And what news there is. A special preview on the Frankfurt fair, lifting the veil on 1987's most important gear.

All the things we said you said.

Elton John's throat transplant, according to medically insane sources.

We ask a leading music lawyer what bands should know before signing.

Say what you mean...

What is the most talented city in the land? See our map of pop topography.

Why do them, how do them, when do them.

Strange devices that MAKE YOU pay attention.

Rock musicians have it tough, eh? But how hard is the life of a classical player?

The last of our backroom boys. Say bye-bye with guitarist Mitch Dalton.

More of your unfeasibly weird secondhand bargains valued and judged by Paul Day.

Replacements, recommendations and quality.

A new band, a new album, and a new year. Planning ahead with the Police behind you.

What do one of London's top studios do with a computer room?

The problems and pleasures of home studio upgrading.

The life history of the bass guitar.

Animbling we will go (old English for left hand exercises, synth fans).

Caught during their London rehearsals, keyboard-playing half Mike Talbot stands up for his organ.

Highlights from America's West Coast instrument expo. Hot scoops.

Continuing his theme of co..er..like..ordination, Geoff Nicholls gets rhythmic.

Andy Honeybone has a tape dump. But we forgive him.

Instruments that never made it.

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

A 1963 Framus Melodie 9-string. That's right. Pic by Garth Blore.

Psychedelic Furs, Bobby McFerrin, and a CD roundup.

More of your fabulous and not so fabulous tapes shoved through the grinder.

Those very vital instrument and gear charts, with mini reviews and spec.