7/4

There is life outside of 4/4. We dissect those funny times like five and seven and quarter past four on a Thursday.

A History Of Knobs

guitar controls: big ones, small ones, useful ones, icky-kacky ones...

Filtering, Enveloping And Keyboard Sensing.

In the penultimate part of his series, designed to help you get the best from your sampling machines, keyboard programmer Paul Wiffen returns to his analogue roots to modify some samples.

Japanese Artist: World Musician

Despite the cult following for Yellow Magic Orchestra, collaborations with David Byrne on the Oscar-winning soundtrack to 'The Last Emperor', and a long-standing musical friendship with David Sylvian, the multi-faceted talents of Ryuichi Sakamoto are still not widely appreciated. Mark J. Prendergast attempts to rectify the situation...

Paul Gilby scrutinises the world's cheapest MIDI controlled stereo digital reverb, the MIDIVERB.

He's big in Japan, massive in America, and beginning to conquer Europe with his own brand of ethereal synthesized 'mood music'. Mark Jenkins talks to the phenomenon that is Kitaro.

Now running a record label and studio, as well as his regular live dates and TV work, Jools talks about getting that perfect piano sound...

Tony Mills thinks Neuronium's curious blend of electronics, guitar-strumming, and psychedelic art could be just the thing to break the musical jelly mould in 1985. See if you agree.

Recording The Piano

This month 'Recording The Piano'; where best to place microphones and what type to choose for optimum results.

Currently proving to the world that there can be more to metal than breakneck guitar riffs and sexist lyrics, Living Colour's Vernon Reid talks samples and technology with Lars Lofas and Nick Armington.

Ralph Denyer gets gizmological with Kevin 'n' L

Initially, the consequences of RD's actions could be Kevin or L — there'LL be L to K. (2 down).

Cult masters of industrial funk talk hi-tech sounds, performance CDs and popular commerciality to Nicholas Rowland; the code of the '80s.

The man who made AOR respectable? Terry Britten confesses all to Chas de Whalley

A chance to do some crystal gazing at product developments in the music/recording/visual fields.

Video for the musician

Part 1 - The Americans

IT's exclusive guide to secondhand kits. What to look for, what to avoid.

A look at the aftermath ot this year's Trade Fair

Tech Talk

The inventor of the curious Electric Stick recently left his native America to promote the latest MIDI-equipped version of his brainchild. Tim Goodyer caught him Stick-in-hand for a talk about his invention and his vision of its future.

Replacements, recommendations and quality.

Not quite a household name, but an American jazz fusion guitarist whose attitude to improvisation and performing with new technology is starting a quiet revolution. Dan Goldstein gets the lowdown.

The Tokyo Expo is normally a fairly low-key domestic affair, but this year several major new products were unveiled for the first time ever. Our man in Japan, Paul Wiffen, was there to report on some of the hi-tech instruments that will be vying for your money in the coming year; including Yamaha's new mega-synth, the SY77

As MIDI expands its influence, guidelines for improved compatibility between instruments are emerging. Vic Lennard examines the new General MIDI spec and Roland's proprietary GSS system.

Liverpool's China Crisis are poised for their third album release this month. It shows a marked maturing of styles and attitudes, due partly to the intervention of producer Walter Becker. Dan Goldstein probes the matter further.