ABOUT
KYLE BAKER

AUTHOR
Kyle is a guitarist and music teacher who has been a full-time musician for almost a decade. He is also a passionate writer and loves to teach and write about all things guitar-related. 

He began his musical journey working in a guitar store selling and repairing instruments, before moving on to studying the art of guitar making and repair with a luthier. 

During this time, he has played in bands ranging from blues to flamenco to reggae to rock all the while teaching guitar and constantly improving his craft.

Kyle Baker

Traveling Rockstar

ARTICLES BY KYLE

BLOG
January 4, 2024
Cheap Guitars That Are Better Than You Think (2026 Picks)

If you have around $100, buy the Harley Benton ST-20HSS (plus shipping and import; it ships from Germany). If you have around $280 to $380, buy the Yamaha FG800 for acoustic (about $280) or the Yamaha Pacifica 112V for electric (about $380). The safest buys on this list are the Pacifica, the FG800, and the […]

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August 23, 2023
Marshall Code 50 Review: How Well Does it Perform?

Marshall Amplification makes some of the best guitar amps on the planet, and their “signature” logo is an iconic symbol to have splashed on the backline of any stage setup. The CODE 50 amplifier is the company’s step into the modern world of amps; with all the features you’d expect from an amplifier in 2022. […]

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August 18, 2023
Gretsch White Falcon Review: Is It Worth Buying?

The Gretsch White Falcon is one of the best-looking — arguably the best-looking — electric guitar models ever produced, certainly amongst hollow bodies. With its gold hardware, gorgeous white finish, and iconic “falcon” scratchplate, the “Cadillac of Guitars” has long left guitar players the world over pining for ownership. It’s not all just good looks, […]

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July 26, 2023
Sweetwater vs Guitar Center: Which Is Best for Instruments and Gear?

In 2026, should you shop at Sweetwater or Guitar Center? If you’re looking for that in-store experience and want to try out some gear yourself, Guitar Center is the way to go, but if you’re shopping online, Sweetwater is a great option. For vintage and used gear, Guitar Center is also a fantastic option. As […]

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July 22, 2023
Michael Kelly Guitars Review: Are They a Good Brand?

In this review, we decided to take a deep dive into some of the products that the Michael Kelly Guitars offers, what makes them such great instruments, and some potential drawbacks to be aware of. Let’s get started! For working musicians, it’s important to have instruments that are crafted with care, sound great, and feel […]

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July 14, 2023
Fender Mexican Standard Review: Why I Sold My American Strat and Kept My MIM

I've had my Mexican Stratocaster for the past 6 years now, and after previously owning an American Standard, and playing many more, I can tell you that the differences are few. I replaced the American Standard, but the Mex is staying. In my opinion, the Mex sounds just as good, feels just as good, and […]

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July 14, 2023
PRS SE Custom 24 Review: Is It Right for You?

In this PRS SE Custom 24 review, we take a deep dive into the PRS SE Custom 24 to find out exactly what makes it such a great instrument. Let’s get started! Paul Reed Smith Guitars, a company that redefined what an electric guitar could look and sound like, has become a staple among top-of-the-range […]

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July 4, 2023
Martin D18 vs D28: What's the Difference and Which to Buy?

The D-18 and D-28 from Martin are both incredible instruments, but which is best for you? In short: if you want a crisp, clear, balanced dreadnought that sits well with a voice and other instruments, and you would rather keep a few hundred dollars in your pocket, the D-18 is the one. If you want […]

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June 29, 2023
10 Best FL Studio Alternatives

If you’ve ever dipped your toe in the world of music production, chances are high that you’ve heard of or even tried FL Studio. This popular Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), known simply as “Fruity Loops” until 2003, has long been the go-to workstation for budding beatmakers and producers due to its user-friendly interface, high efficiency, […]

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June 28, 2023
Best Guitar Brands Ranked by Budget (2026 Guide)

If your budget is $500 or below, start with Squier, Epiphone, Yamaha or Cort; all four have decades of history and you are almost guaranteed a decent guitar for the money. Between $500 and $1,500, this is where PRS SE, Fender's Player series and Gibson's Studio line live, and where a Taylor GS Mini or […]

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