Alfred expands Basix series.

Last year Alfred Publishing made a major statement at NAMM with the release of ten Basix books. These graphically appalling, educationally sound books with their striking covers and interior pictures, plus great-sounding CDs at a low price, became among the best selling titles in the company's broad catalog. Following up on the success of the first ten Basix books, Alfred will release 12 new editions at this year's NAMM show.

"We knew we had a hit on our hands when last year's printing of Basix Guitar Method 1 sold out and had to be reprinted before we even got out of NAMM," said Ron Manus, Alfred vice-president.

Mike Green, sales manager, added, "The Basix covers are a big part of that equation. They're designed to turn heads in high-traffic areas. The price of the book and CD kit makes it a great deal for end users. They are irresistible and generate impulse sales that are out of this world."

New Basix titles include Basix Guitar Method Book 3 and 4: Basix Rock Singing Techniques, Basix Guitar TAB Method 1, Basix Scales and Arpeggios for Keyboard, Basix Rock Guitar Technique, Basix Blues Technique, Basix Essential Licks for Guitar, Basix Recorder, Basix Jazz Guitar Concepts, Basix Saxophone Method 1, and Basix Syncopation for Drums.

All Basix books have a similar cover theme and layout, so customers can tell at a glance that they are part of a series. Not only does this project a powerful visual impact, but it also builds brand awareness that drives sales.

Most of the CDs feature a full background accompaniment that the student can play along with. "For an extra two bucks, you get your own band with the book," Manus said.

Alfred is supporting the Basix Series with merchandising tools that spotlight the books' impulse appeal. The publisher is providing a 12-pocket cardboard floor display that will be offered at no charge to dealers who purchase a special 100-book NAMM pre-pack.

Basix books are also available with Alfred's popular 20/20 display. The circular 20/20 unit is free to dealers with the purchase of $499 worth of product (any of Alfred's m.i. lines, including Basix books), a price that reflects a 50% discount off retail. Alfred is also making it easy for dealers to order the Basix Series by providing a special one-page order form that can be faxed directly to the publisher. "And now the dealer has 22 titles to mix and match," Manus commentd.

For more information about the Basix Series, visit Booth 6148 in Anaheim, or call Alfred Publishing, 800-292-6122. Fax: [phone].