Our Manifesto
This is what we believe, what we refuse to do, and exactly how we make money. No fine print, no double-talk.
What We Believe
- A great guitar doesn't have to be expensive. The best first guitar is the one that feels easy and keeps you playing — not the one with the biggest price tag.
- The best gear is the gear you actually play. A $200 guitar that gets played every day beats a $2,000 guitar that sits in a case.
- Honest reviews matter more than affiliate commissions. If we don't like a product, we say so. Even if it costs us money.
- Learning to play is as important as learning to buy. A guitar is a tool for joy, not a trophy. We'll help you buy right, then help you actually play.
- Beginners deserve straight answers. You shouldn't need a music degree to understand a buying guide.
What We Oppose
- ❌ Hyped-up "beginner kits" that are just cheap junk in a box.
- ❌ Snobbery about brands or price tags.
- ❌ Hiding flaws to keep advertisers happy.
- ❌ Fake urgency and "best deal ever" nonsense.
How We Make Money
We earn a commission when you buy through our links — at no extra cost to you. This doesn't change our recommendations. If a product isn't good enough, we say so, and we don't link to it. We've turned down thousands in commissions by being honest about what not to buy.
Our first loyalty is to you, the reader. If that ever changes, we'll tell you before you read another word.
— Crystal Yifei Liu
Editor-in-Chief, GuitarMasta