Their trials and tribulations.

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

What goes twang, thump and pank? Probably Mark King, bass player and vocalist in Level 42, then again it might just be his right thumb. We discuss digits, strings and things.

E&MM changes its name - shock, horror - as from November. The Editor adds his twopennyworth.

The story behind E&MM's most striking front cover for years. Dan Goldstein talks to Les Arnett, graphic artist extraordinaire, on the creation of a music/cornputer/video masterpiece.

Peter Maydew on a new budget PA system from a well-respected name.

Chris Meyer attempts to unravel the mysteries of MIDI's various operating modes, and dispels the myth that some recent instruments have new ones built into them.

Programmable MIDI Patchbay

When your MIDI setup starts to look more like NASA's mission control than a music studio, a MIDI patchbay is essential. Vic Lennard tests one of the best.

Handle With Care

Systems composer Philip Glass is still high technology's best-known 'serious music' champion. But how good have the performances of his latest opera, 'Akhnaten' really been? Annabel Stott again.

Friend-Chip K..AT

You've tried the mouse; now check out its computer-friendly feline counterpart, which offers remote control of Atari keyboard equivalents. Martin Russ prowls around the Friend-Chip K..AT.

Looks like Fender without Leo is a bit like the Four Seasons without Frankie Vivaldi (anagram - 14 letters).

BassCheck

As featured on Tomorrows World — a rubber bass! No, no really — well, a rubber-stringed bass, anyway. Dave Burrluck finds out it isn't such a daft idea after all.

Largely misunderstood, MIDI's running status protocol can be used effectively to streamline a MIDI system - as long as you know how to take advantage of it. Vic Lennard stretches his legs.

Rising Yen Catches Jap Amp Challenge

Hybrid Technology's Chris Jordan, designer of the Music 500 Synthesizer for the BBC Micro, speculates on the future of MIDI and what developments it requires to satisfy the needs of more adventurous users and the promise of more advanced technology.

Using a Calculator to Find Frequencies From Notes and Vice Versa

The Sports, The, er, wires

why are they in the musician's head?

Breaking American, expensive recordings and living with your own history — Paul Trynka swaps top hats and tall tales with Furs guitarist John Ashton

not overboard on the most useful effects

Paul Gilby returns with the series that takes a behind the scenes look at companies and design personnel working in the field of music and recording technology. This month: Marvin Caesar, President of Aphex Systems USA - creators of the legendary Aural Exciter.

Acoustic Guitar Miking Techniques

More from Ken Dibble on miking up the acoustic guitar.

A peripatetic instrumental music teacher gives his personal insight into some of the problems encountered when integrating technology into traditional music teaching.