Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
1879
ast August, immediately following the annual
Convention of the National Association of Music
Merchants, the MUSIC TRADE REVIEW pointed
out to its many readers several things in the conducting
of the Convention which could be remedied to eliminate
a lot of adverse criticism which was being received
from a host of exhibitors, who felt that the results they
had obtained at the trade show did not prove satisfac-
tory in view of the expense to which they had been put.
As a result of this exposure, which was supported by
many members of the industry, there has been brought
about many changes in the rules of the convention,
made at the January meeting of the Trade Show Ad-
visory Committee, which it is hoped will bring about
considerably more satisfaction in conventions to come.
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mention of this is made herewith in this in-
troduction because it has been quite character-
i istic of THE REVIEW, which this year is
celebrating its 75th anniversary. In fact, when THE
REVIEW was established in 1879, its creed was sum-
pied up in the following lines which had been settled
!.i )on as its Editorial slogan:
"For the cause that lacks assistance,
For the wrong that needs resistance,
For the future in the distance,
And the good that we can do. 7 '
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A
ll through the 75 years that THE REVIEW
has been faithfully serving the music industry,
^ it has not only chronicled the numerous ac-
tivities and changes throughout the industry, but it has
proved of valuable assistance to many a cause that has
needed it. It has exposed many wrongs that needed
resistance, and it has promoted many of the institu-
tions which are now doing good work for the industry
at large.
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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW, MARCH, I954
1954
B
ack in 1879, there were several hundred piano
manufacturers. There was also a lively business
in small musical instruments. In fact, as late
as 1903 there were 101 manufacturers in the city of
New York alone and there were approximately 232
piano manufacturers who were active during the era
of the player piano, which lasted from 1909 until
1926. Although at the present time there are ap-
proximately 25 piano manufacturers left, it is interest-
ing to note that there are approximately 20 pianos still
being sold in liberal quantities which have been stead-
ily on the market for the last 75 years. Several of these
are still being manufactured by the descendants of the
founders. There are also several piano supply firms
who are over 75 years of age, which are being con-
ducted by the descendants of the founders.
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D
uring its entire career, THE REVIEW has al-
ways pursued the policy of keeping its columns
open to its readers for discussion of any and
all problems which arise. Many times it has proved a
point to the industry on certain subjects through the
symposiums embodying the opinions of both large
and small music merchants.
t is interesting to note also that throughout its career
THE REVIEW has never had to change its name
in order to ingratiate itself with those who have
developed something new in musical activities. Both its
name and its policy has enabled it to serve all the new
elements as part of its work in serving the industry as
a whole.
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lthough pianos and other musical instruments
had been made in this country for 80 years,
when THE REVIEW came into being in 1879,
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