Music Trade Review

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THE
MUSIC TRADE
in reality is as light as thistle down, while they utterly fail to recog-
nize the menace to their business of unwise credits.
\ H E have again before us some more full pages of piano dis-
*
play advertising, principally from Western houses, which
indicate that piano merchants are fully impressed with the advantage
of publicity. Astonishing how contagious this form of advertising
is. In the local field here in New York before John Wanamaker
and the Siegel-Cooper Co.—both piano retailers by the way—shied
their castors into the ring, a full page ad. emanating from a depart-
ment store was almost as rare an occurrence as a total eclipse of
the sun. But what a change has been wrought in this respect, a
glance at any issue of our evening or Sunday papers will attest.
What's the explanation?
Emulation. One firm will not be outdone by another, and so
they go at it, prodigal in their expenditures in various ways.
REVIEW
for it. In a little while he will be able to master all the details, and
our correspondent will probably encounter difficulties should he de-
cide to enter upon the piano business. But difficulties can usually
be overcome and oftentimes are stepping stones to further success.
\ X 7E do not wish to act in an advisory capacity to our young
" "
friend, neither do we wish to discourage him from enter-
ing this industry; but as for possibilities, bless you its full of them.
There is hardly an establishment to-day in this land but what has
a place for a bright, active young man.
But he must prove his
ability.
He can't get any easy birth from the start. He can't simply
walk in and demand the place and immediately find himself sur-
rounded with an easy, luxurious life. He should not watch the
clock and smoke cigarettes, but he should hustle, demonstrate his
ability, and he will find a good sphere to exercise it in the piano
industry.
S~\ NE of the leading merchants in New York recently told The
^ - ^ Review, that while he anticipated early in the season a dull
Christmas trade, on account of strikes and stock depressions, yet
through prodigal publicity in an advertising way, he thronged every
inch of aisle space in his store during the holidays. There are a few
piano men who have not as yet learned the value of persistent pub-
licity.
AN you select a suitable name from the following:
Panamanos.
Panamas.
Panamos.
Panamiens.
Panamese.
Panamayans.
Panamists.
Panamarians.
Panamistos.
Panamanians.
They are not the names of piano players as one might imagine
at the first flush, but they represent some of the many attempts of
the last few weeks to mint a designation for our new republican
cousins down on the Isthmus. Doubtless there are others, but it
would seem as if there are enough names presented already to give
the citizens of the little republic new titles and supply all the names
for piano players for many years to come.
A YOUNG man from an inland city writes The Review: "Is
* * the piano business limited? I am just about to enter upon a
business career and am undecided what to do. I have some musical
taste, and believe I could do well in the piano field. Has it any pos-
sibility for a good worker? What would you advise and how shall
I master the details of this business?"
Yes, the piano business is limited in some respects, and so are
all special industrial lines, but it affords a splendid opportunity of
advancement for young, energetic, industrious men. A young man
who has good business attainments can wan success in this industry.
In fact we need young men to develop it, as it has by no means
reached the high water mark as far as volume is considered.
A Jt ORE pianos were made in 1903 than during any previous
* *• year since the industry was established, and in our opinion
the output will steadily increase as the musical taste of our people
becomes more cultivated. Then we haven't taken up serious-
the question of business in the great world outside as yet.
Possibilities in the piano business, well rather. But to succeed
in any business a man should have a definite aim and go straight
Possibilities for good workers! Why we are positively hungry
for them.
H P HE compliment paid Chas. H. Steinway by his associates and
*
the employes of Steinway & Sons in presenting him with a
gold loving cup to mark the occasion of his thirtieth anniversary
with the house was one well merited.
Unostentatiously but with rare tact and ability, Mr. Steinway
has developed the business of this house to an unprecedented extent.
He has at all times kept in close touch with the traditions of the
Steinway institution, and his sympathies have been ever toward the
highest artistic achievements in the domain of piano making and
exploitation.
Through his many admirable traits of character he has won the
love and esteem of those associated with him and the presentation
of this cup last week was not a matter-of-fact compliment, but it
echoed the sincere regard which everyone connected with the Stein-
way institution holds for its honored president.
N no less than a score of papers last week the utterances of
The Review were quoted upon the business topics of the
day. dealers, too, have sent us marked copies of papers con-
taining notices which they have reproduced from the columns
of this paper.
I
In addition to that, we have received brochures and printing
matter daintily gotten up,
reproducing articles appearing in this
paper. In fact one manufacturer last week issued twenty thousand
cleverly and attractively prepared folders containing- a Review article.
It only emphasizes how progressive newspaper work fairly
presented and splendidly circulated is aiding all branches of the
industry.
T
HE story is told on a well known piano traveler who was spend-
ing his holidays with friends in the country when he was
called upon at one time to say grace. Not being wholly accustomed
to it, however, he promptly tackled the difficulty as all clever travel-
ing men do, by saying: "We acknowledge the receipt of your favor
of this date. Allow us to express our gratitude for this expression
of good will. Trusting that our house may merit your confidence
and that we may have many good orders from you this spring, we
are, yours truly."
The traveler was all right, all
right,
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