It is my understanding that once a song has been recorded and offered for sale and distribution, anyone can cover that song (record it). The original copyright holder cannot prevent them from covering it as long as the copyright holder is paid royalties due. I think a compulsory license can be had for $80? That figure sticks in my mind. For up to 1,000 copies? It may have changed, since the mechanical rate is now 9.1 cents per unit; it used to be 8 cents.

Regarding an artist offering chords/tab for sale, that sounds wonderful but I wonder if it would be good or bad. Some might feel you owe it to them, haha. I have no clue if it would be worthwhile but yeah, there have been times I guess I would pay a small amount for finding out how the original artist played a song. Interesting idea.

I have a book of Beatles chords/lyrics and geez, whatever I paid... I just looked and yep, the tag is on it... $20... it has been darn sure worth it! I have enjoyed many an hour of playing / learning those songs. Wonderfully accurate book, seems to me. By Rikky Rooksby.



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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000