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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
24*
STECK.
A WORLD RENOWNED INSTRUMENT.
UT little can be said by us that has not already
been said, and said again and again, by ar-
tists, the press and the public, in praise of the
famous Steck pianos. Were we to devote ©very col-
umn of this paper to the recounting of the good things
said of these instruments, of the honors achieved, of
the prizes and medals won, and of testimonials given,
we would still lack space to do the subject full jus-
tice.
Ever since the year 1857, when Mr. George Steck
started in business as a pianoforte manufacturer, his
pianos have been steadily acquiring the reputation
which they enjoy to-day, of being unquestionably
among the best manufactured in the world. This re-
sult has been obtained by years of unremitting labor
and ceasless effort to effect such improvements in the
manufacture of the instrument as his rare practical
knowledge of the piano business suggested.
The name "Steck " piano, as well as being a house-
hold word in this country, is nearly as well known
in musical circles throughout Europe. There is no
doubt but that the grand victory achieved by the
Steck piano at the Vienna Exhibition in 1873, gave to
our export trade first the impetus which has since
built up the demand for first-class American pianos.
This fact alone is sufficient to show upon what the
reputation of the Steck instrument rests.
Of the testimonials received as to the merits of
these pianos, a few may here be quoted from some of
the world's most renowned artists.
Richard Wagner writes:
"The fine Grand piano of George Steck & Co., of
New York, which I have obtained, is everywhere ac-
knowledged to be excellent. My great friend, Franz
Liszt, expressed the liveliest satisfaetion after he had
played upon it. The magnificent instrument has
taken up its useful abode in my home, where it will
ever serve for my pleasant entertainment."
B
Bayreuth, Sept. 22, 1876.
RIOHABD WAGNER.
Here is another, from Wilhelmj, the greatest liv-
ing violinist:
" Having been asked my opinion of the Pianos of
George Steok & Co., of New York, I can express my
most sincere conviction that they satisfy, in the
highest degree, all those requirements which an ar-
tist oan expect from the highest development this
branch of industry can attain.
Their tone is noble, perfectly even throughout the
entire scale, of uncommonly fine singing quality, and
is particularly pleasing in character. The action is
so finely regulated that the pianist is enabled to pro-
duce the most wonderful effects with perfect ease,
while the construction is so solid and is perfected
with such scrupulous care in every detail, that their
durability would seem everlasting. All these rare
qualities being combined, assign the Steck pianos a
rank far above all possible competition."
I am unable to state, but am inclined to favor the
latter; since, from my acquaintance with the trade, I
can say they are as honorable a lot of gentlemen as
can be found in any line of business, all of which
SANDUSKY, 0., Mar. 5, 1887.
would much prefer to sell the standard pianos in
MESSBS. BILL & CABR :
GENTLEMEN : The music, piano and organ trade for their warerooms at a reasonable profit, to trash at
our locality is reasonably good for the season of the any price whatever. Where the lease and trash bus-
year. There has been a number of fine pianos sold iness will end is an open question, yet I look for a
recently, and organs enough to warrant the assertion change in the near future.
The organ business for '86 was rather light, while
that the trade is healthy, and fair prospects of a good
future business. For my personal trade I earry a pianos sold well, and the demand for '87 prom-
full stock of fine instruments, which attract the at- ises an increase, especially for uprights and grands.
tention of'an able class of purchasers with cash in The square piano is but little called for, and is con-
hand for what they buy. We take great pleasure in spicuous by its absence in most warerooms. Mrs. J.
examining the various reports in your able REVIEW. Smith has closed out her store in Meadvllle, la., and
at present is out of trade.
I remain,
TRADE CORRESPONDENCE.
ANTHONY.
Truly,
MBH. P. A. FOLLETT.
LEBANON, Pa., Mar. 10, 1887.
MESSBS. BILL & CABB :
THE
MANUFACTURERS OF
GENTLEMEN : You ask for news. The only new
thing with us is that we have just finished an elegant
four manual pedal pipe organ. We have taken this
city by storm, and have demonstrated that we are
capable of producing instruments of the highest ex-
cellence. We fully expect to be heard from in this
new line bye and bye. We already have a large
amount of work on hand, and our prospects in this
new venture are O K. Our reed organ business is still
booming, and we are adding new men continually.
This just demonstrates that the people appreoiate a
good article.
Yours truly,
MILLEB ORGAN CO.
HIGHEST GRADE
CLAY CENTER, Kan., March 5,1887.
MESSBS. BILL & CABB :
PARLOR AND CHAPEL
GENTLEMEN : Enclosed I hand you postal note for
$3, amount "of subscription for Music TBADE RE-
VIEW. Excuse delay. Our city is on such a " boom "
it is almost Impossible to get to the post office.
Well, the music trade in this vicinity is looking up
a little. It has been very dull all winter.
Yours truly,
J. C. GBUBB.
* NOBWALK, OHIO, March 6, 1887.
MESSBS. BILL & CABB :
GENTLEMEN : Will you kindly permit me to use a
little of your valuable space in the TBADE REVIEW,
to set the " Dear public" right on a point on which
there is now much confusion. I refer to the matter
of the name "Chase" as used by different manu-
facturers on their pianos. There ^are now three dif-
ferent firms who each have the right to use,and do use,
Best of Workmanship and Quality of the name of " Chasa " on. their pianos, yet they are
entirely distinct companies in their organization,
Goods Guaranteed.
and in the character of their instruments. It is to
make plain this difference between them that we
write this article.
Correspondence Solicited.
Without entering into any lengthy history of the
different companies and their characteristics, we will
ADDRESS,
simply oallthe attention of those Interested to a few
points that will always enable them to remember
"The A. B. Chase Co." of Norwalk, Ohio, and
their instruments.
AUGUST WILHELMJ.
This is the only "Chase " Co. that can rightfully
use the initial letters "A. B." to the name "Chase."
And another from Pauline Lucca which is unquali-
These originally, were the initials of the Mr. Chase
fied :
who had the honor of organizing this company.
" The Concert Grands of Messrs. George Steck &
Since his death, some ten years ago, these letters
Co., of New York, which I lately had an opportunity
have come to be reoognized as the initials to the
of hearing, are unparalleled for the majestio singing
following characteristics of their instruments, viz:
quality of tone which they possess.
"A Brilliant Chase," "A Beautiful Chase," "A Boss
AACHEN, FEB. 9, 1876.
PAULINE LUCCA.
Chase," "A Best Chase," "Always Buy," the "A. B.
Chase" organ or piano. Some of the agents say it means
Here are three testimonials from three of the
EBIE, la., March 10,1887.
"Always Beats," "And Big," "And Bound" to Chase,
world's most talented artists, whose judgment and MESSBS. BILL & CABR :
opinion of a piano carry probably more weight than
GENTLEMEN : Trade news in this section is any- andmany other like expressions. If dealers will always
that of any three persons in their respective fields. thing but satisfactory to dealers. The lease system bear in mind and instruct their patrons that there is
The personnel of the firm which manufactures these of sales has got to be the rule Instead of the excep- but one of the "Chase "manufacturers that can use
splendid instruments, which adorn the homes of tion, as it was only a few years ago, and competition these letters "A. B.," and that they always mean "A
thousands of the best families in the land, has recent- has filed down the price on lease sales to cash rates, Beautiful," "And Brilliant," "And Best," "And
ly undergone some slight changes, Mr. George leaving anything but a satlsfac ory margin to the Boss," "And Beats," "And Always Buy," the A. B.
Steok, the founder of the house, having retired from dealers for the amount of business done, which in Chase piano, there will never be any trouble about
business life, his interest being taken by Mr. Louis 1886 was on an average of larger volume than any remembering all that is worth remembering about
JU. Kammerer, a man of high social and financial year since 1882. I also notice on all sides a dispo- this name. Only this one thing more, when wanting
reputation. Mr. George Nembach, who for years past sition among the trade to dip into low-priced or prices or terms, or to buy, or anything else concern-
has practically been the head of the concern, still re- '' scamp " pianos to quite a dangerous extent. Whether ing a strictly first class piano, write to, and direct
tains the senior partnership and to his untiring efforts this is done in order to get pianos that oan be sold your letters to,
and his acknowledged ability as a piano man is due, on the "July to eternity " lease payment plan, and
Your friends,
more than to any other man, the fame and reputation afford the dealer a fair profit on his investment, or
THE A. B. CHASE Co.,
whioh the Steok piano enjoys.
because the public demand pianos from $200 to $300,
Norwalk, Ohio.
A.+B.KHASE+COMPANY,
19 Whittlesey Ave.,
NORWALK, OHIO.