August 27, 1927.
PRESTO-TIMES
114 fewer and the value approximately $100,000 less,
which small difference can more than be made up
during the remaining seven months. The loss re-
corded has taken place entirely within the class of
ordinary pianos, for, as a matter of fact, the exporta-
tion of playerpianos has increased.
During the period January to May, 1927, 6-717
players were exported whereas 6,477 were shipped
out of the United States during the like period in
1926. The principal countries to which player pianos
were exported in increasing numbers w r ere Australia
and Argentina, the former accounting for the greater
part of the increase. Shipments to Mexico were
greatly under last year's totals, especially in player-
pianos, in which class there was a reduction of over
60 per cent.
Exports to Canada.
Exports to Canada in both players and other pianos
decreased appreciably. New Zealand took fewer
player-pianos and more ordinary pianos. If pianos
continue to be shipped at the same rate throughout
1927 as during the first five months, a slight de-
crease in total exports may occur but an increase
in player shipments may be expected.
By far the greatest competition encountered by
American pianos in the various foreign markets is
furnished by German instruments. The German
piano industry for years dominated the world trade
in pianos and during the last few years it has made
many efforts to regain its prestige, after the loss of
much trade during the World War. German-made
pianos have long been held in high regard for their
quality by piano purchasers all over the world, which
attraction, combined with price inducements, has re-
sulted in a wide sale. American piano manufac-
turers have gradually usurped some of the markets
by creating a similarly favorable reputation through
the placing of quality products in the foreign
markets.
Although the German piano industry does not ap-
proximate its pre-war condition, it is still strong. In
1913 Germany exported 76,463 pianos, in 1924, 55,727,
and in 1925, 55,509. These figures, when compared
with the number exported from the United States
during the corresponding years—8,982, 16,128, and
20,587, respectively—indicate clearly the competition
American pianos must meet from that source.
British Competition Met.
The British piano industry has never offered as
severe competition to American pianos in foreign
markets as have the German instruments. England
has been an importer of pianos for years, not entirely
for domestic use but also for transshipment pur-
poses. Imports into that country have recently de-
creased, especially since the levying of a 33}/j per
cent duty. Preliminary statistics gathered during a
census of manufactures for the year 1924 show that
97,000 pianos were produced in British plants during
that year, having a valuation of £3,580,000. This
domestic production was supplemented that year by
approximately 10 per cent more of imported instru-
ments. From 5 to 7 per cent of the home-manufac-
tured instruments find their way into foreign trade,
which percentage compares favorably with the
slightly more than 6 per cent of American total
production sold abroad. Increased interest and activ-
ity in exporting British painos has been reported
recently, and a more definite foreign trade effort is
said to exist.
GEORGE E. MANSFIELD
TO AID EVERETT SALES
of the Everett Piano Co., which was reorganized in
June of this year with John H. Parnham as presi-
dent and incorporated with a paid-up capital of $1,-
000,000, which provided for a surplus of $500,000
without preferred stock, bonds or any form of funded
indebtedness. An incident of the reorganization was
the acquisition of the new grand piano plant at South
Haven, Mich., where production of the artistic Ever-
etts was immediately begun.
The announcement of the reorganization and plans
for Everett production under the most modern con-
ditions was one of the most interesting trade items
of the week at the time to piano men familiar with
the high standing of the Everett, and anticipations as
to the potency of the new efforts have since been
realized. With the use of every facility for high-class
piano making and' the support of a strong organiza-
tion of skilled and successful piano men, the best
results were assured. It was the beginning of a
new era of prominence for the Everett piano.
The Everett has a desirable background of high
artistic attainments and in the fie'.d of American
piano supremacy the name has ever been an out-
standing one.
Prospects of American Industry.
There is every possibility that the American piano
industry may profit by improved sales both in the
United States and abroad. Foreign trade in pianos
is exhibiting a healthy development, and the percent-
age of pianos entering foreign trade channels may
increase with more definite endeavors to develop
existing markets.
JESSE FRENCH & SONS
"MaJte Homes Happy "
/PIqors &
Write for Catalog"
Castle. Indiana.
• THE HOUSE OF GRANDS"
Experienced Piano Man to Take Charge of
Business of the Everett Piano Company
in Several Large Cities.
George E. Mansfield, formerly with the sales de-
partment of C. Kurtzmann & Co., has been elected
secretary of the Everett Piano Co., South Haven,
HOBART M. CABLE CO.'S
LINE PLEASES TRADE
Extensive Blue Ribbon Line Has Attained a
High Standard of Piano Values and Its
Popularity Is Evident Throughout the
Trade.
The Hobart M. Cable Co., La Porte, Ind., makers
of the Blue Ribbon Line of pianos, players and
grands, is enthusiastic over the success of its instru-
ments throughout the trade. The line includes
grands, uprights and playerSj and each model is dis-
tinctive and makes a direct appeal to the piano pros-
pect from the standpoint of tone, case design and
construction. A strong addition to the big line is
GEORGE E. MANSFIELD.
the "Song Bird," a baby upright only three feet
Mich., with sales offices in Chicago, New York and eight inches high and containing all the ideal stand-
Boston. In addition to his duties as secretary, Mr. ards of perfection that mark it as a Hobart M. Cable
Mansfield will have charge of the Everett business production. It is designed especially for apartments,
in several of the largest cities of the country, in smaller homes and school rooms.
which capacity his wide experience in the business
Although generally the piano trade is reported
and extensive acquaintance in the piano trade will slow and conforms with other lines of business
be effective aids towards extending favor for the Hobart M. Cable dealers have reported no big slack
artistic Everett and impressing its desirability on in the summer trade. To the new Hobart M. Cable
musical people. Few men in the piano sales field are models, with the stunning new finishes to harmonize
so well known as Mr. Mansfield. He has always with furnishings of fine homes—the new smartness
been active in the affairs of the National Piano Trav- of line—the personality of each model, is attributed
elers' Association, of which he was an efficient pres- this steady demand accorded dealers by the buying
ident for a term.
public, and which is testified to by the orders re-
The appointment of Mr. Mansfield as secretary ceived by the La Porte, Ind., industry.
of the company, with important duties in the sales
department, is significant of further stimulation in
Klote's Music House, Edina, Mo., will handle
production and distribution of the admirable products pianos exclusively in the future.
Concert, Parlor and Small Grands
Period and Modern Designs
Manufacturers of the
Grand in Upright Form
Grand toije and quality in the Upright Piano
is exclusively Bush Htf Lane
(Pattnt.d)
Reproducing and Player Pianos—
^ V l M o n (Licensee) and Cecilian
Writt for our Art Catalog
Busk & Lane
Piano Co.
Holland. Michigan
SCHILLER
A GREAT NAME—A GREAT PIANO
THE SCHILLER
Makes Friends, Makes Customers, Makes
Money, for the Dealer
Super-Grands, Medium Grands, Small
Grands. Full Plate Uprights; Medium
Uprights; Small (3:7) Uprights.
Reproducing Grands, Uprights and
Players
Grands with the Famous Bauer
Patented Construction
The SCHILLER PIANO challenges
superiority in tone quality as in construc-
tion, workmanship, finish and appearance.
For Agency Proposition and All
Particulars, address
SCHrfLLER PIANO COMPANY
Factory and General Offices:
OREGON, ILLINOIS
CHICAGO OFFICE:
State and Adams Sta.
922 Republic Bid*.
NEW TOKK OFFICE:
130 W. 42nd St.
Bush Terminal Bldf.
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