Music Trade Review

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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
Small Pipe Organ as an Instrument for Home Use
HE increasing wealth and culture of the American people,
T
and the growing appreciation of music in the home, is re-
sulting not only in a growing demand for expensive pianos,
particularly of the grand type, but there is also evident a de-
sire to secure instruments of larger orchestral possibilities in
the home, which is becoming manifest in the demand for pipe
organs of the portable type, a condition which is bound to
make its impress in the music trade field in the no distant
future.
Pipe organ manufacturers have hitherto given little atten-
tion to the trade possibilities of the small pipe organ in the
home, simply because of the difficulty in securing standardized
supplies in the construction of these instruments. This com-
plaint, however, will soon be removed, for we understand that
a Western concern, noted for its enterprise and foresight, is
preparing to meet and supply the demand in this special field,
thus pipe organ manufacturers will be able to enter into the
manufacture of this type of portable organ in the home in per-
fect confidence that they can secure standardized parts, and
thus bring into the home an instrument of great musical possi-
bilities—one that will satisfy those who desire a means of
musical expression and of orchestral coloring other than the
piano.
For too long the pipe organ has been overlooked as an essen-
tial of the musical equipment of the home. This has been due
to the indifference of the manufacturers, some of whom have
been schooled to the idea that the pipe organ was created for
religious purposes only, and its use confined to ecclesiastical
edifices. But, as F. E. Morton said in his interesting address
before the Illinois Council of the National Association of Or-
ganists, recently: "The pipe organ need not rear itself gi-
gantic, solitary and aloof in cathedral seclusion. There is room
T
HE car shortage and railroad traffic congestion, which has
been serious for some months past and which has had a most
detrimental effect upon all lines of industry gives little promise
of early relief. Long before the diplomatic break there was a
scarcity of ocean tonnage that made it almost impossible to free
European bound freight for some weeks after the cars had
reached the seaboard. The general tie-up of freight following
Germany's threat has added materially to this embarrassment,
with the result that at the present time, as one railroad man puts
it, "the tide of freight has backed right up to the doors of the
factories."
The food situation, particularly in the East, lends a
new aspect to the car shortage question, for, as the cars are" re-
for it in every assembling place and out in' the homes of the
every-day people. The small portable pipe organ is the musical
possibility of the immediate future." He added further: "The
pipe organ in the living room may seem fantastic at the first
glance, but there is nothing in the construction of the organ
that will not adapt itself to the diminutive reproduction, and
the demand is certain as soon as the manufacturer, recognizing
the possibilities of the field, devotes himself as zealously to
it as he does now to the installation of some monumental
instrument."
The artistically designed pipe organ of portable type—the
instrument that will harmonize with the furnishing of the
music room, or sitting room in the home—is destined to be a
factor of prime importance in broadening out the trade possi-
bilities of the piano dealer. He may not see it today, as he did
not see the future of the perfected talking machine, but the
members of the trade are wise who give their consideration
to the possibilities in this field.
Every purchaser* of an expensive piano, either grand, up-
right, or player, is a possible pipe organ purchaser. The greater
use of the smaller types of pipe organs in theatres and public
places indicates their broadening influence, but the pipe organ
for the home will be a development unique in that it will typify
American enterprise, skill and ingenuity when once manufac-
turers enter the field with a proper appreciation of the immense
domain to be covered.
Price is not and never can be a consideration when an in-
strument is presented that merits the consideration of those
who can be made to desire it, particularly when it fills the needs
both musically and aesthetically of those who have the finan-
cial requirements, and who desire to express in orchestral form
the best in music.
leased at the seaboard they are being rushed back for food prod-
ucts and embargoes placed on many other classes of freight that
are essential to manufacturers.
With the actual shortage of metal products, including steel;
with an increasing shortage in freight cars and a dearth of coal
that has served to close down many factories, the outlook for
the manufacturer in any line is not overbright. Government
action will serve to solve the question and that action should
come without delay.
PEAKING of slogans: "Greater Prosperity Through Greater
Foreign Trade" has been adopted by the "National Foreign
S
Trade Council," which met in Pittsburg recently.
GETTING DOWN TO PLAIN PLAYER FACTS
The education of the public along player lines is a necessity for the expansion of the player business.
There is no doubt of that; and education of the piano merchants and salesmen is also a vital necessity,
because through them will come a powerful force in the education of the public; and right here we wish to
remark that we have produced a line of books upon the player-piano which comprehensively covers the
entire player situation.
In this respect this trade newspaper stands alone, for it has been the principal source from which player
information has been available for piano merchants and salesmen for a period of years. Our latest book,
"The Player-Piano Up to Date"
is the best of the series. It contains upwards of 220 pages of matter bearing directly upon the player.
Every piano merchant and piano salesman should have a copy of this book within easy reach, It
gives to readers a fund of information not obtainable elsewhere.
It contains a series of original drawings and a vast amount of instructive and educational matter, as
well as a detailed description of some of the principal player mechanisms.
It costs $1.50 to have this book delivered to any address in the United States, and your money will be
refunded if you are not satisfied with the book after examination. No one yet has availed himself of this
opportunity. Foreign countries, 15c. to cover extra postage, should be added.
Estate of EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Publisher
373 Fourth Ave., New York