At last - the instrument with a name on everybody's lips receives an in-depth examination of its European version. Man-on-the-spot is Paul Wiffen.

We look at how electronics, synths and a PET computer have influenced this versatile British composer.

Bill Nelson talks Synths Vs Guitars with Gary Cooper

Klaus Schulze & Rainer Bloss, Tim Souster

The 'Grand Prize' final entries at this prestigious Austrian event

Martin Russ breaks off from his 20th century studies way in the future to report on some alternative goings-on which may soon materialise in the form of a new generation of powerful sampling synthesizers.

The Art of Sampling

Part 1: The Art Of Sampling. Keyboard programmer Paul Wiffen offers valuable advice on squeezing the most out of your sampler.

A fresh look at the production model of the Akai S612 MIDI controlled sound sampler by Steve Howell.

Voltage Controlled Filters Part 2

Axxess mainman Patrick Mimran and one of the most remarkable custom-designed synthesisers ever built. Report by Dan Goldstein.

The Power of the Floppy

Feeling floppy? Tony Mills slips a disk into his drive

Yamaha DX5

Yamaha's follow-up machine to the DX7 is essentially a budget DX1, offering two '7s in one neat package. We take a look at the DX5.

Music add-ons for home micros.

Although expensive, digital audio workstations are a pointer to the kind of features we can expect to see on the next generation of 'affordable' hi-tech instruments. Craig Anderton takes a look at one of the very latest workstations to appear, the AudioFrame.

Keyboard player Tony Banks has been the foundation stone of Genesis' music for almost two decades now but has not experienced the same level of success in his work outside Genesis as past and present members of the band, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Peter Gabriel. With two solo albums and numerous film scores behind him, Banks is set to bounce back into the limelight with a fresh, new solo project. Brian Jacobs poses the questions...

Clever keyboard clacked

MuProc software

Tony Reed talks to Somerville and Coles, the Morecambe and Wise of agit-Pop

Roland Alpha Juno-1

If you're not an FM fan, but are looking for a low-cost polysynth that can double as a MIDI expander, you won't need to look further than Roland's new Alpha Juno-1 according to Mark Jenkins.

Is there a Bob in your studio?

Stiletto Sound's very own Greg Truckell contemplates the changes brought about by music computers, and asks: ‘Is there a Bob in your studio?’

Asia's illustrious keyboard player

In a rare interview, Asia's illustrious keyboard player talks synths, samplers and Mellotrons with David Etheridge.

Bailey and Betteridge get together for a banter

Eight top pop players and producers discuss the necessity of notation. Richard Walmsley chairs the debate

If no news is good news this is baaad

preview for the Commodore