Music Trade Review
Issue: 1920 Vol. 70 N. 11 - Page 4
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
RE™
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc.
President and Treasurer, C. L. Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Vice-President,
Raymond Bill, 373
B. Spillane, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Second Vice-President,
{ . 'ourth
Are., New York; Assistant Treasurer, Wm. A. Low.
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
RAYMOND BILL, B. B. WILSON, Associate Editors
WILSON D. BUSH, Managing Editor
CARLETON CHACE, Business Manager
Executive and Reportorlal Stall
V. D. WALSH, W M . BRAID WHITE (Technical Editor), E. B. MUNCH, L. M. ROBINSON,
C. A. LEONARD, EDWARD LYMAN BILL, SCOTT KINGWILL, A. J. NICKLIN, L. E. BOWERS
WESTERN DIVISION:
BOSTON OFFICE:
Republic Bldg., 209 So. State St., Chicago.
JOHN H. WILSON, 324 Washington St.
Telephone, Wabash 5774.
Telephone, Main 6950.
LONDON, ENGLAND:
1 Gresham Buildings, Basinghall St., D. C.
N E W S SERVICE I S SUPPLIED WEEKLY BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED I N T H E LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT
AMERICA.
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
Entered as second-class matter September 10, 1892, at the post office at New York, N. Y.,
under the Act of March 3, 1879.
SUBSCRIPTION
(including postage), United States and Mexico, $2.00 per year;
Canada, $3.50; all other countries. $5.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $6.00 per inch single column, per insertion.
On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount is allowed. Advertising pages, $150.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency forms, should be made payable to Edward
Lyman Bill, Inc.
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
Pionn and
~rlallU
ailll
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
regulating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos
y
a r e dealt with, will be found in another section of
this paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concerning
which will be cheerfully given upon request.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Pari» 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
Vol. LXX
the Bureau's work successful. If it was a business of carrying on
a direct nation-wide campaign unassisted, the $50,000 budget would
not cover the expenses for a week. The Bureau for the Advance-
ment of Music is fast establishing itself as a directing rather than
an operating force, and in this the trade itself can help.
STAMPING OUT UNFAIR COMPETITION
significance is to be attached to the action of the Fed-
G REAT
eral Trade Commission last week in filing a complaint against
a well-known piano house for questionable methods in the re-
tailing of pianos and player-pianos. Whether or not the charges
made in the complaint will be proven, or whether they have an
adequate basis in fact, is not so important as that the Federal Trade
Commission is taking cognizance of unfair competitive methods in
the trade, and has shown an inclination to act.
The Better Business Bureau of the Music Industries Chamber
of Commerce has, of course, accomplished a great deal during its
existence in discouraging misleading advertising and questionable
selling methods. The greatest results of course have been obtained
through moral suasion, inasmuch as the Bureau has no power to
force reforms except in the role of complainant in some duly con-
stituted tribunal. The Federal Trade Commission is a body that
has the power to file complaints in a manner that will insure action,
and the fact that this power is being exerted against certain factors
in the music industry is worthy of consideration.
Within the recent past the Federal Trade Commission has taken
occasion to act against several interests in the trade, although it
must be confessed that some of the offenses charged have not been
quite so serious as the complaint would seem to make them appear.
There is no question, however, but that the knowledge that the
Federal Trade Commission is ready to act has done, and will do,
much to discourage those members of the trade who are not inclined
to be over-ethical in their methods.
TELEPHONES—NUMBERS 6982—688S MADISON SQ.
Connecting all Departments
Cable address: "ElbiU, New York"
NEW YORK, MARCH 13, 1920
FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR MUSIC
No. 11
MARCH 13, 1920
THE REPRODUCING PIANO IN A NEW ROLE
HE featuring of a reproducing piano as soloist in a special "act"
T
by a theatre opens a new vista for the popularization and de-
velopment of general interest in that type of instrument and em-
phasizes the new status of the reproducing piano more emphatically,
if it is possible, than the presentation of the same instrument in an
IFTY thousand dollars has been fixed by the Board of Directors
elaborate concert under the auspices or through the co-operation
of the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce as the budget
of the manufacturer. The Strand Theatre in Brooklyn, for in-
for music advancement work during the year, and the selection of
stance, last week presented as a feature act the Ampico reproducing
this sum will undoubtedly find favor with the industry at large and
piano playing Leo Ornstein's recording of Rubinstein's D-Minor
particularly with those members of it who are acquainted with what
concerto, and billed as "The Invisible Leo Ornstein." Arrange-
the National Bureau for the Advancement of Music has accom-
ments for the use of the Ampico were made in the regular way and
plished during its existence and particularly during the past few
a substantial sum paid by the theatre for the privilege. When the
months.
reproducing piano has reached a point where it is accepted by
The budget represents a substantial increase over the amount
theatre
"managers as being on the same plane with vaudeville head-
allotted to the bureau last year, and yet the increase is not out of
liners,
then
one hesitates to prophesy what possibilities lie in the
proportion to the increased activities in which the Bureau plans to
future.
indulge. The National Bureau for the Advancement of Music is
no longer an experiment. The trade knows just how it works and
THE FOREIGN TRADE SITUATION
in some measure just what it has accomplished even in the face of
ATEST figures from the Commerce Department of the United
a number of handicaps, some of them of a financial nature. The
States give us the pleasing information that American business
results of the Music Week campaign alone, originated and directed
men are approximately $4,458,000,000 richer now than a year ago,
by the Bureau for the Advancement of Music, should satisfy even
as a result of foreign trade. This sum represents the difference in
the most pessimistic members of the industry of the wisdom of
value between commodities shipped out of the country and those
giving to that Bureau enough money to carry out its plans on a
shipped into the country during 1919, after making allowance for
basis that will insure a fair measure of success at least.
exportation and importation of the precious metals. Briefly, it
If there ever was a movement that has to do with the building
means that the world during 1919 went into debt to the United
for the future it is this music development work. Every individual
States at the rate of approximately $12,213,000 a day, including
reached directly or indirectly by the message of music as sent out
by the Bureau or through some organization affiliated with it be- Sundays and holidays. Meanwhile, trade experts point out that
this cannot last. High foreign exchange rates are already beginning
comes a stronger factor and potential buyer of musical instruments.
to reduce the ratio of trade now in favor of American manufacturers
He may not buy next month or next year, but his interest has been
and shippers of all kinds of specialties. The rest of the world is
aroused, and as the campaign expands that interest will be fur-
beginning to find that it is cheaper to buy in markets other than the
ther stimulated until such time as it will result in a definite purchase
United States; hence, sales of American goods in December were
and a definite benefit to the trade.
less than in January, according to the Commerce Department reports.
The industry, particularly the retail division, has already been
Emphasis is placed by the Treasury Department on this un-
co-operating with the Bureau in a practical way in local territory.
healthy condition and it is stated that, unless the United States keeps
The organization of municipal commissions, of concert bureaus,
its hand in the foreign trade situation, American factories will
supported and directed by members of the trade, and of other work
eventually
be compelled to curtail production and thus business
of similar nature—all has the effect of spreading the gospel of
progress
be
retarded materially.
music energetically and successfully. It is this assistance that makes
F
L
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
RE™
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc.
President and Treasurer, C. L. Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Vice-President,
Raymond Bill, 373
B. Spillane, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Second Vice-President,
{ . 'ourth
Are., New York; Assistant Treasurer, Wm. A. Low.
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
RAYMOND BILL, B. B. WILSON, Associate Editors
WILSON D. BUSH, Managing Editor
CARLETON CHACE, Business Manager
Executive and Reportorlal Stall
V. D. WALSH, W M . BRAID WHITE (Technical Editor), E. B. MUNCH, L. M. ROBINSON,
C. A. LEONARD, EDWARD LYMAN BILL, SCOTT KINGWILL, A. J. NICKLIN, L. E. BOWERS
WESTERN DIVISION:
BOSTON OFFICE:
Republic Bldg., 209 So. State St., Chicago.
JOHN H. WILSON, 324 Washington St.
Telephone, Wabash 5774.
Telephone, Main 6950.
LONDON, ENGLAND:
1 Gresham Buildings, Basinghall St., D. C.
N E W S SERVICE I S SUPPLIED WEEKLY BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED I N T H E LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT
AMERICA.
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
Entered as second-class matter September 10, 1892, at the post office at New York, N. Y.,
under the Act of March 3, 1879.
SUBSCRIPTION
(including postage), United States and Mexico, $2.00 per year;
Canada, $3.50; all other countries. $5.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $6.00 per inch single column, per insertion.
On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount is allowed. Advertising pages, $150.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency forms, should be made payable to Edward
Lyman Bill, Inc.
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
Pionn and
~rlallU
ailll
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
regulating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos
y
a r e dealt with, will be found in another section of
this paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concerning
which will be cheerfully given upon request.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Pari» 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
Vol. LXX
the Bureau's work successful. If it was a business of carrying on
a direct nation-wide campaign unassisted, the $50,000 budget would
not cover the expenses for a week. The Bureau for the Advance-
ment of Music is fast establishing itself as a directing rather than
an operating force, and in this the trade itself can help.
STAMPING OUT UNFAIR COMPETITION
significance is to be attached to the action of the Fed-
G REAT
eral Trade Commission last week in filing a complaint against
a well-known piano house for questionable methods in the re-
tailing of pianos and player-pianos. Whether or not the charges
made in the complaint will be proven, or whether they have an
adequate basis in fact, is not so important as that the Federal Trade
Commission is taking cognizance of unfair competitive methods in
the trade, and has shown an inclination to act.
The Better Business Bureau of the Music Industries Chamber
of Commerce has, of course, accomplished a great deal during its
existence in discouraging misleading advertising and questionable
selling methods. The greatest results of course have been obtained
through moral suasion, inasmuch as the Bureau has no power to
force reforms except in the role of complainant in some duly con-
stituted tribunal. The Federal Trade Commission is a body that
has the power to file complaints in a manner that will insure action,
and the fact that this power is being exerted against certain factors
in the music industry is worthy of consideration.
Within the recent past the Federal Trade Commission has taken
occasion to act against several interests in the trade, although it
must be confessed that some of the offenses charged have not been
quite so serious as the complaint would seem to make them appear.
There is no question, however, but that the knowledge that the
Federal Trade Commission is ready to act has done, and will do,
much to discourage those members of the trade who are not inclined
to be over-ethical in their methods.
TELEPHONES—NUMBERS 6982—688S MADISON SQ.
Connecting all Departments
Cable address: "ElbiU, New York"
NEW YORK, MARCH 13, 1920
FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR MUSIC
No. 11
MARCH 13, 1920
THE REPRODUCING PIANO IN A NEW ROLE
HE featuring of a reproducing piano as soloist in a special "act"
T
by a theatre opens a new vista for the popularization and de-
velopment of general interest in that type of instrument and em-
phasizes the new status of the reproducing piano more emphatically,
if it is possible, than the presentation of the same instrument in an
IFTY thousand dollars has been fixed by the Board of Directors
elaborate concert under the auspices or through the co-operation
of the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce as the budget
of the manufacturer. The Strand Theatre in Brooklyn, for in-
for music advancement work during the year, and the selection of
stance, last week presented as a feature act the Ampico reproducing
this sum will undoubtedly find favor with the industry at large and
piano playing Leo Ornstein's recording of Rubinstein's D-Minor
particularly with those members of it who are acquainted with what
concerto, and billed as "The Invisible Leo Ornstein." Arrange-
the National Bureau for the Advancement of Music has accom-
ments for the use of the Ampico were made in the regular way and
plished during its existence and particularly during the past few
a substantial sum paid by the theatre for the privilege. When the
months.
reproducing piano has reached a point where it is accepted by
The budget represents a substantial increase over the amount
theatre
"managers as being on the same plane with vaudeville head-
allotted to the bureau last year, and yet the increase is not out of
liners,
then
one hesitates to prophesy what possibilities lie in the
proportion to the increased activities in which the Bureau plans to
future.
indulge. The National Bureau for the Advancement of Music is
no longer an experiment. The trade knows just how it works and
THE FOREIGN TRADE SITUATION
in some measure just what it has accomplished even in the face of
ATEST figures from the Commerce Department of the United
a number of handicaps, some of them of a financial nature. The
States give us the pleasing information that American business
results of the Music Week campaign alone, originated and directed
men are approximately $4,458,000,000 richer now than a year ago,
by the Bureau for the Advancement of Music, should satisfy even
as a result of foreign trade. This sum represents the difference in
the most pessimistic members of the industry of the wisdom of
value between commodities shipped out of the country and those
giving to that Bureau enough money to carry out its plans on a
shipped into the country during 1919, after making allowance for
basis that will insure a fair measure of success at least.
exportation and importation of the precious metals. Briefly, it
If there ever was a movement that has to do with the building
means that the world during 1919 went into debt to the United
for the future it is this music development work. Every individual
States at the rate of approximately $12,213,000 a day, including
reached directly or indirectly by the message of music as sent out
by the Bureau or through some organization affiliated with it be- Sundays and holidays. Meanwhile, trade experts point out that
this cannot last. High foreign exchange rates are already beginning
comes a stronger factor and potential buyer of musical instruments.
to reduce the ratio of trade now in favor of American manufacturers
He may not buy next month or next year, but his interest has been
and shippers of all kinds of specialties. The rest of the world is
aroused, and as the campaign expands that interest will be fur-
beginning to find that it is cheaper to buy in markets other than the
ther stimulated until such time as it will result in a definite purchase
United States; hence, sales of American goods in December were
and a definite benefit to the trade.
less than in January, according to the Commerce Department reports.
The industry, particularly the retail division, has already been
Emphasis is placed by the Treasury Department on this un-
co-operating with the Bureau in a practical way in local territory.
healthy condition and it is stated that, unless the United States keeps
The organization of municipal commissions, of concert bureaus,
its hand in the foreign trade situation, American factories will
supported and directed by members of the trade, and of other work
eventually
be compelled to curtail production and thus business
of similar nature—all has the effect of spreading the gospel of
progress
be
retarded materially.
music energetically and successfully. It is this assistance that makes
F
L
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