Welcome to issue #40 of Tape Op.

This issue marks not only Tape Op's "over the hill" issue but also the beginning of our ninth year of publishing this fine magazine. While we've had to deal with growing pains and a constant stream of work in order to get each issue out, it's totally worth it. As a magazine like this gets bigger there's bound to be people uttering the fabled cry of "Sell Out!" whenever they feel Tape Op has "changed" or gotten "bigger", and we salute those watchdogs of integrity — but keep things in perspective here. It should still be obvious that Tape Op is quite a bit different than the other recording magazines, and it will remain different. We look for a variety of content and viewpoints, and hope that we will always be open to new music and recording styles. Plus the one final rule: John and I (and many other contributors) are making a magazine that we want to read — if we're not excited by what's in Tape Op why should our readers be? Speaking of SELL OUT, check out our fantastic NAMM show report. It's so big we had to put it online at <www.tapeop.com/namm2004>. Check it out!PS: Don't forget to register for the Tape Op Conference in New Orleans, May 28-30. It's coming up soon and looks to be fun!

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