For three years the korg M1 has been the leading keyboard workstation, and the product that more than any other has made the company's name as a leading force in hi-tech music. But how do you follow an act like that? David Mellor looks at the M1's successor, the 01/W FD.

Guitars

Guitars in ES&CM? There's a reason... as we look at the Bond and Steinberger guitars.

Designer Jay Chapman describes the construction of E&MM's own MIDI interface for the BBC Model B home computer. There's also a test program to check your interface is working as it should do.

FRANKFURT REPORT

Trade shows often make the best stage for unveiling new equipment - did this year's Frankfurt show witness any revolutions? Simon Trask brings the news from Germany.

Frankfurt Musikmesse 1989

Rain, sub-zero temperatures and sleazy hotels - who'd go to Frankfurt if it wasn't for the trade show? Simon Trask finds more than warmth and shelter at the Musikmesse.

All good things come to those who wait... David Mellor samples Yamaha's version of the 'ultimate instrument', the MIDI sampler. Does it improve on all that have gone before or have Yamaha taken technology beyond the point of usability?

SynthCheck

At last a fully professional, touch-sensitive, Phase Distortion synth! Jim Betteridge waves goodbye to auto-accompaniment forever.

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

MIDI has been with us for almost a decade, yet most users still labour under Misconceptions about what it actually can and cannot do. Paul D. Lehrman explodes some of the more common myths about MIDI.

TL Audio Dual Valve Mic Preamp

Give your signals a warm start in life

Computercheck

A roundup of all the available music software including Island Logic, Greengate and MusiCal.

Don't delete those unsatisfactory samples until you've tried resampling them. Tom McLaughlin explains how you can turn a bad sample into a good one.

The hardware sequencer to beat them all? After an overlong wait, Simon Trask gets to grips with the latest development in the Alesis World Domination plan.

MIDI Utility Software

MAXplay opens a window on a world of MIDI applications, including MIDI analysers, harmonisers, editor/librarians and much, much more. Kendall Wrightson investigates.

Interactive Drum Pattern Sequencer

If your drum patterns sound uninspired it could be because you lack the subtle touch of the human drummer. Simon Trask looks at an electronic aid to drum programming.

Beat Box Hits

Or, the much-maligned art of drum machine programming. Tony Reed talks to the experts, and Richard Walmsley dissects some classic tracks.

Bass

Janet Angus reports on Dave Foister's varied activities at the Guildhall.

Every Current Model Reviewed

All you need to know about choosing a cassette multitrack, plus concise reviews of every current model on the market.

Early Keyboard Instruments

Part 3 The Ondes Martenot

Paul White and Geoff Twigg delve deep into the mysteries of one of the world's most expensive keyboard instruments, and uncover some fascinating developments.

Mac Sequencer

Sequencing software for the Macintosh has tended to be be either high-spec and highly priced, or entry-level budget ware. Have Dr. T found a happy medium with Beyond? Matthew Newman investigates.