
Ross Holder
Ross has been a music lover and guitar player since the age of 8. He has spent the five years since graduating from university working in music retail, selling guitars, amps and more. Ross is particularly interested in electric guitars, pedals and amplifiers and his current rig includes a trusty 2009 American Standard Stratocaster and Vox AC30S1 with a few Walrus Audio and Way Huge pedals in between. He currently writes for Guitar Player and Guitar World.
Latest articles by Ross Holder

Best guitar audio interfaces: record your guitar with my top picks
By Matt McCracken last updated
Whether you’re a solo guitarist or a frequent collaborator, here lies the perfect guitar-ready interface for you – chosen by experts

Best guitar stands and hangers 2025: Keep your precious guitars safe and secure
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
From multi-guitar racks to compact stands and wall hangers, here are the best products from K&M, Hercules, Taylor, Ibanez & more

Best acoustic electric guitars 2025: Get the best of both worlds with my top picks
By Matt McCracken last updated
Get yourself gig-ready with the best electro acoustics from Taylor, Martin, Fender, and more

Best guitar picks: my favorite plectrums for speed, grip, and articulation in your guitar playing
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
Find the perfect fit with my selection of guitar picks for electric, bass, and acoustic guitars

What is the best Stratocaster? I've been playing Strats for 20 years - here are my top picks
By Matt McCracken last updated
I've been playing a Strat all my life, here's an all-encompassing guide to the best Fender Stratocasters available today

Best Taylor guitars: my pick of the most popular Taylor acoustics
By Rob Laing last updated
I've picked out all the top Taylor guitars, matched to the type of player they suit best

Best bass guitars: low-end tones for any budget
By Matt McCracken last updated
From top-end Rickenbackers to budget-friendly squiers, the best basses take many forms – these are the ones to consider right now

Best acoustic guitar strings: my pick of the best strings around
By Matt McCracken last updated
From coated options to custom gauges, these are the best acoustic strings on the market from Elixir, Ernie Ball, D’Addario, and more

The HX Stomp was my gateway to pro-level tone and right now you can get up to $200 off Line 6 gear in this Prime Day-beating sale at Sweetwater – but time is running out to save
By Ross Holder last updated
Prime Day is almost over, but Sweetwater's rival sale is offering serious savings on Line 6 gear for limited time, including up to $200 off some Helix products

Best beginner acoustic guitars: start as you mean to go on
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
My pick of tried-and-tested beginner acoustics from trusted brands including Taylor, Fender, Epiphone, and more

Best overdrive pedals: saturate your guitar tone
By Connor Godfrey last updated
Push your sound to break-up with the best OD pedals from Boss, TC Electronic, JHS, Ibanez and more

Best electric guitars: top quality electrics for all budgets
By Daryl Robertson last updated
My pick of the finest electric guitars at every price point from the likes of Gibson, Fender, PRS, Reverend, Music Man, Jackson, and more

Best acoustic guitars: my pick of the very best beginner, intermediate, and top-end acoustics
By Matt McCracken last updated
From high-quality entry-level models to top-of-the-range collector’s pieces, I look at the best acoustic guitars available today

Best tube amps: my top tube amps for the ultimate guitar tone
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
Whether you're a tube traditionalist or chasing a more modern sound, these are the best tube amps from Fender, Marshall, Vox, and more

Best Telecaster pickups: expert recommendations for perfecting that unmistakable Tele twang
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
From traditional tones to modern high-gain options, these should be your go-to pickups to breathe new life into your Telecaster

Best electric guitars under $1,000 in 2025: My guitar picks that span all skill levels, budgets and genres
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
Sticking to a budget of a grand? Here are my top picks of the best electrics from Fender, PRS, Epiphone and more

Best guitar cables 2025: Hard-working cables that will preserve your tone
By Matt McCracken last updated
The ultimate plug in and play guide: the best guitar cables from the likes of Mogami, Ernie Ball, D’Addario and more

Best Fender amps: the finest Fender amplifiers you can get your hands on
By Ross Holder last updated
Tube warmth or modern modeling? I've taken a look at the best Fender amps for all players and budgets

Best 3/4 acoustic guitars 2025: Top short-scale options from Taylor, Martin and more
By Connor Godfrey last updated
Here are the best short-scale acoustic options that don’t compromise on tone, build quality or performance

Best guitar amps: tube-driven triumphs and peerless pedal platforms for home, studio, and stage
By Daryl Robertson last updated
From solid-state practice amps to all-tube stage amps, here’s our pick of the best amplifiers on the market – featuring Boss, Blackstar, Orange, and more

Best Desktop Guitar Amps 2025: Great Space-Saving And Portable Picks From Boss, Blackstar And More
By Ross Holder published
Looking for a compact, portable guitar amp without sacrificing quality? Here are the best options on the market from Yamaha, Blackstar, Positive Grid and more.

Best FRFR speakers: the best full-range, flat-response speakers for your digital effects and modelers
By Ross Holder last updated
Our pick of fantastic FRFR speakers that won’t color your tone from Kemper, Line 6, Fender, Mission Engineering and more

Best guitar amps under $500: premium tones from budget-friendly amplifiers
By Matt McCracken last updated
Who said great tone has to cost an arm and a leg? These amps from Boss, Marshall, Fender, Blackstar, and more deliver incredible sound – all for under $500
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