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THE MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
merchandise when the usual supply existed.
"Another phase of the situation that must be
considered is the fact that should the war continue
Discussed by Well-Known Jobber—Says Deal-
for any length of time thousands of unfortunate
ers Do Not Realize Seriousness of Situation
men will lose their lives who would ordinarily be
— W h y Prices Must Advance on Imported
engaged in various mercantile pursuits, including
Merchandise—Case of Supply and Demand
the manufacture of musical merchandise. This
—Resume of Status of Affairs.
terrible condition will bring about a scarcity of
labor in the manufacturing centers of Germany
Discussing general conditions abroad and the
that cannot fail to be reflected in the prices de-
outlook for the resumption of normal musical mer-
chandise shipments, a prominent jobber and im- manded for the merchandise. It is unfortunate
porter remarked to a representative of The Re- that a small section of Germany should be re-
sponsible for the supplying of musical merchan-
view as follows:
dise to practically the entire world, but such is
"Judging from my observations the past week,
the case, and this center of manufacturing cannot
I believe that the great majority of musical mer-
chandise dealers throughout the country do not look for any immediate relief even if the wars
should cease shortly.
fully realize or understand the actual situation in
Europe in connection with the manufacture and
"It is a business axiom that demand and sup-
shipment of musical merchandise. When the dealer
ply regulate the prices of merchandise, and at the
considers the situation he must bear in mind that
present time the demand for musical merchandise
a very small section of Germany supplies prac-
is tremendous, while the supply is absolutely cut
tically the entire world with violins, bows, trim-
off. The occurrence of war at any time is a calam-
mings, accordeons, etc. With Germany engaged in
ity, but the war in Europe occurred at a most in-
war it has, of course, been necessary for the large
opportune time for the musical merchandise indus-
percentage of the workmen to either go to the
try, as the large shipments from abroad usually
front or leave the industry for other purposes.
reach the importers and jobbers during August,
September and October for the fall and winter
"As a direct consequence the musical merchan-
trade. With the present status of affairs in Eu-
dise factories in this small but all-important sec-
rope the outlook is decidedly discouraging, for our
tion of Germany have ceased to perform their
stocks are limited to a degree, and, as a matter of
normal functions, but at the same time the entire
fact, many importers and jobbers could turn over
world keeps on selling and demanding musical in-
their stocks to any importer here or in South
struments. With this unnatural condition prevail-
America at a greatly advanced price.
ing it is merely logical to assume that even if the
terrible European war should come to a close in
"In advancing its prices only 25 per cent, the
a short time the demands for musical merchan-
musical merchandise trade, I believe, has been con-
dise would be so great that importers in all parts
siderably more conservative and modest than any
of the world would gladly pay practically any
other imported lines, as I understand that such
prices to secure the goods they need for their cus-
goods as laces and kindred merchandise have been
tomers. The" result would be that the very small
advanced 50 and 75 per cent, over the prices asked
amount of goods that would be manufactured im-
before the war started."
mediately would command prices averaging from
50 to 100 per cent, above the normal prices of the
THE IMPORT SITUATION
mind where it is becoming comparatively indif-
ferent to the changes in the situation abroad and
paying more attention to business affairs near
home.
"During the past few weeks the call for mando-
lins and guitars has been very heavy, indicating
that normal summer business is showing no falling
off from the wars abroad. Mandolins and guitars
always attract a large clientele during the sum-
mer, as these instruments are particularly adapt-
able for outdoor use in vacation camps and coun-
try resorts.
"We are making extensive plans for the develop-
ment of our harp business the coming fall, and
all indications point to there being an excellent
trade with this high-grade instrument this fall and
winter. Harp strings are selling well and we
have rented many harps to our patrons for the
summer season."
STELLA P1ANOJVUNDOLETTE
Is Being Introduced to the Trade by the Piano-
ette Advertising Co., as a Member of Inter-
esting and Original Features.
(Special to The Review.)
CHICAGO, I I I . , August 17.—The newest edition
to the products of the local trade is the Stella
Piano Mandolette, a new instrument that has been
put on the market by the Pianoette Advertising
Co., under the management of S. C. Ogden. This
instrument represents a combination of piano,
g u i t a r , mandolin
and harp.
It is
b u i l t with fifteen
piano keys, giving
two full o c t a v e s
with two bass
chords, C, G and F. When the keys are struck
quickly a piano effect is obtained, but by striking
them slowly a mandolin tremolo effect is produced.
The instrument is designed to be sold with a chart
By the War in Europe as Far as Chas. H. Dit- system which makes it remarkably simple to play.
son & Go. Are Concerned—Manager H. L. One has only to read the number on the chart in
the natural way and play the key directly under
Hunt Tells of Business Activity That Is
the number. There i» a guide for time also and
Above the Summer Average.
an indication of the proper way to play bass
chords.
"Up to the present time our retail business has
in no way been affected by the war in Europe,"
said H. L. Hunt, manager of the musical mer-
chandise department of Charles H. Ditson & Co.,
8 East Thirty-fourth street, New York. "Our
sales during the first few weeks of August were
fully up to* expectation, and equaled last year's
trade. • July totals were also satisfactory, and as a
whole summer trade has been very pleasing, con-
sidering the general status of industrial affairs
throughout the country.
"Our patrons who visit our warerooms very
rarely refer to the war abroad, and in my opinion
the public is rapidly approaching that state of
BUSINESS NOT AFFECTED
Black Diamond
Strings
THE WORLD'S BEST
National Musical String Co.
New Brunswick, N. J .
MUSICAL
Merchandise
Chicago
Cincinnati
EXCELSIOR DRUMS ™ STANDARD
Some dealers may say that they cost more than
others.
ExcelBior drums cost more because they are
worth more. Cost more to make.
We could make them cost less by using 1 cheaper
material, use less care in making- them, and dis-
pense with the new patented improvements.
If we did, however, Excelsior Drums would not
be the Standard as they are to-day. Write for
catalogue.
EXCELSIOR
DRUM
WORKS
A. Q. SOISTMAN, Vice-Pres. and Gen. Manager,
Tenth and Market Streets,
CAMDEN, W. J.
The oldest and
largest musical
merchandise house
in America - - -
SEND FOR
CATALOG
M a n u facturers, Importers.
Publishers. Largest and
most complete stock of
Musical Merchan-
dise i n t h e
trade.
ATTRACTIVE
SPECIALTIES
C.Bruno & 5on,k
351-53 4? Ave. Newark
WEYMANN&SON
Modern
Serrice
Incorporated
AUGUST MULLER
and J. HEBERLEIN, VIO-
LINS, VIOLAS AND CELLOS
MITTENWALD VIOLIN STRINGS
SEND FOR COMPLETE
Manufacturers of
The Famous
Weymann Mandolutes and
"Keystone State" Instruments
CATALOG
EGELEISEN
& JACOBSON
113-115 University Place
NEW YORK
1010 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Largest Jobbers in America <
ODERN
USICAL
ERCHANDISE
M
WRITE FOR NEW CATALOG^