Get switched on

Tape machines, handsaws, welcome to Concept Corner

Another year, another host of hardware to look back on. We take you through the goodies and the baddies that came out during '84, just in case you missed any of them.

A Glimpse of Current Activities

Fun Fair, who was there.

Brian Eno

Tama are the first acoustic percussion manufacturer to enter the electronic arena: Paul White tested the first example in the country to see if the Japanese could make something more than a Simmons copy.

Standing at one of the most exciting crossroads in musical history we look at the pros and cons of electronic music.

Electronic Drums

Pick up sticks; the latest electronic kit from Roland doesn't come with its own voices but Nicholas Rowland discovers its MIDI converter may have other uses in the studio.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly at Frankfurt's Musical Fiesta

Five pages of glorious colour on the exhibition to end all exhibitions - the annual Frankfurt Musik Messe. Dan Goldstein comes hotfoot from Germany to report on the latest developments on the hi-tech music scene. And there are a lot of them.

Lyricon-blowing John Walters, of Landscape fame if not fortune (yet), undertakes the western world's most comprehensive guide to the history, construction and playing of the Lyricon wind synthesiser.

What is 'New Age' music? Who plays it, and why is it apparently so popular? Our resident musicologist Mark Prendergast traces its development back to the work of 'new music' composers Arnold Schoenberg and Erik Satie.

Simmons SDS1000

Simmons successor to the SDS800 combines the best of analogue and sampling technology. Nigel Lord approves.

Electronics at East Anglia

A report on the electronic music studio at the University of East Anglia.

Percussion Voice Expander

No space left in the rack for another Simmons module? After testing their latest percussion voice unit, Nick Rowland suggests you buy another rack to make room for it.

the development of synth electronics

Bill Collins' first of his regular looks at the special need of micro-based Rhymists

In the first instalment of a two-part article, UK synthesist Ian Boddy gives budding EM performers the confidence and advice you need to take your show on the road.

Ampcheck

Putting the balls back into electronic drums. Messrs Henrit and Francis begin the quest

Educating Teachers

Chris Gander, a teacher and a home recording enthusiast, examines the way technology is influencing music education.

Simmons