Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1896 Vol. 23 N. 11

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
SPECIALTY TALKS.
stationary? If you look for an appreciable
advance or decline, will you state your rea-
sons?
QUESTIONS PROPOUNDED BY THE " REVIEW " UPON THE LIVE MATTERS OF THE DAY AND
MR. BRAUMULLER—Yes, there will be but
little change. The price to-day is as low
for a first-class piano as it is possible to
make it; the tendency is rather upward.
Interview XV.—Otto L. Braumuller.
REVIEW—Do you care to express an opin-
ion respecting the general outlook for the
T TNDER the above head THE REVIEW I found but one silver man. McKinley "cheap" piano?
\J proposes to give weekly the expressed will certainly be elected.
MR. BRAUMULLER—There will always be
views of some members of the trade upon
With his election will come, to my way "cheap" pianos, but this special line of
matters which are of live interest.
It of thinking, a prompt return to prosperity, goods has seen its best days.
should be understood that the answers to the demand for pianos will be greater than
REVIEW—Have you any remarks to
these inquiries will be published in every ever before, and I believe the manufac- make on the subject of advertising in its
instance without editorial criticism. In turer who is poorly stocked up will get relation to the piano industry?
other words, every "specialty talk" will left.
MR. BRAUMULLER—I think a good pro-
fairly express the sentiment of the individ-
REVIEW—What impresses you as being duct is worth talking about.
I believe in
ual under whose name it appears, rather to-day the most vital subject for discus- printers' ink, and lots of it; like the run-
than the editorial belief of THE REVIEW. sion relative to the advancement of music ning water or the growing grass, it does its
There will be no distortion; no boiling trade interests?
work while we sleep; all kinds of adver-
down. The answers will be published with-
MR. BRAUMULLER—The trade should tising is good; some better, none bad, but,
out change or comment, and in every case
to insure good business,
the individuality of the one whose opinions
requires personal and
are written will be preserved. We propose
close attention. A man-
in this way to build one of the most inter-
ufacturer should know
esting features which a trade paper can offer
his agent personally;
to its readers. This week Mr. Braumuller
should visit him, no
favors us with a talk.
matter how small a
dealer he may be, and
they should work in
REVIEW—Mr. Braumuller, your reputa-
harmony.
The manu-
tion as an alert thinker, active road man
facturer should study
and successful piano manufacturer is gen-
his agent, know his
erally acknowledged in trade circles. If
wants; and should sup-
you will oblige THE REVIEW readers with
ply him with all kinds
a few pertinent thoughts and suggestions
of advertising matter;
on trade matters generally, your observa-
but the most important
tions will be fully appreciated.
What, to
thing is to make the
your way of thinking, are the chief causes
best piano, let it be
of present day business depression?
"absolutely first class."
MR. BRAUMULLER—Many causes: Want
REVIEW —Do you look
of confidence, a general distrust and a fear
for any radical changes
that our present monetary system would
of style in piano con-
be changed.
struction during the
REVIEW—Do you anticipate a big McKin-
next five years or so?
ley victory in November next, and what
MR. BRAUMULLER —
are the immediate trade prospects, should
No, except there will
that much to be desired event take place ?
be perhaps more small
MR. BRAUMULLER—Most emphatically,
grands made and sold,
yes. As you are aware, I have but recent-
but the present upright
ly returned from a flying business trip
is very popular, and
through the States of Minnesota, Wiscon-
will hold its own.
sin, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois,
/
ANSWERED BY LEADING MEN IN THE TRADE.
Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsyl-
vania and New York. I was more than
encouraged by the excellent reports I heard
on the situation politically. I had been
under the impression while East, that
everybody in the West had gone silver
mad, but I found a very different and
brighter state of affairs. Many of the
States I visited are classed among the
doubtful States for McKinley. I took par-
ticular pains to come in contact with gen-
tlemen who are in touch with the situation
in their respective districts, and from
what I gleaned I am fully satisfied that the
feeling for McKinley is very, very strong,
and that he will carry every one of the
States I have visited.
I tell you the silver craze is dying out.
Nearly every Democrat I met was either
for the Sound Money Democracy or for
McKinley. Of all the dealers I visited,
REVIEW — Do
OTTO L. BRAUMULLER.
guard carefully the lines of credits; keep-
ing as far as possible from consignments
and too much installment. Quick cash
sales at close prices are better than high
prices and long time.
REVIEW—Do you think—conceding that
trade is not what it should be—that the mu-
sic trade industry is in any worse condition
than the majority of other industries?
MR. BRAUMULLER—No, the music trade
has held its own, better by far than many
other lines. The majority of the failures
are paying one hundred cents on the dollar,
and to-day have taken their place again
only to profit by the experience. I do not
speedily anticipate any further failures of
any importance.
REVIEW—Do you expect the present
prices of pianos to remain comparatively
you
think that the output
of pianos in this country will materially
increase during the next five years?
MR. BRAUMULLER—Yes, but we must try
to catch some foreign trade. Mexico and
Central America are adjacent, and we
should supply those countries with all the
pianos they buy.
REVIEW—From general observation, Mr.
Braumuller, do you think the tendency of
the day lies in the direction of an increased
demand for the better class of pianos, or of
the cheaper grade of instrument?
MR. BRAUMULLER—I think the better
class of pianos will have the call.
REVIEW—In your road experience, do
you meet with much unfair competition?
MR. BRAUMULLER—NO,
we are a jolly
set, hale and hearty.
REVIEW—Provided times were normal,
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
ib
do you think that there is a tendency in
the piano business of this country to over-
production?
MR. BRAUMULLER—Not with first-class
pianos.
REVIEW—What are the main qualifica-
tions necessary in the "make-up" of a
thoroughly up-to-date "road-man?"
MR. BRAUMULLER—He must, in the first
place, be honest, stick to the truth, tell all
he knows about his own instruments and
should never run down his competitor.
He should have a thorough knowledge of
the fundamental points of construction of
other makes of pianos, so as to meet his
competitor at every point of the game.
He must know how everybody stands; he
must expect to run up against every kind
of customer, and must have a smile for
everyone; he must be a hustler, but above
all he must be honest.
REVIEW—Does the South, West, North-
west, or East offer the greatest field for
the development of the piano business?
MR. BRAUMULLER—I think the West and
Northwest.
REVIEW—Do you not honestly think that
the legitimate trade press materially ad-
vances the interests of the piano industry,
and, properly utilized by manufacturers,
can be made a successful channel for the
building up of business?
MR. BRAUMULLER—Yes, I do.
I believe
Will Not Abandon Their Screw
Stringer.
BOSTON, September 25, 1896.
To the Editor of THE MUSIC TRADE RE-
VIEW, New York, N. Y.
DEAR SIR:—We understand that a rumor
is being circulated that Mason & Hamlin
are to abandon their screw stringer. Per-
mit us to state, through the columns of
your paper, that this report is not true, for
we have no idea of giving up the stringer.
The rumor was perhaps based on the fact
that we are making some pin-block pianos,
announcement of which was made to the
trade last spring. And we will take this
occasion to state that henceforth we shall
manufacture the Mason & Hamlin piano-
forte on both the screw-stringer and the
wrest-pin system. It is our business to
cater to the wants of as many customers as
possible, and it is for this reason that we
have concluded to provide both systems.
It is hardly necessary to add that both
styles of instruments shall be of one and
the same grade; and it is our constant and
earnest aim that that shall be the highest.
As many dealers are iust now looking
about for a new leader, we take this oppor-
tunity to solicit their critical examination
of our latest productions.
Respectfully,
MASON & HAMLIN CO.,
the musical press has done much to build
up the music trade. I find much benefit in
the work they do for me.
Incorporated.
by Edward P. Mason, Pres.
Increase their Factory.
T
of construction, etc., of their best pianos.
A number of the dealers responded and a
critical judge, who was an expert musician,
decided in favor of the Marshall & Wendell
piano, on account of its style of case, solid-
ity of construction and clearness of tone.
Score one for the Marshall & Wendell!
/Eolian Co.
The first iEolian Recital, season of
1896-97, occurs to-day at 3 o'clock in the
/Eolian Recital Hall, 18 West Twenty-third
street, this city. The following is the
programme:
1. Overture—"Jubel"
Weber
2. a. Valse, Op. 34, No. 1
Chopin
b. yEolian Harmonies
Lavignac
3. Cantilene Nuptiale—Grand Choeur
Dubois
4. Hungarian Dance
Brahms
5. Meditation
A rrieto
6. Concerto, E minor, Allegro Maestoso.. Chopin
7. Rondo Capriccioso
Mendelssohn
8. Manhattan Beach March
Sous a
The Autoharp Exhibit.
\ SPLENDID exhibit of autoharps is
J~\ being made at the American Insti-
tute Fair, which opened at the Madison
Square Garden last Monday evening. A
large showing is made covering the differ-
ent styles from the popular-priced up to
the magnificent concert grands. Among
the collection is one or two beautifully
hand-carved and artistically finished in-
struments. Mr. Aldis J. Gery, the auto-
harp virtuoso, is in attendance, and the
musical possibilities of the instrument
are demonstrated nightly to appreciative
crowds.
HE Miller Organ Co., the prominent
manufacturers of Lebanon Pa., have
HUSZ & SONS, of Camden, N. J., found that their present building is not
Piano Polish
were
incorporated
this
week,
with
#
adequate for the expeditious turning out
NYONE who wishes to try a hard oil
a total capital of $50,000 and a paid-up of their work, and accordingly, the com-
polish for pianos can get a sample
capital of $1,000. They will* manufacture pany have just ordered an addition of
and sell pianos, organs and other musical about 40 feet to the east wing of the tree by writing to the Hartford Diamond
Polish Co. Every now and then some
instruments.
building.
fake polish firm crops up and the credu-
lous piano dealer puts in a stock which he
Sonntag Assigns.
The riarshall & Wendell Piano finds too late gums the piano and catches
the dust and altogether ruins the job.
Wins.
ENRY AUGUST WILLY SONN-
The
Diamond polish, on the contrary, has
TAG, importer of musical instru-
been
made for the last eight years. It
EORGE W. CHATTERTON, agent
ments at No. 58 White street, under the
can
be
used in every piano factory or
for the Marshall & Wendell piano
name of Herman Sonntag, made an assign-
wareroom
in the country. It has a bril-
ment last Wednesday, Sept. 30th, to Gott- in Springfield, 111., relates that Mr. William
liant
finish
and drying and lasting quali-
field Julius Hauser, giving preferences for Rupp, a retired farmer living at Mt. Pul-
ties,
and
the
dealer will, we are convinced,
aski,
wished
to
purchase
a
piano
for
his
ele-
$7,725. Approximately the liabilities are
be
able
to
recommend
it to his customers.
gant
new
home
in
thatcit>
and
invited
the
$44,000 and nominal assets $38,000, princi-
Address,
Hartford
Diamond
Polish Co.,
responsible
dealers
of
Springfield,
Lincoln,
pally in stock.
Decatur, etc., to submit styles, prices, mode Hartford, Conn., U. S. A.
A
A
H
G
The Work of Vandals.
CELEBRATED J. T. L. INSTRUMENTS
DISPATCH from Pittsburg, Pa.,
says: Yard Master John Me An-
FOR BAND AND ORCHESTRA
drews, in charge of the Allegheny yards
NEW BORE IMPROVED THIBOUViLLE CLARINET
of the Ft. Wayne road, reported to the po-
This
Clarinet
is
made
with five rings, three on the upper joint. These three rings on the upper joint
lice Saturday night that a box car on a sid-
enable any artist to render what have been, up to this time, the most
difficult passages, with the greatest ease
ing at Washington avenue, containing
several pianos assigned to a local dealer,
JEROME THIBOUVILLE-LAMY & CO.
had been broken open and each piano mu-
1000 MEN
LARGEST AND OLDEST HOUSE IN EUROPE
3 FACTORIES
tilated wi,th a coupling pin. The ouside
MAKERS OF THE FAMOUS
boxes in which the instruments were Thibouville Cornet, No. 2025, Bb Euphonium, 4 Pistons, No. 2070. Bb Slide Trombone, No.
2115, also Artistic Violins
packed had been broken open, and the
panels of the cases smashed, damaging
J.
L. STRINGS THE BEST IN THE WORLD
them so badly that they will have to be re- SOLE AGENT FOR GRANDINI MANDOLINS
01*6211 J 0 H 6 S Z?L.
CATALOGUE SENT FREE ON APPLICATION
turned to the factory for repairs.
NEW YORK
A

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