviewer and these are my top picks
By Daryl Robertson last updated
With a decade of experience selling and reviewing pianos, these are what I believe to be the very best digital pianos from Yamaha, Roland, Casio, Kawai and Korg - covering all price points

Is this the best, the best, the best Black Friday deal for Foo Fighters fans? Save a whopping £230 off the newly released Epiphone DG-335 Dave Grohl signature guitar
By Daryl Robertson published
The highly celebrated Epiphone DG signature just received its first-ever discount - it's times like these I'm pleased I saved up for Black Friday
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