Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1927 Vol. 84 N. 23

Page 31 Text:

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
31
The Music Trade Review
JUNE 4, 1927
The Technical and Supply Department (Continued from page 29)
Standards, waste elimination, methods of edu- accepts that rule only so far as it continues to
I do not wish to be taken as meaning that the
cating
personnel, methods of handling materials, apply, being the first to give it up when new
industry is to be accused of wilful stupidity in
data are discovered which disagree with it.
the past. Conditions with which most technical analysis of lumber properties, conservation of
It is precisely here that we need to watch
lumber,
substitutes
for
scarce
species,
mechani-
men are unacquainted have brought about the
state of affairs of which I speak. What is cal improvements in construction, all these are most carefully our future doings. This indus-
past is past, however, and there is no more to be in due course to receive the attention of the try of ours deals with highly scientific matters,
said about it. Let us now look forward to the technicians. But the big underlying objective and hitherto has dealt with them in a highly
must be fundamental research. An when I say unscientific manner. Most of us actually must
future.
The question is, what can the N. 1\ T. A. that the technicians can accomplish more by en- begin to work up our ideas all afresh, go back
accomplish? And the answer is, that it can ac- couraging such research and making.it the basis to our physics, and reorganize our fundamental
complish just as much as its members know of their program, than by doing anything else thinking, in order that we may learn to grasp
scientific concepts as against unorganized per-
enough to try for, and their employers, the at all, I am only telling the truth.
ceptions.
In this direction the National Piano
Self-Education
manufacturers, to permit. I need hardly say
Technicians Association must steadily work—in
that there is not much probability of getting a
And this leads me to say that one of the chief
lot done unless the executive end of the* indus- needs to be discovered to-day among piano the direction of educating its members up to an
try understand what is going forward and technicians is the need of better self-education. understanding of the language and the methods
takes a. definite interest therein. One has heard It is a great pity that the application of common to all scientific matters and understood
of manufacturers telling their superintendents mechanism to tone production has been studied by all scientific men.
I do not expect that this reform will be
that they ought not to "waste their time" at so much in the light of craftsmanship and so
technical meetings; and of other manufacturers little in the light of science. But because this brought about rapidly. Perhaps a new genera-
saying that they do not want their "secrets" dis- is so, and because it has been easier to follow tion must first grow up. But if the executives
cussed in meetings. Of course any piano work- the lead of pioneers than to strike out for them- of the industry are wise they will encourage
man could tell these gentlemen that the selves, the technical men of the trade have and co-operate with the National Piano Tech-
mechanics who work first in one shop and then gradually lost all interest in science as such nicians Association to the end of securing for
in another carry all the news with them as they and now find themselves faced with the neces- themselves a race of physicists, engineers and
travel. And it would be just as easy, and quite sity of dealing with ideas, with a technical lan- music-craftsmen who will be able to speak the
true, to tell the gentlemen who worry about guage and with a method of reasoning quite language of science and of engineering, under-
waste of time that the only time-wasting now alien to them. Much of the scientific work which stand the concepts which underly these dis-
going on in the industry is the time-wasting by the N. P. T. A. is laying out for itself will have to ciplines and learn to apply them to the task of
men who do not know how to improve their be undertaken in the most elementary manner at designing and building perfect pianos.
product. But there is little use in arguing with first, in order that it may gradually be brought
men who will not see facts.
within the comprehension of men who, no mat-
Encouragement is, however, not entirely lack- ter how excellent their craftsmanship, are little
ing and the signs become each day more favor- accustomed to thinking along scientific lines or is solicited and should be addressed to William
able. The technicians are then wise in going to dealing with scientific ideas. The difference Braid White, 5149 Agatite avenue, Chicago.
forward steadily and refusing to be upset be- between science and non-science is simply the
cause some of the executives cannot see the difference between accuracy and inaccuracy, in
light. And the direction along which they are thinking and in doing. The man of science
working appears to be wen cnosen.
simply insists on knowing all the facts and draw-
The Right Start
ing on his conclusions from them without con-
August Gross, head of the August Gross
For the technicians are starting with funda- sidering whether these are or are not in accord Piano Co., 3933 North Kedzie avenue, and one
mental knowledge. They have laid out a pro- with his prejudgments. The man of science is of the oldest retail piano merchants in the city,
gram of research, and at the very head of it the man who organizes his knowledge and who, left recently -on his annual European trip. He
they have placed acoustic experiment. In the when he discovers that a rule can be formu- will visit Germany and other European coun-
program which the association adopted last lated to cover all cases of a given phenomenon, tries and will be gone for several months.
Winter the first part was headed "Fundamen-
tals" and envisaged a series of papers and dis-
cussions upon the fundamentals of tone pro-
duction, starting with the analysis of sound and
running through all known or ascertainable data
on strings, soundboards and hammers in their
physical relations with the production of musi-
cal sound. It must be evident, of course, that
LIGHT—COMPACT—SERVICEABLE
in the present state of the industry no scientific
analysis of these data can be undertaken in a
form which will be intelligible to or practically
Weighs Only 6 Pounds
applicable by the majority of the men who are
to-day in charge of piano construction. It is
When closed the aluminum
extremely probable that fundamental research
trays
nest together over the large
will have to be undertaken by a small and
select group whose findings will then have to
compartment, which measures
be reduced to practical application in due
137/ 8 " x 6" x 4". The two left hand
course, although they will, of course, be avail-
trays measure 13^8" x 2*4" x \y%
able to all who can make use of them. Sooner
or later, however, fundamental analysis must
and the two right hand trays 13^4"
be taken as the foundation of all improvement,
x 334" x \yk". The partitions in
and, naturally, those who set themselves to make
right hand trays are adjustable or
use of research in this form will find them-
Outside measurements 15j4 inches long, 7
selves ahead of their less active brethren.
may be removed. Case is fitted
inches wide, 8 inches high.
No. 150—Covered with seal grain imitation
with a very secure lock and solid
leather. Each $13.00
brass, highly nickel-plated hard-
No. 200—Covered with genuine black cow-
ware.
hide leather. Each $20.00 F.O.B. New York.
Standard of America
Alumni of 2000
Correspondence
Gross Goes Abroad
Tuners Carrying Case
FAUST SCHOOL
OF TUNING
Piano Tuning, Pipe and Reed
Organ and Player Piano
YEAR BOOK FREE
27-29 Gainsboro Street
We have a separate Department to take care of special requirements
of tuners and repairers. Mail orders for action parts, repair materials,
also tuning and regulating tools are given special attention.
BOSTON, MASS.
Tuners and Repairers
Our new illustrated catalogue of Piano and
Player Hardware Felts and Tools is now
ready. If you haven't received your copy
please let us know.
OTTO R. TREFZ, JR.
2110 Fairmount Ave.
Phila., Pa.
Hammacher, Schlemmer & Co,
Piano and Player Hardware, Felts and Tools
New York Since 1848
4th Ave. at 13th St.

Page 32 Text:

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
IN THE WORLD OF MUSIC PUBLISHING
Conducted By V. D. Walsh
The Piano Promotion Campaign and Its
Effect Upon the Sheet Music Industry
Every Music Publisher and Sheet Music Merchant Has Vital Interest in Campaign
Being Conducted by the National Piano Manufacturers Association
S E V E R A L hundred readers of this depart- the future of their business. It arrives at a
^ ment, inasmuch as their business is in music time when it should be most welcome inasmuch
publications and small goods, are not directly as probably this is the first year in the history
of the standard music publishing business where
interested in the sale of pianos. For that reason
doubtless not a few of them either do not look sales of piano publications did not show at least
'
or only casually glance at many pages of this a slight increase.
Of course, immediate effects in the way 'of
publication. In fact, there are a good many
sheet music dealers, and not a few sheet music new business will not be felt, or at least only
publishers, who have often expressed them- in certain localities in the early stages of this
selves as not being interested in the piano end new plan, but recognizing the present success
and with a three-year program already under
of the business.
This attitude was always a mistake, but at the way, the aggregate results in months to come
present moment it is a grave error. The Na- should insure new high sales totals.
The co-operation of all of the dealers who
tional Piano Manufacturers Association is carry-
ing on a campaign for the purpose of inter- should be interested in this work will hasten
esting the people in the piano. In its program the good that will be produced for all branches
it is spending $200,000 a year for a three-year of music. There should be no question of the
period in advertising the advantages of the piano advisability on the part of the local sheet music
as a musical instrument. This is not only an dealer in sharing both in the work of prepara-
effort to sell more pianos, but it is a program, tion and in the aftermath program, as it con-
already successful, for enlarging the pupil clien- cerns his territory.
While naturally the program of the National
tele of teachers and, through the co-operation of
schools, carry out a group educational program Piano Manufacturers Association is distinctly
related to the instruments its members manu-
on a large scale.
This is only a brief outline of the arrange- facture, the advertising and allied activities will
ments put in effect so far under the sponsor- be reflected in increased interest in music and
ship and direction of the Piano Manufacturers in other instruments to a certain extent. No
Association and specially selected and equipped such program on a national scale can be de-
propagandists. All of these earlier activities as vised which will concentrate all of the interest
arranged will be supplemented by programs by on the piano alone. The campaign itself and
other sources and their scope will undoubtedly the text in the advertising copy now being used
be enlarged as progress is made and the situa- is broad in scope and doubtless in some meas-
tion warrants. The music publisher and dealer, ures will have a business reflection in other
therefore, should read carefully and watch directions. In fact, no program which basically
closely all of these activities, particularly those sells music can wholly confine itself to one com-
relating to schools and teachers, and, wherever mercial branch of the music industries.
possible, give local co-operation to the pro- Therefore, this intensive campaign to interest
the young in the piano and in music will have
gram.
Those who are subscribers to this publication constructive results that will be reflected in
and are ordinarily only interested in music pub- more sales in other departments of the music
lication affairs have at hand from week to week merchant's business. The campaign to encour-
a complete report of the developments in this age the young to play the piano, which will
musical educational program from all sections ultimately and naturally result in a greater sale
of the country. It is a big undertaking, but, of piano music, demands co-operation of sheet
as it is based upon tested plans, there is little music retailers, and with the numerous other
question of its success. In fact, reports from values that will be derived from such national
cities carrying out the group idea educational publicity in the cause of music it would be al-
most criminal for a business man not to take
plans invariably show remarkable results.
All of this is of vital interest to the publisher part wherever possible and to share in the
and sheet music dealer. It is an insurance for work.
pEe EK-IE
Now Ready
Rudy Wiedoe£t's
Modern Saxophone
Method
Includes the Rudy Wiedoeft Photo-
graphic Saxophone Chart, the most
practical device ever invented for
teaching the fingering of the instru-
ment, and four original saxophone
solos.
The Wiedoeft Method is considered by
all to be the most up-to-date school
for the modern saxophone player.
List price
$3.00
Regular Dealer Discounts
ROBBINS Music CORPORATION
QuhltA liei-iLj
799 Seventh Avenue, New York
Frank Pallma Back
From Extensive Trip
practically unknown until the song was pub-
lished by this well-known organization. For
instance, the ballad, "Just for To-day," by
Blanche Ebert Seaver, which has been featured
by John McCormack and other artists, was
recognized by Mr. Pallma as having unusual
merit and was immediately published. It is
now one of the leading numbers of the Pallma
catalog. "A good deal of originality can be
introduced in welcoming new blood and new
ideas to stimulate the life of the business," says
Mr. Pallma. Continuing, he said: "Dealers
often do not seem to realize that there is a
difference in the types of publications and
methods of promotion. In many instances it
takes them two or three years to start a good
standard song, while in a few weeks a popular
number can be launched towards success. How-
ever, once a standard number gets going it
outlives most popular pieces.
"Watching the World Go
By" Ball's Last Song
Number Sung by Silver Masked Tenor Over
W E A F to Be Given Wide Exploitation by
Witmark
The last song of the late Ernest R. Ball, the
noted writer of ballads, written with his old col-
laborator, J. Kiern Brennan, was called
"Watching the World Go By." This number was
tried out by Mr. Ball on some of his last vaude-
ville engagements. The publishers of Ball's
compositions, M. Witmark & Sons, had planned
previously to make this number one of Ball's
most popular compositions, the plans being
ready when the news of his death reached New
York. The title of the song and the words to-
gether with the musical setting seemed so ap-
propriate and with the steadily increasing de-
mand from singers and the trade, that Wit-
mark decided to carry out the original campaign.
Thus, "Watching the World Go By" was intro-
duced to millions the other night over the air
from Station W E A F and its chain by the Silver
Masked Tenor during Goodrich Hour. This fine
singer has featured many Ball songs in the
past, but he gave an especially beautiful ren-
dition of the new number, which was prefaced
with a fine and very interesting announcement
concerning it and the death of its composer.
Music Men to Hold
Annual Outing June 25
Event This Year Will Take Place at the Elks
Club House, Oakwood Heights, Staten Island
The annual outing of the Association of Music
Men, composed of salesmen and clerks of
music publishers and retailers in the metro-
Covered Eastern Coast, New England and politan area, will be held at the Elks Club
Canada—Reports Good Demand for Pallma House, Oakwood Heights, Staten Island, N. Y.,
Publications
on Saturday, June 25. At the outing, besides
the annual dinner, the members and guests will
CHICAGO, I I I . , May 28.—Frank Pallma, Jr., head be amused with baseball, prize bowling and
of the Pallma Music Publishers, Chicago, re- outdoor sports. The advance sale of tickets for
turned last week from an extensive Eastern the coming event is already quite large, assur-
and Canadian trip. He visited the principal ing one of the best affairs ever given by this
cities on the East coast from Virginia to New organization.
England, as well as the large cities in Canada,
The regular monthly meeting was held on
and reports that the Pallma catalog is meeting May 24 at the Central Opera House, New York
with unusual success.
City. A surprise was given those who attended
The Pallma Publishers believe in featuring by holding a novelty "horse racing contest." Six
standard numbers, whether they come from the prizes were awarded,- mostly in stage money.
pen of a known or unknown writer. In fact, The first prize-was won by H. Schloz; second
the company has introduced several numbers by T. Hoffreichter; third by J. Seybold; fourth
which have gained popularity by sheer merit, by Herman Trink; fifth by W. Ackerman and
although the writer in many instances was. sixth by W. Froese.
32

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