For the first time, a UK magazine gives coverage to the fair that follows NAMM and Frankfurt. It may not be as big, but it's growing in importance all the time. Dan Goldstein reports from the Bosphorus.

the electric revival examined

Music Computer and Software

1984's most eagerly-awaited electronic music product is finally making its way into dealers' showrooms. David Ellis has been taking a look at the micro itself, Yamaha's exclusive FM sound chip, the controlling keyboard and the first batch of software.

Steve Lukather talks to Steven Rosen

LUKATHER IN TOTO. Words by Steven Rosen.... Pics. (inc. front cover) by Glen La Ferman

Instrumental music doesn't sell, the UK dance scene is totally bereft of life, and dance bands never produce decent albums. Wrong, wrong, wrong — and 808 State are back with proof. Nigel Humberstone talked to Manchester's finest during the recording of Gorgeous, their third album.

drum parts and recording arts

Organ Synthesiser

Until now the only way to get a real Hammond sound was with a real Hammond - it's still the case, but now you can go solid-state. Malcolm Harrison and Tim Goodyer investigate the alternative to wheels and valves.

Scott Davidson utilises the power of MIDI to provide the instrumental foundation for Bros' music, both on stage and in the studio. Julian Colbeck takes notes...

If you're already running a MIDI studio on a budget and want to add a handful of tape tracks, the Vestax MR200 could be the answer. Nigel Lord checks out a cassette multitracker that won't cost you much more than £300.

Level 42 keyboardsman Mike Lindup takes a break from recording of the next album to talk to Tim Goodyer about Fairlights and Synclaviers, among other things.

Peter Randall bashes a Tama Superstar into shape.

The day of the digital, a Casio commendation, getting totally wired, winning a mixer and whacking a Zildjian

Fake art, let's dance

Steve Cogan talks to J.J. Jezalik about life, the universe and sampling car doors

John Harris subjects this Japanese rack to the English inquisition.

While most musicians flounder attempting to play one instrument, Phil Collins has his cake and eats it. Tony Horkins pieces together the multiple talents and discovers the complete musician

Craig Anderton goes behind the scenes at Ensoniq's US headquarters to discover more about the company that made sampling technology truly affordable.

Are The Cult hippies? Do they like guitar solos? Do they know what other people think of them, and do they care? Chris Maillard has the answers....

Guitarcheck

French, Japanese, Dave B takes them all on

In the wake of the successful TR707, Roland have produced a well-nigh identical machine, loaded with percussive gems of a less predictable nature. Dan Goldstein puts the TR727 through its paces, shortly before emigrating to South America.

John Keeble is in two minds about drumming for Spandau - an acoustic one and an electric one. Read about his treatment.

Acid jazz of the counter-culture