Music Trade Review

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
pulling finally attracted the notice of the fields of vocalism, and Prof. Thomas' well
Prince of Wales. At that time the Prince trained voice was heard to much advantage
was entertaining the Shah of Persia. The in a solo and duet.
* *
Shah had never heard a whistling woman
*
or a crowing hen, and Mrs. Shaw was en-
Swell—You haven't a very good assort-
gaged for his delectation. He immediately ment of ties.
became enamored of her, and wanted to
Dealer—No. I don't have any demand.
carry her off with him to Persia and make Business is dull, and I'll have to quit any-
her the queen of his harem. Naturally how, I'm afraid.
Mrs. Shaw declined the proffered honor,
Swell—You won't if you carry the right
and so is still engaged in whistling to the kind of ties.
delectation of the good beer drinkers of
Dealer—What kind ?
Berlin's music gardens.
Swell—Advertise.
* *
There is a famous specialist in New York
who has performed many operations for the
enlargement of the nasal air passages, and
public speakers, actors and singers are said
to have been much benefitted in conse-
quence of the "reaming out" process. In
his opinion nearly half of the people are
unconscious sufferers from insufficient air
supply, due to tortuous, mis-shapen, or con-
stricted upper nostrils. The national ca-
tarrh causes thickening of the mucous
membrane and obstructive swellings. He
says that persons who treathe through the
mouth—an unhealthy mode and one that
gives a stupid appearance to a person—
should submit to examination at once.
The surgery needful in cutting out the
bone and membrane is not very painful, as
cocoaine is used to produce local insensi-
bility.
.
•
*
A cheap and ingenius method of tele-
phoning has been discovered in Victoria,
Australia, namely, the ordinary wire
fence. It has been operated perfectly over
an intervening distance of twenty-eight
miles. The rust which forms on the wire
acts as an insulator, and protects it from
moisture. The long-distance microphone
transmitters and dynamo call bells and re-
ceivers are used.
This is important news, indeed. It
means that there is some prospect for the
utilization of the countless old pianos—
square and grand—whose strings, like
Tara's harp, have laid rusted and mute for
many a day in the store-houses of manu-
facturers. They can now be dedicated to
the service of science. Think of a rusty
piano string telephone company or trust on
the wire fence system. What a vista of
possibilities!
*
A very enjoyable concert devoted largely
to Welsh song, was given on Thursday
evening of last week at the Welsh Con-
gregational Church in this city. Among
the artists who took part were Howell B.
Davies, tenor, and J. T. Watkins, basso,
both of Scranton, Pa. ; W. W. Watkins,
baritone; Prof. D. Gordon Thomas, basso,
and many other popular artists. Mr.
Davies created somewhat of a surprise by
his excellent singing. He has a voice of
splendid quality, and he sang with finish
and method, notwithstanding the fact that
he never studied singing with a teacher.
Messrs. W. W. and J. T. Watkins are meri-
torious and capable singers in their chosen
Catalogue Suggestions.
HE catalogue of which I write is the
one issued by the manufacturer or job-
ber to be sent to his customers for constant
reference and as an aid in ordering goods.
Possibly it is a book of twenty pages, and
it may embrace two thousand pages. Such
a catalogue is a silent salesman, ever pres-
ent with the customer as a representative
of the firm which issued it. It should
therefore have every fact regarding the
goods clearly stated, so that any question
the merchant may desire to ascertain can
be answered by a reference to the book.
The compilation of a catalogue is an im-
portant part of the manufacturer's busi-
ness, and should be treated as such, says
Mr. Wright in Printer's Ink. Great care
is necessary, and the compiler should have
a knowledge of the goods to be advertised,
and make up his copy with the customer in
mind as well as the manufacturer. He
must remember that those who receive the
catalogue probably do not know as much
about the goods as he does, and make it so
complete as to be an authority in its particu-
lar line.
To show goods properly, cuts should be
used. In having them made, attention
should be paid to uniformity; all should be
in the same general position and in the
same proportion. If a half-size cut of one
article is used, the other goods of the same
kind should not be represented by third,
quarter or full-size cuts. If all are half-
size, customers can tell at a glance the
difference in the goods. Full-size cuts are
always the most desirable where it is possi-
ble to use them. Always specify the size
of the cut.
The selection of type is a matter which
requires careful study. It is not necessary
to have a great variety of styles, and fancy
types which are hard to read should not be
used. The pages will look better if the
different types harmonize, the headings
one size all through the book, the sub-heads
another size, and the body of the matter in
a type which can be easily read, but is not
too large. If the goods are sold by number
and size, and customers are requested to
order in that way, have the numbers and
sizes in a bold type which will catch the
eye at once.
Condense as much as possible, but avoid
having the pages crowded. Clearness must
be considered first of all. Where it is de-
sirable to arrange the matter in tabular
T
form, the rules used in the tables should not
be too heavy, and the type, necessarily
small, must have a clean-cut face.
The index will require special attention,
particularly if the book is a large one. Do
not be atraid there will be too much of it.
Index each item in as many ways as seems
necessary, so that the customer will find it
where he looks first. In a hardware cata-
logue the item "Coat and Hat Hooks"
should be indexed in three different ways.
Catalogues should be printed on paper
with a good surface, so that the cuts will
print well, and opaque so that they will not
show through. Have it heavy enough to
withstand the wear and constant use which
it is hoped the book will get. In some
cases it is a good plan to print the index
on heavier paper than the rest of the book.
Have the book substantially bound,
whether the cover is cloth or paper. Con-
sider that it may get hard tisage and pro-
vide for that. Do not attempt to tell your
whole business on the outside, but have
only your name and a brief statement of
what the book is. Here, as in the book,
odd and fancy types not easily read should
be omitted.
Brenner & Solomon.
HE new concern of Brenner & Solomon,
which was opened up this week in the
Montgomery Building, Augusta,Ga., prom-
ises to be among the leading music trade
establishments in that section of the coun-
try. Both gentlemen have a wide and
varied experience in commercial spheres,
and they are backed by a good capital.
Mr. Solomon was formerly with Kranich
& Bach. A local paper says that "there
will be twelve thousand dollars' worth of
new pianos in the first shipment."
T
The Russell Pianos.
E had the pleastire of examining one
of the Russell upright pianos made
by the Russell Piano Co., Chicago, which
was shipped recently to a customer in this
city. It is a very artistic instrument in
appearance, and is beautifully finished.
The volume and quality of tone is pleasing
and satisfying. There can be no doubt
that as long as the Russell Piano Co. con-
tinue to turn out such instruments they
will experience a marked demand for them.
W
Impervious to Heat.
HE extreme heat which we experienced
last week and this week has been very
trying to pianos. In such weather as this
it is well to bear in mind that the Wegman
Piano Co., the enterprising manufacturers
of Auburn, N. Y., claim that extra heat or
cold "does not effect their pianos from
staying in tune, owing to the use of their
patent timing pin." Something well to
remember!
T