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.
Telefunken Elekroakustik direct boxes are built to withstand the wear and tear of gigging. Inside each model are custom-wound, UK-built, output transformers by OEP/Carnhill. Circuits are housed in a durable aluminum enclosure with heavy-duty metal toggle switches. The four boxes available are: TDP-1 (mono) passive; TDP-2 (dual) passive stereo; TDA-1 (mono) active direct box with discrete Class-A FET circuitry; and TDA-2 (dual) active stereo direct box with discrete Class-A FET circuitry.
D’Addario’s Latching Cut-Off Switch circuit breaker line of instrument cables feature gold-plated plugs for superior signal flow and corrosion resistance. An actuated “kill switch” allows for noise-free instrument changes. The switch is pressed to mute the signal to the amplifier and then pressed again to reactivate signal flow. The cables use ultra-pure, oxygen free copper conductors and solderless plugs for a solid connection. Two layers of shielding provide 100% coverage for insulation and noise rejection. They are available in the following variations: 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 30-foot straight plug; plus 10-foot and 20-foot right angle plug.
Genelec’s M030 and M040 bi-amplified active monitors have a sustainable natural composite wood and recycled material enclosure manufactured in Finland. The highly efficient, low-distortion class D amplifiers are lighter and cooler than class A/B amps. Features include Intelligent Signal Sensing power management with auto on/off, automatic voltage selection, high performance drivers, and intuitive room response controls and system calibration with XLR/TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs. M030 utilizes a five-inch woofer and .75-inch metal dome tweeter, powered by 50-Watt and 30-Watt amplifiers, respectively.
The TRX Cymbal Company’s NDK series (or New DRK series) cymbals have a sandblasted finish to provide a dryer option to the natural finish on the DRK cymbals. Both DRK and NDK now include holes for TRX removable rivets. The cymbals feature a traditional lathed finish underneath and are available in a variety of weights and sizes.
The Synth9 Synthesizer Machine from Electro-Harmonix will make your guitar sound like nine different classic vintage synthesizers. A simple nine-position rotary switch lets the player choose between: OBX, Profit V, Vibe Synth, Mini Mood, EHX Mini, Solo Synth, Mood Bass, String Synth, and Poly VI. Synth9 can be used on guitar or bass without modifications, special pickups, or MIDI implementation. It also features Dry volume, Synth volume, Ctrl 1 and
Ctrl 2 knobs. Its usability range extends to about the 23rd fret on the high E string and down to the open A string on a bass guitar. The Synth9 comes with a standard 9.6DC power supply.
Yamaha SLG200NW Silent Guitar is 90% quieter than a conventional guitar to provide quiet practice when unamplified or listened to through stereo earphones. Its elegant body design yields the tones of a high-end Yamaha acoustic, while its classical neck provides a comfortable feel. The detachable frame top section makes it compact enough to fit into an aircraft overhead compartment. Proprietary SRT powered pickup and microphone modeling system feature onboard reverb and chorus. It comes with a built-in chromatic tuner and an AUX input with dedicated volume control for connecting an external audio player, making it possible to play along with music.
Casio Celviano Grand Hybrid GP-300WE comes with three popular grand piano sounds, as well as the Natural Grand Hammer Action Keyboard. The Grand Acoustic System, combined with the multi-channel amplification system, creates an immersive sound field like that of a nine-foot concert grand. GP-300WE also features five touch sensitivity levels, 60 preset songs, 26 built-in tones, 10 user songs, Concert Play mode, Duet mode, and USB audio recording and playback. GP-300WE has a natural white wood finish and GP-300BK has all the same features in a black wood finish.
Sadly, another instrument has been destroyed by the airlines. Florida State University student Carrie Miller’s cello was smashed during a United Airlines flight from California and Tallahassee, while returning from Christmas break. On previous trips, Miller had been allowed to gate check the cello, but this time she was told she would have to go through the regular checked baggage process. She did not have the option of purchasing an extra seat as the flight was completely full. Miller says she does not have the money to replace her cello, but has set up a Go Fund Me page [https://www.gofundme.com/carrie-millers-cello] in hopes of raising enough to purchase a cello before her final graduate performance in April.
Vandoren V21 reeds provide smooth, warm sound, flexibility, and dynamic response for clarinets and saxophones. Suitable for both students and professionals, V21 reeds are available for Eb, Bb, and bass clarinet, as well as soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, in variety of strengths.
J Ferro basses are designed for bassists, by bassists. The Denair Line comes in four-, five-, and six-string instruments. Layering with spalted maple, ash, and mahogany, the bass’s beautiful solid spalted maple top, back, and neck make it a work of art. J Ferro Denair basses also include custom, hand-wound pickups.
