Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

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Home » Recent News » American Guitar Industry Making Comeback


American Guitar Industry Making Comeback

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Despite some bad news for several key sellers in the last couple years, guitar manufacturers and sellers say demand for American-made guitars is strong. The National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM) says year-over-year sales are increasing by 7.03%. Total retail value of guitars sold in 2017 was $1.3 billion.

While Gibson Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this year, it also reported that sales of electric guitars grew 10.5% to $122 million in 2017. Fender reports that fretted instrument sales have been growing for five years, and though the nation’s largest retailer, Guitar Center, is $1 billion in debt, it says “guitar sales over the past year have been the strongest we’ve seen in our history.”

Some in the industry are crediting streaming services as creating an all-time high interest in music. Last year about 125 million people paid for streaming services and 86 million attended Live Nation Concerts. Audiences are getting younger and many makers have introduced more affordable models. Also, social media allows makers to use prominent artists to create brand awareness.







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