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Music Trade Review

Issue: 1906 Vol. 42 N. 2

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Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
VOL. XLIf.
No. 2 .
Published Every Saturday by Edward Lyman Bill at 1 Madison Ave., New York, Jan. i3, 1906.
LAST CALL FOR OFFICERS MEETING,
Officers and Committees of the National Asso-
ciation of Piano Dealers of America to Meet
at the Manhattan Hotel, New York City,
Tuesday and Wednesday, January 16 and
17—Important Matters for Discussion.
The officers and various committees of the
National Association of Piano Dealers of
America have been called together by President
Werlein for a business session to be held at the
Manhattan Hotel, New York City, on Tuesday
and Wednesday, January 16 and 17. The object
of the meeting is to discuss and settle plans for
the proposed exhibition of pianos, etc., to be held
in Washington during the May convention, to
take up and pass upon all topics referred to the
Executive Board by the Put-in-Bay Convention,
and to outline plans for the 1906 convention.
President Werlein has specially requested of
every officer and committee a written report of
the progress of work accomplished since the last
convention. Suggestions for the good of the or-
ganization are earnestly requested from members
not holding official positions, same can be submit-
ted in writing and may be forwarded to Mr.
Percy S. Foster, secretary, care of Manhattan
Hotel, New York City.
The officers and committees expected to attend
are as follows: Mr. Philip Werlein, president,
New Orleans, La.; Mr. J. P. Byrne, first vice-
president, Chicago, 111.; Mr. W. H. Currier, sec-
ond vice-president, Toledo, Ohio; Mr. F. A. Le-
land, third vice-president, Worcester, Mass.; Mr.
G. W. Nicols, fourth vice-president, Baltimore,
Md.; Mr. Percy S. Foster, secretary, Washington,
D. C, and Mr. E. H. Droop, treasurer, Washing-
ton, D. C. Members of the Advisory Committee:
James C. Miller, Philadelphia, Pa.; Mr. Henry
Dreher, Cleveland, Ohio; Mr. F. B. T. Hollenberg.
Little Rock, Ark., and Mr. Chandler W. Smith,
Boston, Mass. Executive Committee: Mr. B. B.
Crew, Atlanta, Ga.; Mr. R. T. Cassell, Denver,
Colo., and A. M. Hume, Boston, Mass. Member-
ship Committee: Mr. C. A. Grinnell, Detroit,
Mich.; Mr. J. O. Twitchell, Chicago, 111., and Mr.
G. Q. Chase, San Francisco, Cal. Press Commit-
tee: Mr. D. E. Woolley, Philadelphia, Pa.; Mr. P.
J Simmons, New Orleans, La., and Mr. D. G.
Pfeiffer, Washington, D. C. Resolution Commit-
tee: Mr. L. M. Ide, Detroit, Mich.; Mr. M. J.
Chapman, New York City,- and Mr. F. W. Teeple,
Chicago, 111. Freight Committee: Mr. E. S. Con-
way, Chicago, 111.; Mr. J. A. Coffin, New York
City; Mr. G. G. Foster, Rochester, N. Y., and Mr.
Thomas C. Moore, Chicago, 111.
The meeting will in all probability sparkle
with items of interest to various members, and
same will be fully reported in these columns.
W. H. DANIELS REFUSING HONORS.
W. H. Daniels, of Denton, Cottier & Daniels,
who has several times refused political honors, is
now prominently mentioned for the post of post-
master of Buffalo. There is little likelihood,
however, of his accepting the position, as he re-
cently stated that his business occupies all his
time, and he is not desirous of making a change
at the present time.
COTE SECURE NEW FACTORY
With
45,000 Feet of Floor Space—Can Turn
Out 3,000 Pianos a Year.
(Special to The Review.)
Fall River, Mass., Jan. 8, 1906.
The Edmond Cote Piano Manufacturing Co.,
of this city, are again expanding and have leased
a magnificent factory building adjoining their
present quarters on Pocasset street, of which
they will take possession at once. The new fac-
tory is four stories high, and contains forty-five
thousand square feet of floor space, which will
give Mr. Cote a capacity of about three thousand
pianos a year. As soon as the factory is fuly
equipped and in runnnig order the present quar-
ters will be vacated, and all branches of the com-
pany's plant consolidated under one roof. The
growth of this company is a splendid tribute to
Mr. Cote's skill, and the excellent pianos which
he is manufacturing. In a comparatively short
period of time he has built up an enterprise
which is certainly a credit to him in every re-
spect. The new catalogue, containing illustra-
tions and descriptions of the latest Cote styles,
will be ready for the market about the middle
of February.
A BEAUTIFUL MASON & HAMLIN
Just Completed and Shipped to Brazil—A Co-
lonial Design of Lemonwood in Dull Finish.
(SDecial to The IlevIpnO
Boston, Mass., Jan. 6, 1906.
The Mason & Hamlin Co. have just completed
and shipped to the order of Chiaffarilli & Co., of
Sao Paulo, Brazil, a magnificent piano in Colonial
design made of lemonwood in dull finish.
One of the several original features of the in-
strument lies in the use of electric candles carry-
ing pale green shades, which give a very beauti-
ful effect to the instrument when illuminated.
The electric arrangement is cleverly placed
within the case and carefully insulated in every
respect. The instrument is not affected by this
arrangement, thanks to the clever work of Super-
intendent Gertz. The connection with the elec-
tric fixture is at the back of the piano and a
special cut off is arranged near the top of the
case, or within easy reach when the lights are no
longer required.
This handsome Mason & Hamlin piano was
specially made to match the furniture in the
home of Mr. Chiaffarilli, and is one of which he
can certainly feel justly proud. It is a work of
art in its beautiful simplicity.
CABLE COMPANY IN GREENSBORO.
(Special to The Review.)
SINGLE COPIES, 10 CENTS.
$2.00 PER YEAR.
ARTHUR E. JOHNSTONE RETIRES
From the Mason & Hamlin Co., Boston—Will
Reside in New York.
Arthur E. Johnstone, who has been the man-
ager of ihe Boston retail store of Mason & Ham-
lin Co. for the past year, has resigned his posi-
tion to take effect on the 15th inst.
Mr. Johnstone has been for many years inti-
mately associated with the musical life of New
York City, and has decided to return there to live.
This decision is largely caused by the recent sad
bereavement he has suffered in the loss of his
only daughter from scarlet fever.
The Mason & Hamlin Co. have accepted Mr.
Johnstone's resignation with regret, and he
leaves the company with their most cordial good
wishes for his future. His successor has not yet
been appointed.
RUSSELL SELLS OUT TO LOWE & SON.
(Special to The Review.)
Altoona, Pa., Jan. 8, 1906.
The music store whicn has been conducted by
the Russell Bros, on Chestnut avenue, near Ninth
street, for the past year or more, was sold yester-
day to C. L. Lowe & Son, who have a branch
store on Seventh street, near Eighth avenue. The
new owners have purchased the entire stock of
instruments, and will remove the stock from
their store on Seventh street to the new location.
Their manager, M. G. Condrin, together with
Willis Russell, one of the firm of Russell Bros.,
will have charge of the new store.
FIRE IN REEDSBURG, WIS.
Fire in Reedsburg, Wis., last week caused the
total destruction of a jewelry and music store of
Gustave E. Dangel. Other stores on the same
street were also badly damaged, the total loss
exceeding $30,000.
DEATH OF THOS. W. S. BELCHER.
Thomas W. S. Belcher, who had lived in In-
dianapolis, Ind., for many years, having come
there from La Porte, Ind., to engage in the piano
business, died in that city on January 2 quite
suddenly thirty minutes after receiving a tele-
gram announcing the sudden death of his mother
in Hudson, Mich. For the past three years Mr.
Belcher had been connected with Carlin & Len-
nox's store on East Market street. He was an ac-
complished musician and prominent in Masonic
circles. He is survived by a widow, his only
son having died three years ago. Mr. Belcher
was widely known and respected, and his death
has caused a great deal of regret.
Greensboro, N. C, Jan. 8, 1906.
The Cable Piano Company will, on January 15,
WINTER PIANOS FOR EXPORT.
open a branch in this city, with A. P. Frazier
as manager and P. M. Asbury as his assistant.
Winter & Co. are receiving many orders for
Mr. Frazier has been with A. D. Jones & Co. for their pianos from the foreign countries. Recently
a long time, and Mr. Asbury has represented the they received an order for four pianos from
Steiff Co. here for several months. Both are Madrid, Spain, and they also received a number
experienced salesmen, and will do good work for of orders recently from Cuba and Central
the Cable Company.
America.
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6
THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
immediately follow the holidays, it is interesting to note that
already January is making a good record for itself, as liberal orders
are being received by manufacturers.
This was experienced by a number of prominent houses, who
tell us that last week their orders by mail broke all records. Trade,
however, here locally, still feels the effect of the holidays and the
turn of the year which brings with it attention to the closing of
accounts and getting things in order rather than the aggressive
carrying on of business.
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
A
EDWARD LYMAN BILL, - Editor and Proprietor
Executive and Reportorial Staif:
GEO. B. KELLER.
L. E. BOWEKS.
W. N. TYLER.
F . II. THOMPSON.
EMILIE FRANCES BAUEH.
ffM. B. WHITE.
L. J. CHAMBEBLIN.
A. J. NICKLIN.
BOSTON OFFICE:
CHICAGO OFFICE:
E. P. VAN IIAMLINHEX, ] S02 Monadnock Block.
TELEPHONES: Harrison 1521 ; Automatic 2004.
PHILADELPHIA OFFICE: MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL: ST. LOUIS OFFICE:
ERNEST L. WAITT, 173 Tretnont St.
> It. W. KAIFFMAX.
E . ('. TORUEY.
CIIAS. N. VAN BCKEN.
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE: ALFRED METZOER, 425-427 Front St.
CINCINNATI, O.:
NINA I'UUII-SMITH.
Published Every Saturday at 1 Madison Avenue, New York
Entered at the New York Post Office as Sccmd Class Matter.
SUBSCRIPTION, (including postage), United States, Mexico, and Canada, $2.00 per
year ; all other countries, $4.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $2.00 per inch, single column, per insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount is allowed. Advertising Pages, $50.00 ; opposite
reading matter, $75.00.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency form, should be made payable to Edward
Lyman Bill.
Directory of Piano
The directory of piano manufacturing firms and corporations
~
found on another page will be of great value, as a reference
Manufacturers
f o r dealers and others.
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE-NUMBER 1745 GRAMERCY
NEW
YORK,
JANUARY
13, 1906
EDITORIAL
I
T looks as if the trade orchestra would play some pretty lively
tunes during the present year, for a glance at the business con-
ditions disclose nothing but optimism everywhere.
Of course we
can at all times hear the wail of pessimists, for there are some men
who see nothing but indigo shades all about them when the sun is
shining its brightest.
The business atmosphere is clear. There is no gloom apparent
anywhere, and one of the best indications of the big demand for
manufactures in all lines the present year, is found in the fact that
there is no accumulation of manufactured products in any of the
important lines on which the country's prosperity depends so largely.
The great factories are rushed to the utmost, and there is a steady,
accentuated demand for every kind of manufactured product. So
long as there is no accumulation of stocks, so long as there is no
possibility of goods being forced on the market at cut rates, simply
to tide over temporary emergencies, there seems to be no reason why
men should not make their plans in a liberal manner for the new
year.
F
ORTUNATELY the progress represented by the past year and
the past half century has not been checked, and the music
trade enters upon the new year with activity everywhere. There
is no relaxing in the business pace. There are no overstocked
establishments. Piano manufacturing is increasing in volume and
in the variety and usefulness of its product. Business has to do
with greater transactions, and is more complex in its relations than
ever. The field is constantly enlarging as the country is opening up
and being occupied.
There is a growing demand for piano players and musical in-
struments in every community, and there will be an increasing trade
with far-off markets, the most distant of which, with existing facil-
ities of communication and transportation, is afour doors.
NE of these days there may come something to interfere with
our commercial and financial well-being, but a continuing and
apparently growing prosperity is the still dominant characteristic
of the opening of 1906. The opportunities for enterprise and for
successful work on larger scale are far from being exhausted, but
are apparently more numerous and inviting than ever before for
those who have the ability to improve them.
Notwithstanding the generally predicted slackness which would
O
REVIEW
VERY hopeful feeling pervades the trade and commercial
circles generally, and there are anticipations of an excellent
trade unless some disturbing factor, of which there is at present no
indication, should make its appearance. Prices are still going up,
and recently a number of piano manufacturers have announced that
their schedule of prices would be raised.
We do not see how dealers could reasonably expect a different
attitude.
Collections thus far in January have been surprisingly good.
The early part of 1906 will certainly eclipse the same months of the
past year. Piano stocks generally are considerably depleted, and
the indications point to the lively placing of orders for some time.
O
NE manufacturer stated recently that he considered the average
dealer w T as too ready to listen to complaints, real or imag-
inary, from retail piano purchasers, always figuring that he could
put them up to the manufacturer, so to speak, and in the end make
him stand an expense which in many cases was unreasonable and
unfair.
There is, without doubt, a great deal of truth in this assertion,
and we may say that the evils and abuse of the complaint depart-
ment have their origin in the guarantee system which we have long
since outgrown, and ere long piano guarantees will be relegated to
an unhappy past.
Any reputable manufacturer will make good any defects which
may be developed in his products when they have been subjected to
reasonable usage. He does not need a handsomely embellished
guarantee in an imitation of a bond certificate with a beautiful gold
stamp bearing the seal of his company thereon to compel him to
live up to his guarantee. He will stand by any defects just as any
good business man in any trade will insure purchasers against de-
fective workmanship which will develop in their wares within a
reasonable time. The usual guarantees as they are written amount
to nothing unless the manufacturer himself wishes to live up to
them. It is not, therefore, an insurance to the customer, because
the manufacturer can escape penalty, if he so elects, by a clause,
which is in almost every guarantee; for, as they are written, guaran-
tees are valueless to-day. Protection to the purchaser is a question of
honor with the manufacturer, and all of the manufacturers, to our
knowledge, have ever been ready to supply any deficiency or weak-
ness which may have developed in their instruments after they
have been shipped from the factory. The general proposition of a
piano guarantee, however, has been misunderstood, consequently
its strength has been greatly exaggerated, and it has been due
largely to a willingness on the part of the dealers themselves, who
have permitted themselves to fall back upon the guarantee when the
slightest complaint has been made. They have become easy vic-
tims to purchasers' complaints regarding certain defects which they
allege appear in the instruments purchased.
T
HIS system of putting complaints up to the manufacturer has
been pursued for years, and it has led up to a certain laxness
on the part of the dealers, many of whom have listened too easily,
and without remonstrance or resistance, to the most absurd claims
that have ever been made in the history of the industrial world.
The belief that the manufacturer, through fear of losing an agency ;
or that his instruments should obtain a reputation far from help-
ful, has caused them to accede to all sorts of demands for years.
Now it will be a pretty good time at the beginning of the year to
educate the customers not to find fault, and in this way both dealers
and manufacturers would be saved untold annoyances and vast
expense.
S
UPPOSE the plan were adopted generally to meet a complaint
with a forcible argument showing that the customer had n 1
real cause for fault-finding. In nine cases out of ten the complaint

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