Music Trade Review

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THE MUSIC T**ADE REVIEW.
THE " SMALL GOODS" TRADE
The Autoharp.
T
HE Autoharp, not content with having
"captured the family," seems des-
tined to—metaphorically—"capture
the
world." The Autoharp devotees are in-
creasing in number to such an extent that
the manufacturers have fairly to "extend
themselves" in order to keep pace with the
demand.
The Fidicinia Orchestra, of New York
City, is the latest organization of acknowl-
edged excellence to include the Autoharp
in its make-up. The combination of in-
pleasure to those interested in musical
merchandise.
Mr. Carl Fischer's superb line of goods
may almost be said to command trade, and
the genial musical caterer, notwithstanding
the time of year, is not complaining of the
state of business. Mr. Fischer's stock of
orchestral and military band instruments
and music is varied, elegant and complete.
It includes the world-renowned Besson
patent "Prototype" brass instruments, for
which Mr. Fischer is sole agent in this
country; in connection with this depart-
ment, mention should be made of the new
THE FIDICINIA ORCHESTRA.
struments in this orchestra is especially
unique, and the effect of the ensemble is
remarkably charming; it includes first and
second violin, violoncello, first and second
zithers, mandolin, Autoharp and flute.
Our old friend, Mr. Aldis J. Gery, will be
noticed, in this picture, presiding at the
Autoharp; also Mr. Louis Melcher, of the
Autoharp department of Messrs. Alfred
Dolge & Son, who is the conductor of the
organization. One prominent face is miss-
ing, that of the manager of the orchestra,
Mr. W. B. Wilson, who has so successfully
guided a number of star organizations to
victory.
Carl Fischer.
T
HE imposing edifice at Nos. 6 and 8
Fourth avenue, occupied by Mr. Carl
Fischer, is undoubtedly one of the musical
"land-marks" of the city of New York,
and a visit to the building, together with
a careful inspection of the magnificent
stock displayed, is a source of considerable
"Chicago bore" instruments, which seem
destined to achieve phenomenal success.
At the present "state of the game" pass-
ing allusion to campaign music is quite
apropos. Mr. Fischer has, for the last
twenty-five years, paid personal attention
to this department, with the result that his
stock of "overtures," "marches," national
airs," etc., is particularly complete, and
may be said to be probably the best in the
country.
Among other valuable specialties handled
exclusively by this eminent firm, are the
E. Rittershausen, Berlin, Boehm system
flutes; Collin-Mezzin, Paris, celebrated
violins, violas and 'cellos; Buffet Paris
(Evette & Shaeffer), reed instruments;
Chas. Barin and Suess celebrated violin
bows. Mr. Fischer is also sole agent for
the Karl Mayer Vienna Philharmonic
Reeds, for reed instruments, which have
the reputation of being among the best on
the market.
The general arrangement of stock is
most admirable, and the system of business
throughout the entire establishment is in
perfect keeping with the superb line of
goods so uniquely and excellently displayed.
Some Remarks About the Man-
dolin.
I
N an article in last Sunday's "Herald"
about the musical favorites of the
summer girl, we are informed that the
soulful guitar and the "thrum thrum" of
the banjo have been replaced by the man-
dolin, which has many advantages over
the other "small" instruments. The writer
then proceeds to give some information
about their price. He says:
"A passable mandolin sells for $10, but
even this is not desirable, unless one has
means of getting a discount upon the regu-
lar selling price, in which case one can get
a very good one fur that amount. When
one pays $15 for a mandolin, and goes to a
reliable dealer to get it, she may be sure
that she has an instrument without defects
in the frets, at least. Twenty-five dollars
will buy a comparatively ni e instrument,
and for $40 one can get an imported
Vellacia, without any pearl ornaments, to
be sure, but with a sweetness of tone that
rivals anything made in this country, and
which corresponds in desirability to the
Stradivarius in violins.
"The imported mandolins are, as I have
said, sweeter in tone than the American
ones, but like so many of the imported
articles made of foreign woods, they are
found very sensitive to American climatic
variations, and for this reason their beauti-
fully polished surface is usually varnished
to prevent the warping of the wood.
"The duty on musical instruments is
very high, and for this reason the Vellacia
is very expensive, even when made with-
out ornamentation. When decorated with
pearl or jewels they reach fabulous prices.
One that was exhibited at the World's Fair
sold for $1,000. It was almost covered
with mother of pearl, but had no prettier
tone than a plain Vellacia."
This writer is not quite correct when he
says that "the imported mandolins are
sweeter in tone than the American ones."
He cannot have made a thorough examina-
tion of American instruments. Some of
the finest mandolins to be found the world
over are made in this country tr-day, and
their merits are not only appreciated here,
but our export trade demonstrates that
they are highly appreciated in all parts of
Europe.
THE manufacturers of brass band instru-
ments are experiencing quite a demand for
their wares, due presumably to the coming
Presidential campaign. There is quite a
run, especially on drums and fifes.