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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
T
HE very interesting charts showing power consumption curves
for the vacuum systems of player-pianos, as set forth in the
present issue of the Player Section under the heading "Power Con-
sumption," are worthy the attention of the trade at large. Although,
as explained in that article, these curves are only indirect indica-
tors of the facts, they are nevertheless accurate and constitute
the first attempt yet made to state in simple language certain im-
portant truths relative to the power consumption of the player
mechanism with special reference to motor drag. The details are,
of course, set forth more fully elsewhere, but the point to he made
here is that work of this sort deserves consideration at the hands
of those who have to do with the technical position of the player-
piano. The need for exact knowledge becomes daily more in-
sistent and the value of such knowledge proportionately greater
from year to year. The Review tries to give service at all times
and especially to give service that is not only interesting and novel,
but also accurate; something less exciting, but more useful. To
the eminent authority whose labors made possible these valuable
drawings we render hearty thanks, and make due acknowledgment
herewith.
its members to cope with a technical situation which increases in
gravity with the passing of each year. We earnestly recommend
to our readers that they carefully follow the progress of the player
schools now in existence and co-operate with their promoters in
an effort to assist their future prosperity for the benefit of the
trade at large.
T
HERE are indications that the coming year will witness elabo-
rate development of power-drive for player mechanism.
The so-called "electric" players which are now coming forth in
numbers, and which, incidentally, should be known by almost any
other than this thoroughly misleading and inaccurate designation,
are, of course, merely player-pianos fitted with auxiliary motor-
driven vacuum plants including more or less elementary devices
for control of expression. T'ut the trend of progress is likely to
be more extended in direction, if we mistake not. The tendency,
that is to say, is likely to be toward the evolution of a completely
power-driven player mechanism, wherein nevertheless the control of
the performer over expression, now gained by direct manipulation of
pumping pedals, shall be retained in essence, while the physical
labor is eliminated and the range of power simultaneously much
widened.
T is pleasing to observe that little by little the trade is acquiring
Complete personal control, with all the "feel" of the old
a more intelligent understanding of the use and real value of
footwork and all its puissance not only retained, but improved,
the various technical schools which are now striving to give educa-
while the physical effort of direct drive and its many limitations
tion in player mechanism to the practical men of the industry.
are eliminated, is the goal toward which all inventors should work,
The sponsors of the Chicago Player School have been gratified
and toward which many are actually now working. This goal is
during the present season by observing greater readiness than
attainable; nor are the technical difficulties so formidable as might
was displayed last year to co-operate with them by loaning pianos,
reasonably be expected. The main question at present has to do
models and apparatus. This is as it should be. The interests
with cost, and considering the many expensive players that have
of the piano and player-piano manufacturer and of the dealer, too,
are subserved directly by institutions such as this one and the been and are yet sold, it is certain that when an approach to com-
plete perfection has been attained, as indicated here, the price of
sister school in New York. Tt is not merely pleasing; it is simply
the instruments will not serve as an insuperable obstacle for those
right and proper that the trade should pay attention to the earnest
who desire high-class instruments.
efforts being made bv the more keen-minded and farseeing among
I
of electrically-operated instruments. After this
so many questions were asked regarding how far
the Electric Light Association would go in ex-
ploiting these displays and on what basis they
would be considered commercially that it seemed
The proposed Electric Piano Manufacturers' As- as if nothing would be accomplished until R. W.
sociation, which was recently discussed in New Lawrence arose and stated: "There is one thing
York, was placed in the hands of a committee that I believe in, and that is an organization, but
on Thursday afternoon of last week on a an organization not for the sake of an organiza-
motion of R. W. Lawrence, president of the tion, but for the sake of doing something. The
Autopiano Co., seconded by Max J. De Roche- Electric Light Association has offered us a splen-
did opportunity to display our instruments in
monr, vice-president of the Laffargue Co., at a
about
17,000 display rooms and also to use its
meeting which was held at the Engineers' Society
windows for display purposes. The electrical men
Building. There were about thirty members of
the piano trade and electric industry present. H. are organized as electrical manufacturers and the
piano men are organized as piano manufacturers
C. Plummer presided over the meeting and after
some preliminary discussion was elected perma- and not as electrical piano makers.
"The electrical interests have made a special
nent chairman upon the nomination of Geo. W.
Cobb, of Chickering & Sons, with the power to proposition to us and it is up to us to do our part.
call meetings upon the request of three members. I know that the displays in these different stations
J. C. Stevens, of the Electric Light Association, are of value from the experience which the Auto-
stated that they had made arrangements whereby piano Co. has had with them. Where we have
the showrooms and windows of the branches displayed our instruments in this way it has de-
throughout the United States would be at the dis-' veloped prospects. I think the most advisable
posal of the piano manufacturers for the display thing to do is to appoint a committee from the
PROPOSITION FROM ELECTRIC CO'S
To
Furnish Display Space for
Electrically
Driven Pianos Being Considered by Manu-
facturers—Committee Has Been Appointed.
men present which will meet a committee from
the Electric Light Association and which can dis-
cuss the most feasible ways of working out the
problems ahead of us."
Mr. De Rochemont seconded Mr. Lawrence's
motion and a committee was appointed from the
floor as follows: M. J. De Rochemont, R. W.
Lawrence, Geo. W. Cobb, E. Voekel, G. H. Bliss
and Justin Schwartz and James Ryan.
A meeting of this committee was held immedi-
ately and Mr. De Rochemont was elected chair-
man. Several matters were discussed and two
sub-committees were appointed, one on the tech-
nical matters, composed of Geo. W. Cobb, E.
Voekel and G. II. Bliss, and a publicity commit-
tee, composed of R. W. Lawrence, Justin Schwartz
and James Ryan.
Each committee will confer with the electric
interests and will report their findings later.
FEATURING CAROLA INNER=PLAYER.
The Carola Inner-player is being featured by
tlje Martin & Adams Co., of Wichita, Kan., which
has recently remodeled the entire second floor of
its building, to be used for piano showrooms.
The Master Player-Piano
is now equipped with an
AUTOMATIC TRACKING DEVICE
Which guarantees absolutely correct tracking of even the most imperfect music rolls
W I N T E R & CO., 220 Southern Boulevard, New York City