Music Trade Review

Issue: 1953 Vol. 112 N. 12

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
PRACTICAL PIANO TUNING
By ALEXANDER HART
Formerly with Steinway & Sons Tuning Department, Instructor in
Piano Tuning, Teachers College, Columbia University, N. Y.
Registered Member of the
National Association of Piano Tuners
Notes of Interest on Tuning
UITE frequently you will hear a
technician remark. "I would like
Q
to assume charge of a piano repair
shop."!
This thought in mind must not be
construed that in case you could not
make good as a practical all-around
man. another solution might present
itself, i.e.. take on the job you are
better fitted for.
If you will refer to my article of
October. 1953, Page 25. there are
many branches one might know enough
of to qualify as an assistant, be able
to pitch in and perhaps become invalu-
able to the superintendent of the piano
repair shop.
When an opportunity knocks at the
door, all you have to worry about is.
do you know any branch of piano mak-
ing so that you can take your place at
the work bench and not just pretend,
i.e.. unable to glue on a new set of
hammers or. let us say. restring a pi-
ano. Whatever it is, one may be able
to do it well.
On the assumption that there is a
complete 'set-up', a fine piano repair
shop ready to take on complete over-
hauling.
Example: A piano comes in for re-
pairs. A proper procedure is to give
the customer an honest estimate as to
what is goirifj to be done to the instru-
ment.
One point should be made clear—
when conducting a shop.
A reliable piano repair shop can be
considered as a part of the piano sell-
ing as well as piano rebuilding, be-
cause tfie instrument that comes in for
overhauling changes automatically into
a new sale, providing the customer is
induced in such a way that the shift is
advantageous on all sides.
There is spare time to fix up the
one just taken in and put on the ware-
room floor (especially if it has a brand
name), and when repaired and pol-
ished the chance for the sales in both
directions Incomes profitable. The
main point in question is—living up to
the estimated work, minus promises.
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW, DECEMBER, 1953
and "almost like new" statement.
What are some of the estimates that
find their way in a piano repair shop?
1. Grand piano action brought in to
be regulated only.
2. Grand action to have a new set
of hammers put on only.
3. Upright piano to be restrung. Ac-
tion in general is o. k.
4. Mrs. M. wants the instrument reno-
vated, new strings, new hammers,
sounding board repaired, revarn-
ished and sent home like a new
instrument.
5. Mrs. S. wants her instrument put
in good playable condition.
6. Another lady wants the instrument
decorated to a finish to match her
furniture.
7. A new pin block is another re-
building process.
8. A new bass bridge is another re-
pairing procedure.
It is somewhat difficult to actually
outline each and every item of repair-
ing procedures, but it can be logically
assumed that an established shop, based
on ability, experience and integrity,
cannot fail to satisfy the most critical.
A major performing medium for
new business can be counted on when
"nothing but the best" emanates from
this department.
Let us cite in fairness some of the
shortcomings that make a shop a losing
proposition—one is the underestimat-
ing. Two. making statements that can-
not be relied upon, i.e., an exact time
to deliver the instrument ready for per-
formance.
\X e have only to revert to a few
items of repairs that will answer this
assertion. Third, new strings, new ham-
mers and soundboard.
One cannot foresee in advance when
the stringer does not show up for work.
The action regulator likewise, depend-
ing on the piano being restrung. It is
in the same predicament.
At the beginning of this article, we
tioted how one would like to assume
charge of a piano repair shop.
Now comes the chance to make his ability to restring the instrument
and get it ready for the finisher, the
one who puts the new hammers on.
Ironing out a condition of this kind
gives our foreman a pat on the back.
So it goes, all the way down the line
of emergencies, when it becomes a part
of an overseer to make good some of
his experiences.
Another side of the picture should
be taken into consideration. This is
specialization—the "jack of all trades"
does not fit into the picture.
Many first class action regulators
do not tune.
A-l piano tuners are not usually
experienced regulators.
The same may be said about
stringers.
Another criterion is that these men
are free lancers, coming and going as
they please. Unless they can be guar-
anteed a certain amount, uncertainty
remains on both sides. That's the prob-
lem. It is not an easy one. However,
when a piano repair shop has the qual-
ifications built on ability, experience
and integrity, it can be solved.
Mrs.
Fay Templeton Frisch Not
With Educational Productions
Mrs. Eav Templeton Frisch of !\ew
Kochelle. V Y. made a film about a
year ago. an initial pilot film, under
the title of "Piano Lessons are Fun",
the name of which was later changed
to "Keyboard Experiences" and which
was shown at numerous places and
through numerous o r g a n i z a t i o n s
throughout the United States.
The project was being promoted by
Arthur Schmoyer of Los Angeles. Cal.
under the trade name of "Educational
Productions.
Mrs. Frisch now states that she has
s e v e r e d all connections with Mr.
Schmoyer and has renounced any per-
sonal sponsorship of his "Keyboard
Experiences" project. She further states
that she has not only notified Mr.
Schmoyer regarding this but has also
advise many persons who saw the film
as well as interested organizations.
37
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
Dr. Alexander Russell Dies
At Dewilt, N. Y., Aged 73
Dr. George Alexander Russell, com-
poser, organist and pianist, who retired
last year as manager of the piano de-
partments of the Wanamaker stores,
in New York and Philadelphia, died
November 24th at his home in Dewitt,
N. Y., at the age of 73. He joined
Wanamaker in 1910 as concert director
when the store maintained concert
halls.
For eighteen years Dr. Russell also
was director of music at Princeton Uni-
versity, where he held the Henry Clay
Frick chair.
A graduate of Syracuse University
with the degree of Bachelor of Music
in 1901, he received an honorary doc-
torate of music from that institution
twenty years later. He also won an
honorary doctorate of pedagogy from
the University of Cincinnati in 1929.
After his graduation from Syracuse,
Dr. Russell studied in Europe with
such masters as Leopold Godowsky,
Edgar Stillman Kelley, Harold Bauer
and Charles-Marie Widor. He made
his debut as a pianist in Paris in 1908.
On his return to this country Dr.
Russell did concert work for two years.
Then he accepted the Wanamaketr post
here. He was music director in the
Philadelphia store from 1919 to 1929.
Dr. Russell brought many notable
organists to this country. In 1932 he
received the title of Chevalier of the
Order of the Cross from the King of
Belgium.
He was a member of the American
Guild of Artists, the Singing Teachers
Association and the American Society
of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
Some of his best known songs were
"Sunset," "The Sacred Fire," "In
Fountain Court" and "Lyric from Ta-
gore."
For the piano he wrote "Theme and
Variations' and "Contrapuntal Waltz."
His "St. Lawrence Sketches" were com-
posed for the organ.
Large Liberace Poster
Issued to Baldwin Dealers
Surviving are his widow, the former
Eloise Holden; a sister, Miss Waldine
Russell, and a brother, Faris R. Rus-
sell.
The Baldwin Piano Co. in Cincinnati,
Funeral services were held in Syra-
O.,
is sending to its dealers a large
cuse at the Fairchild & Meech Funeral
poster
for use in stores and for display
Parlor on Friday, November 27th.
GEORGE L. EATON
George L. Eaton senior vice presi-
dent of the Bankers Commercial Cor-
poration, of New York, died on No-
vember 11th at the New Rochelle Hos-
pital. His age was 88.
Mr. Eaton was born in Rochester.
N. Y., and until 1896 was an official
of the Buffalo. Rochester and Pitts-
burgh Coal Co. and the Buffalo. Ro-
chester and Pittsburgh Railway- At
the turn of the century he became as-
sociated with George G. Foster in the
Foster & Armstrong Co., a predecessor
of the American Piano Company of
which he became vice president. At
the same time he also became an offi-
cial of Bankers Commercial organiza-
tion.
He leaves his wife, Mrs. Alice Joslyn
Eaton; two stepsons, John J. and Char-
les J. Wilson, and a stepdaughter, Mrs.
Amy R. Bailey.
Funeral services were held on Fri-
day, November 13th at the George T.
Davis Memorial, New Rochelle.
Present Piano to School
Pratt Read and Co., Ivoryton, Conn,
will donate a new piano to the Essex
Consolidated Grammar School which
will be ready for occupancy next Sep-
tember.
Carl N. Sanchez Resigns As
Retail Manager of Hardman
Carl N. Sanchez, Jr., retail Sales
Manager of Hardman, Peck & Co., has
resigned effective December 4th after
over 35 years with the company. His
future plans are unannounced.
TO SERVE YOU BETTER'. . .
AMERICAN PIANO SUPPLY CO. is pleased to an-
nounce their sales department and office has moved to new
and more spacious quarters on November 10th. Our new
address:
AMERICAN PIANO SUPPLY CO.
889 Broadway (N.W. Cor. 19th St.)
12nd floor)
NEW YORK 3. N. Y.
PHONE: GRamercy 7-4540
38
Congra.tul.at.ions on the superb BALDWIN
pianos. In all my appearances whether
;t be on the concert stage, television
or radio, I prefer the BALDWIN.
•^
Its quick responsive
—-
action and beautiful
bell-like tones from treble
to ba3s aake it the
>\
' one and only'
->
•*">*.
instrument."
BALDWIN'S LIBERACE POSTER
in windows, showing Liberace seated at
the Baldwin piano as he plays on tele-
vision once each week.
Printed in white on a dark back-
ground is the following message signed
by Liberace. "Congratulations on the
superb Baldwin piano. In all my ap-
pearances whether it be on the concert
stage, television or radio, I prefer the
Baldwin. Its quick responsive action
and beautiful bell-like tones from
treble to bass make it the 'one and
only' instrument."
GRAND LEGS
always in Mock with
top pieces bored for
metal fitting* — all ei-
pertlv sandpapered. Alto
furnished with oaten,
ferrule* and plate* on
jrden.
Kiln-Dried Lumber uied exclusive-
ly. Write for details. Be»t price*
and immediate shipment.
Round, Square, Octagon, or (pe-
dal designed leg* made to order
from your sketch, or sample, fot
ipinet or upright pianos.
Paragon Woodtuming Go., Inc.
431 W. 28th St., N. Y. 1, N. Y-
"KEYS THAT SATISFY SINCE 1890"
PIANO KEYS
RECOVERED WITH
I V O R I N E
Regular type
Waterfall type
Plastic Sharps
$ 9.50 set
*13.50 set
$ 4.50 set
IVORINE PIANO KEY CO.
1201 Stirling St.
Tel. 1241
Coatesville, Pa.
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW, DECEMBER, I953

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