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Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
VOL. LXXV. No. 8,
Published Every Saturday by Edward Lyman Bill, Inc., at 373 4th Ave., New York.
Aug. 19, 1922
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The Clouds Drifting ^A way
W
ITH the official opening of the Fall business season only about a fortnight off some encouraging-
prospects are found by studying the existing situation in its many phases, ranging from crops to
industrial conditions. It has long been maintained that the prosperity of the industry depends upon
the prosperity of the agriculturalist and there is every indication that the farmers and those de-
pendent upon them will have some real money to spend after the harvest period. The August crop report of
the Government indicates bumper production in general, resulting from highly favorable growing conditions
during the month of July.
Reports of record crops of corn, wheat, potatoes, tobacco, as well as apples and other fruits, have
developed to a point where they may be considered facts rather than mere prophecies. Hence, despite rail-
road and coal strikes, the ultimate effects of which cannot be foreseen just now, the industrial situation has
shown an improvement that promises an early return to normal* conditions unless very unexpected circum-
stances arise.
In the music industry there is genuine reason for optimism, for in most cases orders have been coming
in at a more satisfactory rate than for many months past. A number of piano manufacturers declare that
July business was far in excess of that of the same month last year and that orders for the future delivery
of instruments are coming in in ever-increasing volume as retailers feel the trade stimulus and gain confidence.
A leading talking machine company, in completing its manufacturing schedule for the remainder of the
year, has felt warranted, in view of orders on hand and definitely in prospect, to plan for a capacity produc-
tion. It is not a' matter of guesswork, but of accurate calculation.
.
There has been nothing sensational about the improvement in conditions. It has come gradually and
may, therefore, be considered more or less permanent in character. Jt has not brought with it any inflation
and therefore does not carry the threat of future deflation, with the unpleasant experiences that such a process
entails. The result is that business men can feel free to make plans for the months to come without feeling
as though they were heavy gamblers.
Reports from all sections are to the effect that the retail music trade is looking up to a degree that
impresses even those who are conservative to the point of pessimism, and it means that there is something
substantial upon which to build for a better and stronger industry during the months before us.
The strike of the railroad shopmen, which, after several weeks, threatens to involve members of other
crafts engaged in railroad work, does not appear to have worried business generally as much as perhaps it
should have. The effect of a general tieup in transportation and embargoes on freight that would follow
would prove very embarrassing to business generally, particularly at a time when it is so eminently desirable
to get' the products from the factory into the hands of retailers expeditiously.
Then, too, is to be considered the coal strike, which, even though it be settled at a comparatively early
date, will have the effect of curtailing supplies of coal for manufacturing purposes for some time until produc-
tion and reserves can be brought up to a normal point.
But the railroad and coal troubles are temporary, after all, and when the wheels of business get
actually under way for Kail there is a strong probability of definite movements to force a settlement of the
matter one way or another.
The main thing is that Fall business promises to start off more auspiciously than for several seasons
past, for the agricultural and industrial situations are sound and satisfactory in the main and the music busi-
ness itself is showing real improvement. In the face of these facts there is little excuse for pessimism in any
part of the industry.
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