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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
REVIEW
(Registered in the U. S. Patent Office)
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc.
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JUNE 23, 1923
ment of the club's plan for reducing the varieties of action brackets
to six standard sizes, is without question a move in the right direc-
tion. Player whippens, grand dampers, nose bolts and casters may
appear more or less unimportant, but as a matter of fact they are
produced at the present time in such a great variety that it becomes
a real problem for the supply man at times to ship promptly just
the sizes and styles required by the manufacturer.
The superintendents also discussed the question of backs, and
this is most interesting since, in a special article in The Review
some time ago, Justus Hattemer, vice-president of the Premier
Grand Piano Corp., advanced the idea that the most direct and
noticeable results in the matter of standardization could be secured
by standardizing the back first, eliminating the great variety of
sizes that in themselves accomplish little or nothing for the benefit
of the piano itself. It was claimed by Mr. Hattemer that three
sizes of upright backs would meet every requirement, and that
a slight shading here and there by the manufacturer, without in any
way injuring the quality or the individuality of the instrument,
could easily bring his backs to measure within those fixed sizes.
It is not possible, nor is it intended to attempt, to standardize
piano parts to a point where there is only one size or style of any
part, for that would kill entirely the individual character of various
instruments, even were it considered feasible. However, the vari-
ous forms can be reduced to a point where the problem of produc-
tion is simplified and put on a relatively sound economic basis.
Standardization of manufactured products is not in any sense
a new thought, for it is estimated that in 1920 alone $10,000,000
was saved to the industries of the country through the standardizing
of sizes and forms of finished products largely through the in-
strumentality of the Bureau of Simplified Practice of the Depart-
ment of Commerce. In view of this fact, the program of standard-
ization in this industry should not be allowed to lie dormant or to
die, for its possibilities are too great.
THE REAL RESULTS OF THE CONVENTION
T^HERE were those who attended the Chicago conventions of the
A allied music trades recently who were of the opinion that the
The Music Trade Review is now located in its new offices
sessions
were tame and somewhat lacking in pep. But results have
at 383 Madison Avenue, New York City. It cordially invites
its readers, when in New York, to visit it and to make use
proven that the meetings of the various associations, and particu-
oj its facilities. The offices are in the center of the hotel
larly of the National Association of Music Merchants, were far-
and music industries section of the city and convenient to
reaching in their effects. Thjs fact was proven by the enthusiasm
all transportation.
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displayed by the convention delegates upon their return to their
home cities. It seems as though each of them brought back with
AUTOMOBILE TRADE HAS NOT SOLVED IT
him some definite idea regarding trade practices gleaned at the
Chicago meetings.
N a discussion of plans for establishing some sort of a deprecia-
tion schedule for used pianos as a guide to retailers in making
The plan for a depreciation schedule for used pianos made a
allowances on instruments offered in exchange, reference is fre-^ particularly strong impression. Second on the list appears to have
quently made to the fact that the automobile men have succeeded
been the advertising contest and the attendant exhibition of high-
in solving this problem, and that piano merchants are slow in not class advertising. Conventions are judged by the results they pro-
having accomplished the same results. As a matter of fact, the
duce and, whatever may be said regarding the Prosperity Conven-
automobile dealers have not found the answer to the used-car
tion in Chicago this year, the fact remains that it has made a big
impression upon trade throughout the country. If early results are
problem, and right now the Automobile Chamber of Commerce and
any guide to the success of the meeting, then it was, without ques-
various organizations or associations of dealers are giving the mat-
tion, one of the most successful ones in the history of the trade.
ter earnest consideration.
It all goes to prove that the test of the convention is not the excite-
The individual manufacturer in many cases has established
ment that prevails during the sessions, but, rather, what can be
a fixed valuation on the cars of his own make offered in exchange,
brought out of the sessions by the individual members.
but this valuation applies only to his own distributing units. Com-
peting dealers operate very much as do some piano dealers, regulat-
THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNIOR MUSIC CLUBS
ing the allowance according to the strength of the competition.
Stories are told of individuals who have purchased pianos at sales
O the trade at large, and particularly to those members who have
of used instruments and later on turned them in for a new instru-
sufficiently broad vision to realize the importance of developing
ment for an allowance of $100 or more above their buying price.
the interest of the child in music and musical instruments with a
Similar experiences can be cited in connection with automobiles,
view to providing a future market for their wares, a volume of
many a car having been traded in for a new one at a price well
unusual value and interest has just been issued by the National
above its cost second-hand.
Bureau for the Advancement of Music. It is entitled "History
If the piano trade succeeds in establishing a definite deprecia-
and Outlook of the Junior Department of the National Federation
tion schedule to be accepted as a guide to retailers and not as an of Music Clubs," by Mrs. William John Hall, National Junior Club
arbitrary fixing of values, it will have accomplished something
chairman. It opens with a brief foreword by C. M. Tremaine,
that will reflect to its credit not only in this industry but in other
director of the Bureau. The volume gives the history of the develop-
ment of the junior music clubs in the various States of the Union.
industries where the trade-in problem is becoming increasingly im-
To those who look upon junior musical clubs simply as a fad and
portant. •
something to be considered lightly the book will be a revelation.
PROGRESS MADE IN STANDARDIZATION
It is, without question, one of the most interesting volumes yet is-
sued by the National Bureau for the Advancement of Music. With
HE discussion by the Superintendents' Club, of the New York
a copy of the book at hand the individual dealer can do much to
Piano Manufacturers, this week, of the problem of bringing
tie up directly with the activities of the junior clubs.
about further standardization of piano parts, following the endorse-
Vol. LXXVI
NEW YORK, JUNE 23, 1923
No. 25
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