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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR 1899
What some well-known members of the trade have to say upon this important subject.
MASON & HAMUN.
BEHR BROS. & CO.
Henry L. Mason says: " I cannot speak
Henry Behr says: "The increase in our
definitely yet as to the degree of progress output in 1898, while not tremendously in
made in 1898 over 1897, considering the excess of 1897, was a healthy one, showing
Mason & Hamlin interests as a whole, but that we are making headway—unostenta-
can say in a general way that there was a tiously and quietly, perhaps, but neverthe-
decided advance in every department. less surely. Our force of men was
With reference to the New York interests, larger, we increased our stock of material,
there has been a great gain since the be- and we increased the number of our cus-
ginning of last year, and it is continuing tomers.
steadily.
" With two weeks gone in 1899, we see
" Our program for 1899 is a progressive no reason to suppose that the gain will not
one. Fortunately our facilities permit the continue. On the contrary, we have sev-
following up of such a policy without let eral good reasons for believing that it will,
or hindrance: Everything is in our favor and therefore have no anxiety on that ac-
and we mean to take advantage of the count. Regarding our program, there is
fact. The Mason & Hamlin products, in not much to be said. We shall endeavor
pianos and organs represent, for 1899, the to deserve the good wishes and support of
highest standard, and I am glad to say our our friends by producing pianos worthy of
claims for proper recognition by the trade the reputation we have for so many years
and professionals of undisputed prestige enjoyed."
are fully allowed. All things considered,
we are pleased with the prospect."
EMERSON PIANO CO.
Seymour H. Rosenberg says: "So far
as the New York warerooms are concerned
WESSELL, NICKEL & GROSS.
Adam Nickel says: "Our books make the demand for Emerson products was
an excellent showing for 1898, with a very good in 1898, and considerably greater
marked increase over the preceding twelve than during the year previous. With ref-
months. We were never idle and worked erence to business at the factory, I knew
with our usual force most of the time. We the product of 1898—especially the second
kept every one of our regular patrons and six months—was very large, calling for
secured a number of new customers of the continuous effort on the part of a big force
most desirable kind. The headway gained to keep up with actual orders.
"I venture to say that the outlook at the
last year was quite satisfactory to us.
beginning
of a year was never brighter for
"This year we started out under the
the
Emerson
products than it is for 1899.
most favorable conditions and are now
Several
matters
looking toward the still
working steadily along, determined, if
further
advancement
of the Emerson
possible, to do bigger business than ever
piano
in
public
favor
are
now in process of
before in the firm's history. Our machin-
development,
and
I
firmly
believe they
ery, implements and appliances are in the
will
achieve
the
end
sought
for.
Among
best possible shape; our men are masters
other
things,
numerous
additional
new
case
of their craft, and those who supervise un-
designs,
original
and
likely
to
meet
with
derstand every detail of the work from A
to Z. The success of our products with instant approval, will probably be intro-
manufacturers who will have nothing" but duced in due course. Our trade, however,
the best, shows that our efforts to main- rests on features of far greater importance
tain our place in the action industry have than mere case-making."
not been fruitless."
BRADBURY PIANO CO.
Walter
Z. Holmes says: "Within the
EVERETT PIANO CO.
boundaries
of my own territory, I can say,
A. M. Wright says:—"Looking back
unhesitatingly,
that the Bradbury piano
over results achieved during 1898, there is
has
gained
ground
rapidly during the past
much cause for gratification. Ground has
twelve
months,
purely
on merit. Of course
been gained in several directions, and lost
in none. Concerning 1899, I feel, with we have accepted every legitimate oppor-
many others, that it is more than likely to tunity of bringing those merits conspicu-
yield excellent returns to all who attend ously to notice, but that would be of very
little service if the products were not
strictly to business.
" I t is not part of the policy of the strictly as represented.
"The opening of new warerooms next
Everett Piano Co. to make known, before-,
hand, the details of plans before they are month on Fifth avenue is a slight index to
carried out, but I feel at liberty to say that the healthy condition of Mr. Freeborn G.
there are several pleasant surprises in store Smith's interests in this direction. The new
for music-loving people during 1899. That warerooms in Jersey City have been a suc-
our efforts will be appreciated I feel sure, cess from the start. I understand—in
and for that reason, if no other, I look fact, I am sure—that the Bradbury piano is
forward with almost unbounded enthusiasm making satisfactory headway in every
to the time when the results of the work section of the country. Mr. Smith's re-
now in progress shall be. submitted for presentatives are indefatigable in their
efforts everywhere, There is nq cause for
public approval."
U
surprise in this. They know, as I know,
that the Bradbury need fear no rival. It
is an instrument of which any dealer or
purchaser may well be proud."
c. a. CONN co.
C. G. Conn says: " There is little to- add
to what I told The Review during our last
talk. It is too soon to state exactly how
much ahead of 1897 our last year's business
was, yet I am well within the mark in say-
ing that there was an important gain in
volume of trade. There, was also a con-
siderable gain in the shape of lasting
friendships won on the strength of our
products and their value to practical musi-
cians.
' 'I have great confidence in the future of
the 'Wonder' instruments, which consti-
tute one of the main factors in our general
business. No matter into whose hands
they pass, for experiment or everyday
service, we invariably receive—orally or in
writing — thanks and congratulations.
This is very pleasant for all concerned in
the making and selling of these products
and is adequate recompense for the trouble
taken to bring them to the perfect condi-
tion in which they are to-day."
STRICH & ZEIDLER.
Robert A. Widenmann says: '' There was
a large percentage of clear gain with us in
1898 over the year preceding. In fact,
the history of our firm so far is one of
steady progress. This applies to three im-
portant features of the business—patron-
age, perfection of the one product and
prestige. It has meant steady, arduous,
persistent work on the part of Mr. Strich,
Mr. Zeidler and myself, but the reward is
within sight and easy distance now.
" Since the beginning of this year, par-
ticularly, we have been much encouraged.
There are strong indications that the ma-
jority, rather than the minority, of piano
purchasers, in these days of prosperity, are
willing to pay a fair price for a good in-
strument. I say good advisedly, because
that much has been well proved with re-
ference to our products. The best dealers,
too, are with us in keeping up the standard.
They realize that on ' results ' hangs their
reputation."
GEORGE BOTHNER.
George Bothner says: " T h e year just
gone by was quite satisfactory to me in
every way, and was a decided advance
over 1897. You know I am satisfied at
any time with a fair share of what is going,
and I believe I got a fair share in 1898.
The acquisition of the molding branch
will, in time, recompense me for the outlay.
"Taking the two branches together, or
either of them separately, I have confidence
in good results during 1899, barring earth-
quakes, cyclones, wars and other matters
of that kind, none of which are likely to
give us any trouble between now and De-
cember.
" All of my old patrons are still on the
list, with some desirable new ones added.
Many of those who, until recently, pur-
chased their rnoldings elsewhere now place.