Although still very young, keyboard player Guy Fletcher has a long list of album/single credits already under his belt for such artists as Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music, Tina Turner, Mick Jagger and Dire Straits. Paul Gilby finds out how Guy landed such plum roles and learns more about the way Dire Straits make use of music technology in their recording.

A sneak look at what you could well be buying in the forthcoming financial year

The whole music industry sliced into Twiglets

Their trials and tribulations.

Following last month's list of synthesis casualties, David Ellis delves deeper into the archives and finds yet more mysterious products of human ingenuity. Some of them are quite spectacular.

Drums

Ramblin' Pete Randall gives the rundown on Synare 3, Tama Octobans and Pearl stands.

Producer extraordinaire gets interactive

Keyboards

Concluding our guide on how to release your own record

A readable survey covering manufacturers from I to T.

Torch Song; aspiring musical and studio entrepreneurs

The Story of the Guitar Synth

Learn the history of the guitar synthesiser and what the stars think of them.

A rare interview with the noted composer and lecturer in the month of his 50th birthday.

A chorus line or two

Digital Rhythm Composer

What the world has been waiting for - Roland's first-ever digital drum machine. Exclusive review by Dan Goldstein.

Mark Prendergast begins a two part in-depth appraisal of the thoughts, words, music and art of one of the most influential artists of the last decade: Brian Eno.

are rock competitions worth their salt? if you fancy your chances, read on...

guitars and stuff from New Orleans

Alesis AI-1

Digital interface

workings of the press part two; dealing with music papers

swiss rock 'n' roll - or pop with a precision movement

This Japanese audio company seem hell-bent on making a name for themselves as producers of high quality products and this rack-mount electronic keyboard mixer incorporating a four channel MIDI Thru box certainly fulfils that aim. Ian Gilby reports.

Sony PCM F1

Introducing the Sony PCM F1 recorder.

Vintage technology strikes back

Inside the vintage vault