Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1894 Vol. 19 N. 5

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
the latter particularly was a familiar figure to
all who attended the Park concerts for the past
few years.
THE KIMBALL PIANO.
iASTWARD the Kimball pianos take
their way! " This is not Benton's
famous quotation exactly, but it answers our
purpose to exemplify the rapid growth in appre-
ciation of the Kimball pianos in the East.
Mr. Emil Liebling on his recent concert tour
done much to demonstrate the excellence of the
Kimball pianos, and the results of this educa-
tional tour—for it has been such to Eastern
musical people—is to be seen in the increased
business done by the Kimball agents in the
East. It was only last week that a very impor-
tant deal was consummated, whereby eight Kim-
ball pianos were sold to the Beacon College and
Musical Institute, at Beacon, Pa. And several
other deals are under consideration which will
elicit some surprise in trade circles, as well as
demonstrate that enterprise, perseverance and
push will bring its own reward.
The Kimball concert grand has proven itself
to be an instrument equal to any on the market,
and its marked recognition by distinguished
musicians and artists must afford considerable
satisfaction to the W. W. Kimball Co., who
have displayed skill and enterprise in its de-
velopment.
A BRIGHT OUTLOOK.
best possible evidence that a " change
has come over the spirit of the times '' is
the activity reported in the piano manufactur-
ing field during the past week. It only wants
the President's signature to the tariff bill, or its
becoming a law without his consent, to have
business assume its normal condition.
From every section of the country a feeling of
relief and gratification at the termination of the
seemingly never-ending struggle over the tariff
bill is reported, and it has created an optimistic
feeling which we trust subsequent developments
will not change.
In this city the majority of piano manufact-
urers are unanimous as to the beneficial effects
which will immediately accrue to the piano
industry in the way of improved business, and
the reduction of duty on pianos from 35 to 25
per cent, is not causing them any uneasiness ;
realizing, as they do, the impossibility of any
competition with the American piano, which is
to-day the superior of any manufactured abroad.
A very significant and pleasing indication of
good times is the increased number of orders re-
ceived by many houses in this city during the
past week—it proves that dealers realize that the
worst has passed and are determined to build up
their depleted stocks.
Is pleasing to know that a house with
such an old and distinguished record as
Sohmer & Co. are in evidence as leading in the
business revival which is making its way slowly
but surely all over the United States. They re-
port having made arrangements whereby the
Sohmer piano will receive prominent represen-
tation in two important trade centres—Cincin-
nati and Boston. In the former city the celebrated
house of Hockett Bros. & Puntenney will handle
the '' Sohmer '' pianos in their handsome new
warerooms in the Rawson building, as well as
in their branch stores at Columbus and Spring-
field ; and in Boston Messrs. Chas. H. Hanson
& Co., Worcester, Mass., who have secured a
lease of the warerooms 178 Tremont street—will
open with a splendid assortment of Sohmer
pianos about the 15th of next month. An ex-
cellent location, truly, for this store has always
been the home of celebrated instruments—the
Knabe being sold there for years.
These two important agencies speak well for
the business acumen and enterprise of Sohmer
& Co., and they will undoubtedly result in a
largely increased trade. The two houses, how-
ever, who have entered into the above arrange-
ment are to be congratulated in having taken
hold of a piano that has won the encomiums of
eminent artists, and has attained such a marked
recognition in all sections of this country.
JUDGE COLT'S COPYRIGHT DECISION.
f
HE decision rendered by Judge Colt in the
Circuit Court, Boston, a few weeks ago in
the case of Alfred H. Littleton et al., against
Oliver Ditson & Co. and which appeared in this
paper, has been widely discussed by music pub-
lishers since the celebrated case was decided.
Judge Colt's interpretation of the Copyright
Laws is based entirely on the '' intent '' of
Congress, and his comprehension of the word
'' book '' as far as it relates to music. It must
be admitted that he gave the matter due con-
sideration, and handled the same with evident
impartiality.
A number of local publishers whom we have
conversed with think the decision unfair, in the
sense that it allows the European publisher to
print his music in Europe, and by securing
copyright at the nominal cost of one dollar, and
paying the moderate ad valorum duty of 25 per
cent, can sell it to retailers in this country at
prices as low, if not lower, than that at present
charged by American publishers, thereby in-
flicting an injury not only on the music pub-
lishing trade of this country, but also the labor
employed.
As might be expected, the English and Ger-
man houses represented in this country are
pleased at the result of the friendly suit, the
majority of whom—with the exception of the
house of Boosey & Co., of which Mr. Geo. Max-
well is manager—'import all their compositions.
Boosey & Co. have made it a point as far as
possible to print their music in this country
since they located here; hence, in every sense
their productions are American. As we re-
marked, this house is an exception, and if Judge
Colt's decision holds on the appeal which will
be made according to the distinct understanding
entered into at the time the friendly suit was in-
augurated, the products of English houses will
find a large place in the catalogues of retail
houses in this country and enter into lively
competition with domestic compositions.
WE; take off our hats in admiration of the en-
terprise shown by our friend the editor of
FreumVs Musical Weekly. In his issue of Wed-
nesday last he has an interview with Mr. Rudolf
Dolge, in which he gives that gentleman's views
upon affairs foreign and domestic. It happens,
however, that Mr. Rudolf Dolge was on the
ocean Friday noon, according to information re-
ceived at warerooms, n o East 13th street, and
was expected to arrive on the '' New York '' late
in the afternoon or this morning. Brother
Harry had what is colloquially termed a '' dead
scoop." We admit it. As we said before, we
are glad to recognize enterprise.
met a sun-tanned member of the Guildon
5th avenue the other day, and asked him how
he had enjoyed his vacation. "Immensely,"
said he, " but I enjoyed it much as the man did
at the hotel where I stopped, who, in his en-
deavor to swallow a succulent bivalve, called
hard-shelled clam, swallowed at least half of
the shell besides. As his agonized countenance
tried to adjust itself to the discomfort of a pain-
ed interior, he said : ' The quahog is all right
enough, but it's that coming back part that
hurts.' ''
J. G. RAMSDELL, the well-known dealer of
Philadelphia, is enjoying a vacation on his
yacht, the "Psyche." It is a "toss-up"
whether Mr. Ramsdell prefers handling the tiller
of his handsome yacht in a stiff " norwester,"
or selling pianos to customers who never cut
him down in price. Anyhow, there are few
men who can better explain the good points of
a piano or a yacht.
WE regret to announce the death of Mr. Chas.
W. Mendendall, manager of the financial de-
partment of the Emerson Piano Co. 's ware-
rooms, 92 Fifth avenue, which occurred at the
home of his son, iLumberton, N. Y., Friday of
last week. Mr. Mendendall was about 65 years
of age. A wife and son survive him.
A CHATTY and well written diary of a ramble
through the Catskills appears in this week's
Dolgeville Herald. It is signed with an appar-
ently Cambrian cognomen—" Wylle Eglod."
We can safely assume it is from the pen of a
youthful scion of the house of Dolge, and it does
him credit.
DURING the summer quiet Messrs. Wm. Knabe
& Co. are adding to the attractiveness of their
handsome 5th avenue warerooms. Decorators
are at work, and other changes are about to be
made which will render these warerooms equal,
if not superior, to any on the avenue.
A VERY pretty, small-sized upright is on view
in the window of Jack Haynes' warerooms, 20
East 17th street. It was manufactured by
Blanchett Fils, successor to Roller & Blanchett
Fils, Paris. The case is unusually pretty and
the ornamentation in brass adds to its attractive-
ness. The tone is surprisingly good for a
French piano, and is of a superior quality.
MR. FREDERICK DEITZ, of Geo. Steck & Co.,
is perfecting a scale for a new style Steck piano,
which will be brought out in the Fall. It is
said it will be superior to any of the many ex-
cellent scales turned out by this competent
draughtsman.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
MR. FERDINAND MAYER, of Chickering &
Sons, has returned from his vacation spent at
Amityville, L. I.
J. W. PAYNE, of Llewlyn & Payne, manu-
facturers of piano polish and varnish, Kansas
City, Mo., died August 10th.
LYON & HEALY have a regular "central "
telephone office in their beautifully appointed
institution, with a young lady operator who
attends promptly to all '' hello '' messages and
dispatches them to their respective departments
by means of pneumatic tubes, says the Musical
Times. The latter are in general use in the
store and assist greatly in facilitating business.
A RECENT addition to the music trade is the
house of W. J. Bogue & Co., Fulton, N. Y.
MR. H. D. CABLE, president of the Chicago
Cottage Organ Company, will leave Southamp-
ton for New York on the " Paris " August 25th.
MR. I. N. CAMP, of Chicago, who is sojourn-
ing at the famous Carlsbad Springs, will sail for
the United States on September 27th.
MR. CHAS. H. STEINWAY, of Steinway & Sons,
is a happy father. His wife presented him with
THE United Piano Company, of Philadelphia,
a bouncing girl baby last Sunday. Congratu- have filed articles of incorporation. The capital
lations.
stock is $150,000. They have purchased a com-
modious building in Camden, N. J., f>r factory
MR. HOENE, of Meller & Hoene, well known
dealers, of Pittsburg, Pa., who recently visited purposes. It is the intention of the company to
Leipsic, Germany, left an order for six Hupfeld begin the manufacture of pianos at once.
mechanical pianos, which have been shipped to
MR. B. F. DUNBAR, of Jack Haynes, left this
his address. Blasius & Sons, of Philadelphia, week for a three weeks' trip in the upper part of
represent the Hupfeld firm in the United States, New York State.
with the exception of a part of Pennsylvania,
A GENERAL business meeting of Steinway &
Ohio and Virginia, which is controlled by Messrs.
Sons was held last week; also of Lyon, Potter
Mellor & Hoene.
& Co., of Chicago, which was attended by E.
J. P. SIMMONS' piano warerooms, 630 4th ave- A. Potter, and N. Stetson Co., of Philadelphia.
nue, Louisville, Ky., caught fire last Wednes- Mr. Woodford came to town especially for that
day. Five pianos were destroyed, and the loss purpose.
sustained amounted to $3,000. The insurance
MESSRS. D E CRAY & Co., who have conducted
amounted to $1,000.
a piano repairing establishment for several years
ISAAC BENESCH & SONS, of Baltimore, will
at Seper Street, Philadelphia, have branched
hereafter represent the line of goods manufac- out into the piano manufacturing business. Mr.
tured by the Chicago Cottage Organ Company. Alex. De Cray is in charge of the practical de-
Herman Day & Co. were the former representa- partment, and he has recently draughted an up-
tives of that firm in Baltimore.
right scale from which the firm will manufacture
pianos for retail purposes.
MR. FREEBORN G. SMITH, SR., is recuperat-
ing from his recent indisposition in the Adiron-
dacks.
IT is rumored that Wm. Knabe & Co. will re-
move their Washington, D. C, store on Pennsyl-
vania avenue to a new store on F street, N. W.,
opposite the Metzerott building.
MR. LOUIS GRUNEWALD, JR., road representa-
tive for Jacob Doll, will leave for a Southern trip
next Saturday.
MR. GEORGE REICHMANN, of Sohmer & Co.,
made a short business trip to Philadelphia,
Pittsburg, Franklin and Williamsport, Pa., and
Canton, N. J., and Columbus, Ohio, last week.
MR. W. H. ELMER, of Babcock & Elmer, the
well-known agents for Decker Bros.' piano in
Winona, Minn., was in New York recently on
his wedding trip. He speaks of a fair condition
of business in that section of the country.
MR. WILLIAM FRIELE, with Jack Haynes,
has returned from his vacation looking fit to do
active work for his house.
MESSRS. F. LUCKHARDT and G. BELDER, who
have been with the G. Schirmer Co. for quite a
number of years, intend opening a music pub-
lishing business at 10 East 17th street about
September first. The firm name will be Luck-
hardt & Belder.
MR. RUFUS BLAKE, president of the Sterling
Co., Derby, Conn., is enjoying a driving trip
through the Berkshire Mountains. He is ac-
companied by his wife.
S. S. STEWART, the well-known manu-
facturer of the famous Stewart banjos, has an
uptown retail branch of his extensive business
at 1016 Chestnut street, Philadelphia. Business
with Mr. Stewart is fair ; the coming fall, how-
ever, he expects an unusually large demand for
his popular instruments.
MR.
THOMAS JOHNSON was arrested and locked
up at the Central Station yesterday by Officers
Griffin and Spane, on a charge of burglary.
Some time ago, it is claimed, he broke into the
music store of W. W. Kimball Company, at No.
243 Wabash avenue, and stole a quantity of
music. A few days sgo he went to the music
firm of Lyon, Potter & Co., at No. 174
Wabash avenue, and offered to sell it at a
very low figure. They became suspicious
and asked him to call yesterday. In the mean-
time they notified the detective headquarters,
and yesterday when he called he was placed
under arrest, as the robbery had been reported
by the Kimball Company, which claimed that
Johnson was the man who had committed the
deed. He will be given a hearing at the
Armory this morning.—Chicago Inter-Ocean.
the popular manager of N.
Stetson Co., Philadelphia, is rusticating at his
cottage at Scituate Beach, near Boston.
MR.
WOODFORD,
MR. WILLIAM H. FREELAND, who is in charge
of Hamilton S. Gordon's small musical instru-
ment department, will spend his vacation at a
point near Lancaster, Pa. He leaves on the 25th
inst.
E. A. PHELPS will handle Knabe and Behning
pianos in his new store at Berlin, Wis.
LUDDEN & BATES' branch house recently
established in Jacksonville, Fla., under the
management of Mr. Brandnack, is receiving a
great deal of praise in the local papers.
MR. CHAS. BECHT is making a Western trip
in the interest of the popular Pease piano.
A NEW music stand has been invented and
patented by Geo. H. McCall, of Massillon, Ohio.
MESSRS. N. L. GEBHARDT AND A. T. WITTICH
are doing some excellent work for the A. B.
Chase piano during their Western trip.
THE Winchester Herald says : C. A. Daniels
and W. L. Hadley, of Richmond, Ind., and Lon
Snedeker, of that place are contemplating a ven-
ture in the business of manufacturing musical
instruments.
Brains, a journal devoted to the art of adver-
tising in this city, recently favored Mr. John C.
Minton, of Lange & Minton, Wellington, la.,
with a request to send them samples of his
unique " ads." which he used in advertising the
business of his house. It is evident that these
were considered of merit, for he was recently re-
quested to contribute a special article on " How
best to advertise pianos," and a photograph of
himself.
A CAPITAL joke is related on P. J. Healy's two
young sons, Paul and Raymond Healy, who
with their brother, James E. Healy, are now at
the Antwerp Exposition, says the Indicator.
The boys are adepts in the use of the guitar and
mandolin and play these instruments at Lyon &
Healy's booth at the exposition over the sea.
On one occasion recently the two scions of the
house of Healy played their two instruments
and attracted quite an audience. When they
had finished a French woman stepped up and
gave the boys a two-franc piece. She had taken
them for a couple of wandering minstrels !
THE Grand Rapids, Mich., Herald has the fol-
lowing item of information : The Grand Rapids
Piano Case Company has developed a business
that has outgrown its present quarters, and the
Comstock iron clad four story building, at the
corner of Kent and Newberry streets, is being
moved to the factory now occupied near Canal
street. The Grand Rapids Heavy Moving Com-
pany will have the building on the site within a
few days. The addition to the factory will be
50 x 80 feet in dimensions.
MR. ROBERT.M. WEBB Is slated to leave for
Europe to-day. He is going to place a large
order with the Billion Felt House at St. Denis,
France.
They All Admire Him.
^
CAVALLL one of the most courteous
TV~ • gentlemen connected with any enterprise
so dignified as the dissemination of knowledge
concerning the virtues and practical values of
the celebrated blue felt, has been in town for two
or three days, and, as usual, he has received a
cordial welcome.
Mr. Cavalli has only one regret when he comes
to Dolgeville, and that is that he has to go away
again.—Dolgeville Herald, August 23d.
Hansing «Sc Scott.
y
\JETHE new firm of Hansing & Scott, which we
S
announced a short time since as having
embarked in the piano business at West 13th
and Washington streets, this city, expect to be
able to place their premier piano on the market
some time next month. The scale has been
completed by Mr. Hansing, who is a well-known
expert on matters acoustical, and the product
of his house should be well worthy the special
attention of the trade.

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