Music Trade Review
Issue: 1908 Vol. 47 N. 3 - Page 4
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
EDWARD LYMAN BILL - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
Executive and Reportorlal Stall:
GEO. B. KRLLHB,
L. E. BOWEHS,
W. H. DYKES,
F . H. THOMPSON,
J. HAYDBN CLARENDON,
B. BKITTAIN WILSON,
L. J. CHAMBEBLIN,
A. J. NICKLIN.
BOSTON OFFICE:
CHICAGO OFFICE
ERNEST L. WAITT, 100 Boylston St.E. P. VAN HARLINGEN, Room 806, 156 Wabash Ave.
Telephone, Central 414.
PHILADELPHIA:
MINNEAPOLIS a n d ST. PAUL:
ST. LOUIS:
R. \V. KAUFFMAN.
ADOLF EDSTEN.
SAN FRANCISCO:
CHAS. N. VAN BUREN.
S. IT. GRAY, 2407 Sacramento St.
CINCINNATI, O.:
BALTIMORE, MD.:
BERNARD C. BOWEN.
A. ROBERT FRENCH.
LONDON, ENGLAND: «!• Hasinghall St., E. C.
W. LIONEL STURDT, Manager.
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 and Mexico, $2.00 per year;
Canada. $.'{..">(i: 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, $60.00; opposite
r<»ncling matter. $75.00.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency form, should be made payable to Edward
I.ymtm Kill.
Music Publishers'
An interesting feature of this publication Is a special depart-
Department ^ V ment devoted exclusively to the world of music publishing.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Paris Exposition, 1900
Silver Medal. Charleston Exposition, 1902
Diploma.Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Gold Medal. ...St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Medal
Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1905.
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES-NUMBERS 4677 and 4678 GRAMERCY
Connecting all Departments.
Cable address: "Elbill, New York."
NEW YORK,
JULY
18, 1 9 0 8
EDITORIAL
"T)RICES seem firm in all lines, and there is nothing so futile to
XT relieve the condition of dull trade as to cut prices. There is
nothing so stupid as to attempt to bridge over congested conditions.
In the talking machine industry price restriction has been maintained
and so safeguarded that there has been no cutting of prices, and
there has been no depreciation in stock or consequent demoraliza-
tion of trade conditions. Cutting prices is the short route to precipi-
tate hard times. It is the weakness of fear, and fear is the foe to
success.
A number of buyers in the piano trade have openly stated that
they hesitate to place orders because they believe that some manu-
facturers must have money, and if the selling season failed to regis-
ter a promising amount of business a break in prices would be sure
to come.
The break will not come in the piano trade, and we may say to
those men who are figuring on that condition that they might as
well right about face, because at the present time there is not the
slightest excuse for a break in prices. Stocks on the retail floors
are low; in fact, the dearth of pianos in retail establishments was
never so completely emphasized as to-day. Within the very near
future dealers must have stock, no question about that. The big-
crops which are practically assured will mean that there will be an
increased demand for pianos and musical instruments.
Now as the manufacturers themselves are not carrying large
reserve stocks, and there will be a rush in the early fall for pianos,
how can any one figure that a drop in prices will occur? In fact,
prevailing prices are not at a height that will admit slashing, be-
cause there are no abnormal profits in evidence. Lumber has not
diminished in price; labor is firm, and there will be no reduction
there, and then there are overhead expenses that are immovable.
Now where is the license for the cut in price? Nonsense, there will
be no cut in prices, because there is no good reason why there should
be, and everyone who is desirous of getting ready for business in
the fall should not wait for cut prices. They should place their
orders now at the present market rates and then they will be in
REVIEW
shape to reap the best advantage possible out of business conditions
which promise good things for all merchants.
\li / H I L E a great many piano players and talking machines are
V V being shipped from this country to different parts of the
earth, comparatively few pianos are being exported. It would seem
as if during the period of depression that it would be well for manu-
facturers to look to outside points for the distribution of the
products of their factories, and there are many indications that in
the strife for international trade the governments of the great com-
peting industrial and commercial nations are more and more taking
a hand. It is coming to be looked upon as one of the functions pi
government not only to protect its citizens in their dealings with
foreign lands, but to foster and facilitate foreign trade in many ways.
The frank admission of a great English statesman that the British
Empire is maintained for the sake of the trade with its colonies and
the designation of the Union Jack as a commercial asset is a pic-
turesque expression of a principle which is influential in countries
which have not yet carried their commercial relations so successfully
to the ends of the earth. Recognizing its need of foreign markets
and having full faith in its ability to supply them, the United States
is increasing its efforts to further in any way in its power the inter-
ests of its manufacturers and merchants who are in a position to do
an export business. Its chief activity in this work is through its
consular service to the improvement of which attention has recenth
been given, but the extension of foreign trade is also under the care
of the Department of Commerce and Labor, whose intelligent co-
operation may be counted on. The problem is, however, a compli-
cated one, invested with peculiar difficulties, and it is for manufac-
turers to suggest, if they can, the manner in which the department
can be of practical use to them. A number of our big piano concerns
have sought South America, and the output of the Aeolian Co.'s
products in that country is considerable, and this great concern have
sent at regular intervals representatives to the various countries in
Latin America, and as a result of their enterprise they have built
up a steadily growing trade in those lands south of us. It does not
pay to overlook any possible avenue which leads to good business,
and just now it might pay to put forth efforts to secure business
from different parts of the earth.
A SSOCIATIONS are performing splendid work in every indus-
1 ~ \ try. The talking machine jobbers' organization, which is
only a little more than a year old, met in convention at Atlantic City
during the first half of the month, and while this association is
hardly out of its swaddling clothes, so to speak, it grappled business
problems with a zeal and energy which was surprising in such a
young organization.
This splendid advance may be explained, however, when we state
that James F. Bowers was the first president of this national asso-
ciation, and the members do not hesitate to say that they owe much
of the success of the association work to his intelligent efforts.
Aside from the reading of a number of specially prepared
papers, bearing directly upon trade matters, the discussions included
'the business relations between manufacturers and jobbers, and a
number of resolutions were passed referring these matters to the
executive committee who will consult with talking machine manu-
facturers, urging the readjustment of some business policies.
One thing is certain, when a number of men go about the ac-
complishment of a desired object and are willing to concentrate their
efforts upon its accomplishment they will come nearer winning than
a number of individuals whose purposes may be somewhat divergent;
in other words to-day it pays to concentrate in every line rather than
scatter energies.
J
UST as surely as thousands of merchants are curtailing stocks
and pruning investments the manufacturer also cuts his cloth
accordingly, and if we all play at shrinking after having indulged
in expansion it means temporary depression at least, if nothing more
serious.
Thin stocks may be all right for spineless individuals, but the
up-to-date merchant must carry an adequate stock. To do this does
not necessarily require any plunging, but the danger of paring too
close should 'be avoided. Caution, yes, but over-caution is posi-
tively dangerous. The business man should be careful to avoid
going to extremes with a conservative policy.
THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
EDWARD LYMAN BILL - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
Executive and Reportorlal Stall:
GEO. B. KRLLHB,
L. E. BOWEHS,
W. H. DYKES,
F . H. THOMPSON,
J. HAYDBN CLARENDON,
B. BKITTAIN WILSON,
L. J. CHAMBEBLIN,
A. J. NICKLIN.
BOSTON OFFICE:
CHICAGO OFFICE
ERNEST L. WAITT, 100 Boylston St.E. P. VAN HARLINGEN, Room 806, 156 Wabash Ave.
Telephone, Central 414.
PHILADELPHIA:
MINNEAPOLIS a n d ST. PAUL:
ST. LOUIS:
R. \V. KAUFFMAN.
ADOLF EDSTEN.
SAN FRANCISCO:
CHAS. N. VAN BUREN.
S. IT. GRAY, 2407 Sacramento St.
CINCINNATI, O.:
BALTIMORE, MD.:
BERNARD C. BOWEN.
A. ROBERT FRENCH.
LONDON, ENGLAND: «!• Hasinghall St., E. C.
W. LIONEL STURDT, Manager.
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 and Mexico, $2.00 per year;
Canada. $.'{..">(i: 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, $60.00; opposite
r<»ncling matter. $75.00.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency form, should be made payable to Edward
I.ymtm Kill.
Music Publishers'
An interesting feature of this publication Is a special depart-
Department ^ V ment devoted exclusively to the world of music publishing.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Paris Exposition, 1900
Silver Medal. Charleston Exposition, 1902
Diploma.Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Gold Medal. ...St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Medal
Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1905.
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES-NUMBERS 4677 and 4678 GRAMERCY
Connecting all Departments.
Cable address: "Elbill, New York."
NEW YORK,
JULY
18, 1 9 0 8
EDITORIAL
"T)RICES seem firm in all lines, and there is nothing so futile to
XT relieve the condition of dull trade as to cut prices. There is
nothing so stupid as to attempt to bridge over congested conditions.
In the talking machine industry price restriction has been maintained
and so safeguarded that there has been no cutting of prices, and
there has been no depreciation in stock or consequent demoraliza-
tion of trade conditions. Cutting prices is the short route to precipi-
tate hard times. It is the weakness of fear, and fear is the foe to
success.
A number of buyers in the piano trade have openly stated that
they hesitate to place orders because they believe that some manu-
facturers must have money, and if the selling season failed to regis-
ter a promising amount of business a break in prices would be sure
to come.
The break will not come in the piano trade, and we may say to
those men who are figuring on that condition that they might as
well right about face, because at the present time there is not the
slightest excuse for a break in prices. Stocks on the retail floors
are low; in fact, the dearth of pianos in retail establishments was
never so completely emphasized as to-day. Within the very near
future dealers must have stock, no question about that. The big-
crops which are practically assured will mean that there will be an
increased demand for pianos and musical instruments.
Now as the manufacturers themselves are not carrying large
reserve stocks, and there will be a rush in the early fall for pianos,
how can any one figure that a drop in prices will occur? In fact,
prevailing prices are not at a height that will admit slashing, be-
cause there are no abnormal profits in evidence. Lumber has not
diminished in price; labor is firm, and there will be no reduction
there, and then there are overhead expenses that are immovable.
Now where is the license for the cut in price? Nonsense, there will
be no cut in prices, because there is no good reason why there should
be, and everyone who is desirous of getting ready for business in
the fall should not wait for cut prices. They should place their
orders now at the present market rates and then they will be in
REVIEW
shape to reap the best advantage possible out of business conditions
which promise good things for all merchants.
\li / H I L E a great many piano players and talking machines are
V V being shipped from this country to different parts of the
earth, comparatively few pianos are being exported. It would seem
as if during the period of depression that it would be well for manu-
facturers to look to outside points for the distribution of the
products of their factories, and there are many indications that in
the strife for international trade the governments of the great com-
peting industrial and commercial nations are more and more taking
a hand. It is coming to be looked upon as one of the functions pi
government not only to protect its citizens in their dealings with
foreign lands, but to foster and facilitate foreign trade in many ways.
The frank admission of a great English statesman that the British
Empire is maintained for the sake of the trade with its colonies and
the designation of the Union Jack as a commercial asset is a pic-
turesque expression of a principle which is influential in countries
which have not yet carried their commercial relations so successfully
to the ends of the earth. Recognizing its need of foreign markets
and having full faith in its ability to supply them, the United States
is increasing its efforts to further in any way in its power the inter-
ests of its manufacturers and merchants who are in a position to do
an export business. Its chief activity in this work is through its
consular service to the improvement of which attention has recenth
been given, but the extension of foreign trade is also under the care
of the Department of Commerce and Labor, whose intelligent co-
operation may be counted on. The problem is, however, a compli-
cated one, invested with peculiar difficulties, and it is for manufac-
turers to suggest, if they can, the manner in which the department
can be of practical use to them. A number of our big piano concerns
have sought South America, and the output of the Aeolian Co.'s
products in that country is considerable, and this great concern have
sent at regular intervals representatives to the various countries in
Latin America, and as a result of their enterprise they have built
up a steadily growing trade in those lands south of us. It does not
pay to overlook any possible avenue which leads to good business,
and just now it might pay to put forth efforts to secure business
from different parts of the earth.
A SSOCIATIONS are performing splendid work in every indus-
1 ~ \ try. The talking machine jobbers' organization, which is
only a little more than a year old, met in convention at Atlantic City
during the first half of the month, and while this association is
hardly out of its swaddling clothes, so to speak, it grappled business
problems with a zeal and energy which was surprising in such a
young organization.
This splendid advance may be explained, however, when we state
that James F. Bowers was the first president of this national asso-
ciation, and the members do not hesitate to say that they owe much
of the success of the association work to his intelligent efforts.
Aside from the reading of a number of specially prepared
papers, bearing directly upon trade matters, the discussions included
'the business relations between manufacturers and jobbers, and a
number of resolutions were passed referring these matters to the
executive committee who will consult with talking machine manu-
facturers, urging the readjustment of some business policies.
One thing is certain, when a number of men go about the ac-
complishment of a desired object and are willing to concentrate their
efforts upon its accomplishment they will come nearer winning than
a number of individuals whose purposes may be somewhat divergent;
in other words to-day it pays to concentrate in every line rather than
scatter energies.
J
UST as surely as thousands of merchants are curtailing stocks
and pruning investments the manufacturer also cuts his cloth
accordingly, and if we all play at shrinking after having indulged
in expansion it means temporary depression at least, if nothing more
serious.
Thin stocks may be all right for spineless individuals, but the
up-to-date merchant must carry an adequate stock. To do this does
not necessarily require any plunging, but the danger of paring too
close should 'be avoided. Caution, yes, but over-caution is posi-
tively dangerous. The business man should be careful to avoid
going to extremes with a conservative policy.
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).