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The Music Trade Review
APRIL 21, 1928
Cincinnati Melody Way
Develops Big Name List
with artistic combinations of gold on red or
gold on green; fine mohair in shades of red,
blue, black or dark taupe; jacquard velour in
green or deep red and plain color velour in
popular shades.
Piano Trade Fundamentally
Sound, Declares Wessell
Classes Give More Than 4,000 Names of Heads of Families Where
Children Are Musically Inclined and Have Some Knowl-
edge of Piano — Gross Handles American Line
INCINNATI, April 16.—The Melody Way classes which are now drawing to a close de-
veloped about four thousand names of heads of families in which there is a child that
is musically inclined and which has at least some knowledge of the piano. Piano dealers
are now making a canvas of these names with a view to developing prospects. "It is a big
job to separate the sheep from the goats," explained a dealer, "but from the few days' experi-
ence we have had in the matter it seems sure that a good percentage of the parents of the
pupils will sooner or later be in the market
for a piano."
Of course, all of the piano houses that par-
ticipated in the Melody Way movement re-
ceived this list of names, and all of them will
make an effort to sell to the parents. But New Line Comprises Four Designs, the Selec-
tion of Fourteen Buyers of Quality Mer-
through the law of averages, it is thought, all
chandise
will get a share of the business, provided they
go after it in the right way. About an equal
The Walter M. Gotsch Co., well-known
number of children, and also many adults, it is
thought, made considerable progress through manufacturer of piano scarfs and bench cush-
following the lessons that appeared in the
newspaper and those that were broadcasted
from WLW, and a great many prospects are
expected to develop from this source.
It has been decided by the heads of piano
houses not to continue the public Melody Way
classes at this time, but it is thought that the
classes may be resumed later on. "We have
made a few minor errors," said a dealer, "and
if we conduct the campaign again we can avoid
these. One mistake that we made was to offer
everything free. If the pupils had been required
to invest a small sum in the beginning, to pay
for charts and so forth, they would have taken
a greater interest in the lessons, speaking of
the pupils as a whole."
The M. W. Fantle Co. has once more ex-
tended its line by taking over the territorial dis-
tribution of QRS, U. S. and Imperial music
rolls. The company will carry a large stock
of each of these makes of rolls in order to
give prompt and efficient service to houses in
southern Ohio, eastern Indiana, Kentucky and
West Virginia.
New Style Gotsch Bench
The George P. Gross Co. is now handling the
entire line of the American Piano Co., it hav- ions, is introducing a line of unusually attractive
ing taken over the Mason & Hamlin instru- art-iron piano benches in four designs that are
ments carried in stock by Dan L. Summey, the final selection of fourteen well-known buy-
who handled them here for many years. During ers of quality merchandise.
the week of April 30 the famous Liszt piano, a
The individuality and character of these new
Chickering grand, will be on exhibition in the designs will add charm to any home and open a
Gross store.
large field for increased sales among new pros-
Lucien Wulsin, vice-president of the Baldwin pects as well as piano owners.
Piano Co., is now in New York City, where he
The Gotsch benches have been designed in
went to attend to business matters. Recent style and finish to enhance the beauty of the
visitors at the Baldwin executive offices were piano and add to the attractiveness of the room.
E. P. Williams, manager of the Chicago house, The art iron-work is distinctive in character
and W. T. Abel, manager of the St. Louis house. and design. The base is beautifully finished in
antique gold and black lacquer.
The coverings are of various materials and
Consult the Universal Want Directory ot
color combinations, including imported tapestry
The Review.
C
Gotsch Brings Out New
Iron Piano Benches
7.
ESTABLISHED 1862
In spite of the temporary quietness in piano
sales—the piano business is fundamentally good,
stated Arthur L. Wessell, vice-president of Wes-
sell, Nickel & Gross, piano action manufac-
turers, in a recent interview with The Review.
Mr. Wessell, through his executive office with
Wessell, Nickel & Gross, is in contact with
authoritative sources of information throughout
the entire country. Furthermore, Mr. Wessell
is a keen analyst of trade conditions and with
many years' experience in the fluctuation of
piano business is able to clearly read the trend
of the times.
"Through personal observation," continued
Mr. Wessell, "I find the structure for future
business is very heartening. The piano enjoys
the recognition of being the basic musical in-
strument. Interest in the piano is waxing.
Everywhere children cither through
group or individual instruction are
mastering the technique of playing the
piano. In fact, there is a dearth of
music teachers throughout the land.
There are more pupils anxious to study
the piano than there are instructors to
teach them.
"Another hopeful sign is the demand
for and recognition of quality in piano
construction. The buying public is de-
manding quality, and the manufacturers
and dealers alike who are building
their business upon a quality basis are
not only enjoying immediate benefits,
but a bright future as well."
In conclusion Mr. Wessell stated:
"Much credit is due the piano mer-
chants for the energetic manner in
which they have not only backed the
various associations but have individ-
ually contributed toward the advance-
ment of the popularity of the piano.
Interest in piano playing has been de-
cidedly awakened and the results of
this awakening will be gathered by these deal-
ers for many years to come."
Joins Record Department
i
PORTLAND, OHE., April 14.—Miss May Grindc has
joined the record force of the Hyatt Music Co.,
replacing Miss Charlotte Chesley, resigned.
Miss Grinde was, formerly connected with the
G. F. Johnson Piano Co., and is a talented mu-
sician and a composer of songs as well, her
latest production being "The Path of Memory,"
which she says will be published at an early
date. Record demand is good according to all
reports.
L^UTEH
NEWARK N . J .
—
ONE OF AMERICA'S FINE PIANOS
fa
E"~
In Spite of Temporary Quietness the Future
Prospects Are of the Brightest, Declares
Well-Known Action Maker
UPRIGHTS ~EEE
GRANDS
THE LAUTER-HUMANA