gets better

Remove the sequencing facilities from your drum machine and what do you get? A damned good idea for a new product that's what! Paul Ireson checks out Akai's 16-bit sampled drum box - the perfect companion for your sequencer.

The Camden Cowboys are back with a fresh outlook and a new IP on the way. Jonathan James investigates

Show Reports

what we saw

News, gossip, funny pictures, ink.

How To Repair Your Damaged Drums

Drum and cymbal repairs. We show how.

The assembled masses of the IM review department wax lyrical over their selected favourites from this year's music fair.

Florida's finest remembers accents and accidents with Steve Rosen Stateside

The high priest of Pop discusses his solo album, musicianship, songwriting and The Police.

Hundreds of affordable and useful gift ideas for the musically minded. Indispensable reading for the Santa Claus in your life

Fun Fair, who was there.

Bob Henrit reminisces on a plethora of electronic drums and a naze of excess

Recording 'If I Ever Lose My Faith In You'

Throw a bunch of talented musicians and a world-class producer into a 16th century mansion, add some juicy gear, shake 'em about and what do you get? Ten Summoner's Tales, if you're lucky.

ITs guide to the British Music Fair.

No doubting the Thomases from Elvis Costello and the Attractions.

It's the biggest! It's the best! It's the 1986 British Music Fair! Our man on the inside, Tony Mills tracks down the hottest gear of the year

With nearly 25 years in the music business, Cliff puts his music making into perspective.

The Rhythm Section

Landscape's bassist and drummer recount their reasons for choosing to form their own label to Ralph Denyer.

Is there life after Limahl? Yup. The four shy boys take turns to explain how they do it, and what they do it on.

The backstage view of the mammoth Tull operation from Tony Freeman, one of those without whom... nervous times among the cigarette stubs.

What's hot for '87

A History of Wind Synthesizers

Could the wind of change be upon us? MIDI has already given guitarists and drummers the means to control electronic sounds, and the launch of the Akai and Yamaha wind controllers now allows woodwind and brass players to join in. John L. Walters takes a general look at the historical development of wind synthesizers, and the Akai and Yamaha products in particular.