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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
MEW
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc
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Executive and Reportorlal Staff:
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Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
and
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
regulating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos
|
a r e dealt with, will be found in another section of
this paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concern-
ing which will be cheerfully given upon request.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
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Paris Exposition, 1900 Silver Medal. .Charleston Exposition, 1902
Diploma.. .Pan-American Exposition, 1901 Gold Medal
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Vol. LXVIII
NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 1, 1919
No. 5
EDITORIAL
T
HE presentation of figures referring to the finances of the Music
Industries Chamber of Commerce at the meeting in Chicago last
week offers much material for pleasant thought. The figures indicate
(first and foremost that the budget system has proven most success-
ful, with the various divisions of the trade working enthusiastically
in practical support of that system. The preparation of the budget
eliminates haphazard methods, for the amount to be expended is a
known factor, and efforts can be directed towards raising that
amount systematically, rather than in scrambling about collecting
money in dribs and drabs for carrying on the work on the same
basis.
Approximately $25,000 was allowed in the budget, and with only
one exception every bureau kept within the specified limits, though
in the case of the one exception the receipts from matter sold more
than offset any deficit. That this amount, and considerably more,
was raised without any great difficulty or hurrah, and without placing
a heavy burden on any individual or any division of the industry,
indicates the success of the "zone" system for collecting necessary
'funds. The response that has been made also shows a tribute to
[the interest that the members of the trade took in this work of
•development and advancement, and holds forth great promise for
the future of the work. The finances of the members' activities
jhave now been placed on a businesslike basis, and the results are
(gratifying.
OR some years past a number of men in the industry, and mem-
F
bers of the various national associations, have expressed the
.belief that the annual conventions of the various organizations
should be held during the winter instead of the hot summer months.
Particularly since the music shows have become, or have promised
to become, annual events has the argument been made that the
Imonth of June was not the best time to ask dealers to swelter in
airtight booths while looking at the latest offerings of manufac-
turers. Were the piano business one of seasons, with new styles
coming out regularly each spring and fall, there might be some
FEBRUARY 1, 1919
reason for a summer show, but pianos are not bought in any quan-
tities in June. In fact, orders are just as easy to place in January
or February. At such time the manufacturer, as well as the dealer,
is at his best, for the manufacturer has laid his plans for the year
and the dealer likewise has the opportunity to view the future with
some degree of confidence after a busy holiday trade.
The winter meeting and show idea was finally crystallized into
action at the midwinter meetings of the Music Industries Chamber
of Commerce and the officials of the merchants and manufacturers'
associations in Chicago last week, and it is probable that beginning
with 1920 we will see the music show, likewise conventions, held
shortly after the first of the year.
During the past few years the associations have thrown prec-
edent to the winds in many instances, and it might be said that
association work has progressed materially as a result. To hold
conventions in May or June simply meant to follow the precedent
set a quarter of a century or so ago, and was not based upon any real
reason except that with the approach of summer trade members
were less busy than at other seasons of the year. With the music
show as a sweeping argument, it is logical to believe that January,
or at least February, is the proper season, from a business view-
point, to offer new products to the trade. The show is a business
proposition, and for that matter so are the association conventions.
Why not regard them according to a business standpoint?
HOSE who have made a close study of the economic future of
T
the United States, and who have given consideration to ways
and means for preserving the industrial balance and keeping pros-
perity swinging along, agree that one of the first steps that should
be taken by the national lawmakers should be to provide a high
protective tariff wall to prevent this country becoming a dumping
ground for the after-war products of Middle Europe, made under
labor conditions and offered at prices with which manufacturers in
this country will have no chance to compete. According to those
who are in a position to know, wage standards and living standards
and costs in this country are higher than in any other country in
the world. This means that to meet this high wage standard, and
to avoid unemployment so far as possible, the manufacturer must
be protected in his effort to secure a wholesale and retail price com-
mensurate with his costs. If he is forced to compete with Europe,
without tariff protection, it means tbe reduction of wages, which
labor declares it will not stand, or going out of business entirely,
which means unemployment for the masses and a shattering of
prosperity.
The music trade is not in a position to be affected by European
imports to the extent of some other industries, but at the same time
the band instrument and musical merchandise manufacturers and
the piano supply manufacturers who have either sprung up or
expanded as a result of the cutting off of European imports by the
war will find hard sledding if kindred products, made under Euro-
pean conditions, can be brought in at the present low duty and
offered in competition in the open market.
It is more than likely that the Music Industries Chamber of
Commerce will take a definite stand on the protective tariff question
before very long. Consideration of the question at least should be
prompt and earnest regardless of what concerted action may be
taken.
HE suggestion made by The Review to the officers of the Na-
T tional
Association of Piano Tuners, at the general meeting in
Chicago recently, to the effect that the tuners should incorporate
the term "Piano Technicians" in their association title or, better
still, eliminate the words "Piano Tuners" and adopt "Piano Tech-
nicians" in their place, has been received with favor.
The reason for the suggested change in title is obvious for
the type of piano tuners who make up the membership of the associa-
tion are something more than that name implies. They must know
not only the practical work of putting a piano in tune and keeping
it that way, but must be familiar with the technics of piano acoustics,
for proper piano tuning is essentially technical work. The technical
authorities of the industry have, in most cases, started their careers
as tuners and worked up through the position of factory superin-
tendent, and must, of necessity, be thoroughly familiar with the
theory and practice of tuning to conduct their work properly.
A technical man need not of necessity be a practical tuner even