Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1914 Vol. 59 N. 7

Page 4 Text:

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE
MEW
EDWARD LYMAN BILL - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
Executive and Reportorlal Stall:
B. BRITTAIN WILSON,
A. J. NICKLIN,
CARLETON CHACE,
AUGUST J. TTMPE,
L. M. ROBINSON,
W B . B. WHITE,
GLAD HENDERSON,
L. E. BOWERS.
BOSTON OFFICE
CHICAGO OFFICE:
FOHN H. WILSON, J24 Washington St
E- £• ^ A N HARLINGEN Consumers* Building.
_ , , ' , . „,„
280 So. State Street. Telephone, Wabash 5774.
Telephone, Main 6950.
HENRY S. KINGWILL, Associate,
LONDON, ENGLAND: 1 Oresham Ruildings, Basinghall St., E. C.
NEWS SERVICE IS SUPPLIED WEEKLY BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED IN THE LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA.
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
REVIEW
ing vessels of foreign register to put under the American flag."
Washington also reports that South American countries are
turning to American merchants for many products hitherto
bought in Europe. There is undoubtedly a big opportunity for
a large South American trade, while when control of the sea has
been obtained by some one of the leading combatants, exports
will be resumed again on a large scale with Europe.
For some time, however, as before remarked, the readjust-
ment of conditions will cause an uncertainty and an unbalancing
of conditions in the manufacturing field which will cause dis-
turbance in many industries.
The United States has furnished abundant evidence of its
ability to take care of itself during the present dislocation of
things, and with the good sense and optimism manifested on the
part of the leading commercial and financial interests, there is no
reason why we should not emerge from these "trying days" with
safety and with honor.
I
N many respects the annual convention of the American Guild
of Piano Tuners in 'Rochester, last week, proved a disap-
SUBSCRIPTION (including postage), United States and Mexico, $2.00 per year; Canada.
pointment,
from the point of view of those who had looked to
$3.50; all other countries, $5.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $3.00 per inch, single column, per insertion.
On quarterly or
that
organization
to go on record as adopting a strongly pro-
yearly contracts, a special discount is allowed. Advertising pages $90.00.
REMITTANCES. In other than currency forms, should be made payable to Edward
gressive
policy
for
the uplift of the tuning profession. The
Lyman Bill.
avowed
purpose
of
the
organization since the time of its forma-
PljIVPP Piiinn 9fill
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
I IOJC1 1 lailV ailU
technical
nature
relating
to
the
tuning,
regu-
tion has been to make better tuners of those men already engaged
tions of a
I)f>n!)PfniPnfc
lating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos are
VKpai t l l l t l t i a . d e a h w j t h > w i n b e f o u n d { n a n c , t h e r 8 c c t i 0 n o f t his
in the work, and also to protect the general public, so far as
paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concerning which
will be cheerfully given upon request.
possible, from the incompetent and fraudulent tuner.
It is right and fitting that the Guild should set a high stand-
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Paris Exposition, 1900
Silver Medal- . .Charleston Exposition, 1902
ard
for
its membership, and that the man who seeks membership
Diploma
Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Gold Medal
St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Medal..Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1905
should be able to prove his ability and worthiness to affiliate with
the body as a full member; but it is also right that the man who
XiONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES—NUMBERS 5982—5983 KADIS ON BQ.
Connecting- all Departments
is sincere, and who, without having had the advantages of perfect
Cable address: "Elbill, N»w York."
training, is nevertheless desirous of improving- his work and for-
warding his ideals should be afforded the opportunity. If the
NEW YORK, A U G U S T 1 5 , 1914
earnest but imperfect tuner is unable to enjoy at least association
with Guild members, how is he to prepare himself to meet the
standards of that body?
EDITORIAL
Just so soon as the members and executives of the Guild
fail to give heed to the fact that co-operation between its organi-
RAPID adjustment to new conditions, as a result of the zation and the other forces of the trade, particularly the manu-
facturers and retailers, is absolutely necessary to accomplish
European war upsetting- all business calculations, is under
r
results, just so soon will the usefulness of the organization as a
way. The w ar situation has now assumed a more concrete
constructive
force come to an end.
phase, for the line-up of the great European nations is complete
Under
present
conditions the members of the Guild demand
—at least it would seem so.
that
prospective
members
measure up to a standard which com-
Much as we sympathize with the people of the countries
paratively
few
of
those
now
in the organization were required
who are afflicted in being drawn into this struggle, it is the duty
to meet, and which possibly some could not meet even if re-
of a trade publication to discuss the situation from the purely
quired. The man who is honestly interested in improving his
business standpoint—to consider the war only in its effects on
work and the standing of the tuning profession in general is
business at large, and naturally on the industry which The
worth more as a member to the Guild than a half-dozen who rest
Review represents.
in smug contentment with their own perfection and raise even
In this connection the opinions of some well-known piano
higher the barrier of exclusiveness.
men on this subject will be found in another part of this issue.
The National Piano Manufacturers' Association, at its an-
That all lines of business are being or will be affected to a greater
nual convention some years ago, indorsed the objects of the
or lesser extent is obvious; some will be affected more seriously
Guild, and expressed its willingness to co-operate in any con-
than others, while it is not improbable that a great many busi-
structive work for the welfare of the trade.
nesses may gain as the result of the conflict abroad.
It will take some time to get things running smoothly, but
If the radical element that appeared to control things at the
every effort is being put forth by banks and business interests
Guild convention should by its very radicalism forfeit the right
toward harmonious action. The Western banking institutions,
to such co-operation, and even serious attention, the heaviest
as well as those of the East, are in good shape. The reserves loss will fall on the tuners themselves.
are large, and they have little in the way of deposit liabilities.
The spirit of the dictator, the "you-must-do-this-and-that"
Currency is being conserved as much as possible through the
method, mav be well enough in the conduct of some labor unions,
use of checks as a circulating medium between banks and busi-
whose object is to combat rather than co-operate with the manu-
ness houses. It is the general opinion that within another week
facturer and dealer, but it will not do for the organization that
the situation will be much easier in all lines of business.
heralds the uplift as its object.
Before John Barrett, director general of the Panama-Ameri-
Education does not mean exclusiveness. Teachers do not
can Union, sailed for Panama on Monday to make the first
accomplish their work by congregating in the school buildings,
regular passage through the canal on a commercial ship, he
congratulating themselves upon their great knowledge, and then
said: "The country's business interests are face to face with
bar out the pupils. The members of the Guild announce that
the greatest combined responsibility and possibility in the de- they intend to educate the people in general to look for and
velopment of its South American trade. South America buys
appreciate the competent and honest tuner, and yet when it is
nearly $700,000,000 worth of manufactured products from Europe
suggested that the tuners outside the fold be educated they ex-
every year, and the present situation can only be relieved by
claim: "Who is going to pay for the education"? Surely the
American shipping men chartering special vessels or purchas-
task of adding to the tuning knowledge of the few thousand
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.
A

Page 5 Text:

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
members of the profession is a much less formidable task than
endeavoring- to "educate" close to a hundred million plain
citizens.
At Rochester the officials of the Guild threw aside the offer
of substantial assistance and co-operation from one of the most
broad-minded and progressive corporations in the country—co-
operation that meant the direct support of many piano manu-
facturers—because the offer carried with it the proviso that the
policy of the Guild as an educational body be declared. It was
one of those cases where independence does not make for
progress.
In his address before the Tuners' Guild, Frank E. Morton,
acoustic engineer of the American Steel & Wire Co., summed
up conditions clearly when he said, in part:
"The right road is never an easy road until it has been made
smooth. Road making is not an easy task, but the strength de-
veloped in road making is most desirable. The American Guild
of Piano Tuners should be made a smooth road for those who
follow.
"You now have an organization whose avowed policy is
exclusive in its nature. You are seeking to make the way more
difficult for those who follow. This is wrong in principle. You
should make it easier in order that those who follow may use
their strength for progress greater than yours. Their labor
should begin where yours leaves off. The American Guild of
Piano Tuners can be and should be a firmly established educational
institution. The only requisites for membership should be a good
moral character and a desire to follow this vocation. The classi-
fication which now is made outside the organization through
examinations, etc., should be made inside the organization, thus
permitting progressive, cumulative and continuous action by its
members.
"With the present ideal standard of proficiency determining
the eligibility for membership in this organization, there is no
incentive to activity. Its members have 'arrived,' hence no
further effort is necessary. 'They who are whole need no
physician.'
"The way to greater knowledge is through teaching. De-
velopment comes through putting forth, and he is greatest who
gives most; therefore, the sole object should be that of making
for the higher efficiency of its individual members. Such effi-
ciency cannot be secured or maintained by prohibition or regula-
tion, either in the organization or through State or national
legislation. Let your object be mutual helpfulness and your motto
be 'No discretion without a corresponding responsibility.'
"Those industries upon which you are dependent and whose
help and co-operation are absolutely essential to your welfare
will respond at once to this keynote."
WORKING THE COUNTRY DISTRICTS FOR SUMMER TRADE.
Charles R. Ambuhl, Who Recent'y Took Charge of W. W . Kimba'l Co. Branch in Milwaukee
Strong After Business—Excellent Sales Prospects in Country Districts.
(Special to The Review.)
MILWAUKEE, WIS., August 12.—If piano men
were all as resourceful as Charles Ro'.lin Ambuhl,
manager of the Milwaukee branch store of the W.
W. Kimbail Co., business might not be quite so dull
during the summer months as it usually is with
most houses. Mr. Ambuhl and his sales manager,
William H. Andrews, have not been content to sit
idly by and blame the hot weather for lack of
business, but have been following a steady, con-
sistent campaign of going out into the country dis-
tricts for miles around Milwaukee and selling Kim-
ball pianos and players to farmers and merchants.
The result has been thus far that summer sales
have attained a new high mark at the Kimbail
store. Mr. Ambuhl, Mr. Andrews and various
members of the Kimbail force make good-use of
the Kimbail automobile on these daily country
trips.
(Special to The Review.)
TOLEDO, O., August 12.—Clarence S. Hammond,
"The country districts offer a fertile source of
business for the piano man during the summer who for the past four years has been connected
months," said William H. Andrews, sales manager with the Whitney & Currier Co., has been ap-
at the Kimbail store. "Crops are exceptionally good
all over Wisconsin this season, and there seems to
be plenty of money among the farmers and in the
smaller cities and towns of the State, which the
the piano man with a good line of pianos can se-
cure if he works hard. The best part of it is that
the majority of these country sales are made for
cash or on terms that are as good as cash. During
the past week we sold seven Kimbail instruments
in the country district, and all for cash."
TO COVER STATE OF ARKANSAS.
GROCERS AFTERJ^IANO MOVERS.
R. L. Reed, of Little Rock, Closes Arrangements
to Represent the Wholesale and Retail In-
terests of Smith, Barnes & Strohber Line in
Arkansas—To Expand Trade in That State.
New York Association Want Ordinance Passed
to Compel Movers to Tell Them Where Peo-
ple Move—Aid to Collection System.
(Special to The Review.)
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., August 8.—During the recent
visit to Chicago of R. L. Reed, wholesale repre-
sentative of the Smith, Barnes & Strohber line of
pianos he closed arrangements with C. A. Smith, of
that company, whereby Mr. Reed will hereafter
represent the entire line of pianos made by Smith,
Barnes & Strohber in the State of Arkansas in a
wholesale and retail capacity. Mr. Reed is now
creating a number of new dealers throughout the
State, and expects to build up a large business for
this line in the important territory which he con-
trols.
APPOINTED CITY SALES MANAGER.
Clarence S. Hammond Assumes This Important
Position with the Whitney & Currier Co.,
of Toledo—Has Been Four Years with the
House in Various Important Capacities.
Piano movers must be on the lookout hereafter,
as the Grocers' Association of New York is seeking
to haVc an ordinance passed to compel piano movers
and van men to report to the Bureau of Licenses
where people move to so that they may know
where to collect their bills. In other words, they
are after the dead beats, and are seeking, as is now
the fashion; to elevate the standard of honesty in
this community so that" the example may be fol-
lowed throughout the country.
STANLEY G. SCHLOSSER RESIGNS.
(Special to The Review.)
MILWAUKEE, WIS., August 11.—Stanley G. Schlos-
ser, manager of the player department of the
Flanner-Hafsoos Music House, has resigned his
A SPRINGFIELD INCORPORATION.
The N. W. Brown Piano Co., Inc., of Spring- position with the well-known establishment and
after enjoying a vacation expects to enter the pianc
field, Mass., has been incorporated, with a capital
business in another capacity. Mr. Schlosser's suc-
stock of $15,000, for the purpose of dealing in
cessor will not be chosen until next month.
pianos, player-pianos, etc. The incorporators are
Florian F. Flanner and Eric S. Hafsoos, officials
N. W. Brown, G. C. Munson and John A. Web-
of the Flanner-Hafsoos House, have been making
ster.
some good sales of A. B. Chase, Estey, Lauter,
More than 13,000,000 foreign and domestic let- Christman, Wegman, Lyon & Healy and Brinker-
ters and parcels found their way to the dead letter hoff pianos to people in the various cities and
office in Washington last year. Of these 6.440,944 towns surrounding Milwaukee. The sales force at
the store will be enlarged this fall.
were restored to the addressees or the senders.
WINTER & CO.
220 SOUTHERN BOULEVARD, N E W YORK
Manufacturers of
Clarence S. Hammond.
pointed city sales manager. Mr. Hammond's rise
in the piano business has been very rapid. In Oc-
tober, 1910, at the age of twenty-three, he joined
the Whitney & Currier Co. as " credit manager."
He made a record by reducing the past due ac-
counts materially.
He very soon became interested in selling
however, and in the fall of 1911 began devoting
most of his time to this end of the business. He
proved capable in this direction and since the fall
of 1912 has been head salesman. Mr. Hammond
has an abundance of enthusiasm and has been a
close student of the piano business.
DEALER IN DIFFICULTIES.
The store of C. W. Hjort, piano and music
dealer of 227 Main street, Ottawa, Kan., was closed
by the sheriff recently on a writ of attachment fol-
lowing a suit brought against the piano man for
judgment on notes amounting to $640. Mr. Hjort
claims that his difficulties are due to prevailing
poor business and the inability to realize on out-
standing accounts which, in the aggregate, are
enough to cover his liabilities of $6,000.
Superior Pianos
and Player Pianos

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