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of these associations as one would be a great deal
more resultful than the holding of two conventions
After all, the manufacturers like to support both or-
ganizations, but it becomes a double expense. We
have no criticism of the management of either of
these associations. They are all fine, upstanding men.
They are all working for the same principles, but why
shouldn't they get together.
The N.A.M.M. Convention
HE National Association of Music Merchants
Established 1879
has probably progressed more and created more
CARLETON CHACE, Editor
practical aid for its members since its reorgani-
Alex H. Kolbe, Publisher
zation in 1945, tha nat any time in its fifty-one years
of existance. Yet, when Jesse L. Lasky, during the
course of his address at the annual meeting asked how
many members the association had and was told ap-
NATIONAL
V. T. Costello
proximately less than 1,000, he seemed genuinely
Alexander Hart
ASSOCIATION
shocked and remarked that the association should
Associate Editor
OF MUSIC
Technical Editor
MERCHANTS
have 2,000 or 3,000 members. According to a survey
made by one of the members of the organization, he
atttributes the lack of interest of dealers to the fact
that they have not been well advised regarding what
Mary Louise Kauffman
is
done with the money that they pay for dues. Taking
Circulation Manager
into consideration that the "A.A." class, the dues are
Published monthly at 510 RKO Building, Radio
$2700, $2200 of this is used for promotion, whereas
City, 1270 Sixth Avenue, New York 20, N. Y.
only $500 is used for N.A.M.M. services. In the "A"
Telephone: Circle 7-5842-5843-5844
class, $1500 of the $2000 paid in is used for music
AUGUST, 1952
V o l . Ill
No. 8
promotion. In the "B.B." class, $1000 of the $1500
paid in, and in the " B " class $700 of $1200 paid for
dues. And right down the list until we come to the
Business - As We See It
very last small payment of $50 and even $15 of this
OR the past sixty days we have been busy at- is used for promotion. So, percentage-wise, the dealer
tending Conventions. First, it was the Conven- who joins the association, whether he pays $50 a
tion of the National Association of Piano Tuners, year or $2700 a year, is lending most of his money
then there was the Convention of the National Asso- to a cause which cannot help but stimulate the im-
ciation of Music Merchants, and lastly, the Conven- provement of all types of musical instrument busi-
tion of the American Society of ness including his own. In making out analysis on
Piano Technicians. From what membership, George H. Beasley stated that from the
we observed, these conventions average standpoint, a Class B member (50 members)
were successful. We also made a if he is honestly classified gets a premium of $31.66
few observations which perhaps on his music promotion money and a premium of
are worth commenting upon. To $18.21 on his dues for general association services.
begin with, we firmly believe that And continuing, he says, "The more steady N.A.M.M.
there should not be two tuners' members we have, who properly classify themselves,
associations. One of our reasons the more total money will be available for music pro-
for this is simply that a house motion. . . . The merchant non-member does not get a
divided against itself is not as whole free ride as he may think, but indirectly and
strong as one which is united. We partially he pays 60% of the bills through his sup-
CARLETON CHACE
are thoroughly convinced that pliers. He gets only a 'reduced fare ride'. He will get
should the two tuners' associations join there would more if he will give more. We all will get more if
be even much more enthusiasm instilled in the manu- more merchants steadily pay membership dues." We
facturers and other branches of the industry, with believe that more dealers should look earnestly into
the result that a unified convention conducted by both the benefits of the N.A.M.M.
The jjMusic JfiaJe
REVIEW
T
F
10
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW, AUGUST, 1952