Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1904 Vol. 38 N. 5

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
12
FROM THE PACIFIC COAST.
Rumors of Changes and Consolidations General on
Account of the Aeolian-Weber Combination—
Some Remarks on This Subject—Byron Mauzy
East—Sherman, Clay's Great Aeolian and An-
gelus Business—This Progressive House Se-
cures Larger Quarters in Oakland.
[Special to The Review.]
San Francisco, Cal., Jan. 21, 1904.
The usual "after-Christmas" quiet is on in
'Frisco. But this does not last long nor is it
of very great dimensions, as there is always
a class of trade here that keeps things going
in every season. The news items that are
true and those likely to be otherwise are very
closely intertwined and many things are told
as news by others who are in no way inter-
ested.
As usual, Wiley B. Allen started the ball
rolling by buying out the old Zeno Mauvais
Music Co., but as Mr. Stedman and most of
the working force go along it is safe to as-
sume that Mr. Allen will not concern himself
much with his new purchase, as he has been
out of the sheet music business long enough
to know what his liberty feels like, and the en-
tire scheme is more likely to be simply a mat-
ter of consolidation for the sake of reducing
rentals.
Mr. Allen, as every one else, is on the qui
vivc because rumors are thick and fast anent
Weber-Aeolian affairs in this city. There is
perhaps no point in the country that seems
harder of adjustment than does the Pacific
coast, and a change anywhere would affect
things as far as Portland and Seattle, if not
further.
Henry J. Eilers, who is identified with the
Weber piano and the Aeolian in Oregon, has
neither in this city, but Mr. Eilers is a favor-
ite with both factions, and it is insinuated
that his chances are good. On the other hand,
Kohler & Chase have had the pianola and
aeolian interests in their charge for years, and
through the perseverance and the ability of
George Green this house has made a splendid
record with the aeolian. And it is a house of
such financial importance that it is hard to
conceive it possible that the seolian people
would remove such an agency.
Clark Wise has made a very fine showing
for the Weber piano in San Francisco, and
it would not be surprising if there was some-
thing in the rumor of consolidation that is in
the air. Some say that consolidation, which
is regarded as certain, will be between Clark
Wise and Henry Eilers, and others have it
that it is to be Clark Wise with Kohler &
Chase. The last is hardly believed feasible,
as this would disturb the Knabe relations
which have existed with Kohler & Chase for
a great many years. One thing is certain, and
it is that everybody that is speculating upon
these things is interested in this, but your cor-
respondent assures you that nothing is defi-
nite, notwithstanding all rumors that have
the matter "cut and dried."
Byron Mauzy, one of the livest of 'Frisco
piano men, has left for New York—in fact,
he should be due there now. Mr. Mauzy has
a fine establishment and his determination to
manufacture out here seems to be a success-
ful enterprise, as it can no longer be called a
venture. He is a Sohmer enthusiast clear
through, and as much can be said of him
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
regarding his own work. He has shown
what determination can do, as his business
stands for that.
Mr. Mauzy does a very
large business withe Sohmer piano and the
Cecilian is also remarkably well placed with
him.
Sherman, Clay & Co. are at last settled in a
store which, while practically new, was built
around them without calling a halt in the
very busy life of this great house.
Their
Steinway business has been very satisfactory
this season, and the trade in the new Angelus
styles has gone beyond all expectations.
Young Van Yonx, a brother of the well-
known New York tenor, plays the instrument
in a masterly way and contributes much to
the success that it has had.
A five years' lease of the two stores at
the southeast corner of Thirteenth and
Broadway in Oakland was signed this week
by Sherman, Clay & Co. The price for the
five years is understood to be $33,000 or $550
per month, which is a tolerably handsome
figure for that location. The corner store is
already occupied by the music firm. Posses-
sion of the second store cannot be secured till
the first of June. Growth of business is as-
signed as the cause, compelling the renting
of larger quarters. It is planned to fix up the
two stores as the most handsome music and
piano house on the coast.
NOVEL DEFENCE IN REPLEVIN SUIT.
Claims That Agreement Was Signed on Sunday
and is Thereby Illegal—Litigation With Many
Complications.
[Special to The Review.]
Newark, N. J., Jan. 25, 1904.
A replevin suit, brought by George
Schleicher, piano manufacturer of New
York, against Nathan Snyder to recover
a piano purchased on the instalment plan
on which $35 had been paid, was tried in
the First District Court yesterday after-
noon, and because of the complications
which arose Judge Elwood E. Harris re-
served decision in the case. The piano
was purchased from one of Schleicher's
agents November 15 last and it developed
that the agreement under which Snyder
purchased it was signed the following day,
which fell on Sunday. The defence set
up that the agreement was illegal because
it was signed on a Sunday. Edward I.
Croll, counsel for the plaintiff, told the
court that the defendant had caused the ar-
rest of Michael Meyer on a charge of as-
sault and battery, and the defence intro-
duced testimony that Abraham Tochberg,
one of its witnesses, had been arrested on
a charge of embezzlement, made by the
plaintiff. The piano is valued at $200.
DEATH OF SHELDON R. NORTON.
Sheldon R. Norton, a piano salesman for
many years and lately a piano tuner for a
Newark firm, died suddenly on Thursday in
Elizabeth, N. J., from heart disease. Mr.
Norton was fifty-five years old, and un-
married.
He owned a farm at Scotch
Plains, where the interment took place.
CINCINNATI DEALER ASSIGNS.
P. Phillips, dealer in musical instruments
and jewelry, at 1419 Vine street, Cincinnati,
C , made an assignment Saturday to H. R.
Friedmann, assets $500, liabilities, $1,500.
ABOUT THE. HOBART M. CABLE.
Some Well Considered Remarks on This Celebrated
Piano from the Hartford (Conn.) Post, Jan. 16,
1904.
How many people buy more than one piano
in a life time ? Very few. Care should there-
fore be exercised in its selection. The pur-
chaser of a Hobart M. Cable piano, however,
only needs to be perfectly sure he is getting a
genuine Hobart M. Cable, for there are pianos
of a similar name trying to masquerade under
the world-wide reputation gained by this
piano, for which Ludlow Barker & Co. have
tiie sole agency for this vicinity. The full
name, Hobart M. Cable, is on every instru-
ment. A notable arrival of Hobart M. Ca-
ble's will attract much interest. For 18 years
the makers have been perfecting the scale un-
til it is noted for its equality of tone equal to
a parlor grand. This piano will stand in
tune so long that it is to be recommended to
out-of-town people who would find it incon-
venient to bring a tuner too frequently to take
care of it. One that has stood for over a
year without tuning was recently used at a
concert.
WHAT VANDERBILT ORDERED.
Desired to Purchase a Few Small Instruments But
Supplied With a Whole Carload Ranging From
a Jewsharp to a Grand Piano.
[Special to The Review.]
Savannah, Ga., Jan. 25, 1904.
When W. K. Vanderbilt, Jr., and a party
of his friends arrived here to-day on their
way to Ormond, Fla., where they are to
witness the automobile races on the beach,
Lhey found awaiting their inspection near-
ly everything musical, from a jewsharp to
a grand piano. This was because a local
music house had received a telegram, sent
by Mr. Vanderbilt from Garnett, S. C, di-
recting that the train be met with a "flute,
mandolin, guitar, banjo, etc."
That "etc.," caused all the trouble. The
music people thought Mr. Vanderbilt must
desire to have all kinds of instruments de-
livered at his car. Mr Vanderbilt met the
situation with a laugh.
"Why, by 'etc.,' I only meant the strings
and a few pieces of rag," he said. "I have
a little party of friends that like to be
amused in other ways than with automo-
biles. Besides, the automobiles are not
running all the while. As I don't happen
to have Sousa's band along you may take
back all but the flute, mandolin, guitar and
banjo."
CHANGE IN BARTLETT MUSIC CO.
[Special to The Review.]
Los Angeles, Cal., Jan. 2$, 1904.
S. A. Brown has disposed of his interest
in the Bartlett Music Co. to his partners,
H. E. Bartlett and J. F. Salyer. For some
time Mr. Brown has not been in the best
of health, and he deemed it best to take a
rest. The firm has done over $400,000 in
business in the past year, the largest in its
history. Mr. Brown may go into business
later if his health permits.
Mr. Salyer, secretary of the company, now
has the principal interest in this prosperous
company, and his numerous friends have
tendered him their congratulations.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
FROM PENNSYLVANIA'S MUSICAL CENTER.
quet will be decided upon and arrangements
made for a theatre benefit. The association
hope to go in a body to Atlantic City during
Bad Weather Interferes With Trade—Simplex Piano Player Has Found a Home in the Keith Building—
Estey Forces Dine—Few Changes of Salesmen—J. G. Ramsdell 111—That Stetson Rumor—Large one of the days of the meeting of the National
Blasius Trade—Great Demand For the Pease—Philadelphia Salesmen Hold Meeting—Mr. Gibson Buys Associations in that city in May.
Miller Grands For Presents—Markley Makes Change.
The Tuners' Association, just organized,
[Special to The Review.]
where they are at present. When the Stetson have been having several meetings lately, but
t'hiladelphia, Pa., Jan. 26, 1904.
firm started in Philadelphia they were located as yet they have made no demands nor have
January is not generally a satisfactory beyond Broad on Chestnut, and a leading indicated what policy they intend to pursue.
Two daughters of Alfred C. Gibson, one
month to the piano trade of Philadelphia. employe, who has been with the house for
There has been a series of interferences with many years, says they had many more visitors of the wealthiest citizens of Germantown,
business since the month opened, chief among there than in piano row, and it is his impres- were married on last Thursday evening, and
which was the bad weather. For several sion that the Steinway piano would be better their father presented, among other presents,
weeks the cold was so severe that no one off away from the other stores, particularly each one of them with a Henry F. Miller
ventured out on a piano-purchasing expedi- owing to its close proximity to Colonel Gray Lyric grand piano. I asked Mr. Shewell as
tion, and no one would have cared to have and Patrick Cunningham, the "fighting- to how he came to make the sale. He replied
that Mr. Gibson passed the window one day,
had a piano sent home in such severe cold for cocks" of the Philadelphia piano trade.
fear of damaging it. Now that it has gotten
Blasius & Sons have had a remarkably and saw the three Lyric grands that are dis-
warmer things in Philadelphia are almost as good January, and although they have been played there, and came in and made the pur-
bad by reason of the rain, the fog and the trying to get out just as much as the capacity chase. Moral: Keep an attractive window.
sloppy sidewalks.
of the factory could turn out, Mr George I have noticed some windows in piano row
The most important news that has trans- Baker says that the house has never been as that I don't believe have been changed in a
pired during the week is the announcement short of stock as it has been since Christmas. year, and from all appearance they have not
that the Simplex piano player has found a "The next thing we have to do," says Mr. been dusted in that period. Such carelessness
home in Philadelphia on the sixth floor of the Baker, "is to get more factory space." "Will denotes carelessness in other respects.
Keith building, where it will be sold by W. B. you do that this year?" I asked. "Well, that
The Heppes report several new agencies
Marshall, of Baltimore. H. W. Metcalfe, the depends," was his reply. "A good many peo- placed for their new three-sounding board
Simplex ambassador, has been in Philadel- ple, are doubtful about this year's business, pianos in various parts of the State. Their
phia for more than a week, and he looked and I think it is the part of wisdom to be a piano business so far has been excellent dur-
over a number of locations, but thought the little bit cautious."
ing the month of January.
present one the best. A big line of players
J. L. Markley, manager of the piano de-
This week the Blasius firm sold seven
will be placed in the warerooms, as well as a Blasius' stvle 64 in one dav. which was their partment in the Lit Brothers department
complete library of music, and the business entire stock on that one style, which is the store, has resigned and has established head-
here will be conducted independent of any best seller they have ever had. The firm are quarters with Druckenmiller & Allen. Mr. i
piano store, the same as has so successfully arranging with Mr. Constantin von Sternberg Markley has always been a warm admirer of
been done in Boston.
for a series of piano recitals in their audi- the A. B. Chase piano, and it was just a ques-
J. Harry Estey and J. Gray Estey came to torium on the second floor between this and tion of time until he would be drawn closer
town last week and remained here several spring. J. W. Kline, traveling representative to that instrument. He has always had an
days, during which time the Estey forces had of the house, is at present in Chicago, and A. B. Chase in his home. His place has been
a dinner at the Colonnade, which was a very W. J. Smith, another traveler, is in Boston. temporarily filled by Edward B. Lentz, who
Mr. Lehmkuhl, representing Lyon & has been head salesman at the house for some
pleasant affair. All of the salesmen, as well
as the managers of the various departments Healy, of Chicago, was in Philadelphia since time.
my last letter.
Gimbel Brothers are giving a series of
of the store, attended.
piano
recitals daily by John Sylvanus Thomp-
One of the piano men said this week:
Another visitor this week was A. F. Norris,
son,
a
14-year-old pianist, whose talent and
"When I think back over the large number of of the Norris Noiseless Pedal Action Co..
technique
are marvelous. The recitals are
salesmen who were seeking other connections who did considerable business with the local
very
well
attended.
On Monday the firm will
for the first of the year, and that there has dealers. He says the business of his firm the
start
another
Gramer
Club. No firm in this
not been one change of salesmen in Philadel- past year was very fine, and that 1904 had
city
have
been
as
successful
with the piano
phia, it seems difficult for me to come to a opened up, from the orders he has received
club
scheme
as
the
Gimbels.
determination as to the meaning. Have the so far, in a way to make him feel that this
firms satisfied, in a pecuniary way, the de- year is going to be a banner one.
PIANOS IN BOGOTA.
sire of the salesmen to go elsewhere or
"Are the Heppes still agents for the Pease
In an interesting article on "Wretched
have the salesmen found that it was well piano in Philadelphia ?"
Columbia"
in the Saturday Evening Post,
10 let "Yes," is the answer. "But why did you
E.
A.
Penfield,
formerly of the U. S.
J. G. Ramsdell, the genial piano man and ask?"
Qonsular Service, remarked that "Bogota
almost internationally famous after-dinner
"Because they have not one Pease in their
is a veritable hotbed of pianos of the most
speaker, is quite ill at his home, where he has entire establishment."
expensive make."
been confined for several weeks. His illness
"No. Because they sold them all, and the
These must be a relic of the halcyon days
is not considered to be serious.
factory is having such a big business that
when
wealthy Europeans settled in Colum-
It has frequently been rumored in Philadel- they are. through necessity, slow in getting
bia
expecting
to make big fortunes out of
phia that N. Stetson & Co. were going to any more pianos on the road."
the
earth
similar
to the experiences of
leave piano row and go to another location.
Julian Walker, the celebrated basso, was
others in the Northwest and Pacific Coast.
Last week the Philadelphia correspondent of in Philadelphia the past week and spent an
It may be mentioned, by the way, that
another trade paper again made the entire dav at the Heppe store with his old these pianos in Bogota are sadly in need of
announcement, but the Stetsons deny that friend, Mr. Solomon, of that house, and with tuning.
they are going to move. This report came Florence Heppe, for whom he played and
In the Tannary number of Sherman, Clay
through the desire and offer made by Theo- sang considerably.
& Co.'s "Little"Drummer," published by
dore Presser that the Stetsons should move
The Philadelphia Piano Salesmen's Asso- the Oakland store, the front page contains
into part of the buildinsr at T7T2 Chestnut ciation held a meeting last week at the Miller illustrations of one of the two Steinway
street, which he recently purchased and in piano rooms, which was quite well attended, grands in mahogany which was purchased
which he has established his music publica- and at which it was decided inadvisable to by the Protective Order of Elks, in that
tion business. The Stetsons do not think get club rooms, but that hereafter the mem- city, from this establishment. Among the
interesting features are some well timed
favorably of this move, believing that it is a bers would meet monthly at a little banquet. remarks regarding the Estey, Starr, Emer-
little too far out the street, although they feel A meeting has been called for next Monday son, A. B. Chase and other pianos handled
that they are not exactly suitably located evening, at which the time for the first ban- bv this establishment.

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