Nominated by Steve Levine, Steve Lillywhite, Peter Collins, Hugh Padgham, Swain and Jolley

How it was done in the heyday of Pop - Philip Bashe tracked down the bands your dad snogged along to and found out the history of the '60s hits

Fender Facts

The true story, told at last!

New series - a dictionary of timber, beginning with R. (We lie, it's A.)

Incorporating the News. And starring all you need to know about the new products and where they'll be. The one you need.

The Big Five

Paul Gilby opens our music software special with his thoughts on the 'big five' micros that are currently vying for the musician's money.

808 Statement

The ability to accommodate microtonal tunings may look good on the spec sheet of your favourite synth, but what use is it to you? Scott Wilkinson reads between the lines.

explaining what MIDI can do for you

our look at the forthcoming Frankfurt Musical Instrument Fair - at 7½ Instruments Per Second

The Commodore Amiga range of computers have been conspicuous by their absence from this magazine's pages - but not any more! The Amiga has always been a great graphics machine, but it is equally talented when it comes to making music. In fact, its onboard sound chip is one of the best around. Phil South delivers a quick guide to making music on the Amiga.

Introduction

Guitar

One man in search of perfection. Dave Burrluck gives his verdict on the state of the axe

Or Everything You Need To Know About Buying A Sampler, But Didn't Know Who To Ask. Julian Colbeck is your guide.

Electronics Into Light

Karlheinz Stockhausen has had a profound influence on modern music from the 1950s onwards, and pioneered the use of electronics to create genuinely new music. Mark J. Prendergast reviews his career.

Behind the scenes on the tour of one of the world's most popular live bands

Five From America

A clutch of books for the beginning or serious recordist.

Two of the industry's brightest names cast their minds back and reminisce to RM about the birth of the PA system.

PART 2: Timecode - much talked about but little understood - is of increasing importance to musicians and recording engineers. Whether you are synchronising audio to video, or MIDI to multitrack, at least a working knowledge of SMPTE/EBU is required. In the second part of this series, David Mellor explains what timecode is and how it is used.