Music Trade Review
Issue: 1881 Vol. 4 N. 5 - Page 14
88
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THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
April 5th, 1881.
CHICAGO MUSIC CO., Chicago, HI.
THE COMBINATION ORGAN.
N the issue of this paper for Dec. 5, 1880, we had occasion to record the
EMIL LIEBLING. "Feu Follet." Scherzo for Piano.
50 cts. The prin-
completion of the first of a series of instruments patented and manu- cipal theme is happily invented, and elegant players will be enabled to score
factured by The Mechanical Orguinette Co., of 831 Broadway, New York, a good effect with the charming scherzo.
and given by them the very appropriate name of "Combination Organ."
The instrument is in reality what its name implies, a combination, embody-
ing three different kinds of organs, one of which can be played with the
fingers as reed organs usually are; one which can be played automatically
PBEPARED ExPBESSIiY FOB THE MtJSIOAL CRITIO AND TfiADE REVIEW.
by means of a perforated paper sheet on a roller revolved by the pedals
which are used to furnish wind to the reeds, and a third, which is perhaps
the most remarkable one, in which an air can be played by means of the No. 238,733. PIANOFORTE, dated March 8th, 1881. William F. Ulman, of
Boston, Mass.
perforated sheet, while at the same time a person accustomed to the keyboard
and possessing some musical ability can vary the theme by playing variations
This inventor provides a firm plank of wood or other similar substance
or an accompaniment with the fingers and the keys as in the ordinary reed to which the hitch-pin plate is fastened, thereby overcoming, the inventor
organ, thereby producing charming musical effects, and furnishing an excel- claims, the discordant vibrations which ensue when the hitch-pin plate is
lent method for improving the style and creative power of advanced musical only fastened to the frame at its ends, and not provided with a backing.
pupils. We consider this one of the most important features which this
The inventor also claims as new the device of a double bridge made in
novel and valuable instrument possesses, and one which is destined to make one piece but having a crescent shaped air space, across which the strings
a sale for it in places where a merely mechanical instrument would not be pass at about right angles. The strings which cross this air space are in con-
considered by intending purchasers.
tact with both sides of the bridge so that their vibrations are communicated
Looked at as a reed organ alone, the " Combination Organ " has quali- to the sounding-board at two points, and by the vibration of the air in this
ties which must commend it to the musical public. The range of the instru- space, it is claimed that a louder tone is produced.
ment, as made by The Mechanical Orguinette Co., is from two to three sets of
Instead of passing the strings between pins or through agraffes on the
reeds, and from four to fourteen stops, six of the latter belonging to the bridge, the inventor provides a strip which is let into the bridge edgewise
reed organ proper, and four to the automatic instrument. These stops are and secured therein, and the strings are passed through its upper projecting
all genuine ones and each performs a special work; they are not as is so portion. The top of the bridge is bevelled on both sides towards the strip
often the ease put in merely for show to make the instrument appear more through which the strings pass in order that they may have a bearing on
costly, and thereby to deceive the public, but each one serves a specific pur- both sides of the bridge, the perforation through which the strings pass
pose which may be easily proven by an inspection of the instrument. The being on a lower level than the edges of the bridge.
reeds of the Combination Organ are made at the celebrated factory of the
In addition to the above described devices, the inventor claims an
Munroe Organ Reed Co., in Worcester, Mass., are constructed on a novel improvement in the method of inserting the tuning-pins in the wrest-plank,
principle and made specially heavy, whereby a very powerful tone is pro- the improvement being triangular or wedge-shaped holes in which the pins
duced when the size of the instrument is taken into consideration.
are driven instead of the usual circular holes, whereby it is claimed that the
The construction of the " Combination Organ," that is to say, that part tension of strings drawing the pin toward the narrowest part of the hole,
of it whereby the instrument is changed at the will of the performer, from causes it to be held immovably in its position and that the only way in
an ordinary reed organ to an automatic one and vice versa, is so simple that which the instrument can become out of tune is by the stretching of the
a child ten years old of ordinary intelligence can be taught in a few minutes strings.
to make the necessary changes, and all the parts are constructed so simply
METHODIST CHUBCH MEMBERS RISING IN WRATH AGAINST D, F.
and durably that it is almost impossible for it to get out of order. The
cases of the " Combination Organs " are very varied but in the main tend
BEATTY-
toward what is called the "chapel " style, that is they do not have the high
WASHINGTON, N. J., March 16, 1881.
backs which until within the past few months have been so much in vogue
among organ builders, neither do they possess so much of the florid mere- To the Editor of the Apollo:
tricious ornamentation, which is characteristic of the cheaper grades of reed
As a resident and voter of Washington, I have to ask you to give some
organs; but the,r cases are unpretentious and quiet and show excellent taste little expression of the shame and mortification that every good citizen
on the part of the designers. They are all heavily veneered with the best of our borough must feel, at this time, over the action of the Common
woods, highly varnished and polished, and in this respect will bear favorable Council, on Monday last. They called a special meeting to grant license,
comparison with pianos of the highest grades.
thinking that the incoming Council might not grant license indiscriminately.
Since the introduction of the "Combination Organ," the demand for it But they went at it with the intention of doing the work, and if ever there
has become exceptionally large and the Mechanical Orguinette Co. has been was a set of men lost to shame, it was some of the members of the Common
obliged to make extra efforts to supply it. The company are now turning Council. Among them was the Hon. (?) Mayor, who has his name con-
out these instruments at the rate of 150 per month and appearances all indi- spicuously painted on one of the church organs as a member of the church.
cate that this will be decidely the most popular of their instruments. We Then right in the face of one of the main doctrines of the Methodist Church,
to which he professes to belong, he encourages the worst form of vice. He
predict a very large sale for it.
not only did this work without any pleasure, but gloried in it by calling out
to one of the ministers, saying: " Dominie, we done as you said, licensed
everything." Now for a man whose great business depends on the fruga-
lity and savings of poor men, by his setting such an example, shows him to
be short-sighted as a business man, as well as unfaithful to his church.
OLIVEK D1TSON & CO., Boston, Mass.
Rising up in the church at one time, he said that his great business was
RICHARD GOERDELER. "Fata Morgana." Melody for Piano.
30 cts. owing to his Heavenly Father. Then on another occasion, as on Monday
The title informs us that this "Melody" is op. 118 of the writer; otherwise last, after the meeting of the Common Council, he meets with drunken men
we should have considered it the work of a beginner. I t is utterly insig- at a champagne drinking party, to rejoice in the success of the rum and beer
sellers. I t is said that one or two members of the Council became drunk on
nificant.
the occasion. Now what is to become of the Methodist Church for con-
ARTHTJB W. MARCHANT. Bouree for Piano.
40 cts. A very interesting
If it's merely for the money that the Mayor will give, we'll keep
composition, which shows serious studies and is pleasing at the same time. sistency?
silent on this great and crying evil. What can we, who view the church
HENRI DE BARRI. "Twelve o'Clock." Galop. 50 cts. The title page from the standpoint of a worldling, look for? Christianity means that
looks very neat and does credit to the publishers. The galop does not Christian men should be pure and sincere, or it means nothing. The Metho-
dist Church will be looked at now as it has not been before, if this act of one
strike us as specially original, although it may amuse dancers.
of the trustees can be passed by in silence, and find no rebuke within its offi-
M. GRAY, San Francisco, Cal.
cial pale. Then its power and influence for good is greatly impaired. If I
J. F. PETRI. " Prelude for the organ." 40 cents. A very clever and can hear that there is self-respect and consistency in the church, I will gladly
inform you.
OBSERVER.
nicely set organ piece.
— The Belvidere Apollo, Belvidere, N. J.
D. B. MOODY. "Bob Billy Boo and Wolly Po Pump." 30 cents. A
little romance, written for the enjoyment of children; it fills its purpose
splendidly.
GRATIFYING PROGRESS OF THE STAR PARLOR ORGAN CO.
STEPHEN W. ADAMS. " The Blue Alsatian Mountains." 40 cents. This r T ^ H E Star Parlor Organ Co., of Washington, report a steadily increasing
song reminds us of so many other songs, that it would lead too far, and X trade for their instruments during the past six months, which must be
take too long to point out all the originals.
very encouraging to them, especially as it occurs at a time when the business
W. STUCKENHOLZ. Waltz from "Pirates of Penzance." 50 cents. The generally is comparatively quiet, and is a sign that their celebrated instru-
principal melodies from Gilbert-Sullivan's operetta have been concocted ments are appreciated by the trade. They have a large factory in Washing-
ton, N. J., filled with every facility in the way of power and machinery for
to the rhythm of Valse.
making a very large number of instruments.
II. L. YANKEE. Lancers from " Pirates of Penzance." 50 cents. I t
The Star Parlor Organ Co. was organized last fall, and succeeded the
seems that just at present the " P i r a t e s " are the rage in San Francisco. old firm of Alleger, Bowlby & Co.,who formerly manufactured organs in the
Such rage must have its time and then all is smooth again till something new same building. The present management declare that no pains are being
stirs the minds.
spared to turn out first-class work in every particular, that they are making
JOSEPH D. REDDING. " Twelfth Night," March. 40 cents. But for Suppe instruments exclusively for the wholesale trade, and offer extraordinary
inducements to responsible dealers throughout the country.
and some other composers this March never would have existed.
I
NEW MUSICAL INVENTIONS
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
WALDTETTFEL. " Gaite," a Suite of Valses. 60 cents. A melodious
set of valses by this overrated French writer, who, after all, is but a faded
edition of Johann Strauss, without having the Austrian composer's vim.
HARRY DAVIS. "Dem Golden Shoes." Character song. 40 cents. A
minstrel song, as many have been, are, and unfortunately will be.
Our reporter was in Wm. Schaeffer's Piano Factory at No. 524 West 43d
street, this city, a few days ago, and asked him how his business was ; he
said that he had no complaint to make about dull business, that he had all the
business he could attend to, and that he had been keeping the usual number
of men employed all winter and as to stock, he said, "you see I have nothing
here. "Our reporter said that he had found it a little difficult to find Mr. Schaef-
WM. ROHLFING & CO., Milwaukee, Wis.
fer when he had called on previous occasions. "Well, you see," said Mr.
WM. E. LOUIS. " Vineta" and " Albumblatt." Two songs. 90 cents. Schaeffer, " I am my own foreman and busy in the factory most of the time
The conception of the songs is not very remarkable, but we must praise and do not have much time to talk." Our reporter saw a very fine upright
them on account of the musicianly work we found.
piano here just ready for shipment to W. J. Barbour, Ogdensburg, N. Y.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
April 5th, 1881.
CHICAGO MUSIC CO., Chicago, HI.
THE COMBINATION ORGAN.
N the issue of this paper for Dec. 5, 1880, we had occasion to record the
EMIL LIEBLING. "Feu Follet." Scherzo for Piano.
50 cts. The prin-
completion of the first of a series of instruments patented and manu- cipal theme is happily invented, and elegant players will be enabled to score
factured by The Mechanical Orguinette Co., of 831 Broadway, New York, a good effect with the charming scherzo.
and given by them the very appropriate name of "Combination Organ."
The instrument is in reality what its name implies, a combination, embody-
ing three different kinds of organs, one of which can be played with the
fingers as reed organs usually are; one which can be played automatically
PBEPARED ExPBESSIiY FOB THE MtJSIOAL CRITIO AND TfiADE REVIEW.
by means of a perforated paper sheet on a roller revolved by the pedals
which are used to furnish wind to the reeds, and a third, which is perhaps
the most remarkable one, in which an air can be played by means of the No. 238,733. PIANOFORTE, dated March 8th, 1881. William F. Ulman, of
Boston, Mass.
perforated sheet, while at the same time a person accustomed to the keyboard
and possessing some musical ability can vary the theme by playing variations
This inventor provides a firm plank of wood or other similar substance
or an accompaniment with the fingers and the keys as in the ordinary reed to which the hitch-pin plate is fastened, thereby overcoming, the inventor
organ, thereby producing charming musical effects, and furnishing an excel- claims, the discordant vibrations which ensue when the hitch-pin plate is
lent method for improving the style and creative power of advanced musical only fastened to the frame at its ends, and not provided with a backing.
pupils. We consider this one of the most important features which this
The inventor also claims as new the device of a double bridge made in
novel and valuable instrument possesses, and one which is destined to make one piece but having a crescent shaped air space, across which the strings
a sale for it in places where a merely mechanical instrument would not be pass at about right angles. The strings which cross this air space are in con-
considered by intending purchasers.
tact with both sides of the bridge so that their vibrations are communicated
Looked at as a reed organ alone, the " Combination Organ " has quali- to the sounding-board at two points, and by the vibration of the air in this
ties which must commend it to the musical public. The range of the instru- space, it is claimed that a louder tone is produced.
ment, as made by The Mechanical Orguinette Co., is from two to three sets of
Instead of passing the strings between pins or through agraffes on the
reeds, and from four to fourteen stops, six of the latter belonging to the bridge, the inventor provides a strip which is let into the bridge edgewise
reed organ proper, and four to the automatic instrument. These stops are and secured therein, and the strings are passed through its upper projecting
all genuine ones and each performs a special work; they are not as is so portion. The top of the bridge is bevelled on both sides towards the strip
often the ease put in merely for show to make the instrument appear more through which the strings pass in order that they may have a bearing on
costly, and thereby to deceive the public, but each one serves a specific pur- both sides of the bridge, the perforation through which the strings pass
pose which may be easily proven by an inspection of the instrument. The being on a lower level than the edges of the bridge.
reeds of the Combination Organ are made at the celebrated factory of the
In addition to the above described devices, the inventor claims an
Munroe Organ Reed Co., in Worcester, Mass., are constructed on a novel improvement in the method of inserting the tuning-pins in the wrest-plank,
principle and made specially heavy, whereby a very powerful tone is pro- the improvement being triangular or wedge-shaped holes in which the pins
duced when the size of the instrument is taken into consideration.
are driven instead of the usual circular holes, whereby it is claimed that the
The construction of the " Combination Organ," that is to say, that part tension of strings drawing the pin toward the narrowest part of the hole,
of it whereby the instrument is changed at the will of the performer, from causes it to be held immovably in its position and that the only way in
an ordinary reed organ to an automatic one and vice versa, is so simple that which the instrument can become out of tune is by the stretching of the
a child ten years old of ordinary intelligence can be taught in a few minutes strings.
to make the necessary changes, and all the parts are constructed so simply
METHODIST CHUBCH MEMBERS RISING IN WRATH AGAINST D, F.
and durably that it is almost impossible for it to get out of order. The
cases of the " Combination Organs " are very varied but in the main tend
BEATTY-
toward what is called the "chapel " style, that is they do not have the high
WASHINGTON, N. J., March 16, 1881.
backs which until within the past few months have been so much in vogue
among organ builders, neither do they possess so much of the florid mere- To the Editor of the Apollo:
tricious ornamentation, which is characteristic of the cheaper grades of reed
As a resident and voter of Washington, I have to ask you to give some
organs; but the,r cases are unpretentious and quiet and show excellent taste little expression of the shame and mortification that every good citizen
on the part of the designers. They are all heavily veneered with the best of our borough must feel, at this time, over the action of the Common
woods, highly varnished and polished, and in this respect will bear favorable Council, on Monday last. They called a special meeting to grant license,
comparison with pianos of the highest grades.
thinking that the incoming Council might not grant license indiscriminately.
Since the introduction of the "Combination Organ," the demand for it But they went at it with the intention of doing the work, and if ever there
has become exceptionally large and the Mechanical Orguinette Co. has been was a set of men lost to shame, it was some of the members of the Common
obliged to make extra efforts to supply it. The company are now turning Council. Among them was the Hon. (?) Mayor, who has his name con-
out these instruments at the rate of 150 per month and appearances all indi- spicuously painted on one of the church organs as a member of the church.
cate that this will be decidely the most popular of their instruments. We Then right in the face of one of the main doctrines of the Methodist Church,
to which he professes to belong, he encourages the worst form of vice. He
predict a very large sale for it.
not only did this work without any pleasure, but gloried in it by calling out
to one of the ministers, saying: " Dominie, we done as you said, licensed
everything." Now for a man whose great business depends on the fruga-
lity and savings of poor men, by his setting such an example, shows him to
be short-sighted as a business man, as well as unfaithful to his church.
OLIVEK D1TSON & CO., Boston, Mass.
Rising up in the church at one time, he said that his great business was
RICHARD GOERDELER. "Fata Morgana." Melody for Piano.
30 cts. owing to his Heavenly Father. Then on another occasion, as on Monday
The title informs us that this "Melody" is op. 118 of the writer; otherwise last, after the meeting of the Common Council, he meets with drunken men
we should have considered it the work of a beginner. I t is utterly insig- at a champagne drinking party, to rejoice in the success of the rum and beer
sellers. I t is said that one or two members of the Council became drunk on
nificant.
the occasion. Now what is to become of the Methodist Church for con-
ARTHTJB W. MARCHANT. Bouree for Piano.
40 cts. A very interesting
If it's merely for the money that the Mayor will give, we'll keep
composition, which shows serious studies and is pleasing at the same time. sistency?
silent on this great and crying evil. What can we, who view the church
HENRI DE BARRI. "Twelve o'Clock." Galop. 50 cts. The title page from the standpoint of a worldling, look for? Christianity means that
looks very neat and does credit to the publishers. The galop does not Christian men should be pure and sincere, or it means nothing. The Metho-
dist Church will be looked at now as it has not been before, if this act of one
strike us as specially original, although it may amuse dancers.
of the trustees can be passed by in silence, and find no rebuke within its offi-
M. GRAY, San Francisco, Cal.
cial pale. Then its power and influence for good is greatly impaired. If I
J. F. PETRI. " Prelude for the organ." 40 cents. A very clever and can hear that there is self-respect and consistency in the church, I will gladly
inform you.
OBSERVER.
nicely set organ piece.
— The Belvidere Apollo, Belvidere, N. J.
D. B. MOODY. "Bob Billy Boo and Wolly Po Pump." 30 cents. A
little romance, written for the enjoyment of children; it fills its purpose
splendidly.
GRATIFYING PROGRESS OF THE STAR PARLOR ORGAN CO.
STEPHEN W. ADAMS. " The Blue Alsatian Mountains." 40 cents. This r T ^ H E Star Parlor Organ Co., of Washington, report a steadily increasing
song reminds us of so many other songs, that it would lead too far, and X trade for their instruments during the past six months, which must be
take too long to point out all the originals.
very encouraging to them, especially as it occurs at a time when the business
W. STUCKENHOLZ. Waltz from "Pirates of Penzance." 50 cents. The generally is comparatively quiet, and is a sign that their celebrated instru-
principal melodies from Gilbert-Sullivan's operetta have been concocted ments are appreciated by the trade. They have a large factory in Washing-
ton, N. J., filled with every facility in the way of power and machinery for
to the rhythm of Valse.
making a very large number of instruments.
II. L. YANKEE. Lancers from " Pirates of Penzance." 50 cents. I t
The Star Parlor Organ Co. was organized last fall, and succeeded the
seems that just at present the " P i r a t e s " are the rage in San Francisco. old firm of Alleger, Bowlby & Co.,who formerly manufactured organs in the
Such rage must have its time and then all is smooth again till something new same building. The present management declare that no pains are being
stirs the minds.
spared to turn out first-class work in every particular, that they are making
JOSEPH D. REDDING. " Twelfth Night," March. 40 cents. But for Suppe instruments exclusively for the wholesale trade, and offer extraordinary
inducements to responsible dealers throughout the country.
and some other composers this March never would have existed.
I
NEW MUSICAL INVENTIONS
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
WALDTETTFEL. " Gaite," a Suite of Valses. 60 cents. A melodious
set of valses by this overrated French writer, who, after all, is but a faded
edition of Johann Strauss, without having the Austrian composer's vim.
HARRY DAVIS. "Dem Golden Shoes." Character song. 40 cents. A
minstrel song, as many have been, are, and unfortunately will be.
Our reporter was in Wm. Schaeffer's Piano Factory at No. 524 West 43d
street, this city, a few days ago, and asked him how his business was ; he
said that he had no complaint to make about dull business, that he had all the
business he could attend to, and that he had been keeping the usual number
of men employed all winter and as to stock, he said, "you see I have nothing
here. "Our reporter said that he had found it a little difficult to find Mr. Schaef-
WM. ROHLFING & CO., Milwaukee, Wis.
fer when he had called on previous occasions. "Well, you see," said Mr.
WM. E. LOUIS. " Vineta" and " Albumblatt." Two songs. 90 cents. Schaeffer, " I am my own foreman and busy in the factory most of the time
The conception of the songs is not very remarkable, but we must praise and do not have much time to talk." Our reporter saw a very fine upright
them on account of the musicianly work we found.
piano here just ready for shipment to W. J. Barbour, Ogdensburg, N. Y.
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).