Music Trade Review

Issue: 1896 Vol. 23 N. 7

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
best he can, that will make representations
that he knows to be facts, that will look out
for the interest of his patron and his house
at the same time when arranging matters
relative to prices, terms and conditions;
that knows when and how to talk and knows
what he is talking about; that does not try
to bribe with a cigar or invitation to drink
as soon as he has greeted or has been greet-
ed ; that will send only that which is ordered;
that recognizes that some folks do not like
tobacco smoke; that can converse on other
subjects but pianos; that has only kind
words or none at all for his competitors;
that is a gentleman first, last, and all the
time and everywhere; that realizes that he
is an employee and that he travels for his
employer's and not for his health; that
knows when to discriminate and how; that
keeps his house posted on his movements,
plans and results; that believes in that
which he sells; that never gives up the
battle; that fc is not afraid to write home
what he thinks and pays heed to what his
house writes; that is honest, faithful and
true, believing no effort too much, realiz-
ing that the interests of his house and his
own are identical; that business comes be-
fore pleasure; that playing billiards at the
hotel in the afternoon, "mashing" women
at night, and playing poker until morning,
are not tonics that will fit a man for an
honest day's work, and that the rehears-
ing of performances like those just men-
tioned to a dealer will not increase his es-
timate of a salesman's make-up. That he
need not be an angel—just a man, that's all.
On those questions relative to my com-
positions I must beg of you to excuse me.
My little conceits are the products of my
efforts at recreation; to make them part
of this article I think out of place. I look
upon that part of my career as altogether
my happiest enjoyment.
Gleanings at the Golden Gate.
BUSINESS IN SAN FRANCISCO COLD TONES GROW WARM ACCORDING TO BEN CURTAZ
MAUVAIS CO.'S MUSICAL PUBLICATIONS -A CHICKER1NG TRANSFER.
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug.
28,
1896.
Business has been a little slow during
the past week, but taken altogether, re-
ports show that the past sixty days have
been fair, and the next sixty days will be
better. People are showing an inclination
to unloosen their purse strings, which they
did not do earlier in the year. Numerous
inquiries for pianos from people who in-
tend to buy in the next few weeks afford
some encouragement to the dealers.
Salesmen, here is a pointer for you.
When a prospective customer says the
middle tone of a piano is cold, just tell her
that a few months' use will warm it up.
Here is an instance. A dear old San Fran-
cisco lady had a square piano for twenty-
five years. The sole recommendation for
its continued use for such a long period was
what she was pleased to term "its liquid
bell treble." Pianos cannot last always,
and the old lady decided to" buy a new one,
but insisted that it should possess the same
flowing quality of tone as the old stand-by.
So, accompanied by her charming daugh-
ter, she made the rounds of the local piano
houses, asking not for name or reputation,
but merely a "liquid, bell treble." Few
salesmen were equal to the occasion, but
madame finally found a Chickering F which
possessed the desired quality. Ben Curtaz
was sponsor for the successor to the liquid
square. He thought the sale had slipped
him when the old lady doubtfully sug-
gested that "the middle tone^ are a little
cold." Ben braced up and said, "Yes,
madame, but I think a few weeks' use will
warm them up." The pretty daughter
saved the day by interjecting, "Oh, yes; I
am sure it will. I feel it." She got her
new piano.
This is a Whooper!
Speaking of mistakes, or rather displays
of
ignorance of the subject in hand, the
HAT an idea our country friends must
Zeno
Mauvais Co. has a rare collection.
have of the piano business! Here is
Their
most recent one was that of a bloom-
the Brattleboro, Vt, "Weekly Reformer"
ing
maid
who came tripping in as light as a
of Aug. 28th, in speaking of the failure of
breeze
across
a field of clover and sweetly
the Emerson Piano Co., says:
asked
for
"
'Alice,
Where Art Thou,' with
"The company estimates its liabilities
vibrations."
She
got
them—but that was
at $15,000,000, and its assets at three times
not
all.
She
returned
'the next day and
that amount."
tearfully
exclaimed
that
the 'vibrations
This throws the oil and sugar trusts in
were
so
hard
she
could
not
play them.
the shade. If one firm could conduct such
Another
girl
(possibly
this
one's
sister)
an immense business what a wonderful in-
asked
for
"O,
Promise
Me,"
and
the
clerk,
dustry this music trade would be!
as usual, asked her whether she wanted it
for soprano or alto. "Oh, I want to sing,"
was her explanation, as she gave the clerk
Feeling Like Business.
a commiserating look.
The Zeno Mauvais Co. is waiting news
HE refreshing fall weather which New of the recepion of "Ma Angeline" in New
Yorkers have experienced during the York. Carrol Johnson opens there in
past week, combined with the fact that Miner's Bowery Theatre, on Sept. 14th,
thousands of people have returned from the and will sing "Ma Angeline" and "Par-
country, has stimulated to some extent the son Johnson's Chicken Brigade."
retail piano business in this city. Our
The Chickering agency at Sacramento
streets and warerooms presented this week has been transferred from Hammer's
an appearance of business activity which Music Store to the Cooper Music Co.
was cheering.
C. M. Spaulding, manager of the former
W
T
II
ZENO
house, will return again to the grocery busi-
ness, and the Hammer store will probably
discontinue. It was one of the oldest
stores in the State. The Cooper Co. is also
agent for the Sterling piano, and has the
largest establishment in the capital city.
The men connected with it are all wide-
awake, and will doubtless handle the Chick-
ering line successfully. They are at pres-
ent making arrangements for a big display
at the coming State Fair.
Harry Curtaz and "Roily" Ambuhl were
in Sacramento last week.
George E. Griswold, of Lyon & Healy,
Chicago, as usual early on the field, arrived
in the city yesterday.
A. J. Palmer, the Steinway representa-
tive at Sacramento, was in the city for two
days this week.
Byron Mauzy opened up a new lot of Soh-
mer grands this week.
Sherman, Clay & Co. have been given the
sole coast agency for the band music pub-
lications of the Zeno Mauvais Co. Their
first order was for 500 band parts of "Ma
Angeline." The publishing company is
gratified to have its productions handled by
people with such a large band clientele.
O. W. Jackson, known to the trade as
"Orrie," who has been in Chicago since
the World's Fair days, is going to return
to his old home in Helena, Montana, and
become again identified with the Jackson
Music Co. "Orrie" was a leader in the
musical circles of the Queen City of the
Rockies, and his return will be hailed with
joy by his many friends.
The Los Angeles Board of Education
have re-advertised for bids for twenty-one
pianos.
M. E. James, a musical instrument man
of Pocatello,'Idaho, announces that he now
represents the manufactory of Newman
Bros., Chicago.
F. A. Rankin, of Eugene, Oregon, has
sold real estate for $2,000.
In the Sheriff's Hands.
N execution for $5,000 has been is-
sued against Mrs. E. R. McCaa, who
conducted an extensive musical instrument
business in Lancaster, Pa. The Ephrata
National Bank is the execution creditor.
The failure is attributed to the falling off in
business due to the prevailing depression.
A
The Staib Piano Action.
PIANO action that is steadily grow-
ing in the estimation of the trade
is the ''Staib," manufactured by the Staib
Piano Action Co., 134th street and Brook
avenue, this city. This'house has built up
an excellent business in the face of unfavor-
able conditions, which in itself is a decided
tribute to the excellence of their product.
A
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
12
Wm. H. Grubs Assigns.
ASSETS, $50,000; LIABILITIES, $30,000.
ILLIAM H. GRUBS, piano dealer,
44 North High street, Columbus,
O., made an assigment August 28th to L.
R. Pugh.
The property conveyed consists of pianos,
organs, musical instruments and stock of
goods in general, together with chattels,
promissory notes, accounts, debts, choses
in action, evidences of debt, claims and de-
mands arising in the assignor's business.
The assets are estimated at $50,000, and
the liabilities between $25,000 and $30,000.
Mr. Pugh's bond is placed at $60,000.
There are no preferences.
According to the assignee, the main cause
of the failure was the inability to secure a
speedy adjustment of the insurance accru-
ing to Mr. Grubs from the fire which ruined
his stock in January. It seems that the loss
from this fire has never been met by the
insurance companies, and it has embarrass-
ed Mr. Grubs in carrying on his business.
Assignee Pugh says the creditors need
not be apprehensive, for the assets will
easily liquidate the liabilities.
W
Would Like to Know.
PROF. J. C. SMITH AFTER MUSIC DEALERS
WHO USE HIS PATENT WITHOUT HIS
CONSENT.
MESSRS. A. Lavigne and W. Hutchison
have entered into partnership, and will
carry on the business of piano, organ and
music dealers, under the style of A. La-
vigne & Co., at the present establishment
of the former on Fabrique street, Quebec,
Can.
CHAS. E. STEVENS, who was engaged for
many years with his brother George in the
manufacture of organs on Fifth street, Cam-
bridge, Mass., and later for himself in the
West End, from which business he retired
about ten years ago, died at his late resi-
dence in that city last Saturday, August
29th. He was born in Norway, Me., in
1807, and lived all his life in Cambridge.
He was a great benefactor to many of the
churches.
O. L. BRAUMULLER, president of the
Braumuller Co., will visit Chicago before
he returns from his sojourn at Mt. Clem-
ens, Mich.
WM. TONK, of Wm. Tonk & Bro., has
been greatly benefited by his recent Euro-
pean trip.
organs in that city which represent a value
of $687,675. They will net quite a goodly
sum in the way of taxes.
CARLES E. SECORD, of Grand Rapids,
Mich.,has invented a piano key balance, and
has had it patented. A stock company will
be organized later for its manufacture.
BEETHOVEN'S piano is one of the treasured
relics in the museum of the Beethoven So-
ciety of Bonn. It is the instrument used
by him during the last years of his life—its
saddest period. A device to overcome the
player's deafness is attached to it.
THE branch of the Elmira Music Store in
Watkins, N. Y., has been purchased by
F. C. Bond, who is well versed in musica
matters, and will hereafter give his per-
sonal attention to the business.
D. D. WOODMANSEE, the Smith & Nixon
assignee, was elected president of the Na-
tional League of Republican Clubs, at the
convention which was held last week in
Milwaukee.
The O. J. Faxon & Co. Failure.
HERE is little new to report regarding
the affairs of O. J. Faxon & Co., man-
ufacturers of piano plates and hardware,
Boston, Mass., whose assignment without
preferences was announced last week. The
figures given out'—liabilities $80,000, assets
$165,000—are considered fairly accurate,
but no schedule has been filed.
The assignees, Chas. B. Southard and E.
A. Church, state that the great contraction
in the demand for piano hardware, the dis-
turbance in the bicycle trade, and the gen-
eral business depression led to the failure.
O. J. Faxon & Co. were manufacturers of
the "Puritan" bicycle, and their experience
in this field was not a profitable one. This
is hardly surprising in view of the cutting
and slashing of prices in bicycles during the
past six months.
The assignees are now at work taking an
account of stock, and a settlement will be
made as soon as possible.
T
E. K. DROOP'S new march, "Pride of the
Nation," which is published by the house
UITE a surprise awaits some of the of E. F. Droop & Sons, Washington, D.
music publishing houses and en- C, is a great popular success. The Marine
gravers of music, as to where and by what Band in Washington is playing it, and Mr.
authority they are so presumptuous as to as- Sousa has intimated that he will include it
sume the right and privilege of using a in the repertoire of his famous band.
private method, invented by a certain Mr.
ADOLPH BRUENN, piano dealer, is an ex-
Smith, guitarist, of Youngstown, O.
hibitor at the magnificent display of Cali-
The specialty referred to are the small fornia products which is being made in
bars placed across the stem of a note to be the Mechanics' Pavilion in San Francisco.
trilled in mandolin music. This consists
THE N. Easton, Mass., "Bulletin" in-
of two and sometimes three, small short
forms
us that the Howard Organ Factory
bars, placed across the notes indicating the
at
Eastondale
"is up and boarded in. It
accent of the music. Eight years ago
will
be
an
imposing
structure."
there was not a bar affixed to any note indi-
THE law suit pending for some time be-
cating a trill in mandolin music, nor in any
previous publication. In 1882 Mr. J. C. tween the W. H. Johnson Co., Ltd., Hali-
Smith introduced the trill bars in his fa- fax, N. S., and the Bell Organ and Piano
mous guitar instructor, giving a full de- Co., Guelph., Ont., has been settled. Al-
scription of the application and use of this
CHAS. H. FREYER, of the Freyer-Bradley
special accent or trill bars.
In 1888 the Music Co., of Atlanta, Ga., is visiting Pen-
Is afforded the dealer and mu-
sician who sells or plays that
author introduced the accent trill bars in sacola for the purpose of superintending
modern and artistic creation, the
his mandolin music scores, to the amount the work of placing a new Vocalion organ
of one hundred pieces of music. Hence in position in the'Palafox street Methodist
two pieces of mandolin music were copy church.
righted and published, giving a full appli
THE display of Hazelton pianos in the
cation of the trill bars for the mandolin
warerooms of D. G. Pfeiffer, Washington,
and guitar.
Therefore, Mr. Smith claims to be the D. C, attract considerable attention from
It is one of the best examples of
author of the said method, and is desirous musicians and visitors to that emporium.
all that is latest and best in the
of ascertaining what authority the music en- • In all cases, an examination and trial of the
r e a l m of piano construction.
gravers have for using the said method of instruments have resulted in the warmest
That's the reason wide-awake
tributes
regarding
their
beauty
of
design
prefixing the bars across the stem of a
dealers should handle it.
note indicating the accent trill of mando- and finish, and remarkably beautiful quality
of tone.
lin music.
THE tax assessor who has just completed
PETER GOLDSMITH of Troy, N. Y., has his labors in Milwaukee, Wis., has dis-
been granted a patent for a piano pedal.
covered that there are 6,437 pianos and 88 BOYLSTON STREET
BOSTON, MASS,
O
Henry F. fliller
Piano
Henry F J i r & SODS Piano So.

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