Music Trade Review

Issue: 1904 Vol. 39 N. 7

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
35
In the Musical MercHandise Domain
to the manufacture of graphophone records. Very
little machinery will be made there, although
parts of talking machines will be shipped there
A Tendency Towards Improvement—Promi-
from the United States to be assembled. The
nent Firms Figure That There Will be Plenty
of Active Buying Later—Some Points of In- production of English records in this country
consumes so much time that the selections get
terest to the Small Goods Dealers—What
cut of date by the time the records reach Eng-
One of the Heads of a Great Establishment
land.
Says.
TRADE IN THE SMALL GOODS LINE.
Small goods circles have no specially startling BOSTON REPORTS SUBSTANTIAL BUSI-
or sensational reports to make relative to busi-
NESS.
ness—good or bad. It is neither one nor the other,
(Special to The Review.)
but yet the tone of trade is strong, with a ten-
Boston, Mass., August 10, 1904.
dency to improve with the closing weeks of sum-
Without
exception,
every one of the men en-
mer. More important buyers are either in mar-
gaged
in
the
small
goods
trade in Boston reports
ket, or preparing to get in touch with first hands,
a
better
July
business
than
ever before. The
and the sellers are figuring on considerable
volume
has
not
been
great,
when
compared with
action being displayed in the quantity of goods
the
winter
or
fall
months,
but
for
a hot, muggy,
ordered for fall and holiday consumption. Qual-
ity is also a factor not to be ignored in the cal- disagreeable summer month, July showed a
culations of the buyer, for low-grade goods are profit, and a substantial one. Except for an in-
always an obstacle that wholesalers must over- creasing business there is little new among the
come gracefully, if possible, but some way any- trade, as it is the vacation season and many are
how. Not but the margin of profit is there, but away.
F. E. Dodge, the drum and xylophone maker,
it is narrow and growing less with every season.
Musical jobbers and dealers are compelled to
carry an assortment of the cheap lines, but they
are so unsatisfactory to handle that notion
houses and department stores are absorbing this
cla?s of trade, leaving the lines musical on merit
to the regular trade.
Mail orders have increased during the past
week, and road men are booking many sizable
orders for early fall delivery from representa-
tive houses West and South. Eastern trade is
brightening up also, but disturbances of vari-
ous sorts, either in the material market or with
labor, has caused a shrinkage which looks as if
it will not be overcome for several weeks, even
under the most favorable conditions.
Referring to the outlook the chief of a firm
noted for its activity, remarked to The Review,
Tuesday: "We are not boasting of receiving
bushels of orders, but are moving along at a satis-
factory pace. We certainly are satisfied of a
strong trade on holiday goods and the movement
is already on. The talk about general business
apathy existing during the season preceding a
Presidential election is rank nonsense. With one
exception—only two well remembered—and in no
other year, has the pending election had any
effect upon the general trade of this country. It
is one of these fancies which, by wearisome re-
iteration, have come to be regarded as fact even
by sensible merchants. The small goods line in
no way reflects any untoward influence. Dealers
and jobbers are not holding off, but are buying as
usual for the time of year, and in their advices
no reference whatever is made to political con-
siderations affecting either their buying or pay-
ing, for collections are improving—always a good
indication of sound and healthy trading."
reports himself as being "more than satisfied"
with present conditions and the future outlook.
It has become necessary for him to enlarge his
workrooms and procure new workmen—and that
means a good deal.
The Review was much amused, in talking with
Edward Howe, of the Elias Howe Co., to notice
the different ways in which persons have spelled
the name of the firm in writing to it. Mr. Howe
has secured, from his mail, 58 different ways of
spelling, "taken from nature" as he describes it.
The list is a curious compilation.
UNIQUE VIOLIN ATTACHMENT.
The violin has so long been looked upon with
a feeling akin to sacredness that any innovations
and new attachments might well be viewed with
suspicion. The instrument on which the old
masters produced such sweet music and made
their reputations may well be considered as good
enough for the players of to-day without any
alterations or improvements- But if it should
prove possible to produce a quality of tone in a
new instrument which it is popularly supposed
AND
GRAPHOPHONE PLANT FOR ENGLAND.
The American Co. Plans to Make Records in
That Country.
(Special to The Review.)
Bridgeport, Conn., August 5. 1904.
Thomas H. McDonald, superintendent of the
American Graphophone Company, this city, has
returned from England whither he recently went
to perfect arrangements for the establishment of
a branch plant of the concern. A plant will be
leased near London, and Mr. McDonald says that
the company will shortly decide which one of
several available propositions it will accept. The
machinery is all ready for immediate shipment.
Several foremen from the Bridgeport plant will
go to England and take positions in the new
plant.
The English plant will be devoted principally
r I WANT YOUR SKIN
TRADE =
RENE GRUNEWALD,
818-824 Conti Street, NEW ORLEANS, LA
GET
MY
PRICES
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
On an invoice of accordeons, from N. Pitzschlar
& Son, of Altenburg, Germany, exported May 2,
and entered at Chicago, on Tuesday of last week,
were reappraised by General Appraiser as fol-
lows: Twenty-two accordeons, including boxes,
entered at 9.50 marks, were advanced to 10.50
marks each; 23 entered at 8 were advanced to
9 marks each, 2 per cent, discount, and add value
of cases.
The illustrated Hohner announcement on page
3!,' of last Saturday's Review is one of the most
striking and effective notices ever issued by the
enterprising Hohner firm. The "Hohner Reason-
ing" addressed to music dealers on the subject,
"This is Just as Good," is so cleverly written that
it is well worthy of reproduction:
"Mr. Dealer, were you ever compelled to use
the words 'this is just as good' in response to an
inquiry for goods which are in demand and which
you do not keep in stock? This happens every
BELL BRAND STRINGS.
day with retailers who ignore a standard article
The National Music String Co. Report a
because some unknown, worthless goods afford a
Splendid Demand for Their Products, Both
somewhat larger profit and which they urge the
at Home and Abroad—Developing South
inquirer to purchase, saying that their quality
American Trade in a Satisfying Manner.
is equal to that asked for. Why not avoid all this
ONE OF THE BEST BANJO SELLERS.
The business of the National Musical String talk by keeping the goods which are in demand?
Advices from all parts of the country state that Co., whose splendidly equipped factory is located There are three special reasons for your doing
banjo business is certainly improving; in fact, at New Brunswick, N. J., has been growing so; in order not to run the risk of having your
this popular instrument seems destined for a re- rapidly, not only in America, but in foreign coun- customers go to another store where the article
turn to public favor and therefore sales will be tries. One of the splendid cornerstones in the is kept, to satisfy your customers by complying
heavy. The wide-awake dealer prepares for the foundation of this business was quality, and with their wishes, to insure yourself against com-
demand in due season, and in this respect atten- Thomas Nelson, Jr., president of the concern, and plaint by the fact that being asked for, the goods
must naturally meet the demands of the pur-
tion is directed to the "Special Thoroughbred No. his associates rightly figured that the quality of
chaser."
One of the most telling features of the an-
nouncement is in reference to the foregoing:
Wherever you go they say, "This is just as good
as Hohner's." While such a statement is un-
fcunded, yet it proves that the Hohner harmon-
ica is the recognized standard."
only comes from a violin which has been in the
hands of a musician for years, players might be
induced to make use of this new attachment.
There seems no reason why the addition of
a bell to the violin should not have the same ef-
fect that it does to the cornet, and this is what
the inventor has sought to accomplish by placing
a bell on the violin. By connecting the smaller
ena of the tube with the sounding board beneath
the bridge, the tone vibrations are taken up and
transmitted to the sounding bell. The latter is
not in the way of the bow, and if made of alumi-
num or thin brass adds very little to the weight
of the instrument.
BAUER COMPANY'S
SPECIAL THOROUGHBRED XO. 4 0 .
40," manufactured by the Bauer Co., 1410-1412
N. 6th street, Philadelphia, Pa. It is one of their
best sellers, and they have hundreds of this style
on orders for fall delivery, and it is thought more
of them are now in use than any other profes-
sional instrument. The company as a matter of
fact have now on orders over 2,000 high-priced
banjos of all their styles, which are conceded to
stand second to none manufactured.
their strings would compel a recognition. Then,
too, quality was combined with the greatest care
in carefully carrying out the requests of the cus-
tomers to the end that every order should be
filled with promptness and exactness.
It was some two years ago when this concern
considered the South American trade was a fair
field for development. Like all of their under-
takings the move was not made without thor-
ough consideration, and the results have been
MUSIC BOXES AND ACCORDEONS RATED. satisfying in a large degree. For while the re-
turns were not commensurate with the efforts
(Special to The Review.)
put forth, but recently the quality of the Bell
Washington, D. C , August 8, 1904.
When music boxes of a less value than fifteen band strings and the celebrated "Black Diamond"
francs, or about $3 each, are imported, they are has caused them to be in great demand in South
permitted entry as toys, and therefore come under America, and during the past six months a large
that schedule's rating as to duty. The latest de- number of live accounts have been opened up.
cision on that point was rendered by General Ap- We may say that there is hardly a music store
praiser Sharretts, on the 1st inst., and which re- in Great Britain and her colonies in which there
verses the assessment levied by the St. Louis is not a representation of the National Musical
surveyor of customs, as follows:
String Co.'s product.
"The merchandise consisted of music boxes
GRUNEWALD'S SPECIALTY.
valued from 3.75 to 31.50 francs (75 cents to
$6.50) each. They were classified as musical
A rather striking advertisement which appears
instruments under paragraph 453 of the tariff in thia issue under the caption "I Want Your
act of 1897, and were claimed to be dutiable as Skin" is exploited by Rene Grunewald, the well-
toys under paragraph 418. On authority of G. A. known manufacturer of harp-guitars and man-
4679, and Jacot against United States, the pro- dolins, of 818 Conti street, Ne^v Orleans, la. Mr.
test was sustained as to all articles of a value not Grunewald is a large jobber in tambourines,
exceeding 15 francs ($3) each." The goods ex- banjo and drum heads. The Grunewald harp-
ceeding that minimum figure in price were prop- guitar has made a hit among the music dealers,
erly assessed as musical instruments at 45 per who have pronounced it a rapid seller and a
cent.
good money maker as well.
Elmer D. Smith, who has been for some time
proprietor of a music store in Pittsfield, Me., sold
his business last week to T. P. Littlefield, of East
Newport, who has taken possession.
THE VICTOR TRUMPET
A SYNCHRONIZING HORN for the
TAPER ARM MACHINES.
The TRUMPET has a VOICE.
The BEST HORN
for VOCAL RECORDS ever made—Price $6.
Usual discounts.
Descriptive pamphlet on application.
NEW
VIGTOR DANGE RECORDS.
Both 12" and 10" sizes. Standard Dance
Music. Arranged especially by Mr. WALTER
B. ROGERS, for many years Director of the
Seventh Regiment Band, of New York.
TEMPO PERFECT Passed upon and ENDORSED
by
Prof.
SYDNEY
S. ASHER,
of Asher's
Academy of Dancing, Member of American
Society of Professors of Dancing, New York.
LOUD, FINE-TONED
RECORDS.
Complete programme on application.
Please mark request for above special circulars " V.
D. R."
DON'T FORGET our EXCHANGE PLAN for taking care of
your old VICTOR RECORDS.
THE VIGTOR DISTRIBUTING i EXPORT CO.,
ALL GREAT MUSICIANS ADMIT
C . G . COIVPSI
WONDER BAND, ORCHESTRA & SOLO INSTRUMENTS
measure up the highest requirements of musical and mechanical ex-
cellence. TONE, TUNE, ACTION, MODELS are Perfect and
represent Superlative Attainment.
For complete Illustrated Catalogue, giving full description, prices,
terms of payment (Cash or Instalment Plan), address
C
G. COPSIISJ, - - E L K H A R T , INTO
77 Chambers St., New York.
The largest Distributers of VICTOR Goods in the United States.
YORK
Band Instruments
SEND FOR MEW
ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE
J.W. YORK Makers of the highest grade
Ba.nd Instruments
GRAND RAPIDS
MICH.
.•¥....

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