The August issue of The Strad is on sale now ? a special edition marking the centenary of the First World War.

Our music and conflict theme highlights the impact of 'the war to end all wars' on string players including Fritz Kreisler, Eugène Ysaÿe and Jacques Thibaud. We also examine string music associated with conflict; delve into the impact of World War I on Mirecourt, the French lutherie capital; discover how string players in the front line fashioned makeshift instruments; trawl The Strad's archives to find out how the lives of the string community were impacted from 1914 to 1918; and find out how Musicians without Borders brings music education to war-torn areas today.

In our regular sections: In Focus gives a close-up view of an 1880 violin by F.W. Hansen; John Dilworth discusses making purfling in Trade Secrets; Arkansas-based maker Terry Bormaninvites us into his workshop in My Space; the Henschel Quartet guide us through Schulhoff's Five Pieces for String Quartet in Masterclass; Simon Fischer emphasises the importance of rhythm in Basics; violin professor Andrej Bielow discusses how to help students become musically creative in Ask the Teacher; violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen takes us through her Practice Diary; and four specialists advise how to protect your instrument in hot weather in Ask the Experts.

Plus, we bring you news of the latest competitions, products and auctions, and comprehensive reviews of concerts, CDs and books.