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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
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PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc.
President and Treasurer, C. L. Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Vice-President,
J. B. Spillane, 373 Fourth Aye., New York; Second Vice-President, Raymond Bill, 373
Fourth Ave., New York; Assistant Treasurer, Wm. A. Low.
D
V. D. WALSH, WM. BRAID WHITE (Technical Editor), E. B. MUNCH, L. M. ROBINSON,
C. A. LEONARD, EDWARD LYMAN BILL, SCOTT KINGWILL, THOS. W. BRESNAHAN, A. J.
NICKLIN, L. E. BOWERS
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Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
Player-Piano and
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
regulating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos
Technical Departments are dealt with, will be found in another section of
this paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concerning
which will be cheerfully given upon request.
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NEW YORK, JUNE 12, 1920
No. 24
THE REVIEW'S SMALL GOODS SECTION
H E Review has been in receipt of many compliments from
members of all branches of the trade for the attractive Musical
Merchandise Section incorporated in its edition of last week and
which will be made a regular monthly feature of this publication.
The constructive character of the articles featured in the section
came in for special commendation. It is planned to have matter of
similar value in subsequent issues of the special section, rather than
simply to carry a number of valueless items to fill up space. The
manner in which the members of the musical merchandise trade
regard the progressive move of The Review is strongly indicated
by the support they have given it.
The time is ripe for the all-around music store—a music store
in fact as well as name, which can supply every kind of musical
instrument or accessory, and which can be properly regarded as a
real musical, center. Keen business men in every line strive to make
their invested capital work as efficiently as possible, in order to keep
overhead costs down to a minimum. This object can best be achieved
in the music trade by being able to meet the customer's every wish,
whether for a piano or for a harmonica, without having to refer
him to a competitor's store.
T
W H E N SHOULD THE CONVENTIONS BE HELD?
HE members of the National Association of Music Dealers are
at present engaged in setting forth their individual views regard-
ing the proper season of the year for holding the annual convention
of that organization, together with the desirability of having a music
show in connection therewith. A questionnaire has been sent out by
association officials and it is expected that all answers from members
of the association will be in well before the end of the month so
that the majority opinion may be presented at the meeting of the
Board of Control at Atlantic City on June 25 and 26.
It appears that quite a number of the merchants are strongly
in favor of a Spring meeting to be held some time between
the middle of April and the middle of May, when the weather is
;
likely to be more settled than it is in mid-Winter. It is admitted
T
that the weather conditions at the New York conventions were un-
usual, but a great many association members do not feel like risking
a similar experience again. It is likewise fe'.t in some quarters that
the Music Show, had it been held when weather conditions were
pleasanter, might have proven a greater success and that this venture
was worth repeating under more favorable conditions.
It must be admitted, however, that there is a considerable dif-
ference of opinion on both the convention and the show in associa-
tion circles, and the final results of the questionnaire will be awaited
with interest.
THE REPRODUCING PIANO
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
RAYMOND BILL, B. B. WILSON, Associate Editors
WILSON D. BUSH, Managing Editor
CARLETON CHACE, Business Manager
Executive and Reportorlal Staff
Vol. LXX
JUNE 12, 1920
URING the successful musical season which has just come to a
close the reproducing piano has played a prominent part in im-
portant events on the concert platform. Heretofore the grand piano
has been heard largely through the medium of celebrated artists in
the flesh, but this season the player-piano has reproduced the inter-
pretations of the great pianists from rolls specially played by them-
selves, while on several occasions the artists who made these rolls
have been heard in the same numbers in person. This development
has been one of the great features of the musical season, and it has
marked a distinct advance in the public understanding and prestige
of the player or reproducing piano.
Judging from the comments of audiences, it is quite evident a
large army of people have not kept in touch with the amazing-
progress of the reproducing piano, and its frequent appearance this
season not only demonstrated its development artistically, but it was
a veritable awakener to an army of people musically inclined.
The musical advancement of America has been greatly aided
by the wider recognition accorded the reproducing piano, because it
has stimulated musical energy and appreciation—bringing music
correctly and admirably expressed to the attention and into the
homes of millions of people.
It is not difficult to predict that the increasing popularity of
the reproducing piano will mark a new era in musical progress in
America. It is stimulating a greater love for piano music and
music generally, and few take stock in the fears of some critics
that it will prevent students from studying and learning to play
the piano manually.
The leading teachers of the country to-day are a unit in their
opinion that the more musical the people become the larger their
classes, for no matter what convenient means of hearing music are
provided—either through the reproducing piano or the talking ma-
chine—every person who desires to be at all accomplished, to be
properly educated, must know how to play the piano.
The point of great value in this connection is that the player-
piano and the talking machine are potent means of inculcating a
greater love for music—they stimulate a desire to hear and interpret
the very best in musical creation.
THE PASSING OF A KINDLY SOUL
I
N the passing of O. K. Houck the music trade of the country has
suffered a loss just as keen as that suffered by his home city of
Memphis, where Mr. Houck was in every sense a distinctly promi-
nent citizen. At trade gatherings, both of piano and talking machine
men, where Mr. Houck was for years an active figure, he displayed
a keen business judgment, carefully seasoned by a fund of good
humor that never failed him. The answer to more than one trade
problem being discussed at length by convention bodies was found
in some humorous remark offered by Mr. Houck. He had the gift of
mixing humanness with business in just the right quantity, and in
every sense was a true friend of mankind. His passing leaves a gap
that will be difficult to fill.
MENDING THE CREDIT FENCES
T
HE wise manufacturer or merchant just now will take precau-
tions to cut down his outstanding obligations so far as possible
in order to forestall any difficulty in getting extended credit, or being
compelled to pay heavy interest for money accommodation. Those
who have sailed close to the wind in the matter of borrowings, and
have taken the precaution of building up a reserve for a possible
lean period, have little to worry about. Those who have not taken
such precaution had better start right now to prepare for any pos-
sible financial stringency that may occur.