I got a music keyboard for Christmas. It has a MIDI interface on the back. It's just my luck that my current computer is the first ever that does not have a joystick interface on the back!

I have seen USB to MIDI interfaces on the net, but I don't know:

1 - Whether the linux kernel can deal with MIDI. I can recompile / patch if necessary.

2 - Whether certain Brands of USB-to-MIDI interface are more friendly than others when it comes to Linux, or whether it is a pretty standard thing.

3 - Any good prices for gear in the UK, what I have seen on the net seems quite dear, and the search isn't easy due to MIDI towers with USB sockets!!!

4 - Anyone been there already with advice?

Here is something that might help you get going

http://homepage3.nifty.com/StudioBre...usbmidi-e.html -- usbmidi linux drivers, plus list of supported hardware

Another suggestion is to buy a separate sound card, these can be got quite cheap or really expensive depending on what you want and how much money you have. A good place to start is http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ..._uid=98&stid=2

Hope that helps you!