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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
-39
THE "SMALL GOODS" TRADE
The Gordon Specialties.
AN INTERESTING CHAT WITH MR. FREELAND
A NEW LINE OF BANJOS AND HARMONICAS.
Many news items were found at the Gordon
musical merchandise warerooms when The
Review made its usual round of visits this
week. It is not often that Mr. Freeland has
much to tell except that he is busy, so when
he was found away from his desk Tuesday
the opportunity was taken to gather in a few
particles of information.
Concerning banjos, he pointed out the new
style 12, Converse Orchestra banjo, one of
the most successful in the market. It is a
handsome instrument, as may be seen from
the cut. It is fully described on page 19 of
the Gordon musical merchandise catalogue.
It is decidedly attractive in every way, includ-
ing price.
Among the latest additions to the Gordon
stock are the new wire Harmonica Holder,
an ingenious contrivance whereby musicians
are supplied with an extra pair of hands for a
mere song; the new Guitar Capo d'Astro
bar, of nickel, hinged and cork-lined, simple
in design and quite effective; the new three-
tube Guitar Tuner, three pipes now doing the
work formerly done by six, and the H. S. G.
Genuine Richter Harmonica, described on
page 192 of the catalogue.
Mr. Freeland emphasized the good quali-
ties of the American Band Harmonica and
declared that the call for this instrument is
continually growing. He informed The Re-
view also that a fresh shipment of musical
merchandise has been received within the
last few days, together with a large invoice
of accordeons.
In answer to a question as to the demand
for certain instruments in certain localities,
he replied that judging from his own observa-
tion, accordeons are most popular among
miners in the Pennsylvania coal districts.
Concertinas seem to be most in vogue
throughout the Eastern States and guitars in
the South.
Equipped with "Wonders."
The famous Innes Band, which started on
a lengthy tour of the United States on Mon-
day last, is well equipped. The members
carry a complete set of the Conn "Wonder"
instruments. Mr. Innes, who is a great ad-
mirer of Mr. Conn and his products, is proud
of the fact that an ample opportunity has
been afforded for demonstration of the
"Wonder"-ful merits of the Conn instruments.
Registered in Canada.
The "Beau Ideal" Strings trade mark,
shown in the last issue of The Review, has
just been registered for the Dominion of
Canada by the Tonk firm. The certificate,
an imposing document, was received at the
Tonk warerooms on Monday.
Regina Music Boxes.
GRATIFYING OUTLOOK FOR ' 9 8
EXPECTED.
A BIG TRADE
Notwithstanding the numerous worthy com-
petitors now in the field, the Regina interests
are evidently flourishing, and Regina music
boxes seem to be in as great demand as when
the firm practically had the field to them-
selves.
News comes that every preparation has been
made for a big year's trade. There will be a
lot of new designs and new
ideas introduced in order
that no ground may be lost
in the battle for patronage.
The management, in a recent
talk with The Review, said that
the Regina was on the market
strictly on its merits, and as people were
continually buying the instruments, it was
only fair to conclude that their merits are
appreciated.
The Regina boxes have a strong hold in
every part of the United States and Canada.
The conduct of the business is in competent
hands and is being vigorously pushed.
The Apollo Harp.
Frank Scribner, in talking on Tuesday
concerning the Apollo Harp, said that the
wonderful success which it has achieved is
due entirely to its simplicity and the possi-
bilities of the instrument in the hands of even
the merest tyro.
"It is," said he, "a harp, guitar, mandolin,
zither, and piano combined—all in one sim-
ple instrument. Any person, young or old,
can learn to accompany songs in one minute.
Discord is impossible.
•'No musical instrument rivals the Apollo
Harp for its harmonic effects and simplicity
of operation. The Regent Zither is a mas-
terpiece, but in its own way the Apollo
Harp deserves a big share of the people's
favor—and it gets it."
Frank Scribner is as alert as ever. W T hen
The Review talked with him on Tuesday, he
expressed himself so emphatically that it was
very evident he intends to make a big record
in 1898 for the firms he so vigorously and
ably represents.
The Gratz Co.'s New Warerooms
The new Gratz warerooms on West Thirty-
second street, briefly referred to in previous
issues of The Review, are well worth a visit.
Excellent taste has been displayed by Mr.
Gratz in their arrangement. The office sec-
tion has been arranged with a keen eye to
present wants and future probabilities.
The section set apart for exhibition of
symphonions is large, and the method in
which the instruments have been placed
shows that nothing has been done hurriedly or
without proper consideration. It will be a
week or more before the establishment is
really ready for inspection, yet even in its
present s t a t e
there are many
indications
pointing to a
prosperous rec-
ord for the firm.
Business in all
branches is re-
ported g o o d .
The s t o c k is
large and choice
and the con-
stantly growing
list of patrons
shows conclu-
sively that the hard work done by Mr.
Gratz on the road and in the office has pro-
duced gratifying results.
Eugene B. Baehr & Bro. are drawing at-
tention just now, by means of a descriptive
circular, to their new style No. 8 " Stanley"
mandolin. The firm declare it to be " t h e
richest mandolin ever gotten up for the
money," and invite doubters to send for a
sample to 7 West Fourteenth street, and " b e
convinced."
27 Awards,
Including 2 Oold Hedals
Granted to Bay State
GUITARS, MANDOLINS, BANJOS,
ZITHERS, FLUTES,
Are Eloquent Testimonials to the
Superlative nerlt of these Instruments.
Correspondence Solicited.
JOHN G. HAYNES & GO.
New York
BOSTON
Philadelphia