Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1896 Vol. 22 N. 19

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
8
Gildemeester & Kroeger Fail.
Behr Bros. & Co.'s Affairs.
THE SITUATION UP TO DATE.
MR. HENRY BEHR TALKS ON HIS APPROACHING
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE OLD FIRM—HE
L
AST Thursday Henry K. S. Williams,
of I. T. Williams & Son, lumber mer-
chants, was appointed temporary Receiver
of Gildemeester & Kroeger, under bonds
fixed at $50,000.
It has been well known in the trade for
some time that Gildemeester & Kroeger
were making a hard fight, to stand up under
pressing financial difficulties. Mr. Gilde-
meester and his associates have made a gal-
lant fight, but their troubles have been ac-
centuated since the failure of A. D. Coe,
of Cleveland, by whom they were heavy
losers.
It seems to us, however, that we must go
still farther back to find the real cause of
this collapse. The firm of Kroeger & Sons
at the time of Mr. Gildemeester's admis-
sion, and the formation of the Gildemeester
& Kroeger corporation, was practically in-
solvent. Mr. Gildemeester at that time as-
sumed heavy financial responsibilities, and
shortly after came the panic of '93.
P. J. Gildemeester has been an indefati-
gable worker, and has taken great pride in
the pianos which bore his name. Had the
general conditions of the trade not been so
depressing, he would have won, notwith-
standing the heavy weight which he as-
sumed at the formation of the corporation.
Mr. Williams was appointed by Judge
Pryorat. the expressed wish of all the stock-
holders and two-thirds of the creditors. A
semi-official statement of the affairs of the
company is as follows:
The company is unable to meet maturing
obligations, bills are overdue and wages of
workmen unpaid. The liabilities are $100,-
938; also contingent liabilities, $45,745, for
indorsements.
The assets are nominally
$106,158, the principal items being stock
and materials, $71,353; pianos on in-
stallment and lease, $10,254; open book
accounts, $7,951; tools, patterns, fixtures,
machinery, etc., $11,116.
Leases and
pianos to the amount of $13,547 are hypo-
thecated. The principal creditors are Mrs.
Katie Sidwell, Shohola, Pa., $44,483;
Charles Douglass, $f 1,908; Comstock,
Cheney & Co., T. Shriver & Co., William
Tonk & Bro., I. T. Williams & Son
Alfred Dolge & Son, Chas. Reinwarth,
Clarence Brcoks & Co., Richard Ranft,
Henry Haas & Son and Bernard W. Smith.
. It is said that there are several hundred
pianos, some finished and the remainder in
stages of construction now in the factory.
Of course, it is difficult at this time to
predict just how the matters will be, as the
Receiver only took possession Thursday
afternoon.
Miss Katherine Ahrens is the only woman
music publisher in the country. She began
her career as a stenographer and secretary,
and her business training, combined with
great musical talent, enabled her to realize
her ambition, which was to become a
music publisher. She is the head of the
United States Music Publishing House.
WILL MANUFACTURE A CHEAP GRADE
OF PIANO.
I
N an interview with a REVIEW represen-
tative on Wednesday last relative to
the approaching withdrawal of Mr. Henry
Behr from the Behr Bros. & Co. corpora-
tion, and his determination to commence
manufacturing a cheaper grade of instru-
ment on his own account, Mr. Behr stated
in substance as follows:
"The statement in a Western contempo-
rary that Behr Bros. & Co. are about to dis-
solve, is both incorrect and misleading.
There is no dissolution whatever, the firm
is a corporate body and remains intact. I
merely transfer my stock, my interest in
the corporation ceases, and, as has already
been announced, I shall commence the
manufacture of a cheap grade of piano in
the early fall.
"The facts of the case, in a nutshell,"
continued Mr. Behr, "are simply these. I
have been connected with the piano industry
for twenty-two years; in my opinion, the
general trend of the piano business points
to an increased call for a cheaper grade of
instrument; I have given the matter the
most thorough investigation, and the ut-
most deliberation, and as I am anxious to
make a good opening for my son William
J., I have determined to manufacture on
my own account.
"When I say a cheap piano," continued
Mr. Behr, " I mean a 'good, cheap' piano,
and, however contradictory the statement
may sound, I mean precisely what I say in
the matter.
" I t is hardly likely that with my life-long
connection with a high grade instrument,
I should devote my energies to the manu-
facturing of any piano which should not
prove a credit to myself as maker, and at
the same time a sure winner from a com-
mercial standpoint. The i n s t r u m e n t
which I shall place on the market will not
be glued together in the manner of the
average cheap piano. You cannot empha-
size this point too strongly. It will possess
a fine scale, the action will be first-class,
and a special feature will be its absolute re-
liability in the matter of standing in tune.
At the same time, the instrument will be
sold at a medium price.
"You can also state," continued Mr.
Behr, "that my interests will in no way
whatever clash with the interests of Behr
Bros. & Co. There is, and I trust always
will be, the very best of good-will between
us; the difference of opinion is merely a
question of policy; the majority of the
stockholders did not favor the production
of a cheap grade of piano in connection
with the interests of Behr Bros. & Co.,
with the result that you are now recording.
"Behr ros. & Co. will continue the
manufacture of a high grade instrument;
I shall manufacture a cheap instrument.
Instead of our interests being- antagonistic,
we propose to help each other along rather
than otherwise.
'' I shall be ably assisted in my new under-
taking by my son, aged 25 years, who has
had excellent banking experience, and is
now carefully passing through the various
departments of piano construction in the
factory.
" I have no fear of the outcome of my
undertaking," said Mr. Behr. " I have
studied the question from every point of
the compass. I couldn't make a poor piano
if I tried, and I expect to do business from
the start.
" I cannot at present tell you the name of
the instrument I shall manufacture, as you
know the law would not protect me until
the first instrument has been placed on the
market.
Piano construction, the best
channels for trade, and the business stand-
point, taken from a broad basis, has been
the study of my life, and I am sure that
the result of my labors, so far as the new
instrument is concerned, will be a surprise
to the trade.
"The factory will be located in Newark,
N. J., adjacent to my home, Montclair. I
expect to continue with the present firm
until September, and shall get into my new
quarters in October or November.
MR. CHARLES L. B U R C H A R D ' S STATEMENT.
Mr. Burchard, of Behr Bros. & Co.,
stated in a brief interview: "There is one
point that we wish emphasized in connec-
tion with the retirement of Mr. Henry
Behr, that is, that there are no side issues
in connection with the transaction—noth-
ing under cover. Behr Bros. & Co. will
still continue to manufacture a high grade
instrument, and a high grade only; the
very warmest of feeling exists between
Behr Bros. & Co. and Mr. Henry Behr,
but we will have no connection whatever,
either directly or indirectly, in the manu-
facture of a cheap grade of instrument.
G. Clay Cox at Rochester.
M
R. GEO. CLAY COX will at once as-
sume the management of the music
business conducted under the name of J.
W. Martin & Bro., Rochester, N. Y. Mr.
Martin, the founder, died last year, and
the business will be continued by his widow
without change of firm name. Mrs. Martin
has certainly made a wise move in securing
a manager of Mr. Cox's capabilities. He
has won a reputation of being one of the
leading salesmen of this country, and we
have no doubt that under his able manage-
ment the Martin business in Rochester will
assume satisfactory proportions.
The Martin Co. handle the Steinway as
their leader, hence Mr. Cox will be entire-
ly in his element in his new position, as all
his life he has been associated with high
class instruments, hence the Steinway at-
mosphere is particularly agreeable to him.
IN consequence of several unsuccessful
ventures, Abbey, Schoeffel & Grau, musi-
cal and theatrical managers, have assigned.
Liabilities about $300,000; assets, $200,-
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
play upon in public. After that it will im-
prove and continue to improve with age.
"Is it not wonderful that a man should
have to travel to a new country to find a
genius able so marvelously to reproduce
Guarnerius, and another who has discovered
a secret that had been dead for centuries?"
tions have been made which are panning
out big, and more can be made. Whether
any of the trade will join this expedition
or not, they should not overlook the fact
that there is a big future for the musical
instrument trade in the Southern countries,
provided it is properly handled.
I notice that my esteemed friend, C. B.
Mr. F. Hoerr, of H. & F. Hoerr, Toronto,
Harger, of the Musical limes, has again Can., was a visitor to New York this week.
lost his temper. This is not unusual in his He is the inventor of something new in
case, as he seems peculiarly constituted in the way of a double bridge for the piano,
HE members of the piano trade of this this respect. He is fond of indulging in which has created widespread attention in
city should be mournful.
They frequent attempts at witticism, but the in- Canada. He nas a very elaborate model of
stant a return thrust is made at him he this ingenious innovation, and on Wednes-
should wear crape.
loses
his temper, and at once descends to day visited the Patent Office in Washing-
Why ?
calling names and making silly accusations. ton on business connected with the same.
For Toxvn Topics is mad at them; real
Now, one who is fond of humorous attacks
mad.
should also be able to parry an attack with-
Because of the fact that they are not go-
out indulging in caloric ebullitions. This
What a busy man is Mr. William Stein-
ing to indulge in their annual dinner.
is usually the case, but not with Mr. Har- way. During the past week it was almost
The "Saunterer" in Town Topics, who,
ger. He is willing to give, but not willing impossible to take up a daily paper and
by the way, strongly bears the ear marks of
to receive; hence he exhibits his unfitness not find his name recorded either as a
Freddy W. Schwab, sadly bemoans this
to pose as an editor. His style of writing liberal giver to some needy charity, taking
fact. He attributes it to bad business, and
is best confined to a humorous paper, or to a leading part in civic affairs as member of
says the trade should not hoist this signal
the reportorial department of a trade the Rapid Transit Commission, or find his
of distress.
journal. It is neither dignified, nor is his views set forth upon the currency question
Again, he is very much concerned over
position well taken. Possibly his churlish- in which he takes a deep interest. I notice
the fact that manufacturers spend consider-
ness may be caused by imperfect diges- that Mr. Steinway has been elected presi-
able money in trade papers. He adds at
tion. In thatcasel would suggest Carter's dent of the German-American Sound
the close, " I have no interest in the matter,
Little Liver Pills; it is said that they are Money League, reference to which was
but I think that the manufacturers should
excellent.
He should understand at least made in last week's REVIEW. A well de-
consult together over a keg of lager if they
when he attempts to slur a paper that he served compliment, truly.
cannot afford a square meal."
should not lose his temper when that paper
It is painful, really sad to think of the deep
* *
retaliates, and he must know that TtfE Music
interest Town Topics takes in . the music
TRADE REVIEW obtains its news from re-
Sieveking, the great Dutch pianist, will
trade, and also the jealousy with which it
liable sources, pays for what it gets in good return again to America. It is hoped that
regards trade papers.
Sadder still, the
hard dollars, and not in notes due ten years no matter upon what piano he plays during
fact that the "Saunterer" will not eat a
hence.
the coming season that he will not take his
good dinner at the piano makers' expense
departure from these shores in the unbe-
*
this year.
coming manner which he did last spring.
American manufacturers are waking up
It is possible that the cause for this tre-
* *
*
mendous soreness on the part of 'Town to the importance of securing Southern
Topics may be found in the disappearance trade, and the elaborate commercial tour
June 2d, the Weber-Wheelock affairs will
from its columns of all the advertisements which a number of merchants and manu- co^se up again, and the matter of a perma-
of piano manufacturers. Time was when facturers have planned out, as reported in nent receiver will perhaps be settled at
the front page of Toxvn Topics bore the ad- another part of this paper, shows that they
that time—unless there is another post-
vertisements of two of the best known mean business. As far as I can learn up
ponement.
"
piano manufacturers in the world. Also, to date, there are no members of our in-
* *
*
there were various other piano firms repre- dustry among these commercial explorers,
Certain of our contemporaries continue
sented in other portions of its advertising but I am of the opinion that it would not
be a bad plan if one, two, three or more to be much agitated as to the action of the
pages.
Having the fact strictly in mind that to- music trade men should buckle on their New York Association upon trade papers,
day it does not carry the advertisement of armor and join these warriors of commerce. and judging from editorial comments, they
It is true, the trip will cost each delegate seem rather inclined to dash cold water up-
a single pianoforte manufacturer, I am led
to believe that its deep interest in this $1,200, but think of the good time, the on the embryo Boston Association by en-
matter is prompted by the fact that piano hearty reception which they will receive deavoring to create certain local dissen-
manufacturers have thought it well to from our Latin neighbors, the nice things sions. Associations are all right, and so are
eschew Town Topics in the distribution of that will be said about them, and better trade papers, when they are conducted de-
than all. the beneficial results which will cently and honorably.
their advertising patronage.
accrue from this trip.
*
*
This visit means that the American
A dispatch from San Francisco to a local
C. A. Hyde has been doing some mag-
paper says Violinist Rivarde has found a manufacturers are endeavoring to secure
nificent work for the Norris & Hyde piano.
marvelous instrument in that city. For the trade of forty-six millions of people
He is an indefatigable traveler, has a host
four years A. Bronson has worked upon it, who import annually $475,000,000 worth of
of
friends, and as a consequence, he has ac-
and now has a violin which Rivarde says is goods, mostly from England and European
complished
some exceedingly satisfactory
countries. Part of this is spent for musical
better than his $4,000 Stradivarius.
results,
as
far
as the sale of pianos go, in the
" I t is on the model of Guarnerius, most instruments, undoubtedly, and that part
few
past
months.
masculine of all old masters,'' said Rivarde. the music trade of this country should se-
* *
*
" I will get my friend Robinson to varnish cure.
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW was the first
This is from the Musical Courier of this
it with a preparation be has discovered,
and which I firmly believe is the old Cre- paper to show the possibilities open to our week:
mona varnish. For a year after being var- manufacturers in the Southern Republics.
In parts of Michigan, where I stopped
nished the instrument will not be fit to Since that time many important connec- over, I found many Kimball pianos. The
T

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