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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
21
THE "SMALL GOODS" TRADE
Zobo News.
THE IMPROVED VIBRATOR A BIG S U C C E S S -
CONSIDERABLE DEMAND FOR THE ZOBO
BRASS INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTOR.
W
H. FROST is a zobo enthusiast;
, naturally, says the cynical reader—
"he makes 'em." We repeat, and empha-
size the statement—W. H. Frost is a zobo
enthusiast, working with the tenacity of a
violin maker, in the improvement of his
instrument, ever ready to discuss its merits
and possibilities, and having unlimited
faith in the ultimate acceptance—by the
trade and public—of the zobo as a musical
instrument.
Mr. Frost has amply demonstrated that
the zobo is not a toy, but he, nevertheless,
with all the sincerity and earnestness of an
enthusiast, continues to impress upon you
this vital point.
Mr. Frost prognosticates, and we think
with considerable justification,that the zobo
brass instruments have not only "come to
stay," but that the next few years will wit-
ness the evolution of a "musical novelty"
into an accepted and most appreciated
"musical instrument."
An improvement of considerable moment
has recently been adopted in the zobo brass
instruments which will undoubtedly tend
to still further enhance their popularity.
We refer to the new improved vibrator,
which may be said to almost revolutionize
the possibilities of the instrument.
To those unfamiliar with the construc-
tion of the zobo, it might be of interest to
state that the vibrator of the instrument is
attached to a wooden vibrator frame, which
is inserted in the mouthpiece of the instru-
ment. Constant experimenting has re-
sulted in a perfecting of this vibrator, the
effect being to clarify the tonal effects of
the instrument in a most marked degree.
With this latest improvement the zobo
brass instruments are now completely under
the control of the performer, better expres-
sion can be obtained, pianissimo and forte
are easier of emphasis, and, to use Mr.
Frost's own words, "the tonal quality of the
instrument is of so refined a nature that it
becomes especially adapted to the most re-
fined quarters of a limited New York flat."
Bands and orchestras also benefit by this
improvement, as selections can be per-
formed with greater accuracy and better
effect.
In referring to the new vibrator, Chas.
Russell, of the well-known musical vaude-
ville team, the Russell Bros., writes: "The
new vibrator is a big success and the zobo
cornet solo with piano accompaniment is
the best feature of the program."
Mr. Frost states that in future all zobo
brass instruments will have an improved
vibrator in addition to the regular one. He
will be pleased to forward a sample vibrator hitherto had an inside position here, is
to any zobo performers or zobo brass instru- making his initial road trip for this house;
ment agents.
he is at present working in New Jersey and
Otto Langey's Zobo Brass Instrument is sending in good orders.
Instructor, published by W. H. Frost &
"We are having splendid success with
Co., 123 Liberty street, this city, is meet- our fine line of violins; they are acknowl-
ing with splendid success and undoubtedly edged to be among the finest in the market.
fills the bill in a most admirable manner.
Special care is taken in the selection of
these instruments; all numbers seem to
give satisfaction, and we never have an in-
Sonntag's Circular.
strument returned to us.
ERMAN SONNTAG, the importer and
"Accordeon business this season has
dealer in musical merchandise who been most excellent, in fact, we have al-
recently assigned, has issued a circular to most closed out our entire stock, and this
the trade informing his former customers week found it necessary to cable a large
that he will not again resume business and order to Europe.
therefore recommends that all orders be
"Among our trade visitors of the week
entrusted to the well-known importing were Mr. Werner, of Werner Bros., Eas-
house of Hamilton S. Gordon, 139 Fifth ton, Pa.; Jas. O. Brizizinsky, of Water-
avenue, this city. He closes the letter by bury, Conn., and A. D. Hutchinson, of
saying: "As his stock is fresh and up-to- Allentown, Pa. They all reported a fair
date, I am sure that your interests will be business."
well taken care of."
H
Regina Music Box Co.
QUALITY OF TONE COMBINED WITH REMARK-
ABLE RESONANCE AND CARRYING POWER,
A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE REGINA.
UCH of the success achieved by the
Regina Music Box Co., Rahvvay t
N. J., is undoubtedly due to the very
superior tonal qualities of their instruments.
The charming music so much admired in
the "Regina" is due partly to its wonder-
ful precision of delivery, rendered possible
by its peculiar construction, and by the
brilliant creations of the greatest living
specialist now under engagement.
The list of tunes increases every day,
and is already varied enough to meet the
demands of the most exacting purchaser.
The metallic tune-sheets are easily inter-
changed, thus making it possible for each
individual box to play an unlimited variety
of airs.
The Regina Music Box Co. are invari-
ably courteous in their treatment of cus-
tomers, and can be depended upon for im-
mediate attention to all business entrusted.
A guide for operating, oiling and repair-
ing the "Regina" music boxes can be had
free on application.
M
Hamilton S. Gordon.
B
flenzenhauer Guitar-Zither Co.
INCE the formation of the Menzen-
hauer Guitar-Zither Co., early last
month, whereby Mr. Oscar Schmidt, the
well-known importer of this city, was ad-
mitted into partnership with W. F. Men-
zenbauer,. a marked acceleration of busi-
ness has taken place.
The Menzenhauer guitar-zither is one of
the mo^t popular sellers on the market, it
is sold at a price which commends itself to
dealers, and the musical attributes of the
instrument has been so often exploited
in these columns that mere reference to
same is sufficient.
Mr. Oscar Schmidt, who is now looking
after the business end of the Menzenhauer
Guitar-Zither Co., is a gentleman of fine
•business acumen and excellent standing.
As an importer and publisher he has built
up a large and lucrative business and he
certainly knows a "good thing" when he
sees one.
He is pushing the Menzenhauer guitar-
zither for all it is worth, and indications
point to a big rise in the stock of this newly
organized company.
In order to keep pace with the increased
demand for these instruments, over $2,000
worth of new and improved machinery has
recently been fitted up at the factoiy,
Jersey City Heights, and a largely increased
staff is busily engaged in the manufacture
of instruments. The capacity of the fac-
tory has been fully doubled, a new building
having recently been added, and the firm
are in a position to execute all orders with
the utmost dispatch.
S
USINESS with us in November,"
stated W. H. Freeland, of Hamil-
ton S. Gordon's "small goods" depart-
ment, to THE REVIEW on Wednesday last,
"was decidedly good. December, too,
opened up well and orders are still coming
in nicely.
THE celebrated Martin guitars for which
"Our Mr. David Behrend returned from
a six weeks' New England trip on Saturday C. A. Zoebisch & Sons, 19 Murray street,
last, and will probably start out again this city,-are the selling agents are proving
about Jan. 15th. Geo. De Voe, who has great holiday favorites
66