Music Trade Review
Issue: 1898 Vol. 26 N. 8 - Page 13
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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
* The Braumuller Co.'s Superb Creations. *
HAVE JUST READY FOR THE MARKET A BABY GRAND AND SIX NEW STYLES OF UPRIGHTS—THE
SCALES THE BEST EVER TURNED OUT BY SALVADORE LA GRASSA BEAUTIFUL
NOT ONLY IN TONE, BUT IN ARCHITECTURE—WHAT
THE REVIEW THINKS OF THEM.
In these days when commercialism—so
rampant in all lines of effort, artistic and
otherwise—has obtained no little recognition
in this great art industry, it is eminently sat-
isfactory to record the existence and activity
of many valiant and tireless workers who
take no stock in the present day tendency
toward the "cheap," but who believe that
merit founded on artistic and enduring lines
must command acknowledgment and support.
That these views are simply more than
verbiage is demonstrated by the fact that ar-
tistic creations in piano making are being
produced in this trade to-day of so meri-
torious a character as to compel the highest
critical praise.
With this army of progressists the Brau-
muller Co. of this city have cast their lot.
Not as privates either, but—judging from the
magnificent line of new scale and new style
pianos which it was our privilege to inspect
this week, and which they will at once place
on the market—as staff officers.
Persistent effort toward betterment has
been the policy of the Braumuller Co. They
took no stock in the growing tendency of the
times towards cheapness, being progressive,
and with the courage of their convictions
they sought how best they could improve
their pianos—to bring them up to a standard
equal to rank with the best.
In the development of this policy they se-
cured some three months ago the services of
that master of piano construction, Salvadore
La Grassa, who has been identified for the
past quarter of a century with the growing
excellence of the American piano. He was
at once given carte blanche in the matter of
production and told to go ahead and draft
new scales and designs—to spare no expense to
the end that he produce the best instruments
he ever turned out. When we bring to mind
the many superb scales to Mr. La Grassa's
credit, the significance of this command
from the Braumuller Co. can best be esti-
mated.
Mr. La Grassa at once set to work, and the
result of his labors—a baby grand and six
styles of uprights—are now on exhibition.
On Tuesday last we were invited to test these
instruments, and must confess that they are
remarkable products, notable for their intrin-
sic merits, an honor to the Braumuller Co.,
and convincing evidence of Mr. La Grassa's
ability.
The Braumuller baby grand is, in many
respects, unique. It is the smallest instru-
ment of its kind on the market, being only
5 feet 8 in. in length, and is admirably pro-
portioned architecturally.
Among the many pronounced and original
features embodied in this wonderful little
grand, the scale calls for especial praise. It
would be hard to find a better specimen of
clever drafting. The utilization, for stringing
and sounding board, of every bit of available
space is really skillful, and demonstrates the
originality and resourcefulness of Mr. La
Grassa.
"The tone's the thing," however. In vol-
ume and quality it is in all registers like a
large grand. The customary lack of tone in
the bass section and thinness in the upper
treble, so peculiar to many small grands, is
entirely missing. Instead, we have a bass
that will stand the severest forcing, the tone
of which in volume and richness is like an
organ, a treble that sings under the hammer
with a voice that is pure, rich, ripe and melo-
dious. There is color in the tone, and the
shades are many, because there is body to it.
In brief, the tonal quality in all registers is
orchestral in its broadness; there is not the
semblance of a "break," the tone throughout
being absolutely even and splendidly bal-
anced.
Mechanically the working of the instru-
ment is most satisfying. The touch is so
keenly responsive that it permits of the most
artistic effects, and is a delight to the mu-
sician.
The new scale Braumuller uprights are in
every respect as worthy of praise as the baby
grand.
In the patent upright grand, which is four
feet ten inches high, Mr. La Grassa has em-
bodied a scale that will compel much favora-
ble comment. The tone, sonorous, pure and
solid, is of the character of a grand with all
the dignity, beauty and tenderness which can
be evoked from that form of piano. It is
essentially musical and sympathetic and of
that peculiar quality that fascinates those
who possess the ability to differentiate. The
tone of this upright, just like the baby grand,
above all else, possesses volume. One could
dig into it, so to speak, and never find the
bottom. In the meanwhile, no matter how
severe the forcing, there is always a musical
tone.
In the smaller uprights, the boudoir style,
which is four feet six inches in height, there
is noticeable in the scale the same individual
traits that compel critical praise for the other
instruments referred to. The tone, while
not so great in volume, has a delightful sing-
ing quality and a richness and variety in color
that is perfectly charming. It satisfies the
artistic sense.
Another feature in connection with the new
Braumuller styles which calls for admiration
and praise is their architecture. The baby
grand, simple but massive in its outlines,
forms an impressive whole. The legs espe-
cially are beautifully carved and the desk is
a departure from the ordinary.
While the uprights are built after the Co-
lonial school, some of them plain and others
tastefully ornamented, there is a consistency
and a proper sense of proportion and good
taste exercised throughout that has resulted
in artistic creations of surpassing attractive-
ness. They are made up in the standard
woods,
In all of the new scale Braumuller styles, the
closest attention has been paid to detail
work. The varnish and interior workman-
ship shows that no expense has been spared
to get the best results.
In their new scale instruments the Brau-
muller Co. use the Wessell, Nickel & Gross
action, and all the ['supplies that enter into
their manufacture, plate, strings, keys, etc.,
are the best that can be produced. This in-
sures their pianos that integrity of structure,
durability and character that will withstand
all demands made upon them.
The new scale Braumuller pianos contain
many individual features in the matter of
structure which have originated with Mr. La
Grassa. These are to be found in his man-
ner of sound board ribbing and bridging and
position in regard to grain; also the casting
of the plate and the striking distance and
position of the hammers on the strings. That
these features with others are effective in se-
curing results is best evidenced in the new
scale Braumuller creations.
With one of the most expert piano men in
charge of their manufacturing department,
and a superb line of instruments, a greater
success than ever should certainly perch upon
the Braumuller banner.
Wendell flusic Co. Affairs.
[Special to The Review.]
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 15, 1898.
Justice Chester presided at a Special Term
held in this city on Saturday. The only
matter of local importance was that of the
voluntary dissolution of the Wendell Music
Co.
There was a considerable array of counsel
representing the substitute receiver, the sure-
ties, the old receiver, the Commercial Bank
and the creditors.
The motion was for a confirmation of the
referee's report, who passed upon the ac-
counts of the old receiver, and relative to the
allowance due counsel for services rendered
in settling the affairs of the defunct company.
The court granted an order confirming the
referee's report, and fixed the allowance of
Mr. Cass at $100, and that of Messrs. True
and Stephens at $75 each.
Yohn Bros.' New flove.
[Special to The Review.]
Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 16, 1898.
An important business transaction to-day
was the lease of the Williamson Building, on
Market street, by Yohn Brothers, the piano
and music dealers. It is understood that
this city is to be made the headquarters or
distributing station for a combination of
organ and piano manufacturers.
" Autonos " for London.
The Weber-Goolman " Autono " still con-
tinues its steady march toward victory. When
The Review met Mr. Weber on Thursday, he
reported, in response to a call for news, that
one of the " A u t o n o " attachments was then
ready for shipment to London, Eng., and a
number of others were to be sent to various
parts of the United States this week.
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
* The Braumuller Co.'s Superb Creations. *
HAVE JUST READY FOR THE MARKET A BABY GRAND AND SIX NEW STYLES OF UPRIGHTS—THE
SCALES THE BEST EVER TURNED OUT BY SALVADORE LA GRASSA BEAUTIFUL
NOT ONLY IN TONE, BUT IN ARCHITECTURE—WHAT
THE REVIEW THINKS OF THEM.
In these days when commercialism—so
rampant in all lines of effort, artistic and
otherwise—has obtained no little recognition
in this great art industry, it is eminently sat-
isfactory to record the existence and activity
of many valiant and tireless workers who
take no stock in the present day tendency
toward the "cheap," but who believe that
merit founded on artistic and enduring lines
must command acknowledgment and support.
That these views are simply more than
verbiage is demonstrated by the fact that ar-
tistic creations in piano making are being
produced in this trade to-day of so meri-
torious a character as to compel the highest
critical praise.
With this army of progressists the Brau-
muller Co. of this city have cast their lot.
Not as privates either, but—judging from the
magnificent line of new scale and new style
pianos which it was our privilege to inspect
this week, and which they will at once place
on the market—as staff officers.
Persistent effort toward betterment has
been the policy of the Braumuller Co. They
took no stock in the growing tendency of the
times towards cheapness, being progressive,
and with the courage of their convictions
they sought how best they could improve
their pianos—to bring them up to a standard
equal to rank with the best.
In the development of this policy they se-
cured some three months ago the services of
that master of piano construction, Salvadore
La Grassa, who has been identified for the
past quarter of a century with the growing
excellence of the American piano. He was
at once given carte blanche in the matter of
production and told to go ahead and draft
new scales and designs—to spare no expense to
the end that he produce the best instruments
he ever turned out. When we bring to mind
the many superb scales to Mr. La Grassa's
credit, the significance of this command
from the Braumuller Co. can best be esti-
mated.
Mr. La Grassa at once set to work, and the
result of his labors—a baby grand and six
styles of uprights—are now on exhibition.
On Tuesday last we were invited to test these
instruments, and must confess that they are
remarkable products, notable for their intrin-
sic merits, an honor to the Braumuller Co.,
and convincing evidence of Mr. La Grassa's
ability.
The Braumuller baby grand is, in many
respects, unique. It is the smallest instru-
ment of its kind on the market, being only
5 feet 8 in. in length, and is admirably pro-
portioned architecturally.
Among the many pronounced and original
features embodied in this wonderful little
grand, the scale calls for especial praise. It
would be hard to find a better specimen of
clever drafting. The utilization, for stringing
and sounding board, of every bit of available
space is really skillful, and demonstrates the
originality and resourcefulness of Mr. La
Grassa.
"The tone's the thing," however. In vol-
ume and quality it is in all registers like a
large grand. The customary lack of tone in
the bass section and thinness in the upper
treble, so peculiar to many small grands, is
entirely missing. Instead, we have a bass
that will stand the severest forcing, the tone
of which in volume and richness is like an
organ, a treble that sings under the hammer
with a voice that is pure, rich, ripe and melo-
dious. There is color in the tone, and the
shades are many, because there is body to it.
In brief, the tonal quality in all registers is
orchestral in its broadness; there is not the
semblance of a "break," the tone throughout
being absolutely even and splendidly bal-
anced.
Mechanically the working of the instru-
ment is most satisfying. The touch is so
keenly responsive that it permits of the most
artistic effects, and is a delight to the mu-
sician.
The new scale Braumuller uprights are in
every respect as worthy of praise as the baby
grand.
In the patent upright grand, which is four
feet ten inches high, Mr. La Grassa has em-
bodied a scale that will compel much favora-
ble comment. The tone, sonorous, pure and
solid, is of the character of a grand with all
the dignity, beauty and tenderness which can
be evoked from that form of piano. It is
essentially musical and sympathetic and of
that peculiar quality that fascinates those
who possess the ability to differentiate. The
tone of this upright, just like the baby grand,
above all else, possesses volume. One could
dig into it, so to speak, and never find the
bottom. In the meanwhile, no matter how
severe the forcing, there is always a musical
tone.
In the smaller uprights, the boudoir style,
which is four feet six inches in height, there
is noticeable in the scale the same individual
traits that compel critical praise for the other
instruments referred to. The tone, while
not so great in volume, has a delightful sing-
ing quality and a richness and variety in color
that is perfectly charming. It satisfies the
artistic sense.
Another feature in connection with the new
Braumuller styles which calls for admiration
and praise is their architecture. The baby
grand, simple but massive in its outlines,
forms an impressive whole. The legs espe-
cially are beautifully carved and the desk is
a departure from the ordinary.
While the uprights are built after the Co-
lonial school, some of them plain and others
tastefully ornamented, there is a consistency
and a proper sense of proportion and good
taste exercised throughout that has resulted
in artistic creations of surpassing attractive-
ness. They are made up in the standard
woods,
In all of the new scale Braumuller styles, the
closest attention has been paid to detail
work. The varnish and interior workman-
ship shows that no expense has been spared
to get the best results.
In their new scale instruments the Brau-
muller Co. use the Wessell, Nickel & Gross
action, and all the ['supplies that enter into
their manufacture, plate, strings, keys, etc.,
are the best that can be produced. This in-
sures their pianos that integrity of structure,
durability and character that will withstand
all demands made upon them.
The new scale Braumuller pianos contain
many individual features in the matter of
structure which have originated with Mr. La
Grassa. These are to be found in his man-
ner of sound board ribbing and bridging and
position in regard to grain; also the casting
of the plate and the striking distance and
position of the hammers on the strings. That
these features with others are effective in se-
curing results is best evidenced in the new
scale Braumuller creations.
With one of the most expert piano men in
charge of their manufacturing department,
and a superb line of instruments, a greater
success than ever should certainly perch upon
the Braumuller banner.
Wendell flusic Co. Affairs.
[Special to The Review.]
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 15, 1898.
Justice Chester presided at a Special Term
held in this city on Saturday. The only
matter of local importance was that of the
voluntary dissolution of the Wendell Music
Co.
There was a considerable array of counsel
representing the substitute receiver, the sure-
ties, the old receiver, the Commercial Bank
and the creditors.
The motion was for a confirmation of the
referee's report, who passed upon the ac-
counts of the old receiver, and relative to the
allowance due counsel for services rendered
in settling the affairs of the defunct company.
The court granted an order confirming the
referee's report, and fixed the allowance of
Mr. Cass at $100, and that of Messrs. True
and Stephens at $75 each.
Yohn Bros.' New flove.
[Special to The Review.]
Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 16, 1898.
An important business transaction to-day
was the lease of the Williamson Building, on
Market street, by Yohn Brothers, the piano
and music dealers. It is understood that
this city is to be made the headquarters or
distributing station for a combination of
organ and piano manufacturers.
" Autonos " for London.
The Weber-Goolman " Autono " still con-
tinues its steady march toward victory. When
The Review met Mr. Weber on Thursday, he
reported, in response to a call for news, that
one of the " A u t o n o " attachments was then
ready for shipment to London, Eng., and a
number of others were to be sent to various
parts of the United States this week.
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).