Matt McCracken
Matt is a Junior Deals Writer here at Guitar Player. He regularly tests and reviews music gear with a focus on guitars, amps, pedals, modelers, and pretty much anything else guitar-related. Responsible for over 60 buying guides, a large part of his role is helping guitarists find the best deals on gear. Matt worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars and has written for many music sites including MusicRadar, Guitar World, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog.
A regularly gigging guitarist with over 20 years of experience playing live and writing and recording in bands, he's performed everything from jazz to djent, gigging all over the UK in more dingy venues than you can shake a drop-tuned guitar at. When he's not holed up in his practice space jamming new songs or ogling yet another guitar, you’ll find him making a racket with Northern noise hounds JACKALS.
Latest articles by Matt McCracken
![Closeup of Positive Grid logo on a Spark desktop amp](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7Cai3uqaRqSnTBEnzApj6K-320-80.jpg)
Make Father’s Day Unforgettable With Free Gifts And Money Off Positive Grid’s Spark Amps And BIAS Software
By Matt McCracken published
Celebrate Father’s Day with these amazing deals on Positive Grid’s Spark, Spark Mini, BIAS software, and more
![Two electric guitars and a bass guitar on a turquoise background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZfdMWX9BdzbSqcVNDzWmZ8-320-80.jpg)
Get Up To 20% Off Loads Of Great Music Gear In Guitar Center’s Massive Guitar-A-Thon Spring Sale
By Matt McCracken published
Grab yourself some huge savings on all your favorite guitar brands with Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, and loads more
![Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II on a dark background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LNnqhHrfy8zFhSV3dFnGRS-320-80.jpg)
Best Bass Guitars Under $500 in 2025: Brilliant Budget Basses For Every Kind Of Player
By Matt McCracken published
Get low with our picks of the best bass guitars under £500/$500 from Squier, Epiphone, Yamaha, and more
![Three Fender Player guitars on a blue background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TMsm2gN9TMQJmSbtoKAeN7-320-80.jpg)
Spring Into Big Savings With Up To $180 Off Fender Player Series Guitar Bundles
By Matt McCracken published
These excellent value-for-money guitar bundles offer big savings on guitars with some amazing accessories
![A Fender Telecaster and Gibson Les Paul leaning against a Vox amplifier, with an MXR overdrive pedal in between them](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c5wa54nX2W5QhWUXFoKY2b-320-80.jpg)
The Musician’s Friend Presidents' Day Sale Is Now Live With Up To 40% Off A Massive Range Of Guitar Gear
By Matt McCracken published
Get yourself some amazing deals on all the big brands with Fender, Gibson, Vox, MXR, and more
![Man plays travel guitar with a mobile phone on a tripod](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xqq9ePpGRKJbBxzQt6Cg3b-320-80.jpg)
Start Learning The Guitar With 50% Off Fender Play’s Annual Subscription And A Two-Week Free Trial
By Matt McCracken published
Take advantage of playing the guitar for less with this amazing new year’s deal from Fender Play
![A leather guitar strap on a Fender Stratocaster](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PrvYmXDDs9WdrjUKuba5kf-320-80.jpg)
Best Guitar Straps 2025: Comfort And Support For Electric, Acoustic And Bass Guitars
By Matt McCracken last updated
Make sure your guitar is secure when you step up to the stage with the best guitar straps
![A Martin DJR-10E acoustic guitar on a chair](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TjXYRuC6TsdHW2Y3M9WVX9-320-80.jpg)
Best Acoustic Electric Guitars 2025: The Best Of Both Worlds At Your Fingertips
By Matt McCracken last updated
Get yourself gig-ready with the best electro acoustics from Taylor, Martin, Fender, and more
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