Music Trade Review

Issue: 1901 Vol. 32 N. 10

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
How Women Tuners Are Hade! tematically, as well as doing her work con-
SOME UNIQUE INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC
GLEANED FROM THE TRIBUNE THE WRIT-
ER IS ENTITLED TO THE HIGHEST
POSSIBLE PRIZE FOR HIS TREAT-
MENT OF THIS SUBJECT.
The inaccuracies and bungling of the
daily papers in treating of music trade af-
fairs is really irritating. In last Sunday's
Tribune appeared a story regarding the in-
cursion of women in the piano tuning do-
main, which is liable to lead many foolish
women to believe that piano tuning is
something that can be mastered after a
lesson or two with such financial results as
to prevent them from seeking their fortune
in the Klondike.
After referring to the fitness of women
for this kind of work some pointers are
given as to how the business is learned.
For instance:
"Men, as a rule, pick up the business
while working in piano factories, where
they see and hear the tuners 'chipping' a
piano, as it is termed. ' Chipping ' consists
of picking at the strings ot a piano which
has just been put together and tightening
them up before sending them out of the
factory.
From watching and imitating
these tuners other tuners start out as
qualified."
Isn't this a gem? What a pointer for
our literary friends to become great novel-
ists by watching them dip their pens in ink
and write.
To go back to our subject. This writer
on piano tuning then proceeds to tell how
success may be achieved, and says:
"The best way for a woman to work up
a trade is for her to go to some nearby vil-
lage, carrying her tuning 'kit' in a hand
satchel. This 'kit' costs about $16. On
her arrival she should go to each house
and send in her card with her name and
business on it. Tuners do not meet with
the rebuffs that book agents encounter.
The business is stated on the card, and if
there is a piano that needs tuning the mis-
tress of the house is at once interested.
The tuner can usually effect an arrange-
ment to call periodically, and keep the
piano 'on edge,' as it is termed, that is,
thoroughly tuned up. To keep a piano in
perfect condition it should be tuned every
three months, but those who cannot afford
this will arrange for every six months or
once each year. The first customer will
usually give the tuuer the names of some
of her friends who may want their pianos
tuned, and thus a good trade is worked up
in that village, and the tuner will there-
after make the rounds of her pianos at
stated intervals. Proceeding in this man-
ner in one village after another, the tuner
gradually secures a long list of customers.
One of my pupils who settled in Southamp-
ton, Mass., has a flourishing business, and
another in Albany, N. Y., who is also a
musician, had added tuning to her previous
work with great profit.
"The prices paid for tuning a piano
range from $r to $2.50. The average
tuner gets $2 for each piano, and four
pianos constitute a good day's work. One
hour and a half is required for each piano.
Two pianos a day would be a small- esti-
mate, and at that rate the tuner would
make $24 a week, aside from repairing,
which comes incidentally, and will fre-
quently run up to $35 for a small piece of
work. But few of the occupations for
women yield such immense results for a
small outlay, and« by keeping a record of
her pianos and covering the ground sys-
scientiously, the woman tuner can build
up a business which will render her self-
supporting, and afford her an independence
regarding the disposal of her time which
only a few occupations would enable her
to enjoy."
Of all the inane stuff regarding piano
tuning which has appeared in the daily
papers this is entitled to the grand prix.
It is such "rot" that accounts for so
many itinerant tinkers, so called piano
tuners, making their debut in the piano
trade.
The woods are full of men and women
who annually spoil many good pianos
throughout the country under the guise of
tuning them.
A Nicaraguan Exposition.
The Executive Committee of the Nation-
al Piano Manufacturers' Association held a
conference at the Hotel Logerot on Wed-
nesday evening with a special committee
of the N. Y. P. M. A., to consider ways
and means regarding the forthcoming an-
nual meeting of the N. P. M. A., to which
prominent dealers throughout the country
will be invited.
The subject was thoroughly discussed
but no definite arrangements as to recep-
tion were concluded. Final action was
deferred until another conference could be
held. The second meeting of the commit-
tees will take place in the early part of the
coming week. It was decided, however,
that the annual meeting in question, origi-
nally fixed for May 8, would not be held
until May 15, so that the natural beauties
of this locality might be enjoyed by the
Association's guests.
It is understood that the leading deal-
ers, as a whole, view with unequivocal
favor the proposition to attend the N. P.
M. A. annual meeting. It promises to be
a big success.
A. D. Straus, Consul General for Nicara-
gua, has received information from the
Nicaragua Minister at Washington of the
establishment of a "National Museum,"
devoted to the development of indus-
try, commerce and science, with a sec-
tion devoted to foreign commerce and
industry. In order to establish better
commercial relations between Europe,
America and Nicaragua, a large hall has
been provided in Managua, the capital of
Nicaragua, for the public display of the
products of foreign lands. The director of
this museum invites the Nicaraguan Con-
suls in Europe and America to solicit from
the manufacturers and producers within
their consulates samples of goods and
articles of their manufacture—only such as
will be of interest, and of commercial value
to that country being desired. Articles of
this description are to be exhibited at all
times free of cost, and it is anticipated that
a permanent exhibition of this kind will
inure to the benefit of both exhibitors and
visitors.
Mr. Straus extends an invitation to the
merchants and manufacturers to send him
samples suitable for the purpose, suggested
by the director of this Central American
Museum. He requests, also, that all ex-
hibits be accompanied by a lucid descrip-
tion or by instructions how to operate
them, their advantages, their technical or
commercial names, together with cata-
logue, price-lists, terms, commissions al-
lowed to agents—and especially the style
of packing for export. This latter point
is of great importance to the Nicaraguans,
as the custom duties of that country are
based on the gross weights. All consign-
ments should be packed as lightly as is
consistent with safety.
Sawdust on the roof of the boiler house
of H. Holtzman & Son's piano stool and
cover factory, Columbus, O., caught fire
from sparks Friday night. The depart-
ment was called, but there was no loss.
In connection with the silver anniver-
sary of the Wanamaker store a number of
special bargains in second-hand pianos are
being advertised in the local papers.
Association Members Confer.
"Jill about 11$ and below
tbe sound of hammers blow
on blow " • « • • • •
A n d e v e r y w h e r e in t h e m u s i c c i r c l e s
t h e s o u n d of t h e h a m m e r s of
. . . .
DAVID H. SCHMIDT
may be heard. They are the most enduring,
the most satisfactory, the most perfect,
because they are made by hammer specialists
in a hammer factory.
factory:
667 to * $ ; €a$t
new York.
street,
A SPECIALTY OF
DEALERS' TRADE
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
Mr. H. K. Tompkins, Mr. C. J. Stolbond,
Miss Gertrude Anthony, Miss Laura Frost,
[Special to The Review.]
Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, March 6, 1901. Mr. George Sweeney, Proprietor Hotel
One of the most beautiful of home Victoria, New York, Mr. William Stoles-
weddings took place here at the residence bury and wife, Miss Jennie Tompkins,
of the bride's father, Mr. Chas. Brincker- Miss Rita Tompkins, Mr. Louis Whitte-
hoff, to-night, joining in wedlock his more, Mr. W. Irving Mapes, Mr. J. Har-
daughter, Miss Marion, to Mr. George G. vey Cook, Mr. S. S. Mapes and wife, Mr.
Foster, of the Foster-Armstrong-Martin Bryan Harning, Mr. Park Densmore, Mr.
combination of Rochester, N. Y. The J. C. Amie, of Kroeger Piano Co., Mr.
decorations were pink and white roses, Clinton Martin, Mr. Silas Maxson, Mr.
with garlands of smilax. The bride, who W. B. Armstrong, Foster-Armstrong-Mar-
is one of the leaders of the social set of tin combination, Rochester, N. Y.
this place, was arrayed in an ivory satin
Music Hen at the Inaugural.
dress, cut en train, trimmed with Duchesse
[Special to The Review. |
and old point lace, the latter |an heirloom
Washington, D. C, March, 5, 1901.
of the family.
The music trade was pretty well repre-
Her traveling gown was made of fawn-
sented
at McKinley's second inaugural,
colored broadcloth, with toque to match.
which
occurred
yesterday. There were a
The groom's presents to the ushers, Mr.
number
of
prominent
men of the industry
Frank Brinckerhoff, brother of the bride,
and Mr. S. S. Mapes, were Roman gold in the procession. When Governor Yates,
scarf pins encrusted with diamonds. The of Illinois, reached the reviewing stand he
gift to the best man, Mr. Wm. B. Arm- whirled his horse around and squarely
strong, was a Roman gold ring of Assy- faced the President, lifting his hat twice,
rian design, set with a single diamond of and was heartily cheered. Near him, rid-
rare brilliancy. The popularity of both ing like a veteran, was Col. Edwin S.
bride and groom was manifest by the great Conway, of the Kimball Co. Col. Conway
variety of superb presents in gold and sil- bestrode his spirited horse in true martial
verware, also many costly pieces of cut style and made a figure in his brilliant new
uniform. The grand marshal of the Civic
glass, bronze and china.
Refreshments were served by a promi- Division, B. H. Warner, was surrounded
nent New York caterer. The bride's table by a staff composed of prominent men,
was in pink and white rose decorations. among whom was W. P. Van Wickle, man-
Seated at this table were the bride and ager of the Bradbury Washington branch.
groom, Miss Harriet Brinckerhoff, sister These civilian aids wore tall hats, frock
and maid of honor to the bride, the ushers coats, sashes, gloves and uniform saddle-
and bride's father. The officiating clergy- cloths, and made a most imposing body of
man was Rev. Dr. E. A. McCullum, of men. Albert T. Strauch, of Strauch Bros.,
Fishkill, pastor of the Reformed Church, was also a prominent figure at the inaugu-
who united the couple with the beautiful ral ceremonies, acting as aide on the staff
and impressive service of that church. An of Gen. Greene, the grand marshal.
There were, I understand, about
orchestra of stringed instruments from
New York furnished the music for the fifty prominent music trade men from dif-
ceremony. The happy couple left at 8:15 ferent parts of the country. Freeborn G.
P.M., amid a shower of rice, for an ex- Smith, senior and junior were both pres-
tended trip, which will include the Pacific ent, Wm. Dalliba Dutton, New York;
Coast and Mexico. On their return they Fred P. Stieff, Baltimore; W. S Bond, of
the Weaver Organ Co., York, Pa. ; Leo-
will reside in Rochester, N. Y.
pold
Bellak, Philadelphia; W. Vischer,
Among the guests who came from New
Wellington,
O. ; G. Fred Kranz, Balti-
York, Rochester, Philadelphia, Pittsburg,
more;
R.
F.
Barr, Martinsburg, W. Va. ;
as well as those from the surrounding
Walter
Holmes,
Jersey City; J.'S. Hays,
towns, were the following:—
Annapolis,
la.,
and
others.
Mrs. D. O. K. Strong, Mr. Edward E.
Strong, Mr. David Graham, banker, of
Ludwig Grows in Favor.
Matteawan, N. Y. ; Miss Elizabeth Scofield,
The Springfield, O., Democrat of recent
Miss Annie Brinckerhoff, Miss Catherine
Brinckerhoff (cousins of the bride); Miss date contains an extended and very flatter-
Ella Dubois, Mrs. William Anthony, Miss ing appreciation of the Ludwig pianos and
Mabel Whittemore, Miss Fanny Christie, the honors paid them at the Paris Exposi-
Miss Adele Storer, Miss Charlotte Jones, tion, at the close of which they say:—
The Arcade Music House, of this city, is
Mr. Ralph Jones, Mr. B. L. Smith and
wife, Miss Leita Mapes, Miss Alice Hera- established as Ludwig & Co. 's branch store.
mingway, Miss Grace Halgon, Mr. and F. B. Miller, the manager and co-partner,
Mrs. Towger, Rochester; Miss Laura Chal- informs us that the Ludwig is constantly
lon, Miss Helen Hustis, Mr. Carl Seaman, growing in favor with the highest class of
Miss Mary Seaman, Mrs. Remsen An- their Central Ohio trade.
thony, Miss Gracie Aldridge, Mrs. Dubois
To Organize Next Week.
Brinckerhoff, Mrs. Dubois, Mrs. Challon,
[Special to The Review.]
G. A. Schraeler and wife, Miss Octavia
Des Moines, la., March 6, 1901.
White, great aunt of bride, Miss La-
A number of the incorporators of the Ver-
vinia White, Mr. John Place, Mrs. ney Organ Co., of which J. C. Tate is pres-
Sarah Remsen, Mrs. Ed. H. Remsen, ident, were in the city Friday and made a
Philadelphia ; Miss Heloise Graham, few of the preliminary arrangements for
work. They do not expect to complete
Miss Annie Dubois, Judge Martin Watson, the
all the preparations for the organization
Miss Nellie Stolbond, Miss Helen Place, until next week.
Foster-Brinckerhoff
Wedding.
Krell Out at Wanamaker's.
As announced in last week's Review,
Albert Krell, of Cincinnati, was East in
connection with some important moves
proposed by his house. Last Monday
he notified John Wanamaker that after
that date the agency for the Krell instru-
ments would be withdrawn from him in
Philadelphia and New York. Mr. Krell
has not as yet announced as to the future
arrangements made for his instruments in
these cities. The Krell pianos were the
first instruments taken on by Wanamaker
when he added the sale of pianos to his
business.
Death of Eduard Sueur.
Sunday afternoon, March 3, Eduard
Sueur, a valued employee of Lyon &
Healy, passed away. Mr. Sueur was a
native of Ste. Croix, Switzerland, and had
been with Lyon & Healy for over twenty
years. He had charge of the Music Box
Repair Shop, and was an expert in his line.
Nothing too intricate or complicated in
music box construction could be pre-
sented to him. He was able to grasp
all the new principles used in the
American-made boxes and was thoroughly
at home in the most difficult problems of
comb-adjusting. He was at work Wednes-
day, and was apparently in vigorous health
when attacked by pleurisy. His death,
therefore, came as a shock. Mr. Sueur
was a man of the kindliest disposition and
most unfailing good humor. His loss will
be deeply mourned by all who knew him,
The floral tributes from the firm and from
his comrades were numerous and costly.
He leaves a wife and one child.
Jacob Jottings.
C. A. Jacob, of Jacob Bros., left town
on Monday with his wife and family for
Florida, where he will remain several
weeks.
The Alex. Ross Piano Co., recently in-
corporated by Max Jacob, C. A. Jacob and
Alex. Ross, under the laws of New York
State, will do business in New York city
and have also arranged for large warerooms
at 714 Penn avenue, Pittsburg, Pa.
J. W. Stevens, Jacobs' ambassador, start-
ed Monday on a brief Eastern trip.
A Hardman Beauty.
Several examples of the latest Hardman
uprights, Grecian style, are now on exhibi-
tion at the Hardman Fifth avenue ware-
rooms, on the main floor. One of these
instruments, with inlaid paneling and
special wreath design, is a handsome speci-
men of piano making and highly creditable
to the Hardman firm.
Will be Vigorously Pushed.
As announced in a neighboring column
the Symphonion interests will be vigor-
ously pushed by the new president, Mr.
Geo. Varrelman. He has appointed two
traveling men this week in the persons of
Mr. Alfred Littauer, who for many years
has been with the Otto concern, and Mr.
Robt. Duffin, who was formerly with the
Paiilard Co.

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