The third Sandown Park Music Show, sponsored and organised by ABC Music, proved to be one of the most popular events of its type this year, when the huge suite of rooms that were used became jam packed with interested people, drawn not only by the wealth of new products from manufacturers, and the many interesting stands, but also by the long agenda of live performances and demonstrations held during the day.

1 The crowd who attended the show, held on Wednesday 21st September, were treated to almost continuous demos from Roland, whose ace demonstrator Alan Townsend is pictured here putting the JX3P through its paces for Councillor John Payne, Mayor of Elmbridge. To his left are the Mayoress, and Mark Joseph, Chairman of ABC Music.

2 The ABC Music stand itself had a handson facility, which was taken up by many of the people at the show and giving many their first chance to play top quality instruments - and some major new innovations.

3 Tony Reeves, of MTR, created a lot of interest on his stand with a special set up which allowed demonstrations of almost all the recording and signal processing equipment they handle.

Roland, Yamaha, Korg and Casio, and Kawai, all displayed new products (the Yamaha DX series making their first appearance), and with the accent on an informal atmosphere, many found themselves not only watching demos but also participating in them!

Both MTR and Tascam displayed their specialist recording equipment while CBS-Fender, FCN (Westone), Hornby Skewes (Hondo/Encore) and Rose Morris (Ovation/Adamus) among others, took the local guitarists in hand to show them the very latest designs.

4 Bob Castle, Product Manager of Korg explaining the Poly 6.

5 The Mayor on the Teac/Tascam stand planning his forthcoming album ...

With over twenty recitals by many local and respected musicians, plus the demonstrations of recording and hi-tech instruments of all types, ABC Music proved that a show of this type can appeal to, and attract musicians from all walks of life and musical tastes. But the stand of stands was, well, modesty forbids, US! And it was a great pleasure to meet many of our readers face to face and, we hope, to introduce many new friends to E&MM.