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

Concise guide

One man in search of perfection. Dave Burrluck gives his verdict on the state of the axe

Into the future with RSS, and looking back to programming 'Say A Little Prayer', Bomb The Bass talk technical to Mike Collins.

The original ambient funsters have a new studio album all but ready, a live album on the way and a major recording deal in the offing. Jonathan Miller encounters Dr Alex Paterson and Thrash on the verge of a higher plane...

A readable survey - this second part covering manufacturers from O to S.

There's no point having a mass of electronic keyboards if you've got nothing to mount them on, but how many keyboard stands are available, and what do they offer? Trish McGrath stands up to the lot of them in an extensive survey.

Hi-Tech You Can Take Anywhere

Forget towels, deodorant and trashy paperbacks, what you really want to pack in your suitcase come the Summer is a go-anywhere MIDI studio. Paul Ireson advises on suitable travelling companions.

Business

Speakers break sound barrier, Fender replace guitar range, Rama amps to shatter prices and more!

Guitarcheck

Dave Burrluck is your chiming man

BMF Report '86

The Editor struggles through tech-laden stands, lively demos, liquid lunches and hordes of musicians to bring news of Britain's best-ever music show. If you missed it, you missed out.

Innovators of The Kit and the Music Percussion Computer, MPC explain their approach and hint at some new products to come.

A European music co-operative explained by Henry Cow/Art Bears percussionist Chris Cutler.

Dave Stewart On Going It Alone In The Music Biz

The major record company route is not the only one to musical success. Dave Stewart has successfully avoided the majors and still manages to make a good living from his home-produced music. Here, he charts his musical history.

PEOPLE, GEAR, EVENTS, GOSSIP

including the bmf, pet shop boys and the latest competition winner

Jackfile 1: a look at jack plugs and sockets.

At the forefront of independent synthesis

An education in computer music

Shareware & Public Domain software

There ain't no such thing as a free lunch, but there are a few free software sequencers around. Ian Waugh digs 'em out.

a blockhead's history of reggae