Music Trade Review

Issue: 1914 Vol. 58 N. 12

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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
The Effect of Talking Machines on Piano Sales.
O
UR attention has been drawn to a recent article appearing in
the columns of a daily paper published in southern Illinois,
in which a prophesy is made of the triumph of the talking machine
over the piano as the instrument of the home.
This is simply another case of the uninformed going off at half
cock—just another of the many absurd statements which are made
in the columns of the daily papers concerning special industries of
which the writers are in total ignorance.
Such a prophecy is absurd, and the writer probably has not
even a superficial knowledge of the fundamentals of either of the
industries to which he referred in a prophetic manner.
The growth of the talking machine industry in this country has
been one of the most remarkable developments which has occurred
in any trade, and it is probably natural to suppose that a lot of
writers and business men will be free to make all kinds of predic-
tions regarding its future.
If a piano merchant finds business dull and he finds his more
enterprising neighbor is doing business, who, by the way, may
handle talking machines, he attributes the slowness of trade with him
to the talking machine, and when a newspaper man drops in he is
liable to say that the talking machine is cutting out pianos, and so,
perhaps, the writers are not wholly to blame when they make
ridiculous prophecies concerning the future of musical instruments.
'"I S HE talking machine has become, within a very brief time, such a
J- great factor in the musical life of the nation that many people
are apt to make most ridiculous comments regarding its future with-
out taking the time to investigate just what effect it may have upon
the sale of other musical instruments.
We recall the time when some of the old piano manufacturers
figured that long before 1900 the entire population of America
would have been supplied with pianos and all of the factories would
be put out of business by reason of lack of demand for instru-
ments.
That was the limited vision with which many men contemplated
the piano horizon years ago.
What is the result?
More pianos are being made and distributed than ever before,
and it is reasonable to suppose that a population of 100,000,000
has an absorptive piano capacity of 300,000 pianos annually.
Now, let us take up the question as to the serious invasion of
the talking machine upon the piano field, and how much it has.
reduced the demand for pianos.
Of course, there are instances where people of limited income
debate seriously as to whether they will purchase a piano or a talking
machine.
It is admitted that the talking machine has many features of
attractiveness. It supplies a variety of music which no other crea-
tion of human brain and hand can supply, but still it creates a
demand for something more. It awakens a true musical spirit, and
every talking machine which is sold is simply carrying on educa-
tional work for a greater demand for music, just the same as pianos
wherever placed are adding their share to the musical love of our
people.
OES anyone for a moment suppose that the talking machine
business could have reached the position which it has
achieved within such a brief time were it not for the educational
work carried on through the mediumship of the piano in former
years? The demand for music has been stimulated by the sales of
all musical instruments.
We are inclined to the belief that the piano market would be
lessened if the talking machine were removed entirely from our
modern life.
Why?
Simply because there would be a lessened desire for music, and
piano manufacturers and piano merchants would have to work just
so much the harder to instill the love of music into their clientele.
The facts are that piano and talking machines are both power-
ful developers in stimulating a love for music in the home circle,
D
and when a customer shows an uncertainty as to which instrument
he will purchase it is simply an incident in our business life.
A good many piano merchants find that customers from time
to time make inquiries in their stores for talking machines, expecting
to find them therein. The inquiry is natural, because it is logical
to associate the talking machine as a musical instrument with houses
which deal in all kinds of musical accessories.
T
HERE are more people who look in a music store for talking
machines than in exclusive talking machine stores; but so far
as the talking machine itself curtailing the sale of pianos by acting
as a deterrent force is too absurd to seriously consider.
The statement, too, has been made that the sale of talking
machines has decreased the sale of what we coloquially term small
goods. In other words, musical instruments of lesser value than
pianos, and yet inquiry at the great music trade emporiums in the
principal cities brings forth the information that the stores which
are thoroughly progressive are selling more banjos, mandolins,
guitars, accordeons, etc., than before for years.
To our minds, this increased demand for musical instruments
has come largely through the influence of the talking machine in
cultivating a love for music in many ways.
To illustrate: a person who owns a talking machine puts on
fine banjo, violin or mandolin records. The audience listens to them
with pleasure, and as a result of this kind of educational work some
of the listeners will visit nearby stores and make purchases of in-
struments so that they can themselves learn to play upon them.
Here is where the great educational power of the talking machine
comes in. It places the finest music of the world within reach of all.
The world's greatest singers and instrumentalists are, .through
the agency of the talking machine, brought directly into the home
circle.
If we had a great catalog of world renowned piano solos and
selections it would increase the sales and interest in the piano
just as the vocal talking machine records have given hundreds of
students to music teachers, who have personally admitted that their
pupils have been encouraged to take up the higher study of vocal
music simply by the talking machine arousing ambitious instincts
within them.
HE men who claim that the talking machine is seriously affect
ing the piano business have not carefully studied the funda-
mentals, because the demand for pianos is steadily increasing, and
with the growing advent of the player-piano a new factor has been
introduced which will still further make for healthy progress.
Again, there is another paint which it is well to make in this
connection, and that is that the talking machine has proven a splendid
aid to piano merchants everywhere, because it has enabled them
to make quick and easy profits. It has helped them to tide over
trying financial conditions and has been the means of drawing cus-
tomers to their stores who would not have purchased pianos, and
it has helped them out very materially in the financial showing of
their business.
After all, perhaps, the criticism that the talking machine has
interfered with the piano business is quite natural when we con-
sider that the talking machine as a selling force has broken all
records.
It has come within a few years and is to-day conceded to be a
powerful factor in the musical life of the nation; but its stimulating
musical features, however, are not wholly understood or appre-
ciated by those who thoughtlessly criticise.
The talking machine is helpful in many ways to the musical
business, and piano merchants as a whole are not slow in giving
to the talking machine fair credit for the success of their business.
There are, of course, some few who allege that it has curtailed
piano sales, but these are the ones who are uninformed and who
usually lack ability to successfully conduct their own enterprises.
T
T
HE above editorial is reprinted from The Talking Machine
World of March 15, because of its relevancy and interest.
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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
DEALERS SEEK PROTECTION.
POPPENBERG'S NEW QUARTERS
MILWAUKEE DEPARTMENT MOVES.
Better Posted Members of the Trade Now De-
In Buffalo Are Rapidly Approaching Comple- Piano Department of Gimbel Bros., Milwau-
sire to Know Something of the Standing and
kee, Moved to Second Floor and Combined
tion and Sale Preparatory to Moving Is Now
Stability of the Manufacturer Before Order-
with Talking Machine Department.
Under Way—New Building Seven Times
ing, with a View to Protecting Future.
Larger Than Present Poppenberg Space.
(Special to The Review.)
(Special to The Review. 1
(Special to The Review.)
CINCINNATI, O., March 17.—Progressive deal-
BUFFALO, N. Y., March 15.—As the Poppenberg
ers, according to General Traveling Representative
building, at the corner of Main and Carlton streets,
Victor W. O'Brien, of the John Church Co., realize
is nearing completion, the Poppenberg Piano Co.
that the careless extension of credit during the past
is holding a removal sale preparatory to moving to
ten years in the piano trade is a thing of the past.
its new and handsome home. For nearly a quar-
They now want to know something about the
ter of a century the Poppenberg store at 674 Main
financial standing of the manufacturer in order to
street has been a conspicuous spot on Buffalo's
protect their future.
main thoroughfare.
These are some of the observations of Mr.
The Poppenberg Co. is the sole agent for
O'Brien as the result of a six weeks' trip in the
Checkering & Sons, Kimball, Gabler, Krell Auto-
Mississippi River valley during which connections
Grand, Capen, Blasius, Foster, Marshall & Wen-
were made with two-thirds of the places visited.
dell, Armstrong and other pianos.
In mapping out his itinerary Mr. O'Brien listed
The new building will be seven times larger
only those who have a financial rating. In speak-
than the present space occupied by the Poppenberg
ing of his trip, Mr. O'Brien said: "I found the
store. Day by day the great structure is nearing
piano dealers who are the backbone of the trade
its completion and in several weeks the work will
don't want the liberal credits of the past. They
be over. The building is seven stories high and
have learned to their sorrow that this thing does
is constructed of brown bricks and stone. Its
not pay in the long run. Connections with a man-
location is in the northern part of the business
ufacturer having loose methods has resulted in
section of the city and can be easily reached by
the source of the dealers' product being stopped
all car lines. Ulysses G. Orr, Buffalo's most
on account of financial troubles. In other words,
prominent architect, planned the new structure
a dealer who has featured certain lines for years
which is a handsome building.
finds that the manufacturer has gone broke and
with it disappears pianos which gave him a certain
standing in the community. The dealers realize
this and are, like the rest of the business world, Another Patented Feature to Be Added to Bjur
changing their methods so as to get the best benefit
Bros. Pianos and Player-Pianos.
without danger of loss of a lifetime work.
W. L. Bjur, treasurer of the Bjur Bros. Co.,
"The new Harvard piano is being praised by the
Whitlock
and Leggett avenues, New York, has
trade. The veneering is the best we have turned
been
notified
by his patent attorneys that he has
out and the piano speaks for itself."
been granted a United States patent on a new im-
CONTINUANCE OFJ^OROERY CHARGE. proved fallboard, the claims of which will be set
forth later. This fallboard will be used in the
Hugo Heller and H. F. Butler Secure Another construction of Bjur Bros, instruments in which
Postponement Until March 18—Judge Says are also found other original and unique features
Case Must Be Brought to Trial at That Date. the patents of Mr. Bjur. One of these is an im-
proved action bolt patented a few years ago, while
(Special to The Review.)
another is a batik bolt, four to which are used in
MILWAUKEE, W I S V March 17.—Hugo Heller and
H. F. Butler, president and secretary, respectively, a piano, and is of extraordinary value, as it goes
of the bankrupt Heller Piano Co., secured another through the plate, pin block and entire back, greatly
continuance of the forgery charge brought against strengthening the upper part of the piano against
them and the case will be heard March 18. The the tension of the strings. Another unique feature
court announced that this would be the last time of the Bjur Bros, instruments is a mouse-proof and
that the case could be postponed and that it must dust-proof back screen frame which is found ex-
be brought to trial on the date set. Heller and clusively on these instruments.
Butler are confident that they can clear themselves
of the charge and have been waiting to secure
BACON FACTORYJO BE SOLD
Mark Kemmerer, the salesman, formerly in .their
employ, who is alleged to have made the piano sale By Public Auction in Connection with Fore-
closure Sale—Charles B. Lawson, Trustee,
in question out of which the present trouble arose.
Asks Views of Creditors as to Action Brought
It seems that Kemmerer sold an electric piano to
by Holder of Third Mortgage.
Daniel J. Lewis, a hotelkeeper and saloonkeeper
of Cudahy, VVis. Later Lewis brought the forgery
Charles B. Lawson, trustee of the Bacon Piano
charges against Heller and Butler, alleging that
these officials forged the contract and a note for Co., bankrupt, has sent out the following letter to
$650. Heller and Butler claim that they know the creditors:
nothing about the sale and they are anxious to
"I beg to advise you that the personal property
secure Kemmerer and have him testify in court. of the Bacon Piano Co. has been sold at public
Attorneys for the accused men say that if they auction by the United States auctioneer.
cannot secure Kemmerer they will have his deposi-
"An action has been commenced by the holder
tion by the time the case comes up.
of the third mortgage o,n the factory building to
Referee in Bankruptcy E. Q. Nye will hold an- foreclose his mortgage. The prior mortgages ag-
other hearing in the Heller bankruptcy case on gregate $27,000. The liens and incumibrances,
March 20, when the labor claims will again come including the third mortgage, amount to a little
up for consideration.
over $38,000. The property has been appraised at
this sum.
OTTO L. WRIGHTJV1AKES CHANGE.
"It is my judgment that the property will bring
Otto L. Wright, who for some time past has as much at the public auction sale in the fore-
acted as wholesale representative for the Christ- closure action as it would if sold at trustee's sale,
man Piano Co., resigned last week to join the staff and I see no reason for petitioning for a sale. If
of the Peerless Piano Player Co., with headquar- you entertain contrary views, I would be glad to
ters in Chicago. Mr. Wright is well acquainted hear from you at once.
"I shall, of course, see that publicity is given to
with the Peerless line, having traveled for that
the time and place o.f the sale."
house some years ago.
W. L. BJUR PATENTSNEW FALLBOARD
WINTER & CO.
220 SOUTHERN BOULEVARD, N E W YORK
Manufacturers of
MILWAUKEE, WIS., March 17.—The piano depart-
ment at Gimbel Bros.' store, now in charge of L.
C. Parker, the enterprising manager of the Victor
department at the store, has been moved from its
former quarters on the sixth floor down to the
second floor, where the piano and talker depart-
ments have been combined. This will not only
make it easier for Mr. Parker to supervise both
departments, but it is believed that it will make it
handier for the public to get the pianos on the
second floor, where they are more accessible. Hand-
some new parlors have been arranged and the
space on the second floor has been more than
doubled.
Mr. Parker reports some fine sales of the Auto-
piano, Packard and Brambach pianos.
N. Y. P. M. A. TOJiOLD MEETING.
Spring Session and Dinner to Take Place at
Murray Hill Hotel on April 15—Fire Com-
missioner Adamson and Senator Pollock to
Make Addresses at the Gathering.
The spring meeting and dinner of the New
York Piano Manufacturers' Association will be
held on April 15 at the Murray Hill Ho.tel, at
which a program of special interest is promised
by Albert Behning, chairman of the entertain-
ment committee. The chief speakers will be Rob-
ert Adamson, New York Fire Commissioner, who
will speak on the subject of fire prevention, and
Senato.r Harry W. Pollock, who will talk on the
various phases of the Workmen's Compensation
Law of the State and its effect on the piano trade.
This will be a particularly live subject, as the law
will go into effect on July 1.
During the course of the meeting the ways and
means committee of the association will make a
report of the progress made to date in the plans
for entertaining the piano men who will visit
New York in June to attend the annual con-
ventions.
HARDMANS SOLD TO SCHOOL.
Selected for Use in New Public School Building
in Huntington, N. Y.—Hardman Pinaos Used
in Many Other New York Schools.
Hardman, Peck & Co. sold this week two Hard-
man uprights to the new public school recently
erected at Huntington, L. I., N. Y. This school,
which is one of the finest educational institutions
on Long Island, selected the Hardman pianos after
extended trials and tests.
Hardman, Peck & Co. have for many years sold
many pianos to the schools in Greater New York,
including Long Island, Staten Island and in Man-
hattan, where they secure an important share of
the annual purchase of new instruments. The
fact that the Hardman piano has stood up satis-
factorily under the exigencies of school service is
a strong tribute to its constructional merits.
TO MARKET THE CALLOPHONE.
The Illinois Callophone Co. has been incorpo-
rated with $1,000,000 capital under the laws of
Delaware for the purpose of manufacturing and
dealing in callophones, instruments for recording
and duplicating sounds, etc. The incorporators are
N. L. Shafer, M. W. Gisleman, C. D. Taylor and
H. K. Wood, of New York.
The McBride Piano Co., of Tyler, Tex., has been
incorporated with capital stock of $15,000. Incor-
porators : W. H. McBride, J. W. Hogan and T. B.
Ramer.
Superior Pianos
and Player Pianos

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