"Steve Urbach"
"TJ Hertz"

I've got a Japanese-bought AKAI S1000 sampler that says "100v AC" on the
back. I live in the UK, where the power supply is 240V or thereabouts. Can
I
use a 110V transformer, or does it need to be strictly 100V?

You may have 2 problems:

1) Japan is 60Hz, UK is 50 Hz. Mains transformers and motors need
more iron for 50Hz and may overheat without it.


** Japan has both 50Hz and 60 Hz AC power, see:

http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

As a result, appliances made for their local market normally have
transformers made to cope with 50 Hz.



2) 240 to 100V Voltage, It may be simpler to go the 240V @ 50Hz to
12VDC and run a 60Hz inverter designed for Japans 100V.


** Insane.




............... Phil