A readable survey - this second part covering manufacturers from O to S.

Bass Pedals

Think of those things on the floor under the organ. Now chop them up a bit and separate them. We dance on the result

Digital synthesis for the IBM PC, sound-sampling for the Apple II, and drum composing for the Commodore 64. David Ellis has the details.

Yamaha's DX7 may well be a classic keyboard but its MIDI implementation and small onboard memory are starting to look decidedly limited compared to newer generation keyboards. What's needed is an upgrade, and the add-on E! board from America's Grey Matter Response is certainly that! Martin Russ enthuses over its features.

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

sixties guitar innovator profiled

The whizz-kid that made a number one hit out of a spoken-word soundtrack and a sampler with 19' is now The Wizard, courtesy of a new signature tune for 'Top of the Pops'. Tim Goodyer meets the man, the Synclavier, and the passion for new technology.

Nerves

Do you suffer from the musicianly variety? Calm yourself down, turn to page 11, and feel lots better. OK now?

What to do with that gem of a song when it's all finished.

Mark Prendergast talks with trumpeter, composer, and synthesist Mark Isham about new technology, David Sylvian, Van Morrison, Windham Hill, and his solo career as one of Hollywood's more interesting film soundtrack composers.

Envelope Generators - Part 2

Working Week take a break to chat to Tony Reed on the subjects of pop, politics, and the importance of dance.

Instruments & Equipment

From providing the backbone of Santana's Latin beat, Michael Shrieve has moved into electronic percussion and out again. John Diliberto listens to the drummer's tale.

News from the front

the rest of the instrument news

Drummer with The Police chats about his approach to recording, at home and in the studio.

The Sports, The, er, wires

Words and pictures for better drumming.

applications throughout the world

fresh words

vintage varmint

Self confessed synth merchant Dave Stewart reveals how to do away with drummers.

SOS Online

Flattening the earth, contextualising the computer.

Bill Nelson's been out of the public eye recently, touring America and refurbishing his studio. Now he's back and talking to us.