The important point to realize here is what the Harry Fox Agency really
is, and what it does.
It surveys the sales of hard materials (CD, cassette, recordings) and pays
publishers generally between two to four cents for each piece (song) sold.
The Agency itself keeps about 1/4- to 1/2-cent of each fee charged. The
fees are collected from the recording company or producer of the product.
As I stated in the last digest, it is best to secure the publishers
permission (Harry Fox Agency has nothing to do with this) to use a given
selection that is still under copyright protection. How you negotiate
its use is up to you, but given the size of the market for music rolls
I would ask for a special permission waiver of fees for "promotional
purposes", mentioning the size of your limited edition run.
You might also want to head off the publishers "at the pass" by contacting
the composer(s) _first_ and getting them to waive any fees collected in
exchange for the "honor" of having their works perforated by you for
player piano, organ or whatever.
(And my suggestion would be NEVER mention the word "Midi", as the whole
field is out of control and publishers as well as ASCAP -- the American
Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers -- are all in a state of
confusion and turmoil about it.)
Good luck!
S. K. Goodman
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