Editorial policy
How we research, write and correct our guides.
Original, sourced writing
Our pages are written in our own words. We check historical and musical claims against credible sources: archives, makers' published information, festival and organisation websites, and established reference works. We try not to present the traditions of different regions as interchangeable. If we quote someone, we name them.
Product recommendations
- We explain on each buying guide how its recommendations were chosen, who they suit, and their tradeoffs and limitations.
- We say clearly whether a recommendation is researched or based on hands-on testing. At present, all of our recommendations are researched. We have not tested the products ourselves.
- We don't invent reviews, ratings, prices, specifications, availability, product ownership or expert interviews.
- We don't show Amazon prices or star ratings, because they change constantly and we can't keep them accurate.
- Commission rates don't decide what we recommend. Many pages have no affiliate links at all.
Images
We use photographs whose licences allow our use, and we credit them. We don't label an image as a particular instrument unless it shows that instrument.
Corrections and updates
Pages show the date they were last updated. If you spot an error, please contact us. We fix confirmed errors promptly.