Music Trade Review

Issue: 1910 Vol. 50 N. 21

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
Destinn, Messrs. Caruso, Slezak, Renaud, etc.
The firm, therefore, in planning this new building
decided to introduce a reception room on the
Secure Control of 433 Fifth Avenue, New York, and Will Erect Unique and Costly Building to
ground floor where artists may find at their dis-
be Known as the Hardman House—Is Right in the Heart of the Finest Retail District—
posal every convenience in case they wish to
Will Be Devoted Exclusively to the Sale of Pianos—Will Be Handsomely Equipped.
write letters or make it a meeting place with
friends.
An interpreter who speaks German,
Monday Hardman, Peck & Co., New York, ground floor entrance will be particularly impres-
French, Italian, as well as English, will always
sive
with
large
bronze
candle
sticks
at
the
signed a lease for twenty-one years at an aggre-
be on hand. The firm will also probably serve
gate rental of $750,000 for the premises 433 entrance and the show window will be set in a
tea in this room in the afternoons to customers
border
of
white
marble
elaborately
carved.
The
Fifth avenue, and will erect thereon the most
and visitors who may, at the same time, have the
unique showrooms in New York. This building, walls and ceiling of the entire ground floor will
opportunity in this way of becoming acquainted
between Thirty-eighth and Thirty-ninth streets, be built of Caen stone. The ceilings will be
arched and elaborately carved in stone and a with the world's most prominent artists. The
will be located in what is known as the heart of
remainder of the first floor will be devoted to the
exhibition of a half a dozen art pianos in various
designs of cases. No selling will be done on the
ground floor.
The second floor will be entirely devoted to
the sale and exhibition of grand pianos. On the
third floor will be exhibited a full line of Hard-
man upright pianos; the fourth floor to Harring-
ton uprights. The fifth and sixth floors will be
given over to the sale and exhibition of the
Autotone. These instruments will be displayed
in sound-proof rooms. There will also be private
rooms in which to try perforated music rolls.
Besides this, there will be on almost every floor
a room decorated in some period design, such as
Louis XV, Louis XVI, Mission, Colonial, Adams,
Sheraton, etc., each containing only one piano
to match the particular style of decoration of the
room. This is being done so that a prospective
purchaser may see how the piano case will match
the style of decoration which he may want to
introduce in his own home. The rooms and
pianos will be designed by one of New York's
foremost decorators and will, each of them, be
a work of art in its particular style. It is stated
that one of these rooms will cost about $20,000
to decorate. The basement will be occupied by
second-hand pianos and shipping rooms.
The building will be finished about April 1,
1911.
Alfred L. Peck, president of the firm,
stated to The Review that the dedication of this
new piano palace will take place about March 1
next and. that many of the most prominent opera
singers have promised to be present and lend
their assistance to make the occasion a memor-
able one.
HARDMAN, PECK & CO.'S NEW FIFTH AVE. HOME.
TO ARBITRATE FREIGHT RATES.
Interstate Commission Will Act on Appeal of
Eastern Trunk Lines.
(Special to The Review.)
Washington, D. C, May 14, 1910.
At a conference with representatives of the
Eastern trunk line railways and commercial
bodies in Boston, New York, Baltimore and Phil-
adelphia to-day, the Interstate Commerce Com-
mission agreed to arbitrate the import traffic
question, which has resulted in a rate war
among the Eastern railroads.
The matter has been thrashed out thoroughly
by the railroads and commercial bodies, but no
arrangement of the controversy appeared possi-
ble until the suggestion was made that the com-
mission be requested to arbitrate. In no other
way could the questions be brought before the
commission.
The commission agreed to arbitrate, but in-
timated that nothing could be done until next
autumn, a temporary arrangement governing the
rates until the commission shall act.
'
HARDMAN, PECK & CO.'S PALATIAL HOME ON FIFTH
the finest retail district, between the new depot
of the Pennsylvania Railroad and that of the
New York Central, one of the finest piano loca-
tions in the city.
The building will be designed by the architects,
Francis G. Stewart and Harry Allen Jacobs. The
exterior will be in Italian style, built in white
marble with a colonade on the second floor,
separated by columns of Pavanavva marble. Be-
tween these columns will stand large, carved
marble boxes filled with flowers. The back of the
colonade will be of xFrench plate glass. The
AVENUE.
circular marble stairway, which will be one of
the features of the building, will run up to the
second floor. Over this stairway will be a dome
of leaded glass which will shed light into the
rear of the show rooms. This is the first time
that a salesroom has been built entirely of Caen
stone. It was usually used only in private
houses on account of its costliness.
The Hardman warerooms have lately become a
rendezvous for the great musicians visiting New
York. It is no uncommon thing to meet there on
an afternoon Madame Tetrazzini or Madame
INCORPORATE WITH CAPITAL OF $200,000.
The Knight-Brinkerhoff Piano Co., whose fac-
tory is located at Brazil, Ind., has been incor-
porated in that State with a capital stock of
$200,000. C. Y. McClure, who was formerly as-
sociated with Mr. Knight in the piano business
in Denver, is the new treasurer.
Geo. R. Rewbridge has been appointed man-
ager of the F. W. Fredericks piano store in Pitts-
burg, Pa. This is a well deserved promotion, as
Mr. Rewbridge was for several years cashier of
the company.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
8
TH
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
THE KNABE PIANO OF TO-DAY
Piano dealers'
questions answered
Why should you handle
the Victor? It is the great-
est musical instrument in the
world.
Won't it interfere with the
piano business ? Not in the
least; helps it—gets people
better acquainted with your
store.
How do sales compare
with pianos ? Easier and
more frequent; and every
Victor you sell means a
steady customer for new
Victor Records.
What about profits? Lib-
eral profits and yet not
nearly so much capital needed
as for pianos.
Is there much competition?
None in "quality" and every
Victor dealer is on an equal
footing—no price-cutting.
What is the experience of
other dealers? One of the
greatest piano dealers in
America makes twice as much
money on Victor goods as in
his piano department.
We're glad to answer any
other questions about the
Victor.
Write us for full informa-
tion.
Victor Talking Machine Co.
Camden, N. J., U. S. A.
Berliner Gramophone Co., Montreal,
Canadian Distributors.
To get best results, use only Victor Needles
on Victor Records.
Knabe prestige does not have to rest upon
past accomplishments, for the product of to day
would speedily compel recognition even if there
was not a glorious history of achievement be-
hind.
Critical trade experts and accomplished musi-
cians have not been slow to realize the improve-
ments of recent days which have baen made in
the Knabe pianos.
While the history of the house since its incep-
tion has been one of constant evolution, yet it
must be admitted that the pianos from the
factories of William Knabe & Co. during a very
recent period have eclipsed "those of former
years.
This condition might be expected when we
understand that there is an unceasing aim on
the part of the directing forces to surpass all
Knabe records made heretofore.
The Knabe Mignonette Grand has come in for
well merited praise.
It is recognized as being a special grand
product which is destined to leave an indelible
impression upon the music public.
It emphasizes that there is no halting in
Knabe progress and no slowing up in investi-
gation in' the Knabe factory regarding not
merely piano construction but tone refinement.
There is a charm and distinction about the
Knabe Mignonette Grand which is undeniable.
The more one hears of its peculiar tone quality
the more impressive becomes the instrument.
It certainly marks a distinct epoch in the
creation of small grands, for with it it is possi-
ble to produce a charming range of refined tints
with a fluency and a delicacy which charms
listeners and it emphasizes the fact that not-
withstanding the eminence which the Knabe
piano has won its makers, they saw that there
were still higher points attainable.
It is constant evolution of years which has
enabled the famous house of Win. Knabe & Co.
KRANICH & BACHJN BALTIMORE.
Agency Placed with Gomprecht & Benesch,
Who Intend to Give This Instrument a Splen-
did Representation in That City.
(Special to The Review.)
Baltimore, Md., May 17, 1910.
The representation of the Kranich & Bach
pianos for this city and locality has been secured
by Gomprecht & Benesch, who conduct one of
the most successful department stores in the
South. This arrangement was consummated
after a careful investigation of local conditions.
Kranich & Bach expressed their satisfaction
with the house and with the plans they have in
mind for exploiting the Kranich & Bach in a
very flattering letter to Gomprecht & Benesch, in
which, after apologizing for the delay in closing
negotiations for the agency, they said:
"The reprehensible and shameless method?
that have crept into piano selling of rece.i'.
years—the sacrifice of all intrinsic quality and
artistic merit to the worst form of commercial-
ism—has forced the piano manufacturer who
cares to protect his name and sustain his honor
info an attitude of extreme caution in his rela-
tion to the retailer. Hence we always institute
a thorough investigation into the business
methods and local standing of any firm with
whom we contemplate dealing.
"We must confess that in your case the result,
of our investigations has proven most gratifying.
We are frank to say that we highly admire your
methods in general, and especially applaud the
honorable attitude you have taken in the selling
of pianos—in your avoidance of all the fraudulent
schemes now so prevalent and your firm stand
in giving your customers honest value for the
money they invest in pianos.
"We feel that the honor of our house and the
protection of our customers are both safe in
to produce this remarkable grand creation.
It adds but another link to the great Knabe
chain, a chain which is long enough to girdla
the globe with piano testimonials.
When you think of it, how closely the history
of the house of Knabe has been interwoven with
the musical life of America!
What great artists have played upon the
Knabe creations and what superb music has
been evolved from these masterpieces!
!And what a dainty pianistic triumph—the
Knabe Mignonette Grand!
It would seem to leave nothing that can be
desired in melody—harmony—everything.
It is capable of portraying with exquisito
effect the varying moods of the player, and it is
easy to understand why this creation should
have immediately won enthusiastic praise from
those best qualified to judge of pianistic merit.
When we stop to think that this special piano
has the prestige of the Knabe name it is at
once easy to understand why the Knabe repre-
sentatives have, with one voice, joined in the
praise of this special product. It only adds to
the long list of Knabe triumphs.
And, if we pause one moment, think how
many triumphs have been won by the Knabe
creations! Marvelous, indeed.
The list of masters of world-wide eminence
who have endorsed the Knabe is almost endless—
Tschaikowsky, Sauer, Hambourg, Carreno, Rubin-
stein, Griinfeld, Ysaye, Scharwenka, Melba and
Kubelik.
These come to mind at random, but how many
more are there of eminent musicians in the
homes who echo the sentiments of the great
professionals!
How many Knabe pianos are there scattered
throughout the length and breadth of this land
whose owners are just as enthusiastic in the
praise of their instruments and who have come
to regard them with genuine affection!
your hands and are ready to conclude negotia-
tions constituting you our Baltimore branch at
your earliest convenience."
REGARDING HARNESSED PIANOS.
Railroads to Bring Matter Before Freight Con-
vention—Allege That Damage Claims Are
Too Frequent.
It is stated that one of the subjects to be
brought up before the convention of the Trans-
continental Freight Association to be held in
Chicago in July, will be the question of handling
pianos in harness. It is claimed that frequently
the pianos are insecurely fastened and break
away in transit, thereby causing severe damage.
When the pianos are received in bad condition
the dealers file a claim with the railroads, who
generally have to settle. While it is not believed
that the association will refuse to handle un-
boxed pianos and cause heavy expense to the
piano men, it is very likely more rigid regula-
tions will be drafted governing the manner in
which pianos must be harnessed.
THE NEW BRUNSWICK PIANO CO.
(Special to The Review.)
New Brunswick, N. J., May 17, 1910.
The New Brunswick Piano Co. will be the title
of the piano store opened by William G. Lovatt,
in the Hubbard building, on Bayard street, this
city. Mr. Lovatt was formerly with the Mathu-
shek Piano Co. on Church street, and expects to
make a selection of stock and be ready for a for-
mal opening at an early date.
A FLORIDA INCORPORATION.
The American Music Co., of Jacksonville,
have filed a certificate of incorporation with the
Secretary of the State of Florida with a capital
of $10,000. R. M. Barbour is president and M.
H. Bidez secretary and treasurer.

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