Music Trade Review
Issue: 1905 Vol. 40 N. 17 - Page 8
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
8
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
REVIEW
EDWARD LYMAN DILL,
Editor and Proprietor,
j . •>. SFILLANI:,
Editor.
EXECVTIVE A N D REPORTORIAL STAFF:
Gmo. B. KELLER,
W. N. TYLER,
W H . B. W H I T S ,
W. L. WILLIAMS.
A. J. NICKLIN,
BOSTON OPPICE:
R. W. Kxvnuxn.
GEO. W. QUERIPKL.
CH1CA0O OFFICE :
E I N H I L. WAITT, 266 Washington S t
PHILADELPHIA OFFICE t
EUILIK FRANCIS BAUER,
E. P. V A N HARLINGEN, 88 La Salle St.
MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL:
E. C. TORRE*.
S T . LOU 15 OFFICE :
CHAS. N. V A N BUREN.
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE: ALFRXO METZOER, 486-427 Front S t
Published Every Saturday at 1 Nadiaon Avenue, New York.
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.
SVBSCRIFTION (including pottage), United States, Mexico and Canada, $8.00 per
year; all other countries, $4.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $8.00 per inch, tingle column, per insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount is allowed. Advertising Pages, $60.00; opposite
reading matter, $70.00.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency form, should be made payable to Edward
Lyman Bill
_ _ ^ _
On the first Saturday of each month The Review contains in its
THE ARTISTS' "Artists' Department" all the current musical news. This is effected
without in any way trespassing on the size or service of the trade
DEPARTMENT section of the paper. It has a special circulation, and therefore aug-
ments materially the value of The Review to advertisers.
M i r r T A D v ^ D i m n f The
directory of piano manufacturing firms and corporations
ound o n
ui»»Vw"wT./Jm «
" o t h e r page will be of great value, as a reference for
MANVFACTUR.ER.S
dealers and others.
LONG DISTANCE TELEFHONE-NVMBER 1745 GRAMERCY.
NEW YORK, APRIL 29. 19O5.
ONVENTION days are rapidly drawing near, and it is pre-
sumed matters of importance will be discussed* and some
action taken by both organizations towards the alleviation of some
of the existing trade evils.
This year for the first time since their organization the two
conventions will be maintained separately and distinctly, so that we
will be afforded a better opportunity of judging the real strength
of the two music trade associations.
It has been claimed by manufacturers as well as dealers them-
selves that the best interests of the two organizations have suffered
by holding them at the same place upon the same days. That the
commercial spirit somehow crept in, notwithstanding the strenuous
efforts made to keep it outside the firing line.
C
NE thing is certain, it would seem that there should be enough
matters of importance for the two trade conventions to keep
the serious and undivided attention of their members for at least two
days in the year, without the commercial spirit, or in other words,
the selling spirit dominating each meeting.
This element was most noticeable perhaps at the last con-
vention, when a large number of the members of the two organiza-
tions were absent at some of the important sessions. When a manu-
facturer has a number of dealers present it is but natural that he
should bestow some time upon them in the way of entertainment
because he feels that if he does not do this either personally, or
through his representative, that some encroachment may be made
upon his trade preserves by his enterprising competitors. So this
year it is concluded to hew closer to the line than ever and get right
down to hard pan, so to speak, on association matters.
O
T
HERE will be some splendid and instructive talking. There
will be plenty as well that would not take high rank, but if
the manufacturers and dealers each are to meet for the sole purpose
of discussing trade topics, cutting out the idea of a junketing trip, an
entertainment season, a general picnic and an all round good time
we shall probably get down to the core of the association apple closer
than ever before.
While there are many topics which are of more or less greatness,
there is one which, to our minds, leads all others, and that is the
matter of the establishment by manufacturers of pianos of estab-
lished reputation prices at which their instruments shall be sold at
retail.
We have had considerable to say upon this matter, and we may
add with some pleasure that our work has been warmly supported
not only by manufacturers, but we have scores of letters from
dealers also commending the position of The Review in its strong
advocacy of the right of manufacturers to fix the retail prices at
which their instruments shall be offered to the public.
I
F might be interesting while upon this subject, to quote the words
of one of the leading hardware men in this country upon the
question of price maintenance. He recently remarked:
"I believe that manufactures of what I may term trade marked
goods, that is goods of standing, should themselves fix the prices
at which they shall be offered to retail customers. And if the manu-
facturer was equally cautious and refused to make any goods except-
ing those bearing his own name then all cheap catalogue house
products would find their own level, and different brands of hard-
ware would be sold solely on account of merit. The manufacturer
is sure to see that no unreasonable price is put upon his articles.
Of course this may not always be adhered to, but one thing is cer-
tain, no dealer will put a higher price on articles of hardware than
the manufacturer himself places, therefore the manufacturer estab-
lishes a standard which the dealer is bound to follow."
I
T seems upon investigation that the hardware men are having a
serious time with the special brands of hardware which are
offered at all kinds of prices, and they have taken the position that
the best way to relegate the special brands to their proper position
is for the manufacturers themselves to establish retail prices, and
then line of nondescript goods will find their proper sphere.
This is precisely the line of argument which has been pursued
by The Review for months upon this subject, and we believe that the
two associations can handle no topic of vaster importance to the
entire industry than the question of price maintenance as a sup-
pression of the special brand business, and as a regulation of trade
conditions.
E
A. KEISELHORST, the well known piano man of St. Louis
says in support of the position of The Review:
"In my opinion the most important topic for discussion during
the coming conventions of both the manufacturers and dealers is the
adoption of a uniform maximum retail price. To be established
by the manufacturers, if need be, by their casting it in the iron plate,
stamping it on the sounding board, or pin block, and burning it in
the back of the wrest plank, also printing it in the catalogue. This
is a great subject, and I have given it quite a lot of thought, and
have arrived at the conclusion that the day is not far distant when
it will be put in operation, the same as has been done in piano
players, pneumatic pianos, automobiles, shoes, collars and cuffs,
medicines, etc. Local conditions would naturally determine the
right of discount. Our trade has been far more satisfactory all
around since we adopted the one price plan several years ago. It is
right, because it is just, and just because it is right."
.
NUMBER of other communications along this same line show
that the dealers themselves are waking up to the importance
of some action to regulate unsatisfactory trade customs. A manu-
facturer who has asked that we do not publish his name writes:
"Your editorials have caused me to think that you are pretty
nearly right in your line of argument, and three months ago I would
not have admitted it, and I know that in my next catalogue every
style will be listed at a fair retail price. I do not mean by this that I
shall follow the ridiculous plan which was in vogue some years
ago of putting a valuation two or three times what a piano was worth
in the catalogue, and then allowing all kinds of discounts, but I
propose to fix a correct price at which my instruments shall be
offered. I believe with The Review that no one is better able to
do this than the maufacturers. Keep up your good work; it will
surely bear fruit." We propose to, we have not had the slightest
intention of discontinuing it, and in just such ways a trade publi-
cation may demonstrate its enlarged sphere of usefulness.
This
proposition will win in the end. It may take some years to bring
it about, but as sure as fate piano manufacturers of the better grades
of pianos will be forced to establish their own retail prices in order
to protect their own interests.
A
8
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
REVIEW
EDWARD LYMAN DILL,
Editor and Proprietor,
j . •>. SFILLANI:,
Editor.
EXECVTIVE A N D REPORTORIAL STAFF:
Gmo. B. KELLER,
W. N. TYLER,
W H . B. W H I T S ,
W. L. WILLIAMS.
A. J. NICKLIN,
BOSTON OPPICE:
R. W. Kxvnuxn.
GEO. W. QUERIPKL.
CH1CA0O OFFICE :
E I N H I L. WAITT, 266 Washington S t
PHILADELPHIA OFFICE t
EUILIK FRANCIS BAUER,
E. P. V A N HARLINGEN, 88 La Salle St.
MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL:
E. C. TORRE*.
S T . LOU 15 OFFICE :
CHAS. N. V A N BUREN.
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE: ALFRXO METZOER, 486-427 Front S t
Published Every Saturday at 1 Nadiaon Avenue, New York.
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.
SVBSCRIFTION (including pottage), United States, Mexico and Canada, $8.00 per
year; all other countries, $4.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $8.00 per inch, tingle column, per insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount is allowed. Advertising Pages, $60.00; opposite
reading matter, $70.00.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency form, should be made payable to Edward
Lyman Bill
_ _ ^ _
On the first Saturday of each month The Review contains in its
THE ARTISTS' "Artists' Department" all the current musical news. This is effected
without in any way trespassing on the size or service of the trade
DEPARTMENT section of the paper. It has a special circulation, and therefore aug-
ments materially the value of The Review to advertisers.
M i r r T A D v ^ D i m n f The
directory of piano manufacturing firms and corporations
ound o n
ui»»Vw"wT./Jm «
" o t h e r page will be of great value, as a reference for
MANVFACTUR.ER.S
dealers and others.
LONG DISTANCE TELEFHONE-NVMBER 1745 GRAMERCY.
NEW YORK, APRIL 29. 19O5.
ONVENTION days are rapidly drawing near, and it is pre-
sumed matters of importance will be discussed* and some
action taken by both organizations towards the alleviation of some
of the existing trade evils.
This year for the first time since their organization the two
conventions will be maintained separately and distinctly, so that we
will be afforded a better opportunity of judging the real strength
of the two music trade associations.
It has been claimed by manufacturers as well as dealers them-
selves that the best interests of the two organizations have suffered
by holding them at the same place upon the same days. That the
commercial spirit somehow crept in, notwithstanding the strenuous
efforts made to keep it outside the firing line.
C
NE thing is certain, it would seem that there should be enough
matters of importance for the two trade conventions to keep
the serious and undivided attention of their members for at least two
days in the year, without the commercial spirit, or in other words,
the selling spirit dominating each meeting.
This element was most noticeable perhaps at the last con-
vention, when a large number of the members of the two organiza-
tions were absent at some of the important sessions. When a manu-
facturer has a number of dealers present it is but natural that he
should bestow some time upon them in the way of entertainment
because he feels that if he does not do this either personally, or
through his representative, that some encroachment may be made
upon his trade preserves by his enterprising competitors. So this
year it is concluded to hew closer to the line than ever and get right
down to hard pan, so to speak, on association matters.
O
T
HERE will be some splendid and instructive talking. There
will be plenty as well that would not take high rank, but if
the manufacturers and dealers each are to meet for the sole purpose
of discussing trade topics, cutting out the idea of a junketing trip, an
entertainment season, a general picnic and an all round good time
we shall probably get down to the core of the association apple closer
than ever before.
While there are many topics which are of more or less greatness,
there is one which, to our minds, leads all others, and that is the
matter of the establishment by manufacturers of pianos of estab-
lished reputation prices at which their instruments shall be sold at
retail.
We have had considerable to say upon this matter, and we may
add with some pleasure that our work has been warmly supported
not only by manufacturers, but we have scores of letters from
dealers also commending the position of The Review in its strong
advocacy of the right of manufacturers to fix the retail prices at
which their instruments shall be offered to the public.
I
F might be interesting while upon this subject, to quote the words
of one of the leading hardware men in this country upon the
question of price maintenance. He recently remarked:
"I believe that manufactures of what I may term trade marked
goods, that is goods of standing, should themselves fix the prices
at which they shall be offered to retail customers. And if the manu-
facturer was equally cautious and refused to make any goods except-
ing those bearing his own name then all cheap catalogue house
products would find their own level, and different brands of hard-
ware would be sold solely on account of merit. The manufacturer
is sure to see that no unreasonable price is put upon his articles.
Of course this may not always be adhered to, but one thing is cer-
tain, no dealer will put a higher price on articles of hardware than
the manufacturer himself places, therefore the manufacturer estab-
lishes a standard which the dealer is bound to follow."
I
T seems upon investigation that the hardware men are having a
serious time with the special brands of hardware which are
offered at all kinds of prices, and they have taken the position that
the best way to relegate the special brands to their proper position
is for the manufacturers themselves to establish retail prices, and
then line of nondescript goods will find their proper sphere.
This is precisely the line of argument which has been pursued
by The Review for months upon this subject, and we believe that the
two associations can handle no topic of vaster importance to the
entire industry than the question of price maintenance as a sup-
pression of the special brand business, and as a regulation of trade
conditions.
E
A. KEISELHORST, the well known piano man of St. Louis
says in support of the position of The Review:
"In my opinion the most important topic for discussion during
the coming conventions of both the manufacturers and dealers is the
adoption of a uniform maximum retail price. To be established
by the manufacturers, if need be, by their casting it in the iron plate,
stamping it on the sounding board, or pin block, and burning it in
the back of the wrest plank, also printing it in the catalogue. This
is a great subject, and I have given it quite a lot of thought, and
have arrived at the conclusion that the day is not far distant when
it will be put in operation, the same as has been done in piano
players, pneumatic pianos, automobiles, shoes, collars and cuffs,
medicines, etc. Local conditions would naturally determine the
right of discount. Our trade has been far more satisfactory all
around since we adopted the one price plan several years ago. It is
right, because it is just, and just because it is right."
.
NUMBER of other communications along this same line show
that the dealers themselves are waking up to the importance
of some action to regulate unsatisfactory trade customs. A manu-
facturer who has asked that we do not publish his name writes:
"Your editorials have caused me to think that you are pretty
nearly right in your line of argument, and three months ago I would
not have admitted it, and I know that in my next catalogue every
style will be listed at a fair retail price. I do not mean by this that I
shall follow the ridiculous plan which was in vogue some years
ago of putting a valuation two or three times what a piano was worth
in the catalogue, and then allowing all kinds of discounts, but I
propose to fix a correct price at which my instruments shall be
offered. I believe with The Review that no one is better able to
do this than the maufacturers. Keep up your good work; it will
surely bear fruit." We propose to, we have not had the slightest
intention of discontinuing it, and in just such ways a trade publi-
cation may demonstrate its enlarged sphere of usefulness.
This
proposition will win in the end. It may take some years to bring
it about, but as sure as fate piano manufacturers of the better grades
of pianos will be forced to establish their own retail prices in order
to protect their own interests.
A
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).