The good Fairy Trynkabell trips off to a Fantasyland where money doesn't matter, talent rarely counts, and you can't move for Robber Barons and Wicked Queens. Yes folks, it's the Diary. (Boo! Hiss!)

the bits no-one else prints

Roland SC88 Sound Canvas

Most powerful Canvas yet

Level 42's Svengali gets his comeuppance

Arranger

Lone arranger Richard Walmsley analyses the profession's pros and cons

From LA to Harlesden with Lone Justice

Summer Holiday On Stage

Roland VP330

Roland's VP330 Vocoder Plus not only helped to put vocoders on the map, but has since become a classic keyboard in its own right. Gordon Reid says "synths that make you go Hmmm".

A complete history of record production accompanied by quotations and anecdotes from no fewer than 18 of the world's leading producers.

The musicians' gossip column. Stuff you wouldn't believe. (We didn't.)

Now it's time to learn the easy four-chord turnaround: write great pop songs, make money etc.

Dealer Of The Month

Bass synthesizer examined

All the fit that's print to news (re-arrange this well known phrase)

Capital Keyboard Centre

Their trials and tribulations.

D'you find that the basslines you put on your new songs are unadventurous? Here's some inspiration.

Sessionmen Special

Part two of studiotime, with bassist Paul Westwood and guitarist Tim Renwick.