Music Trade Review
Issue: 1904 Vol. 39 N. 12 - Page 39
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
39
In tKe Musical Merchandise Domain
counts to dealers, according as they are known
to be careful or careless buyers. In other words,
The Development Is Steady but Conservative—
giving unfair advantages that are not revealed
Judgment Is Being Exercised in the Placing
until the stuff is offered at retail. We believe,
of Orders—Harmonicas and Accordeons Will
and practice what we preach, in quoting an open
Be in Great Demand—Some Kicking About
and above flat price, in our lists and catalogues,
Prices and Discounts—A Specialist Talks of
and in buying dealers are on the same footing.
the Situation.
Then no complaint of unfair or double dealing
can be lodged against us, or any other house, of
Early fall trade is developing steadily and which we are by no means the only one, that
along conservative lines. The buying is indica- follows the same course."
tive of discriminating judgment in the placing of
In a few lines the direct import specialists re-
orders in which goods of better grade and qual- port buying not up to last year's record. It was
ity continues to have the preference, all things expected this branch of the business would also
being equal. A lively market is expected in ac- be active, but orders are not being framed up
cordeons and harmonicas, in which leading on so liberal a basis, though the season is still
houses will be active participants, and rumors of young, and with every chance for further devel-
closer prices are heard, with unknown brands as opment. If 1904 equals 1903 the import houses
the cutters. It is safe to say, however, that are prepared to rest satisfied.
prices, according to those directly concerned, have
ceased to be the controlling influence in the
H. L. HUNT IN HARNESS
strictly musical trade, reputation and quality be-
ing considerations that must be reckoned with as After an Enjoyable Vacation—Ditson Has
against mere assertion, if nothing more question-
Made Excellent Summer Records.
able is attempted in competition.
Another matter of consuming interest is the H. L. Hunt, manager of Chas. H. Ditson & Co.'s
shifty and unfair manner some stock houses small goods department, returned to New York
quote prices on all their lines. In other words, from his vacation last week. Though his period
they are not playing fair with dealers, employing of rest was passed in Kansas, his former home,
a sliding scale of discounts not applicable to all when coming east Mr. Hunt tarried for a week
alike. . Other firms making a practice of a in Chicago to look over Lyon & Healy's fall lines.
straight price to all buyers, according to quan- His department made an unprecedented high
tity, of course, are taking pains to expose this summer selling record, and the present season
manifest juggling with figures to befog and mis- promises even better. Heretofore the gentleman
lead the dealer who may not be up on the scheme, has been also looking after part of the traveling
and concerning which The Review, Tuesday, was for the house, but his time and services are be-
enlightened as follows:
coming too valuable, and a special courier will
"If a dealer is not wise in his day and genera- be engaged for road business.
tion when buying he is apt to get the worst of
the bargain, unless in the hands of firms who
After a month's absence west, touching at in-
make straight selling a business policy. Houses termediate points coming back, M. E. Schoening
whose names are seldom, if ever seen in the returned this week with no complaints of trade.
trade papers, have a fashion of quoting a long On the contrary, his import and stock orders
price for goods, and then naming different dis- were up to expectations, perhaps a little better.
EARLY FALL TRADE OUTLOOK.
DISCRIMINATING
USB
MUSICIANS
C. G. CONN
Wonder Band, Orchestra and Solo Instruments
BECAUSE
They represent in Superlative degree all eciential requirements—namely:
The Oivly Perfect
Instrument made
fur Professional
or A m a t e u r
Players.
TONE, TUNE, ACTION, MODELS, MECHANISM
Send for Illustrated Catalogue with cuts and descriptions of Instruments
with prices and terms of payment.
Address,
C. G. CONN.
ElKKart, Ind.
ANGELO-" - * Mandolins, MandolasE!Guitars
_ _ _ | M l AlffaVB
•
|U|JA|M|ULI I
4Vi
Highest Award and Cold Medal at all International
|l
| f I g% MmU 1 L L L U
67 6 - 6 7 8 - 6 8 0
and Universal Expositions.
WRITE
E A G L E
DURRO
BUEGELEISEN & JACOBSON,
FOR CATALOGUE
AVENUE,
AND TERMS
N E W YORK.
Violins, Bows, Strings
And High-Class Trimmings,
™' NEW YORK
GRATZ ON EUROPEAN TRADE.
The House Industry Business Discussed—Big
Orders Demoralize—Some Reforms in View
—Business in Germany Improved—In Aus-
tria There Is a Retrograde Movement, While
France Is Doing Well.
William R. Gratz, of the Wm. R. Gratz Co., 11
East 22d street, who has just returned from a
five months' European trip, spent nearly half of
the time when away at and near Markneu-
kirchen, one of the centers of German musical
instrument making. He visited many of the fac-
lories and talked interestingly with The Review,
on Tuesday, in answer to questions on trade con-
ditions and other topics.
"In what is known as the 'house industry' busi-
ness—where work on violins and other string in-
struments is done at the homes of the workmen
—the demand at present exceeds the supply. The
people who work at their own houses only work
when they please and as a result, when a large
order reaches the district there is no certainty
when it will be filled. There is absolutely no dis-
cipline, the work is not uniform and prices vary
according to the whims of individual workers.
"An order arrived there the ether day from
England for 60,000 violins to be delivered within
six months. Under the conditions which I have
just described you can imagine the demoralized
state of affairs whore a 'go-as-you-please' method
or lack of method prevails. There is some like-
lihood of reform, however, for one of the biggest
firms in the district intend to begin factory oper-
ations for the construction of violins and other
string instruments under one roof. But they will
meet with difficulties, for the men who work at
home prefer to do so, as they are not tied down
as to hours and holidays and are practically able
lo dictate their own terms to purchasers. It. not
infrequently happens that when several firms are
after one man's work, under the present system,
that he takes the highest bidder, no matter what
he may have agreed to do before the highest bid-
der came along."
Mr. Gratz is much interested in the projected
reform at Markneukirchen, as the violin and other
string instrument departments of the Gratz firm
represent nearly one-half of the Gratz yearly, ag-
gregate output.
The Review inquired as to present trade con-
ditions on the European continent, so far as could
be observed during a brief tour. "In Germany,"
responded Mr. Gratz, "I found a much improved
commercial condition. The condition of depres-
sion and gloom prevalent (here for a long tini3
has passed away. The rule of the Emperor Will-
iam II. is proving to be popular. The Kaiser is
well liked by his people and tho workmen in all
trades have plenty of employment.
"In Austria, the commercial movement does
not appear to be in the direction of advance. In
fact, so far as I could observe, the general move-
ment, both in and out of commerce, is a retro-
grade one. There seems !o be a firm conviction
on the part of those well versed in continental
affairs that in Austria, as in all other countries
where the influence of the clerical party predomi-
nates, there is a backward movpment noticeable
rather than a forward one. In France, where
this influence has been shaken off, commercial
conditions are improving and a general air of
prosperity prevails."
Mr." Gratz, whose health has been much bene-
fited by the trip, is now inaugurating a vigorous
fall and winter campaign. He brought with him
a schedule of new Instruments and improvements
that is certain to please the firms many patrons
in the United States.
C. G. Conn visited the Exposition la«t week.
THE MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
39
In tKe Musical Merchandise Domain
counts to dealers, according as they are known
to be careful or careless buyers. In other words,
The Development Is Steady but Conservative—
giving unfair advantages that are not revealed
Judgment Is Being Exercised in the Placing
until the stuff is offered at retail. We believe,
of Orders—Harmonicas and Accordeons Will
and practice what we preach, in quoting an open
Be in Great Demand—Some Kicking About
and above flat price, in our lists and catalogues,
Prices and Discounts—A Specialist Talks of
and in buying dealers are on the same footing.
the Situation.
Then no complaint of unfair or double dealing
can be lodged against us, or any other house, of
Early fall trade is developing steadily and which we are by no means the only one, that
along conservative lines. The buying is indica- follows the same course."
tive of discriminating judgment in the placing of
In a few lines the direct import specialists re-
orders in which goods of better grade and qual- port buying not up to last year's record. It was
ity continues to have the preference, all things expected this branch of the business would also
being equal. A lively market is expected in ac- be active, but orders are not being framed up
cordeons and harmonicas, in which leading on so liberal a basis, though the season is still
houses will be active participants, and rumors of young, and with every chance for further devel-
closer prices are heard, with unknown brands as opment. If 1904 equals 1903 the import houses
the cutters. It is safe to say, however, that are prepared to rest satisfied.
prices, according to those directly concerned, have
ceased to be the controlling influence in the
H. L. HUNT IN HARNESS
strictly musical trade, reputation and quality be-
ing considerations that must be reckoned with as After an Enjoyable Vacation—Ditson Has
against mere assertion, if nothing more question-
Made Excellent Summer Records.
able is attempted in competition.
Another matter of consuming interest is the H. L. Hunt, manager of Chas. H. Ditson & Co.'s
shifty and unfair manner some stock houses small goods department, returned to New York
quote prices on all their lines. In other words, from his vacation last week. Though his period
they are not playing fair with dealers, employing of rest was passed in Kansas, his former home,
a sliding scale of discounts not applicable to all when coming east Mr. Hunt tarried for a week
alike. . Other firms making a practice of a in Chicago to look over Lyon & Healy's fall lines.
straight price to all buyers, according to quan- His department made an unprecedented high
tity, of course, are taking pains to expose this summer selling record, and the present season
manifest juggling with figures to befog and mis- promises even better. Heretofore the gentleman
lead the dealer who may not be up on the scheme, has been also looking after part of the traveling
and concerning which The Review, Tuesday, was for the house, but his time and services are be-
enlightened as follows:
coming too valuable, and a special courier will
"If a dealer is not wise in his day and genera- be engaged for road business.
tion when buying he is apt to get the worst of
the bargain, unless in the hands of firms who
After a month's absence west, touching at in-
make straight selling a business policy. Houses termediate points coming back, M. E. Schoening
whose names are seldom, if ever seen in the returned this week with no complaints of trade.
trade papers, have a fashion of quoting a long On the contrary, his import and stock orders
price for goods, and then naming different dis- were up to expectations, perhaps a little better.
EARLY FALL TRADE OUTLOOK.
DISCRIMINATING
USB
MUSICIANS
C. G. CONN
Wonder Band, Orchestra and Solo Instruments
BECAUSE
They represent in Superlative degree all eciential requirements—namely:
The Oivly Perfect
Instrument made
fur Professional
or A m a t e u r
Players.
TONE, TUNE, ACTION, MODELS, MECHANISM
Send for Illustrated Catalogue with cuts and descriptions of Instruments
with prices and terms of payment.
Address,
C. G. CONN.
ElKKart, Ind.
ANGELO-" - * Mandolins, MandolasE!Guitars
_ _ _ | M l AlffaVB
•
|U|JA|M|ULI I
4Vi
Highest Award and Cold Medal at all International
|l
| f I g% MmU 1 L L L U
67 6 - 6 7 8 - 6 8 0
and Universal Expositions.
WRITE
E A G L E
DURRO
BUEGELEISEN & JACOBSON,
FOR CATALOGUE
AVENUE,
AND TERMS
N E W YORK.
Violins, Bows, Strings
And High-Class Trimmings,
™' NEW YORK
GRATZ ON EUROPEAN TRADE.
The House Industry Business Discussed—Big
Orders Demoralize—Some Reforms in View
—Business in Germany Improved—In Aus-
tria There Is a Retrograde Movement, While
France Is Doing Well.
William R. Gratz, of the Wm. R. Gratz Co., 11
East 22d street, who has just returned from a
five months' European trip, spent nearly half of
the time when away at and near Markneu-
kirchen, one of the centers of German musical
instrument making. He visited many of the fac-
lories and talked interestingly with The Review,
on Tuesday, in answer to questions on trade con-
ditions and other topics.
"In what is known as the 'house industry' busi-
ness—where work on violins and other string in-
struments is done at the homes of the workmen
—the demand at present exceeds the supply. The
people who work at their own houses only work
when they please and as a result, when a large
order reaches the district there is no certainty
when it will be filled. There is absolutely no dis-
cipline, the work is not uniform and prices vary
according to the whims of individual workers.
"An order arrived there the ether day from
England for 60,000 violins to be delivered within
six months. Under the conditions which I have
just described you can imagine the demoralized
state of affairs whore a 'go-as-you-please' method
or lack of method prevails. There is some like-
lihood of reform, however, for one of the biggest
firms in the district intend to begin factory oper-
ations for the construction of violins and other
string instruments under one roof. But they will
meet with difficulties, for the men who work at
home prefer to do so, as they are not tied down
as to hours and holidays and are practically able
lo dictate their own terms to purchasers. It. not
infrequently happens that when several firms are
after one man's work, under the present system,
that he takes the highest bidder, no matter what
he may have agreed to do before the highest bid-
der came along."
Mr. Gratz is much interested in the projected
reform at Markneukirchen, as the violin and other
string instrument departments of the Gratz firm
represent nearly one-half of the Gratz yearly, ag-
gregate output.
The Review inquired as to present trade con-
ditions on the European continent, so far as could
be observed during a brief tour. "In Germany,"
responded Mr. Gratz, "I found a much improved
commercial condition. The condition of depres-
sion and gloom prevalent (here for a long tini3
has passed away. The rule of the Emperor Will-
iam II. is proving to be popular. The Kaiser is
well liked by his people and tho workmen in all
trades have plenty of employment.
"In Austria, the commercial movement does
not appear to be in the direction of advance. In
fact, so far as I could observe, the general move-
ment, both in and out of commerce, is a retro-
grade one. There seems !o be a firm conviction
on the part of those well versed in continental
affairs that in Austria, as in all other countries
where the influence of the clerical party predomi-
nates, there is a backward movpment noticeable
rather than a forward one. In France, where
this influence has been shaken off, commercial
conditions are improving and a general air of
prosperity prevails."
Mr." Gratz, whose health has been much bene-
fited by the trip, is now inaugurating a vigorous
fall and winter campaign. He brought with him
a schedule of new Instruments and improvements
that is certain to please the firms many patrons
in the United States.
C. G. Conn visited the Exposition la«t week.
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).