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.

Casino and Emperor guitars

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

Accessorycheck

Taken to task by Dave 'King Wang' Burrluck

Whitesnake's Jon Lord talks gear & Technique with Gary Cooper

Another batch of MT readers' own synth sounds. Featured this month: the Korg DW8000, Roland Jupiter 6, Yamaha DX7 and Casio CZ101.

Instruments that never made it.

Tired of lurking in the shadows of the contemporary music scene, Keith Emerson, one of the synth world's most influential figures, is now on the verge of re-forming ELP, the band that earned him his reputation.

Designer of the revolutionary Prophet 5, prime mover behind MIDI and now one of Korg's chief designers, Dave Smith's career is unique in hi-tech music. Simon Trask conducts the exclusive MT interview.

Smiths' producer Stephen Street lets off some steam.

News from the front

all the news you need to know

Mark Badger sets his baud rate for the heart of the sun and goes 'on-line' to America to interview Perry Leopold, founder of PAN - a unique communications network for hi-tech musicians.

Famed Explorer finds IT!

the Roland story

Where everything clicks

If it doesn’t work, it’s in the help file

Fender flop or Fender fantastic?

Just as musicians have day jobs, so companies in the music industry often have activities outside the field, writes Martin Russ.

Alternative Guitar Fayre

Roland Demonstrators make Good!

History catches up with Roland musicians

Since the break-up of his group Japan in November 1982, David Sylvian has been slowly widening the base of his music to encompass both ethnic and avant-garde sounds. Mark Prendergast gathers the facts on the change of style.

and how to get on his show, honest