Music Trade Review
Issue: 1921 Vol. 72 N. 23 - Page 4
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
RMEW
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc.
President and Treasurer, C. L. Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Vice-President,
T. B. Spillane, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Second Vice-President, Raymond Bill, 373
Fourth Ave., New York; Secretary, Edward Lyman Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York;
Assistant Treasurer, Wm. A. Low.
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
RAY BILL, B. B. WILSON, BRAID WHITE, Associate Editors
WILSON D. BUSH, Managing Editor
CARLETON CHACE, Business Manager
L. E. BOWERS, Circulation Manager
Executive and Reportorial Staff
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-
onH
allU
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
Tp4»hnil»al IW>nai*fm
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
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 6882—6883 MADISON SQ.
Connecting all Departments
Cable address: "ElbllL New York"
Vol. LXXII
NEW YORK, JUNE 1, 1921
No. 23
1921
SUPPORTING MUSIC AS AN ART
T
HE action of the Chicago Piano Club in guaranteeing $1,000
annually for five years toward the support of the Chicago Grand
Opera Company is in line with the new attitude that has been devel-
oped in the trade toward the cause of music—the attitude that
reflects the realization that the music trade and the art of music are
closely allied and part of one great movement. During the conven-
tions the Chicago Piano Club succeeded admirably in emphasizing
the close relationship between the trade and profession in the carry-
ing out of its entertainment program, in which Harold L. Mc-
Cormick, patron, and Mary Garden, directress of the Chicago Opera
Co., as well as numerous opera stars, took part. This pledge of
financial assistance, therefore, is a logical move and should serve as
an inspiration to members of the music industry in other sections for
doing all they should towards supporting music as an art.
EXPORTS OF PLAYER-PIANOS
EDWARD VAN HARLINGEN, V. D. WALSH, E. B. MUNCH, C. A. LEONARD, LEE ROBINSON,
EDWARD LYMAN BILL, SCOTT KINGWILL, THOS. W. BRBSNAHAN, A. J. NICKLIN.
WESTERN DIVISION:
BOSTON OFFICE:
Republic Bldgr., 209 So. State St., Chicago.
JOHN H. WILSON, 324 Washington St.
Telephone, Wabash 5242-5243
Telephone, Main 6950.
LONDON, ENGLAND: 1 Gresham Buildings, Basinghall St., D. C.
NEWS SERVICE IS SUPPLIED WEEKLY BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED IN THE LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA.
JUNE 4,
T
HE detailed Government report of the exports of player-pianos
from the United States to foreign countries during 1920, repro-
duced elsewhere in The Review, should prove of exceptional inter-
est to those members of the trade who have faith in the possibilities
of export trade as well as those who have been inclined to regard
export business as hardly worth while.
The report shows that during 1920 8,364 player-pianos valued at
$3,472,632 were exported to seventy-two different countries in all
sections of the globe. The exports for 1920 practically doubled those
for 1919, which in itself is significant, because last year some of our
foreign competitors started to get back on their feet. During the
year, too, there were exported music rolls valued at $409,913 as
against rolls valued at $294,000 in 1919.
The figures, especially as they concern exports to Australia,
Spain, Argentina and several other countries, are particularly inter-
esting. Australia, of course, was our best customer, taking 2,785
players and music rolls valued at $109,000 as compared with 982
players and 11,000 music rolls exported to Spain, the next country
on the list. Those who have the welfare of the industry at heart
and who believe that the development of a substantial export trade
will help business at home will find much meat in the facts presented.
PROOF OF BETTER SELLING TERMS
T
HE analysis of piano and talking machine sales during 1914 and
1920, prepared by the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce as
an argument to be presented before Congress in an effort to have
the excise tax on musical instruments eliminated, offers information
that should prove as interesting and helpful to members of the trade
as it should to Congress. In fact, there are found in the figures
proof of the better merchandising methods adopted by the industry
during the war, which it is urged should be kept in force during and
after the period of readjustment.
Both in the matter of price and terms there is shown a remark-
able advance during the six years. In 1914, for instance, in 38 per
cent of the sales less than 5 per cent of the purchase price was
received as first payment. In 1920 in only 15 per cent of the sales
were such low terms reported. In 1914 in only 10 per cent of the
retail sales were final payments made within a year, and in only 22
per cent were the sales cleared up in less than two years. In 1920,
on the other hand, 42 per cent of the sales were made on a basis
that closed up the accounts in less than two years.
Quite in contrast with the terms on pianos are those cited in
connection with the sale of talking machines. In 1914 in only 10
per cent of the sales were the down payments less than 5 per cent
of the sale price. In 1920 this percentage had dropped to 4. In 1914
60 per cent of the sales were wound up within the year, and a total
of 93 per cent in two years, while in 1920 fully 97 per cent of the sales
were consummated within the two-year period.
It is significant in considering the analysis that in the sale of both
talking machines and pianos an average of one-quarter of the buyers
paid down at the outset 25 per cent or more of the purchase price.
This figure will probably prove a surprise to those who fondly
believe that about 90 per cent of piano purchasers did business on a
long-time basis.
The figures go to prove that substantial terms on piano sales
particularly can be obtained and have been obtained. In the present
race for business this fact should not be overlooked.
PADEREWSKI—MUSICIAN AND CITIZEN
T
H E recent arrival of Paderewski in the United States to enjoy
a well-deserved rest at his home on the Pacific Coast has
brought forth many tributes to the great work of this patriot-
statesman and musician. The following editorial, which we clip from
the Hartford Times, is a tribute in which his many friends in the
music trade industry can cordially join :
"When the time comes to write the full story of Paderewski's
accomplishments historians are likely to say that his greatest work
was not his leadership of Poland from disunion and misery back
to her old, proud position of unity and independence, but his in-
spiration, even ennoblement, of humanity through his music. Pader-
ewski made the piano more than a mechanism of wood and metal,
he made it something that expressed, under manipulation by his
skillful fingers, the very soul of humanity. The aspirations, joys,
sorrow, pain, hatred and love that are combined in us have been told
in unmistakable terms of music and none that ever heard the won-
derful virtuoso ever can forget either him or his message. Great
patriot though he is, he will live in the minds of Americans as the
greatest master of the pianoforte of his time, and it may be many
years before his equal comes before the public, with due respect for
the many great artists that now delight us. May he find rest here
in America, and from his brilliant mind may there come many more
compositions to enthrall,, even though played by other hands."
CO-OPERATING WITH THE GOVERNMENT
R
ECENTLY, William Braid White, associate and technical editor
of The Review, made a journey to Madison, Wis., where, over a
period of several days, he consulted and worked with the head of
the American School of Forestry, which is located in that city.
The Review proposes to co-operate with this Governmental institu-
tion in every way possible, with the end in view of advancing the effi-
ciency with which various kinds of woods are utilized in the pro-
duction of pianos and talking machines.
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
RMEW
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc.
President and Treasurer, C. L. Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Vice-President,
T. B. Spillane, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Second Vice-President, Raymond Bill, 373
Fourth Ave., New York; Secretary, Edward Lyman Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York;
Assistant Treasurer, Wm. A. Low.
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
RAY BILL, B. B. WILSON, BRAID WHITE, Associate Editors
WILSON D. BUSH, Managing Editor
CARLETON CHACE, Business Manager
L. E. BOWERS, Circulation Manager
Executive and Reportorial Staff
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-
onH
allU
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
Tp4»hnil»al IW>nai*fm
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
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 6882—6883 MADISON SQ.
Connecting all Departments
Cable address: "ElbllL New York"
Vol. LXXII
NEW YORK, JUNE 1, 1921
No. 23
1921
SUPPORTING MUSIC AS AN ART
T
HE action of the Chicago Piano Club in guaranteeing $1,000
annually for five years toward the support of the Chicago Grand
Opera Company is in line with the new attitude that has been devel-
oped in the trade toward the cause of music—the attitude that
reflects the realization that the music trade and the art of music are
closely allied and part of one great movement. During the conven-
tions the Chicago Piano Club succeeded admirably in emphasizing
the close relationship between the trade and profession in the carry-
ing out of its entertainment program, in which Harold L. Mc-
Cormick, patron, and Mary Garden, directress of the Chicago Opera
Co., as well as numerous opera stars, took part. This pledge of
financial assistance, therefore, is a logical move and should serve as
an inspiration to members of the music industry in other sections for
doing all they should towards supporting music as an art.
EXPORTS OF PLAYER-PIANOS
EDWARD VAN HARLINGEN, V. D. WALSH, E. B. MUNCH, C. A. LEONARD, LEE ROBINSON,
EDWARD LYMAN BILL, SCOTT KINGWILL, THOS. W. BRBSNAHAN, A. J. NICKLIN.
WESTERN DIVISION:
BOSTON OFFICE:
Republic Bldgr., 209 So. State St., Chicago.
JOHN H. WILSON, 324 Washington St.
Telephone, Wabash 5242-5243
Telephone, Main 6950.
LONDON, ENGLAND: 1 Gresham Buildings, Basinghall St., D. C.
NEWS SERVICE IS SUPPLIED WEEKLY BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED IN THE LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA.
JUNE 4,
T
HE detailed Government report of the exports of player-pianos
from the United States to foreign countries during 1920, repro-
duced elsewhere in The Review, should prove of exceptional inter-
est to those members of the trade who have faith in the possibilities
of export trade as well as those who have been inclined to regard
export business as hardly worth while.
The report shows that during 1920 8,364 player-pianos valued at
$3,472,632 were exported to seventy-two different countries in all
sections of the globe. The exports for 1920 practically doubled those
for 1919, which in itself is significant, because last year some of our
foreign competitors started to get back on their feet. During the
year, too, there were exported music rolls valued at $409,913 as
against rolls valued at $294,000 in 1919.
The figures, especially as they concern exports to Australia,
Spain, Argentina and several other countries, are particularly inter-
esting. Australia, of course, was our best customer, taking 2,785
players and music rolls valued at $109,000 as compared with 982
players and 11,000 music rolls exported to Spain, the next country
on the list. Those who have the welfare of the industry at heart
and who believe that the development of a substantial export trade
will help business at home will find much meat in the facts presented.
PROOF OF BETTER SELLING TERMS
T
HE analysis of piano and talking machine sales during 1914 and
1920, prepared by the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce as
an argument to be presented before Congress in an effort to have
the excise tax on musical instruments eliminated, offers information
that should prove as interesting and helpful to members of the trade
as it should to Congress. In fact, there are found in the figures
proof of the better merchandising methods adopted by the industry
during the war, which it is urged should be kept in force during and
after the period of readjustment.
Both in the matter of price and terms there is shown a remark-
able advance during the six years. In 1914, for instance, in 38 per
cent of the sales less than 5 per cent of the purchase price was
received as first payment. In 1920 in only 15 per cent of the sales
were such low terms reported. In 1914 in only 10 per cent of the
retail sales were final payments made within a year, and in only 22
per cent were the sales cleared up in less than two years. In 1920,
on the other hand, 42 per cent of the sales were made on a basis
that closed up the accounts in less than two years.
Quite in contrast with the terms on pianos are those cited in
connection with the sale of talking machines. In 1914 in only 10
per cent of the sales were the down payments less than 5 per cent
of the sale price. In 1920 this percentage had dropped to 4. In 1914
60 per cent of the sales were wound up within the year, and a total
of 93 per cent in two years, while in 1920 fully 97 per cent of the sales
were consummated within the two-year period.
It is significant in considering the analysis that in the sale of both
talking machines and pianos an average of one-quarter of the buyers
paid down at the outset 25 per cent or more of the purchase price.
This figure will probably prove a surprise to those who fondly
believe that about 90 per cent of piano purchasers did business on a
long-time basis.
The figures go to prove that substantial terms on piano sales
particularly can be obtained and have been obtained. In the present
race for business this fact should not be overlooked.
PADEREWSKI—MUSICIAN AND CITIZEN
T
H E recent arrival of Paderewski in the United States to enjoy
a well-deserved rest at his home on the Pacific Coast has
brought forth many tributes to the great work of this patriot-
statesman and musician. The following editorial, which we clip from
the Hartford Times, is a tribute in which his many friends in the
music trade industry can cordially join :
"When the time comes to write the full story of Paderewski's
accomplishments historians are likely to say that his greatest work
was not his leadership of Poland from disunion and misery back
to her old, proud position of unity and independence, but his in-
spiration, even ennoblement, of humanity through his music. Pader-
ewski made the piano more than a mechanism of wood and metal,
he made it something that expressed, under manipulation by his
skillful fingers, the very soul of humanity. The aspirations, joys,
sorrow, pain, hatred and love that are combined in us have been told
in unmistakable terms of music and none that ever heard the won-
derful virtuoso ever can forget either him or his message. Great
patriot though he is, he will live in the minds of Americans as the
greatest master of the pianoforte of his time, and it may be many
years before his equal comes before the public, with due respect for
the many great artists that now delight us. May he find rest here
in America, and from his brilliant mind may there come many more
compositions to enthrall,, even though played by other hands."
CO-OPERATING WITH THE GOVERNMENT
R
ECENTLY, William Braid White, associate and technical editor
of The Review, made a journey to Madison, Wis., where, over a
period of several days, he consulted and worked with the head of
the American School of Forestry, which is located in that city.
The Review proposes to co-operate with this Governmental institu-
tion in every way possible, with the end in view of advancing the effi-
ciency with which various kinds of woods are utilized in the pro-
duction of pianos and talking machines.
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).