JVC LAUNCH NEW KEYBOARDS

Following on from the massive success of their KB-500 stereo keyboard, JVC have just announced two new models — the KB-700 and KB-300, both of which, once again, offer full stereo capabilities. The larger of the two newcomers, the KB-700 includes JVC's stereo Pan Pot mixer section, which gives control over the stereo sound field, plus a 61 note keyboard equipped with a brand new introduction called 'key split'. This appears to split the keyboard into two sections, achieving what the makers describe as an 'organ-like twin keyboard'. The KB-700 also features the 'ultra chord' system, a built-in rhythm unit plus effects.

The second new JVC is the more modest KB-300. With its 49 note keyboard the KB-300 has eight instrumental sounds plus JVC's 'Ultra Chord', a rhythm section (with 8 different beats). Of the two units, the KB-700 especially looks like being a valuable addition to MUSIC U.K.'s keyboard readers' armouries.

Meanwhile, our pic. shows leading JVC keyboard user Bill Sharp of Shakatak, being presented with a KB-700 silver keyboard by the M.D. of JVC U.K. We can't promise you a personal hand-over, but you can certainly get more details from JVC (U.K.) Ltd. who are at (Contact Details). Alternatively, of course, you could always use the coupon page in this month's issue to request more details — it's up to you!

NEW MIKES AIM TO MAKE HOME DEMO KILLING

MB Electronic, a new name for us in the U.K. but not in their homeland, West Germany, are about to launch a new range of mikes onto the British market in an attempt, among other things, to appeal to the growing number of musicians using home recording equipment.

MB Electronic mikes cover a wide range of types, ranging from simple dynamics like their PMB 119 (RRP £54.50 plus VAT) through to the PMB 219 (£66.30 plus VAT) plus electret condenser models and a fully professional condenser system available in component form.

MUSIC U.K. is currently testing one of the MB Electronic range and we'll be reporting back on it soon In the meantime you can find out more from importers Rank Strand Ltd. at (Contact Details).

TDK CLAIM BETTER TAPES

Home recording buffs might like to check out TDK's claim that they have improved their leading SA tape. Apparently, TDK tell us, joint discussions have been going on between UK and Japanese teams to arrive at the new formulation, which conforms to the recently, announced IEC standard, supposed to ensure bias compatibility. Saturation at 15kHz has been improved, TDK, say, by a further 3 dB over the previous Super Avilyn type and the maximum output level is up by 1.5dB. Noise levels are said to have dropped by a similar amount, print-through resistance is better and mid and highs are also claimed to have undergone improvements.

Just for a laugh (ho ho) TDK also point out that they have made some 83,889,000 miles of Super Avilyn in the ten years since they began this line — which apparently could replace the gap in the Watergate tapes 661 million times! We'll leave avid MUSIC U.K. calculator freaks to work out whether they're right. Further details on all TDK tapes can be obtained from TDK Tape Distributor (UK) Ltd at (Contact Details).

NEW TREMOLO VIBES

The Kahler tremolo bridge system, currently sweeping the USA, has found a UK distributor in Chandler Guitars, best known for their work with the Schecter range.

The Kahler system (designed by an expatriate Briton, curiously) comes in several different formats suitable for fitting onto both Gibson-type and Fender-type guitars. For ambitious bass players there's even a bass tremolo system on its way! Options on the Kahler tremolo system comprise the 2200 Series ('stud mounting' for Gibsons) with a basic model, the 2200, costing £185 in its standard form, £205 as a 'state-of-the-art' version complete with 8-way finger and palm control, and £140 as the basic model (which can be upgraded with various additions at a later date). The 2300 Series, alternatively, caters for Fenders at similar prices. MUSIC U.K. took a brief look at a Kahler bridge during the recent Guitar Weekend exhibition (see our report in this issue for more details), and can report that it looks to be among the most exciting precision tremolo systems since Fender first launched the Strat way back in the 1950s.

Features of the system include variable string spacing with lock bridge-based fine tuning facilities, a 'no bodymounted spring' operational principle and palm-operated control options.

Kahler tremolos are too complex to go into in any detail in a short news piece, but watch out for a full review, hopefully,in a future MUSIC U.K. In the meantime, we hear that current enthusiastic users include Adrian Belew, Dave Gilmour, Sammy Hagar, Alex Lifeson, Neal Schon and many others. US based manufacturers fitting the Kahler tremolos apparently include such luminaries as B. C. Rich, Charvel and Dean.

Further details from Chandler Guitars at (Contact Details).

Hands On Show offers golden chance

Fancy the chance to get your hands on some of the latest and best home recording gear? Want to learn about the actual use of that equipment? Well, you're in luck because this year's Turnkey 'Hands On' Show promises to be the best yet, after five immensely successful years. Opening date for the Show is November 19th at 10a.m. and it runs through to 6p.m. till close down on the 20th, at the Clive Hotel on Primrose Hill, London. During that time a complete home recording experience is promised — including a series of seminar/lectures on such subjects as: how to get the best from a Portastudio, the use of reverb, home studio acoustics, how to choose home recording monitor speakers, vocal miking techniques and many more. In addition, a fully functioning 'four track on cassette' studio session will be on permanent display so that you can see exactly how to do it!

In previous years Turnkey's 'Hands-On' shows have been the home recording events of the year, and 1983's looks like being the best yet. Any reader interested in home recording is urged to attend — entry is free to the show itself and pre-registration for the seminars will cost just £2 — although MUSIC U.K. CLUB MEMBERS will be able to claim a 50% discount on seminar pre-registration. Membership cards are in production as we go to Press on this issue and you should be receiving yours in plenty of time for the 'Hands-On' Show.

If home recording is your scene (and what musician doesn't want to learn more about it?) then Turnkey's Show is the one event you mustn't miss this year. Advance details can be obtained from Turnkey at (Contact Details) for more information.

MUSIC U.K. CLUB MEMBERS will, of course, be receiving details of the Show in advance, along with your membership cards. See you there!

DUAL OFFER BUDGET GEAR FOR STARVING EARS

A new record deck expected to sell for just £65 (or less!) has to be good news for musicians who've just blown their money on a guitar, synth or whatever, especially when it's from a maker with a good pedigree. Well, the new Dual CS514 is expected to be up for grabs at that sort of price. A belt-drive unit, the semi-automatic Dual even comes with a cartridge at the price, as well as such luxuries as push-button operated viscous damped cue control and an auto return function. At the same time, Dual have launched three new cassette decks, which might well be ideal for stereo mastering of home recorded cassette demos. The new products are the 0806, 0816 and 0826 decks. The 0806 offers just Dolby 'B' noise reduction, whereas the 816 and 826 feature the excellent Dolby 'C' noise reduction system, in addition to the 'B' type. All three decks feature Dual's ingenious 'Direct Load & Lock' system (which prevents damage to tapes by careless removal).

Further details from Hayden Laboratories Ltd, (Contact Details).

Scot repairs

Stringed instrument repairer David Grant from Glenrothes, Fife, has been operating his widely used custom building and repairing scene from his workshop since March — but business has now grown so fast that it's become a full-time occupation for him.

David (who is an electronics engineer by original trade — a useful skill!) not only builds and repairs electric guitars but also violins, cellos, banjos and acoustics. David Grant can be contacted at (Contact Details).

3 necked axe for ultimate treble?

Talk about crazy — we thought you'd appreciate this shot of one of the latest instruments to come winging its way from guitar makers Manson — a three necked monster, built by the team for some unknown player (last seen gigging on Cygnus Major 4 with Alvin Stardust?). All six-armed MUSIC U.K. readers will be delighted to know that at last someone is looking after your interests!

Still, it's a weird and wonderful looking instrument and this (and other, more conventional, guitars and basses) can be discussed with the Manson Brothers at Windsor Place, Jarvis Brook, Crowborough, Sussex. Phone number is (Contact Details). Just ask for Hugh (he's the one with the seven arms...)

Carlsbro deliver new Scorpion sting

Carlsbro have just up-rated their Scorpion Bass amp — calling it the Scorpion II. A new 10" speaker is fitted in a larger enclosure which Carlsbro tell us, is 'greatly improved, acoustically'. The Scorpion II has a 20 watt output with gain, treble and bass controls plus master volume. Extra features include both D.I. and headphone sockets. RRP (inc VAT) is to be £106.95.

At the same time, Carlsbro have just launched a small wedge monitor fitted with a single 10" driver plus an HF horn. The monitor is said to be capable of a sound pressure level of 118dB at 1M, and will cover frequencies from 70Hz to 18kHz. RRP of this unit is just £112.29.

Further details from Carlsbro Sales Ltd, (Contact Details).

Chet re-books — Les Paul too!

Apologies to the many readers who called us about the Chet Atkins concert we mentioned in our October competition.

Due to last minute European cancellation Chet has re-scheduled his sole UK appearance to Her Majesty's Theatre, London on Sunday October 30th. This date was confirmed to us just as we closed for press on this issue. Advance tickets and information can be obtained from the Theatre Box Office on (Contact Details). Another guitar extravaganza is being staged, this time at the Wembley Conference Centre on November 19th featuring, we have been told, Les Paul, Gary Moore, Paco Pena, Barney Kessell, Big Jim Sullivan, Martin Taylor, Mickey Gee, Jorge Morel, Diz Dizzley and others. Further details of this event from the Wembley Conference Centre: (Contact Details).

MARQUEE LAUNCH INTENSE COMPETITION

Readers running studios (or anyone needing to hire professional class recording gear) might like to know that the Marquee Organisation's offshoot, Marquee Electronics, have just started a new hire service. Units like the Eventide SP 2016 Programmable Effects Processor, the Sony PCM F1 2-track digital recorder, Eventide Harmoniser plus flangers, phasers, limiters, processors etc. can all be hired by professional users.

Further details from Marquee Electronics at (Contact Details).

Fender Squad on the road again

CBS are taking to the road again, following their successful 'Fender Hot Squad' tour earlier this year. Following a swift tour of the Benelux countries, dates will be with UK retailers throughout November.

This time round, the Fender team will comprise top session players, Felix Kirsh and Alan Murphy (both previously with the Squad) who will be demonstrating the latest Fender guitars from the Elite Series (see this month's review on the Elite Strat, by the way). Venues had yet to be announced as MUSIC U.K. went to press on this issue but CBS's John Hill tells us that there will be special competition prizes and other goodies, as well as playing ideas from the two 'Squadies'.

If you fancy going along, check your local retailer for dates or contact CBS on (Contact Details).

IBANEZ LAUNCH NEW RACK MOUNT GRAPHICS

Two new 19" rack mounted graphics are on the way from Ibanez. The GE 3101 (with an RRP of £291.50) will cover 1/3 octave with 31 band filters, ranging from 20Hz up to 20kHz, each slider offering 12 dB of boost or cut.

A 2/3 octave graphic (the GE 1502) is also scheduled to hit the shops soon and will carry a price of £318. This model has 15 filters and will run from 25Hz to 16kHz with 12dB of boost and cut.

Further details from Ibanez
 importers Summerfield and Co at (Contact Details).