trying to get on telly could be the most frustrating experience of your musical career; we pinpoint the pitfalls

The Art Of Arranging

Ian Gardiner gets out the manuscript paper and tells you how to spread those blobs around

Music U.K.'s Exclusive roundup of prices

Little boy blue, come blow up your horn — but first, read this introduction to blowing saxes etc.

Concluding lump of our introduction to blowy things and horn sections.

The World Of CD-i

Indie label Rhythm King are now packaging their artists on CD-i. Simon Trask uncovers the growing links between music marketing and computer games.

Who'd have guessed that Akai Iceland were about to release a MIDI bass controller and major software updates for the DD1000? Mørv Smørdilørv proves that you never can predict innovation.

A smashing offer

cheeky parts

If you intend to make samples of acoustic instruments or events, you're going to need a microphone - but which one? David Bradwell checks the various types and their uses.

special preview of the all-important Olympia equipment show-your best chance to see the latest in instrument technology

Show Reports

what we saw

It's the biggest! It's the best! It's the 1986 British Music Fair! Our man on the inside, Tony Mills tracks down the hottest gear of the year

The assembled masses of the IM review department wax lyrical over their selected favourites from this year's music fair.

Want to buy a mic for under £50? Try these for size.

For around £4 and a few hours you can have art IM practice/tuning amp