Double Basses

Those large wooden things that are becoming surprisingly trend. How to cope.

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.

Very much the man in form, Steve Hill of Reigate does a lap of honour round the contents page celebrating his win of the coveted Teac 4-track package.

Bronski Beat reveal all in The Garden, as their new album, Age of Consent, storms the charts.

Reverb: Too much of a good thing?

A new column that allows music industry figures to air their views on whatever it is that bugs them! Keyboard programmer, music consultant and author Paul Wiffen kicks things off this month.

SoftwareCheck

Sometimes Musical Micro just ain't big enough to hold down a piece of really macho software... Tony Mills grabs a suddenly floppy disk, and enters the cage.

Vesta Kozo Sampler

Another goodie for your overflowing 19" effects ruck, this one offers pitch-controllable sampling and a full-function DDL into the bargain. Dave Simpson grabs a microphone and decides it's worth making room for.

If you can't quite afford a lot of today's equipment but long to use it, you could always hire it. Here we present a rundown of the many UK hire companies and look at what's involved.

Chas de Whalley records the thoughts of David Bowie's young, gifted and black producer, Derek Bramble

Four-track Cassette Recorder

A new mid-price four-track machine from the people Tascam love to hate. Paul White finds it to be elegant, well designed, and startlingly good value.

Last years' gear making next year's sounds - courtesy of some creative mixing.

Fostex 160 Multitracker

What can I say... it's black, it lights up... they've done it again — another winner.

The Fixx are big in American. Chris Holland-Hill, who's big in Hemel Hempstead, finds out why.

Vestax PDT5000 record decks

New rival for the SL1210

More news, views, and a smidgeon of hot gossip!

Synthcheck

An expansion on the Expander with a free (£1200) keyboard! Paul Fishman goes upmarket

In the first instalment of a two-part article, UK synthesist Ian Boddy gives budding EM performers the confidence and advice you need to take your show on the road.

AKG Tri-Power Microphones

A new range of stylish dynamic microphones, with models to suit most instrumental applications.

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.

Instruments and Equipment