Music Trade Review

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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
[Prepared especially for The Review.]
Improvement in Pianos. Thomas Brett
of Geneva, O. Patent No. 601,788, dated
April 5th, 1898.
This invention relates to improvements in
string instruments, more especially to piano-
fortes, in which one end of the string is
secured to so-called "hitch-pins" and the
other end is secured to an adjustable tension-
bar, which is located in close proximity to
the bridge, so as to prevent any material
vibration of the string between the bridge
and the bar or its point of attachment to the
bar, and thus do away with any overtone
when playing.
This invention also relates to the construc-
tion of the framework, which is of metal, in
connection with the piano-bridge and sound-
ing-board, and consists in so constructing
the tension or tuning devices as that the
point of attaching the wire to the tension-
bar is such that in the first place the distance
between the bridge and the point of attach-
ment of the wire to the bar is very short,
and the direction given the wire between
the bridge and its point of attachment to
the bar is such as to keep the wire at all
times on the bridge and at the same time
allow the wire when being tightened or
loosened to easily " r i d e " or slip on the
bridge, thus making it possible to attain a
more even pitch without liability of over-
straining or overloosening the string, which
is often the case when too much pressure is
exerted upon the bridge by the string. It is
also designed to do away entirely with the
pressure-bar usually employed for keeping
the strings down upon the bridge.
Piano Action. Oswald Scheller, Phillips,
Wis. Patent No. 600,680, dated March 15th,
1898.
This invention relates to an improved
piano action particularly for upright pianos.
It has for its object, among other things, to
reduce friction to the minimum and to
greatly simplify the construction and lessen
the number of parts; also, to secure positive
and responsive action of the hammer and
to certainly or effectively guide the several
parts in their movements.
What is claimed as new for this invention
is: In a piano-action, the combination of
the yieldingly-connected lifter and jack, the
latter having a reduced upper end and offset
a short distance therebelow, and provided
with a regulating-screw and a guide pin or
stud, and the hammer-butt having a lower
front end stepped portion and shouldered
extreme lower end, and provided with a
pendent projection, adapted to be engaged
by said regulating screw, and an offset-stop
adapted to receive said guide pin or stud.
Music Turner. Emra W. Funk, of Canton,
Minn. Patent No. 601,644, dated April 5th,
1898.
This invention relates to sheet-music turn-
ers; and the object thereof is to provide a
device of this class which is adapted to be
used on a stand or other support or to be
connected with the piano or other musical
instrument, a further object being to provide
an improved sheet-music turner by means of
which separate sheets of music may be
quickly and easily turned in either direction
by manipulating keys which are connected
with and form a part of the operative
mechanism of the device.
Banjo. John Brandt, Chicago, 111. Patent
No. 601,804, dated April 5th, 1898.
This invention relates to improvements in
banjos; and the objects are, first, to provide
a series of rings forming the body of the
instrument by the use whereof the other
objects of the invention are accomplished;
second, to provide a body to said banjo so
constructed that there are no exposed or
protruding rods, nuts, clamps, or bolts,
thereby improving the appearance of the
instrument and adding to the convenience
in handling; third, to provide a sounding-
board in said body, thereby improving the
strength and quality of the tone of the in-
strument; fourth, to provide a series of air
chambers or spaces inclosed in thin wooden
walls, thereby adding resonance, permitting
lightness of construction, and also affording
opportunity for embellishment; fifth, to fur-
nish a compact and substantial means of
connecting the body to the neck of the
instrument.
The " Crown" Practice Clavier.
WHY IT WILL PREVENT REPAIRS AND SAVE
MONEY A WONDERFULLY EFFECTIVE
COMBINATION, THE "CROWN"
PIANO, AND ATTACH-
MENT.
C. W. Landon in a recent issue of the
Etude devotes some space in giving advice
to persons whose pianos suffer in tone
through persistent practice, in the course of
which he says:
" Much playing of marches, hymn tunes,
and five-finger exercises, together with a
large amount of general practice and play-
ing, hardens the hammers and cuts the felt,
so that if all else for fine tone-quality is fa-
vorable, still the tone is poor, harsh, hard,
and unmusical."
He then proceeds to explain how the tu-
ner can repair the hammers and refers to
some other familiar points anent renovation.
These remarks bring to mind the value of
such a device as the practice clavier em-
bodied in the " Crown " piano made by Geo.
P. Bent of Chicago, as an absolute preven-
tative of the situation above complained of.
By means of the " Crown " practice clavier
it is possible for the student, "piano pounder"
or artist to quickly and easily memorize a
composition and accomplish all technical
work and finger drilling without injuring
the felts on the piano keys, damaging the
The "Vose" Well Fortified.
tone of the piano or disturbing the equani-
mity of the neighbors. In fact the "Crown"
Original and timely is the advertisement
practice clavier is a money saver and
of the Vose & Sons Piano Co. which ap-
doubles the life of the piano proper; when
pears on the cover page of this issue. The
combined with this there are to be found in
war spirit is abroad even in the commercial
the " Crown " piano a number of devices
field, and we find the Vose piano perma-
which enable the most artistic musician to
nently fortified in trade and popular appre-
give variety of tone color— to simulate
ciation. The combined forces and powerful
some eighteen instruments—in the rendition
guns of competitors cannot lower the Vose
of his compositions, and moreover, have at
standard, or damage the Vose fortifications
will a piano which has won considerable
which have been built on enduring lines.
praise from authorities, it can easily be
The Vose piano is entrenched in public es-
reasoned out why the " Crown " piano with
teem by reason of its intrinsic merits in the
orchestral attachment, finds its way to the
matter of tone quality, artistic design and
front and holds a firm place in popular es-
reliability of construction. The unequiv-
teem in all parts of the country.
ocal policy of the Vose concern to keep right
As Geo. P. Bent so well said recently:
in front of the procession has won, and is
"
The
piano will be made a more resource-
winning, enthusiastic support. They are
ful
instrument
than it ever has been. I
making better pianos than ever to-day ; they
have
already
made
it much better, have
know how to make them known, and dealers
doubled its life and have lifted it high above
want them.
its old single tone plane. The piano is no
Lea & McLain will shortly open a piano longer a monotonous instrument, if it is the
and organ establishment in Cleveland. Tenn. " Crown " piano."
There's Benefit
In Bigness.
Concentration and its
consequent economy—system and time saving—brains in the
office and SKILL IN THE FACTORIES. These things give great
advantages to the
Kimball Pianos.
In their making, every minute is utilized. Little leaks are
stopped. When you buy a KIMBALL you pay for no mis-
takes, for no lost time. Every dollar in the price represents a
dollar of honest value in the piano.
W. W. KIMBALL CO.,
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