Music Trade Review
Issue: 1906 Vol. 42 N. 16 - Page 6
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6
THE MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
EDWARD LYMAN BILL, - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
Executive and Reportorial Staff:
GBO. B. KELLER.
L. E. BOWERS.
W. N. TYLER.
WM. B. WHITE.
BOSTON OFFICE:
F. II. THOMPSON.
BMILIE FRANCES BAUEK.
L. J. CHAMBEKLIN.
A. J. NICKLIN.
CHICAGO OFFICE:
E. P. VAN HARLINOBN, 195-197 Wabash Ave.
TELEPHONES : Central 414 ; Automatic 8643.
PHILADELPHIA OFFICE: MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL: ST. LOUIS OFFICE
ERNEST L. WAITT, 173 Tremont St.
It. W. KAUFFHAN.
E. C. TURKEY.
CHAS. N. VAN BUREN.
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE: ALFRED METZGER, 425-427 Front S t
CINCINNATI, O.:
NINA PUGH-SMITH.
Published Every Saturday at 1 Madison Avenue, New York
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.
SUBSCRIPTION, (Including postage), United States, Mexico, and Canada, $2.00 per
year; all other countries, $4.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $2.00 per Inch, single column, per Insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount Is allowed. Advertising Pages, $50.00; opposite
rending matter, $75.00.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency form, should be made payable to Edward
Lytnan Bill.
Directory ol Piano
Manufacturers
The directory of piano manufacturing firms and corporations
found on another page will be of great value, as a reference
f o r d e a I e r s a n d others.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Paris Exposition, 1900 Silver AfedaJ.Charleston Expoistion, lOOi'
Diploma. Pan American Exposition, 1901 Gold Medal. .St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Medal.Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1905
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE-NUMBER 1745 GRAMERCY
NEW
YORK, APRIL 21, 1906
EDITORIAL
L
AST week was an important one in the annals of the house of
Checkering, when the eighty-third anniversary of the estab-
lishment of that concern was celebrated.
Eighty-three years in this country is a long time for any busi-
ness institution to have withstood every strain and to have gone on
expanding and progressing. The American music trade may well
be proud of the house of Chickering, whose history stretches back to
the very birth of the industry.
The present forces directing this eminent music trade institution
have stoutlv guarded the traditions of the house, and have added con-
stantly to the prestige of the Chickering piano. Age does not in all
cases represent progress, but in the case of Chickering it does in the
truest sense, for it must be conceded that the directors have never
been content with the victories won. They have ever progressed,
they have never ceased experimenting and striving for betterment
wherever possible, and, as a result, there has been a constant evolu-
tion of the tonal qualities of the Chickering instruments. This is
splendidly exemplified in the product of our times.
T
HE other important Chickering event to which we allude was
the Chickering convention of dealers, which has been for a
number of years past one of the regular events of the business.
Representative Chickering men from Maine to California have made
the factory a rendezvous for two or three days, and while there have
discussed many matters which were obviously interesting to all whose
interests are closely allied with the house.
C. H. W. Foster, president of Chickering & Sons, is a strong
believer in the good which results from the annual coming together
of the retail distributive forces of the house, and thereby acquainting
themselves thoroughly with the Chickering system of manufacture,
while discussing ways and means for-business advance.
()ne thing is certain after the dealers have paid a visit to the
Chickering factory and have inspected every department, they must
leave with a stronger feeling of admiration and a greater devotion
to the instruments than they have ever possessed before. There is
an atmosphere which pervades the Chickering plant which is difficult
to describe, but which is impressive, in that it causes increased respect
REVIEW
and admiration for the d i c k e r i n g creative forces which have so
steadfastly clung to high ideals in piano making.
O
F course it may be said that when these men journey long dis-
tances to meet in the Chickering factory at the special invi-
tation of the directors that other manufacturers profit by their visit,
as much as Chickering.
The Chickering people, however, do not take this narrow view
of the situation. They take the broad and liberal vision that the
more knowledge the Chickering retailers have of the details of man-
ufacture of the instruments, and of each other's methods of selling,
the better it will be for all.
While referring to this convention, one member of the trade
remarked that he should incline to the belief that there would be
trouble resulting from the bringing together of all a corporation's
agents, as they might, while discussing prices, find that there were
special terms accorded some which were not extended to others.
That is one point, however, that the Chickering directors have
not to figure on. Their business is run on correct business lines,
and the more their dealers discuss prices, the more each and every
one will become impressed with the fact that he is getting a square
deal, for the house of Chickering sells oil a perfectly balanced
system. There is no elastic plan of prices, and the 1 letter that is
understood the more respect it engenders in the minds of the deal-
ers who are closely allied with a house which stands for business
principles of the highest order.
F
R( )M present reports, the piano manufacturers" annual conven-
tion, which is to be held in Washington next month, will be
more largely attended than ever before. Reports to the secretary
indicate that a greater number of members have manifested their
intention to be in evidence at the business meetings than has been
shown on former records.
There are a number of important matters which will be brought
up for discussion, and ['resident Mehlin has been indefatigable in his
efforts, not only to increase membership, but to accentuate interest
in the organization by showing that it is a potent force for good in
the industry.
There are several important subjects which will be taken up
for serious consideration, and one which will have a great interest
to some members of the trade will be whether or not manufacturers
shall fix the prices at which their instruments shall be offered at
retail.
There are many who agree with The Review that this question
will have importance over all others, for it at once settles the
status of every instrument and places the special brand in the class
where it belongs.
Captain Dressel, the director of the proposed Music Trade Ex-
position, which will be held in Madison Square Garden next Sep-
tember, will be present in Washington to meet the various commit-
tees and answer any questions which may be propounded to him
regarding the management of the exposition. This will be an event
of unusual importance to the industry, for it is the first time in the
history of the trade when an attempt has been made to make an ex-
clusive music trade exhibit, and its development will be watched
with exceeding interest.
O
l'R special reports show that business in the Southwest has
been particularly good during the past two weeks, while on
the Pacific Coast there has been increased activity. Letters recently
received from a great number of the smaller cities in the middle
West indicate a quietness among the retailers which is looked for
annually about the middle of April.
The New England trade has been somewhat fitful, and in some
of the cities, our reports indicate a very satisfactory condition of
retail business, while in others there is a decided dulness and col-
lections have been correspondingly slow. Instalment payments have
been delinquent and there is a considerable percentage of increase in
past due paper.
Continued activity is shown in the player department of the
industry, and the demand for inside players continues to grow.
T
H E R E is no denying the fact that the inside player has become
an important factor in closing piano sales. The splendid ad-
vertising which the leading concerns have been doing in the maga-
zines and daily papers has Ixjen helpful to the dealers. This
6
THE MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
EDWARD LYMAN BILL, - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
Executive and Reportorial Staff:
GBO. B. KELLER.
L. E. BOWERS.
W. N. TYLER.
WM. B. WHITE.
BOSTON OFFICE:
F. II. THOMPSON.
BMILIE FRANCES BAUEK.
L. J. CHAMBEKLIN.
A. J. NICKLIN.
CHICAGO OFFICE:
E. P. VAN HARLINOBN, 195-197 Wabash Ave.
TELEPHONES : Central 414 ; Automatic 8643.
PHILADELPHIA OFFICE: MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL: ST. LOUIS OFFICE
ERNEST L. WAITT, 173 Tremont St.
It. W. KAUFFHAN.
E. C. TURKEY.
CHAS. N. VAN BUREN.
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE: ALFRED METZGER, 425-427 Front S t
CINCINNATI, O.:
NINA PUGH-SMITH.
Published Every Saturday at 1 Madison Avenue, New York
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.
SUBSCRIPTION, (Including postage), United States, Mexico, and Canada, $2.00 per
year; all other countries, $4.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $2.00 per Inch, single column, per Insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount Is allowed. Advertising Pages, $50.00; opposite
rending matter, $75.00.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency form, should be made payable to Edward
Lytnan Bill.
Directory ol Piano
Manufacturers
The directory of piano manufacturing firms and corporations
found on another page will be of great value, as a reference
f o r d e a I e r s a n d others.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Paris Exposition, 1900 Silver AfedaJ.Charleston Expoistion, lOOi'
Diploma. Pan American Exposition, 1901 Gold Medal. .St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Medal.Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1905
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE-NUMBER 1745 GRAMERCY
NEW
YORK, APRIL 21, 1906
EDITORIAL
L
AST week was an important one in the annals of the house of
Checkering, when the eighty-third anniversary of the estab-
lishment of that concern was celebrated.
Eighty-three years in this country is a long time for any busi-
ness institution to have withstood every strain and to have gone on
expanding and progressing. The American music trade may well
be proud of the house of Chickering, whose history stretches back to
the very birth of the industry.
The present forces directing this eminent music trade institution
have stoutlv guarded the traditions of the house, and have added con-
stantly to the prestige of the Chickering piano. Age does not in all
cases represent progress, but in the case of Chickering it does in the
truest sense, for it must be conceded that the directors have never
been content with the victories won. They have ever progressed,
they have never ceased experimenting and striving for betterment
wherever possible, and, as a result, there has been a constant evolu-
tion of the tonal qualities of the Chickering instruments. This is
splendidly exemplified in the product of our times.
T
HE other important Chickering event to which we allude was
the Chickering convention of dealers, which has been for a
number of years past one of the regular events of the business.
Representative Chickering men from Maine to California have made
the factory a rendezvous for two or three days, and while there have
discussed many matters which were obviously interesting to all whose
interests are closely allied with the house.
C. H. W. Foster, president of Chickering & Sons, is a strong
believer in the good which results from the annual coming together
of the retail distributive forces of the house, and thereby acquainting
themselves thoroughly with the Chickering system of manufacture,
while discussing ways and means for-business advance.
()ne thing is certain after the dealers have paid a visit to the
Chickering factory and have inspected every department, they must
leave with a stronger feeling of admiration and a greater devotion
to the instruments than they have ever possessed before. There is
an atmosphere which pervades the Chickering plant which is difficult
to describe, but which is impressive, in that it causes increased respect
REVIEW
and admiration for the d i c k e r i n g creative forces which have so
steadfastly clung to high ideals in piano making.
O
F course it may be said that when these men journey long dis-
tances to meet in the Chickering factory at the special invi-
tation of the directors that other manufacturers profit by their visit,
as much as Chickering.
The Chickering people, however, do not take this narrow view
of the situation. They take the broad and liberal vision that the
more knowledge the Chickering retailers have of the details of man-
ufacture of the instruments, and of each other's methods of selling,
the better it will be for all.
While referring to this convention, one member of the trade
remarked that he should incline to the belief that there would be
trouble resulting from the bringing together of all a corporation's
agents, as they might, while discussing prices, find that there were
special terms accorded some which were not extended to others.
That is one point, however, that the Chickering directors have
not to figure on. Their business is run on correct business lines,
and the more their dealers discuss prices, the more each and every
one will become impressed with the fact that he is getting a square
deal, for the house of Chickering sells oil a perfectly balanced
system. There is no elastic plan of prices, and the 1 letter that is
understood the more respect it engenders in the minds of the deal-
ers who are closely allied with a house which stands for business
principles of the highest order.
F
R( )M present reports, the piano manufacturers" annual conven-
tion, which is to be held in Washington next month, will be
more largely attended than ever before. Reports to the secretary
indicate that a greater number of members have manifested their
intention to be in evidence at the business meetings than has been
shown on former records.
There are a number of important matters which will be brought
up for discussion, and ['resident Mehlin has been indefatigable in his
efforts, not only to increase membership, but to accentuate interest
in the organization by showing that it is a potent force for good in
the industry.
There are several important subjects which will be taken up
for serious consideration, and one which will have a great interest
to some members of the trade will be whether or not manufacturers
shall fix the prices at which their instruments shall be offered at
retail.
There are many who agree with The Review that this question
will have importance over all others, for it at once settles the
status of every instrument and places the special brand in the class
where it belongs.
Captain Dressel, the director of the proposed Music Trade Ex-
position, which will be held in Madison Square Garden next Sep-
tember, will be present in Washington to meet the various commit-
tees and answer any questions which may be propounded to him
regarding the management of the exposition. This will be an event
of unusual importance to the industry, for it is the first time in the
history of the trade when an attempt has been made to make an ex-
clusive music trade exhibit, and its development will be watched
with exceeding interest.
O
l'R special reports show that business in the Southwest has
been particularly good during the past two weeks, while on
the Pacific Coast there has been increased activity. Letters recently
received from a great number of the smaller cities in the middle
West indicate a quietness among the retailers which is looked for
annually about the middle of April.
The New England trade has been somewhat fitful, and in some
of the cities, our reports indicate a very satisfactory condition of
retail business, while in others there is a decided dulness and col-
lections have been correspondingly slow. Instalment payments have
been delinquent and there is a considerable percentage of increase in
past due paper.
Continued activity is shown in the player department of the
industry, and the demand for inside players continues to grow.
T
H E R E is no denying the fact that the inside player has become
an important factor in closing piano sales. The splendid ad-
vertising which the leading concerns have been doing in the maga-
zines and daily papers has Ixjen helpful to the dealers. This
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