Music Trade Review

Issue: 1919 Vol. 69 N. 18

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE
REVEW
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LY1HAN BILL, Inc.
President and Treasurer, C. L. Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New Y*ork; VicePresident,
J. B. Spillane, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Second Vice-President, Raymond Bill, 373
Fourth Ave., New York; Assistant Treasurer, Wm. A. Low.
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
RAYMOND BILL, B. B. WILSON, Associate Editors
CARLETON CHACE, Business Manager
Executive and Reportorlal Staff
WILBON D. BUSH, V. D. WALSH, WM. BRAID WHITE (Technical Editor), E. B. MUNCH,
L. M. ROBINSON, C. A. LEONARD, EDWARD LTMAN BILL, A. J. NICKLIN, L. E. BOWERS
BOSTON OFFICE:
CHICAGO OFFICE:
REVIEW
NOVEMBER 1, 1919
enough to say that the miners simply seek a six-hour-day for the
purpose of establishing a wage basis, and will then work eight or
ten hours daily to profit by the over-time income. Experience
has proven, however, that many of the miners are inclined to be
satisfied with a certain weekly income, and even during the crisis
of the war considered three or four days in the mines sufficient
for a week. The growing problems in the matter of coal supply
serves to direct strong attention to other sources of power supply,
water power for electricity, and oil fuel for factory furnaces. But
the answers to these questions are not coming fast enough to
afford any relief during the crisis that seems to be approaching.
ADVERTISING THAT HURTS
N business and advertising matters, merchants in a large sec-
I examples
tion of the country look upon New York as offering the best
of business progressiveness and, to a certain measure
at least, of business ethics. The advertising methods of New
York houses are particularly held up as shining examples of
what a small town merchant should do if he expects to get maxi-
mum results from his efforts.
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
While the Better Business Bureau of the Music Industries
Entered as second-class matter 'September 10, 1892, at the post office at New York, N. Y., Chamber of Commerce is looking into the advertising of other
under the Act of March 3, 1879.
cities, however, there has appeared in the New York papers copy
SUBSCRIPTION (including postage), United States and Mexico, $2.00 per year;
Canada, $3.50; all other countries, $5.00.
of a character that reflects credit neither on the industry nor upon
ADVERTISEMENTS, $4.50 per inch single column, per insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount is allowed. Advertising pages, $130.
the city in which the advertising appears. We see in New York
REMITTANCES, in other than currency forms, should be made payable to Edward
Lyman Bill, Inc.
papers large announcements to the effect that those in charge of
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
Plavoi* Piann anil
a certain piano department are so generously inclined that they
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
regulating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos
are chopping off $100 from the price of player-pianos for the
p
j
tion
of
a r e d e a ] t with> wil
b e f o u n d i n a n o t h e r sec
this paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concerning
benefit
of the public, and the terms at which the instruments are
which will be -cheerfully given upon request.
advertised, even with this low price prevailing, bring memories
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
of pre-war davs. This type of sensational advertising has always
Grand Prix
Paris Exposition, 1900 Silver Medal,. .Charleston Exposition, 1902
Diploma... .Pan-American Exposition, 1901 Gold Medal... ..St. Louis Exposition, 1904
been harmful to the industrv as a whole, but never more harmful
Gold Medal—Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1905
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES—NUMBERS 5982—5983 MADISON SQ.
than at the present time, when legitimate retailers are hard put to
Connecting: all Departments
get instruments at any price, and must realize fair prices and a
Cable address: "Elbill, New York"
good percentage of profit to cover the overhead costs.
Vol. LXIX NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 1, 1 9 1 9
No. 1 8
The average prospective piano purchaser cannot be blamed for
assuming that if one concern can afford to make a $100 cut in
The publishers of The Music Trade Review, like all
prices, regardless of whether or not this amount is actuallv sub-
other publishers in New York City, are still severely handi-
tracted from former prices, the dealer who offers no such induce-
capped by the strike in the printing industry, which renders
ment is making outrageous profits on the product he is selling.
it difficult to issue any publication on schedule time.
Tt is verv probable that the advertising question will be sub-
verted to investicnt'on to sec iust what can be done about it. and
ft is time that such investigation was made. A sense of ethics,
THE COAL SITUATION
if nothing" else, should serve to keep some sort of check on this
HESE be parlous times for the business man, whether he be sensationalism. The trnde has enough burdens to carry now
manufacturer or distributor. On the one hand he is over- without having to bear with this tvpe of advertising.
whelmed with a demand for his products, and on the other hand
SIGNS OF UNSHAKEN CONFIDENCE
he is beset with unheard-of difficulties in getting these products
VEN thouch conditions are not of the best iust now, there is
out of his factory or warerooms. Not only are the factory work-
evidence throughout the trade of a spirit of confidence in the
ers falling away behind in production per man power unit, but
we have on hand strikes of expressmen, freight congestion, and future and what it holds for the industrv that is distinctlv encour-
on top of that the promise of a strike of coal miners. The end aging. Tn several sections, and particularly in New York, new
piano manufacturing enterprises are being launched and new fac-
is not yet.
The threatened coal strike is a matter of vital interest to all tories are being built, either to house new concerns or as additions
manufacturers. The coal situation for the last two or three to existing plants, where the business has outgrown the facil-
years has become increasingly serious, for demands for coal have ities.
Tn the retail piano trade we find the dealers enlarging and
been increasing while production has lapsed. Not only has the
price of coal risen to embarrassing figures, but it has been diffi- beautifying their stores. There mav be at the present time on
cult in some instances to get it at any price. With the war out hand onlv enough instruments to fill one corner of the ware-
of the way, and business in some measure, at least, finding itself, room, but the dealer is preparing for the business to come and
it was felt that the present winter should show some relief in arranging his premises in anticipation.
We hear of talking machine manufacturers making con-
the matter of coal supply.
tracts
for cabinets that are so large that the filling of the con-
Coal at the present time, however, is not at all plentiful, for
tracts
have
a distinct effect in curtailing the output of furniture.
the production has not been sufficient to permit of the storing of
Tn
the
music
roll field established concerns are planning and
any great amount of reserve fuel. Especially is this true in the
starting
work
on
substantial new plants designed to take care of a
case of bituminous coal, for it is not found feasible to store this
volume
of
business
that is already taxing their resources and yet
coal in any considerable quantities without danger of deteriora-
continues
to
increase.
tion, if not of spontaneous combustion. Just now the mine pro-
General industrial conditions naturally cause worry, but
duction is steadily dropping off, as the miners and their employers
come closer to a deadlock. The demands of the workers for a there is bound to be a crisis, after which the situation will become
five-day-week and a six-hour-day are so radical that they cannot settled. The manner in which the members of the music indus-
be granted without a very long and costly fight. It means even try are planning for the future offers proof positive of their atti-
less production than at present and at & higher cost. It is well tude regarding the prospects of business to come.
JOHN H. WILSON, 324 Washington St.
E. P. VAN HARLINGEN, Republic Building,
Telephone, Main 6950.
209 So. State St. Telephone, Wabash 5774.
LONDON, ENGLAND: 1 Gresham Buildings, Basinghall St., D. C.
NEWS SERVICE IS SUPPLIED WEEKLY BV OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED IN THE LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA.
T
E
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE
NOVEMBER 1, 1919
REVIEW
POUND STARTS SOUTH ATLANTIC TOUR IN RICHMOND
KNABE-AMPICO IN INDIANAPOLIS
General Counsel of Music Industries Chamber of Commerce Addresses Big Gathering of Music
Dealers at Hotel Jefferson Regarding Advancement of Music Work
Rapp & Lennox Arrange for Elaborate Demon-
stration of Reproducing Instrument Before
Rotary Club—News of the Local Trade
RICHMOND, VA., October 24.—George W. Pound,
general counsel of the Music Industries Chan 1 "
ber of Commerce, received a most cordial wel-
come from music merchants in Richmond and
vicinity yesterday at the start of his speaking
tour through the South Atlantic States.
Richmond had already heard of the great suc-
cess attending Mr. Pound's tour of the Northern
and Western sections of the United States last
spring, and the local music men were anxious to
hear the message he had to deliver. The local
arrangements were in charge of John G. Corley,
head of the Corley Co. and a former president of
the National Association of Music Merchants,
and it was through his efforts that a most repr^
scntative gathering awaited Mr. Pound at the
Hotel Jefferson.
The speaker dwelt at length on what had been
accomplished by the Music Industries Chamber of
Commerce, for the cause of the music industry
and of music during the war, and drew a glow-
ing picture of what it was hoped to accomplish
in the future. He emphasized particularly the
successful work of the National Bureau for the
Advancement of Music, one of the divisions of
the Chamber of Commerce, and told how the
music trade, the profession, and music lovers
among the public were co-operating to make
more general the appreciation of music.
During his address Mr. Pound indicated his
belief that music is one of the necessities of life
rather than an accomplishment or indulgence or
even a luxury, as many are likely to regard it.
Speaking of the value of music during the war,
Mr. Pound said:
"Almost before the medical fact that music may
be used as a great stimulant to the muscular sys-
tem, or a sedative to the nerves, had become ac-
cepted, there was organized in some of the lead-
ing universities of this country and the British
Empire classes to train musicians to heal certain
diseases by music. Surely this is no less amazing
than was the announcement some years ago that
most malignant infections were being cured by
light.
"Under the pressure of war the art of music
became the modern science of music as did the
art of painting become the science of camouflage.
Music was administered as a tonic to the taut
nerves and stampeding hearts.
"The modern business man is becoming more
and more to use music as one of his nerve tonics.
You will see increasing numbers of men of affairs
at the opera every year. They appreciate the
entire relaxation that music affords."
Upon leaving Richmond, Mr. Pound went direct
to Norfolk to address the music dealers in that
city, and will continue from there on his regular
tour, which is expected to consume three weeks
or more.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND., October 24.—George Len-
nox and Alfred Rapp, of Rapp & Lennox, scored a
big hit with a demonstration of a Knabe-Ampico
grand before the Indianapolis Rotary Club, of
which they are members, at a noon luncheon this
week. Several hundred business men forgot their
business worries and became enthusiastic ad-
mirers of the instrument.
E. Fred Colber, of Wm. Knabe & Co., explained
the history and evolution of the piano and the
player-piano down to its present state of perfec-
tion. Then Mr. Colber proceeded to demonstrate
the Knabe-Ampico. He played two numbers him-
self and then let the instrument reproduce the
same two numbers. The audience marvelled at
the fine reproduction of the tempo and tone shad-
ings. Miss Solomon, of the Metropolitan School
of Music, and Ernest Naftzger, of New York,
sang several songs, accompanied by the Knabe.
While the piano business in Indianapolis con-
tinues to pile up the margin over last year, busi-
ness has not been as brisk in the last two weeks
as had been expected. However, the merchants
are not complaining.
E. L. Lennox, of the E. L. Lennox Piano Co.,
a member of the Indiana state militia, is on duty
at Gary, Ind., in connection with the steel strike.
Frank Carlin, of the Carlin Music Co., reports
business good in all departments. Mr. Carlin
returned recently from a visit in Chicago, and
he said all the piano manufacturers there have
more orders than they can fill.
WILLIAM WHITNEY IN TOLEDO
W. N. GRUNEWALD MADE PRESIDENT
"The situation today is just what we can ex-
pect," commented Mr. Carlin. "There is bound
Engages in Business Under Name of Whitney Becomes Head of L. Grunewald Co., Inc., Oldest to be a greater demand than supply because of
& Co.—Formerly With Whitney & Currier Co
Steinway Agents in New Orleans
the demands of all classes of labor for shorter
hours and all these resultant strikes."
TOLEDO, O., October 27.— William Whitney,
NEW ORLEANS, LA., October 27.—The L. Grune-
E. G. Hereth, manager of the Baldwin Piano
until recently of the Whitney, Blaine & Wilder- wald Co., Inc., of this city, held their sixty-fifth
muth Co., incorporated in 1917 in this city, is annual stockholders' meeting October 20. At Co.'s store, says that the player business is excep-
now engaged in the piano business in Toledo as this meeting B. M. Grunewald, who has been ceptionally good.
Edgar Daab, manager of the Steinway & Sons'
Whitney & Co. Mr. Whitney has been success- manager and vice-president of the company since
store,
reports that his business is limited only
fully connected with the piano trade here for the death of his father, W. N. Grunewald, in
thirty-five years. He was for many years city 1915, was unanimously elected president. He to the supply of Steinways.
The player and piano business was reported
salesman for the old Whitney & Currier Co. and was also elected vice-president of the Hotel
moving briskly at the Starr Piano Co.'s store, T.
before that time was in business for himself.
Grunewald Co.
H. Bracken, manager.
He has always met with pronounced success,
B. M. Grunewald, though young in years, has
C. J. Fuller, of the Fuller-Ryde Music Co., says
is very well known in Northwestern Ohio and, be- shown himself thoroughly capable of handling
that
business continues to run ahead of last year.
cause of his reputation for fair dealing, has the a large and progressive business which, during
confidence of a large following of friends and his five years' management, has increased steadily Mr. Fuller anticipates fine business from now
on to the holidays.
former patrons.
in volume and branched out in many different
Business, both at the Indianapolis and out-of-
ways. He is the third generation in the manage- town stores of the Pearson Piano Co., is very
5
SHONINGER HELPED "SKY PILOT '
ment of this establishment, and is largely inter- satisfactory, E. Stockdale, manager, reports.
ested in civic and social matters in New Orleans,
Machine Used by Maynard in Coast to Coast being vice-president of the Hotel Grunewald Co.,
EUREKA MUSIC CO. OFFICERS
Flight Equipped With Shoninger Propeller
vice-president of Dixie Securities Co., member of
Boston Club, Southern Yacht Club, Rotary Club,
The Eureka Music Co., Mena, Ark., at its annual
An interesting development in Lieut. Melvin several carnival organizations, Country Club,
election
named S. J. Oslin of Mena president; W.
B. Maynard's record flight from coast to coast Delta Duck Club, North Shore Club, etc.
W. Slater, Fort Worth, first vice-president; Frank
was the news that one of the propellers was the
The L. Grunewald Co., Inc., have the distinc- Grammer, Bonham, Texas, second vice-president;
product of the B. Shoninger Co. The "flying tion of being the oldest agents on the books of J. H. Oslin, Mena, secretary-treasurer, and J. H.
parson" was pulled from New York to San Fran- Steinway & Sons, of which honor they are justly Ringold, member of the board of directors. T. M.
cisco and back by one of the Shoninger propel- proud.
Taff and C. B. Connally were named alternate
lers. That the propeller made by the Shoninger
board members.
Co. could live through such a strenuous test
TO OPEN BRANCH IN HARTFORD
speaks well not only of the quality which the
BROOKS VISITS HARDMAN HOUSE
Shoninger Co. is noted for, but also proves the Fulton-Driggs & Smith Co., of Waterbury, Conn.,
confidence which the Government placed in the
Plan Business Expansion
P. P. Brooks, of the Brooks Music House, Al-
Shoninger propeller in equipping Maynard's ma-
toona, Pa., visited the Fifth avenue showrooms
chine with it. News of this sort recalls to us HARTFORD, CONN., October 27.—The Fulton- of Hardman, Peck & Co. this past week. Mr.
the splendid efforts which the piano manufactur Driggs & Smith Co., the prominent music deal- Brooks, who handles the Hardman line exclu-
ers made in order to serve America during the ers of Waterbury, will shortly invade the local sively, reports that business is unusually good
territory, having leased the premises at 87-89 and that there seems to be no tendency for any
war crisis.
Asylum street, this city, for the purpose of hous- slumping in the future.
ing a branch store. The local building will be
OPENS NEW STORE
remodeled entirely to fit the needs of the music
A recent addition to the ranks of the retail
|ir
^'^|f' piano stores in Saginaw, Mich., is that of Herbert
The music store of J. C. Berrymon, Broadhead, house.
Whitehead, formerly with the Waltham Piano Co.
A. P. McCoy, president df the Fulton-Drip
Wis., is now in its new location in the Bement
building. A musical program was a feature of & Smith Co., will assume the active management He will have the agency for the Waltham and
Adam Schaaf pianos.
the opening and was largely attended.
of the Hartford store.
77/ie pestJcnouJn
to tfieWorld.
PIANOS
ORGANS
E5TEY PIAND COMPANY NEW YDIM CITY
Z7/ie Peftprofii
prodacer/arthe
dealer intheTlrade.

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