Music Trade Review

Issue: 1906 Vol. 42 N. 5

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
12
THE
MUSIC TRADE
there were 380 piano-players, valued at $70,692.
For the previous twelve months, 4,534 of these in-
struments, valued at $884,554, were sent abroad.
The value of "all other instruments and parts
thereof" sent abroad during December, 1905,
amounted to $69,127, in the same month of 1904,
the value was estimated at $83,381.
The total exports for the twelve months under
this heading foot up $828,307, as against $907,458
exported during the same period of 1904, and
$1,345,398 exported during the same period of
1903. This shows a decrease of $79,151.
ARTISTIC STEINWAY PUBLICITY.
A Magnificent Catalogue Just Issued by Stein-
way & Sons Which Is a Valuable Addition to
the Literature of the Piano—Admirably
Edited and Produced.
A catalogue of more than usual excellence
viewed from literary and typographical stand-
points, is that just issued by the eminent house
of Steinway & Sons, New York. It contains il-
lustrations and descriptions of their vertegrand
style K; style N and style I, new piano plate con-
struction; style O, miniature grand; style A,
baby grand; style B, parlor grand, and style D,
orchestral concert grand—instruments too well
known in the trade and musical world to need
any extended description. The opening pages of
the book contain a retrospective sketch which is
so interesting that it deserves reproduction:
REVIEW
a sensitive but permanent vehicle for Its expression.
The realization meant the elevation and furtherance of
the great art of music. Their field was the world and
mankind the beneficiary. Rarely have men had such
inspiration and more rarely have they risen to the
heights or possessed such unobscured and prophetic
vision of the intellectual needs. They builded better
than they knew.
of period and art cases and cases of special styles
to harmonize with any plan of architecture or
decoration. The Steinway hand-painted and
carved art cases were the forerunners of the
present vogue of delicate and graceful French
furniture which has done so much to modify the
harshness
of American interiors. These were the
STEINWAY TRADITIONS.
first American art piano cases, the first success-
The Steinway traditions are nobly maintained. I t
would be impossible to uphold the Steinway criterion
ful effort to really dignify the vesture of the
in its original purity and force, if these traditions were
piano. This generous impulse of French art has
not religiously observed and preserved. If ever a true
word was spoken it is that the Steinway traditions lie taught Americans that the piano is at the heart
of the reformation of interior decoration, and
at the bottom of Steinway achievement in the present
as well as in the past. This is the potency that has
that in this direction Steinway & Sons—as in
sustained the idealistic existence of the Steinway piano
piano making—are pioneers, creators, innova-
in spite of the trend on every side in the direction of
tors."
materialistic gain. From generation to generation,
from father to son aud sou's sou these traditions have
This volume is in every respect a notable one
been transmitted and are a virile force in the Steinway
and a valuable addition to piano literature.
life to-day, as clearly denned and as cleanly cut as the
gem that comes from the hands of the skillful lapidary.
The descendants of the founders have been imbued with
the genius of these traditions, inspired with pride for
the superb excellence of the Steinway instrument, put
to their tasks at the bench to learn the full significance
of perfection in detail ; so that when the direction of
the Steinway business fell upon their shoulders they
were masters of the art and fully able to preserve and
secure unimpaired the original artistic intent of the
Steinway house. The young men of the fourth genera-
tion of Steinways are now preparing themselves for the
responsibilities of the future. The Steinway was and
is now the standard of piano quality throughout the
world. It will be kept so.
A BUSY PIANO PLANT AT NEWTON.
Clinton D. Martin Piano Co. Are Producing
Some Values That Are Interesting Dealers
the Country Over.
(Special to The Review.)
Boston, Mass., Jan. 29, 1906.
One of the busiest plants in New England is
that of Clinton D. Martin Piano Co., at Newton,
Mass. The development of this business has been
STEINWAY FRUITION.
sure and steady, and has been based upon the
This emulous and punctilious course has won for the
production of piano values that attract and in-
Steinway institution and the Steinway piano the con-
terest progressive dealers. There has been little
fidence and the admiration of the world of a r t ; indeed,
indulgence in literary fireworks—promises made
this sentiment extends into the practical life of the
community. The liberal Interest that the Steinways
that could not be kept—but rather the concen-
STKI X WAY I XDIVIDL' AL IT V.
have manifested at all times in music and its gifted
tration of brains and energy toward producing a
If you have ever studied the colors of the spectrum,
exponents, and the substantial aid that they have
or the red aud yellow of the golden sunset, you have
piano that in architecture, in finish, in tone,
always granted to both have had a stimulating and
been impressed with the exquisite commingling of lights
would be a credit, to Clinton D. Martin and to his
broadening reflex influence upon the Steinway supremacy
and shades, where beauty in detail and harmony in
In the musical world.
representatives. The styles which are being
conjunction never fail to fascinate the mind. So it is
Further on, the various specialties which have placed on the market this year are exceedingly
with the Steinway piano. It is the elaboration of every
minor part into a perfect symmetry that makes the
individualized the Steinway creations are re- attractive, and are destined to make the Clinton
Steinway piano as truly a work of art as a military
D. Martin piano even still more popular.
ferred to as well as some of the thousands of
scene by Meissonler, a landscope by (Jorot or a genre
tributes
paid
the
Steinway
piano
by
such
world-
Apart from activity in the East, there is quite
piece by Kembrandt. It is the masterly blending of
famous authorities as Helmholtz, Rubinstein, a demand on the Pacific. Coast, and the Northwest
piano tone, the subtle nuances, the appealing sensuous
quality, combined with brilliancy and power, that im-
Liszt, Wagner, Paderewski and Thomas. The for the Clinton U. Martin pianos, and some large
part to the Steinway piano its supreme individuality.
notable distinctions in the way of medals and orders are now being prepared for shipment at
The Steinway piano is not wholly the outgrowth of
honors, awarded the Steinways by the Royal the factory at Newton, Mass. One is for a car-
an advanced knowledge in piano construction; nor is
Academies of Arts of Berlin and Stockholm, the load for the Tacoma, Wash., dealer, and other
It the immediate result of a higher musical culture. It
College of St. Cecilia of Rome, the testimonial large shipments will soon reach a number of
is an evolution that has proceeded as slowly and as
surely as the unfolding of a bud or a (lower. No mere
medal from the Societe Libre des Beaux Arts of
other dealers in that part of the country.
environment or dexterity could bring out the Steinway
Paris, as well as the universal recognition of the
C. E. Babcock, who is traveling for this house
as it exists to-day. Its roots penetrate deep into the
wonderful merits of the Steinway pianos by the in the Ohio territory, is having splendid results,
soil of the nation. It has expanded with the develop-
reigning monarchs of the world as evidenced in and the outlook for the Clinton D. Martin Piano
ment of taste and musical knowledge and become a part
of the aesthetic aspirations of the people; each year
royal warrants as piano makers to these sover- Co.'s interests, considered from any standpoint,
a, larger factor in the higher life until now it belongs
eigns and their courts—these pre-eminent hon- is all that could be desired.
to the warp and woof of American society. The logical
sequence of persistent, ideal endeavor has made it the ors afford an unparalleled tribute to the Steinway
creations, which is not surpassed in any industry
type of surpassing art in piano construction and has
INCREASE CAPITAL STOCK.
advanced its prestige to that point where the Steinway
the world over. It is a distinct tribute from the
piano is a vital and dominating force in the musical
leaders
of
the
old
world
to
the
art
creations
of
The James Music Co., of Wausau, Wis., filed an
life of this country.
the new.
amendment with the authorities increasing their
STEINWAY SYMBOLS.
From the day in 1.853 when the first Steinway piano
At the close of the volume appear photographs capital from $10,000 to $50,000. E. M. James is
was presented to the public of America it has repre-
of
the Order of the Red Eagle, bestowed upon president and Bernard Laabs is secretary.
sented the loftiest phases of the piano industry. A
William Steinway by the German Emperor in
remarkable combination of artistic and industrial integ-
N. F. Kelly has been engaged by Newman
rity, it has been universally accepted as the exemplar
1893; the Order of Liakat, bestowed on Chas.
of what the perfect piano should be. So closely have
H. Steinway by the Sultan of Turkey in 1900, Bros., Chicago, to travel in their interests
the Steinways been identified with the musical career
through New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
of the Republic that they have given a new and strong and the Cross of the Legion of Honor, bestowed
New Jersey ami other Eastern states.
upon
Chas.
H.
Steinway
by
the
Republic
of
impetus to general culture. The uplifting of taste and
the diffusion of musical understanding may be traced
France in 1905. Referring to their art creations
The line of pianos to be handled in the piano
in large degree to the ardent and patriotic efforts and they say:
department
just opened by the Bailey Co. in
the consummate standards of the far-seeing and unsel-
"Steinway & Sons have a completely equipped Cleveland, includes the Everett, Emerson and
fish men who founded the Steinway establishment. Tbeir
ideal was a beautiful voice. Their work was to create series of ateliers for the design and manufacture Bailey.
PROGRESSIVE DEALERS SHOULD
ORDER THIS STYLE WITH
ACTION 200.
N E W M A N B R O S . CO., CHICAGO.
MANUFACTURCM OF HIOH-GHAOI
PIANOSlH«ORCANS
TRY OUR ORGANS WITH THE PATENT REED
PIPE SET OF REEDS. THEY PRODUCu THE
PUREST PIPE QUALITY OF TONE O> ANY
REZD ORGAN MANUFACTURED.
Our Pianos please all who appreciate the highest qualities of tire most scientifically
constructed piano on the market. A trial will convince the most critical of th«
superior qualities of our instruments.
ttTYl*
f Sk
FACTORY AND OFFICE!
STYLE 7, PIANO.
W. Chicago Avenue and Dix Street.
A LEADER IN COMPETITION
AMONG HIGH-GRADE PIA Not.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
13
shows their substantial correctness, but it seems
to me that there is little necessity to carry out
calculations for tension to such exactness as is
indicated by quotients running to twenty-two
places. Regarding the statements as to errors in
Conducted and Edited by Wm. B. White.
scaling and the resulting bad "breaks" between
I am very glad ot the opportunity to present to the pitch of C.,, the wire being No. 16, and the the bass and treble, it is a fact that many pianos
readers of this department a very interesting length 14 inches. By my calculations the ten- will be found to have their highest pitched bass
letter from E. M. Payson, who for many years sion of a 1-inch string of the given pitch and strings longer than the plain strings immediately
has been the head tuner for the John Church thickness is .7787643+, etc. Therefore, the tension above them. According to previous calculations
Co.'s Chicago branch. This letter may be one for a 14-inch string will be obtained by multi- of my own, the bass strings nearest to the plain
of those exceptions that are so erroneously sup- plying this result by the square of 14, that is, wire should be shorter by about 10 per cent.
posed to "prove the rule;" at any rate we have 196; whence we have the required tension on'
Doubtless it will be easily understood by all
here a contribution of genuine value to the stu- the string, which is 152.6378116-)-, etc., this being readers that the tension of 200 lbs. is as much
dent of the theory of piano construction, and the number of pounds of tension required for the too great for the highest C string as that of 87
this sort of thing is very seldom investigated by string under the given conditions.
lbs. is too little. As a general thing the tension
a practical tuner. For a long time 1 have been
"For practical purposes it is unnecessary to •for the highest strings should be about 135 lbs.,
preaching to readers of the department the de- carry out the calculation to twenty-two places as this being calculated for strings strung with
sirability of a closer investigation on their part I have done throughout, but in my calculations I 13 wire and at 2 inches of length for the highest
of the theory of construction and also of the have found it better to allow no possibility of
C, and so on proportionately. And in this re-
acoustics of music. Many practical tuners have error. I have also worked out the tension for any gard it might be well for the reader to note that
at one time or another taken upon themselves interval of the octave of tempered sounds, and in calculating string lengths there is one very
to demonstrate (to their complete satisfaction)
my accumulated error is less than one two good and simple rule that will always give the
that devotion to this sort of study is neither billion-billionth of a pound, so you can see the octave lengths with absolutely accurate propor-
necessary nor useful for the pianomaker or tuner, exhaustive accuracy of the manner in which I tion, and another from which all intermediate
and that such a man does not need to have any have handled the subject. I have also carried
lengths may be calculated. To obtain the true
knowledge of the scientific aspects of piano calculations of vibration frequency to the same length for a string one octave lower than a given
building. That this idea is totally at variance number of decimal places.
string, multiply the length of the given string
with my own notions on the subject it is hardly
"I have likewise worked out a table for 420 by 1.9375. This will give the octave lengths from
necessary for me to say here.' So many people, combinations of iron and copper wrapping wire the highest C down to the end of the plain wire
however, have held that such is the case, and whereby I can tell just the required weight of a strings. Now to obtain the intermediate string
that the "practical men" are right, that it is a 1-inch covered string. Knowing that, I can there- lengths, proceed as follows. Given the length of
genuine relief to note that one of the "practical fore calculate the proper tension for all bass one string, to find the length of the string which
men" at least agrees with me.
strings. . . . Such tables as these have never, I be- shall produce any number of semi-tones above
Mr. Payson's very illuminating communication lieve, been worked out before. . . . It is most inter- or below the pitch of the given string, all other
states that he has been a student of the piano esting to compare with this unit of measurement pertinent conditions remaining equal:
for twenty-five years, and that he has tuned over tt>e different variations shown by instruments.
1. Take the logarithm of the length of the
thirty-five thousand pianos in that time. With- The monstrosities of some scales are certainly given string.
out quoting; the whole of his letter, we reproduce marvelous. . . . I have noticed one piano wherein
2. Multiply the number .025086 by the number
here the salient portions thereof. Mr. Payson, the highest C string had a length of 2.25 inches of semi-tones that the sound to be given by the
then, says in part "The art of scientific scale and was of number 14 wire, which therefore re- required string is above or below the sound of
drawing, more especially as concerns string quired a tension of 200.8 lbs. to give a frequency the given string.
of 4,138.44 vibrations per second. The other for
r lengths, thickness and tensions, has been a hobby
3. If the required string is below the given
of mine for some years, and I have worked out the same pitch was 1.75 inches long and the wire string, add together the two numbers obtained;
a most exhaustive table, whereby, given the was number 11}4. requiring a tension of only if it be above, subtract the second number from
length, size and desired pitch for any string I 87.32 lbs. It is needless to say that in the latter- the first; the result in either case is the loga-
can at once calculate the required tension.
case the tone was badly wanting, and in the rithm of the required length.
"The basis of calculation was derived from former the limit of tensile strength was nearly
For example, suppose the length of middle C
nearly one hundred tests on wire of number 16% reached and the factor of safety consequently string to be 2S.82 inches; it is required to find
size (Poehlman gauge), at a temperature of 68 very small. On this piano the C above middle C the proper length of the string for C sharp, one
degrees Fahrenheit, and by taking the average was nearly 15 inches long, at least an inch longer semi-tone above.
of results gained. This was done on a fourteen- tkan any I have ever seen. It is impossible to
Length of C string in hundnvlfhs of an inch -= 2882.
45943 r= IOK. of 2SS2
get a piano with even tone quality when the ten-
inch string of most accurate measurement.
02508 ^ iho number .02508 (G) multiplied by the num-
ber (1) of semitones that required string
"From this I have been able to calculate the sion is disregarded, and this is the reason why
is above given strinc.
proper tension of all the 88 tones on a piano, for so many pianos have such bad 'breaks' between
By subtraction 4'A4Xr, - Lop. of 2718 --=-= length of re-
quired string in hunrirrdths of an inch «
the
plain
and
wound
strings.
.
.
.
The
best'break'I
all the sizes of wire used, from No. 12 to >*o. 26,
27.18 inches.
including the intermediate half sizes, and at the have ever seen is to be found on an old grand
By reversing this process and adding instead
piano of a famous make, which has been used
international tempered scale pitch (A 435).
of subtracting, we obtain the proper lengths for
"This required 1404 different calculations and very hard for fifteen years, so that the voicing strings bnlow, and thus all intermediate strings
each was carried out to twenty-two places of has entirely disappeared, as it were. Yet the above or below octave strings may be calculated
decimals, and then proved. These calculations evenness at the 'break' is remarkable. The 'sci- for with accuracy. This rule was first suggested
are on one inch of length, and as the pitch of a entifically' drawn scales are truly rare. . . . by the late Prof. Pole, F. R. S., of London. The
"If you ever read this letter as far as this
string varies as the square of its length, the
value of any logarithm or the logarithm of any
required tensions for any given string can be point—please forgive its length—but the subject number to the base 10 or to the base "e" can be
is
of
such
interest
to
me
that
I
feel
as
did
the
found by multiplying the tension for a one-inch
obtained from any set of logarithmic tables. I
string of the given thickness and pitch as given lunatic who, when asked if he knew the differ- would certainly suggest to all who are interested
ence
between
a
horse
and
a
hobby,
replied:
'Well,
in the calculations, by the square of the actual
in such matters the propriety of a preliminary
length of the given string. For example: It is you can get off of a horse.' . . . I believe that if any study of and familiarity with the use of loga-
other
living
man
has
carried
further
investiga-
required to find the tension for a string to give
rithms. These useful formulae greatly simplify
tions along this line, he has not yet given his
all arithmetical and algebraic calculations.
knowledge to the world.
* * * *
"Very truly yours,
Altogether, I am very glad of the opportunity
E. M. PAYSON."
afforded this week of delivering this little com-
mentary on the very able and painstaking work
I have found it necessary to condense Mr. of Mr. Payson. Readers should give great attenr
Payson's letter somewhat, as space was lacking, tion to this gentleman's letter, as it contains some
D O N ' T purchase any
but the salient points are all given above. It very valuable and well digested information.
new tools until you have
will be noted that Mr. Payson's decimal calcula- The neat little rule which I have noted for calcu-
tions are given here only to seven places, instead lating string lengths when the length of any one
consulted our catalogue!
of to twenty-two as in the original. The reason string is known, will be found to be perfectly
We make a specialty of
for this compression is that the reader certainly accurate, and is recommended to the attention
TUNERS' TOOLS, OUTFITS
will not desire to verify a calculation to twenty- of scale designers and students of the theory of
two places of decimals, and indeed the process construction.
and SUPPLIES at very
would be very tedious unless logarithms were
* • • •
reasonable prices.
used. I must say, however, that this most lucid
Communications for the department should be
communication stands as a model of acoustical
investigation. The man who is capable of this addressed to the Editor Technical Department
sort of work is a valuable man to the trade, and The Music Trade Review.
THE TUNERS' SUPPLY CO.
should be heard of further.
FRANKLIN SQUARE,
BOSTON, MASS.
Prof. Sparks has rented warerooms in Logan,
Regarding Mr. Payson's ' specific statements,
such verification as I have been able to make O., where he will handle a full line of pianos.
TUNERS!

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