In this, the next of our Buyers Guides we look at electric pianos, string synths and electric keyboards in general.

Our regular round-up of whats new in the world of hi-tech music and recording.

Checking up on what's going down

Winning the '89 Technics World DJ Mixing Championship has allowed Cutmaster Swift to plough the prize money into his studio. Simon Trask talks samples and scratches with the Champion.

Commodore's Amiga computer is the beneficiary of this impressive - and colourful - sequencing package. Ian Waugh welcomes the illusion.

Music Instruction System

Of the few computer-based music teaching systems available, Xanadu's Musicom - distributed by Roland - is one of the most versatile. David Ellis finds out if it's cheap enough to tempt fund-starved schools.

A Quick glance at the crystal ball reveals new products on the way from Kawai, Stepp, Tascam, Soundtracs, Ramsa, and others...

New gear revealed. Plus on-the-spot report of how Yamaha in Japan treat the musicianly public.

A colourful round-up of what's new in the hi-tech recording arena.

The month - this month

Conclusion of the survey.

...while Dan Goldstein, sore-foot from Germany, has the details on the new European and Japanese gear that'll soon be flooding the UK's music stores. Prepare for some surprises.

Software for the Commodore 64

In an exclusive review, Rick Davies tests three Commodore-based packages from an American company whose programs are new to the UK. Do they stand up against stiff competition?

Another of our regular guides for the Electro-Musician.

Confronting the "difficult third album" syndrome has presented fewer problems for Inner City mentor Kevin Saunderson than the "more of the same" second album syndrome. Simon Trask discusses musical ideologies, pop trends and advancing technology.

A chance to check out some of the forthcoming new products that might tempt you to dig deeper into your pockets later this year.

Thomas Dolby is back after a four year break, without the mad professor image but with an excellent new album in Astronauts & Heretics, his most personal recording to date. Paul Tingen spoke to him about the long road from solo synthesist to globe-trotting collaborator.

Tony Prince & The Disco Mix Club

The ingenuity and foresight of DJ Tony Prince resulted in the creation of the DMC record label, the hub of the thriving UK dance remixing scene. Wilf Smarties talks to Tony about how and why the label was set up and persuades remixer Phil Kelsey to take us through a typical remix.

Replacements, recommendations and quality.

New products from the world of recording and synthesis are unveiled in glorious colour

UK, American and Japanese guitars listed with model numbers and prices

Shadow MIDI Guitar system

interacting with the future

This month’s words on future worlds

Northern electronic music exponent Ian Boddy answers questions from Tim Goodyer about the recording of his new album, live performance, and music synthesis.