Music Trade Review
Issue: 1922 Vol. 74 N. 20 - Page 4
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
MUSIC
TRADE
FEMLW
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc.
President and Treasurer. C. L. Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Vice-President,
J. B. Spillane, 373 Fourth Ave.. New York; Second Vice-president, Raymond Bill, 37J
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 Reportorlal Stall
EDWABD VAN HASLINGKN, V. D. WALSH, E. B. MUNCH, LEK ROBINSON, C. R- TIGHK,
EDWABP LYMAN BILL, SCOTT KINGWILL, THOS. W. BKESNAHAN, A. J. NICKLIN
W E S T E R N DIVISIONi
BOSTON OFFICE:
Republic Bids;.. 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.
N E W S SERVICE 18 S U P P L I E D WEEKLY BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED I N T H E LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA.
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourtn Avenue, New York
REVIEW
MAY
20, 1922
ment in this demand to cause a number of executives to prophesy a
busy Summer and an active Fall. Altogether, the outlook seems to
be distinctly encouraging.
A NATIONAL BUSINESS POLICY
T
HE national business conference held this week in Washington
under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce of the United
States will undoubtedly produce some lasting and valuable results
so far as the economic attitude of this country toward other nations
is concerned. Certain it is that the business men of America are
coming to realize that economic conditions in this country cannot
help but be affected by economic conditions in foreign nations. We
can no longer hide behind a Chinese Wall of indifference regarding
the welfare, in an economic sense at least, of our sister nations.
Therefore the formulating of a national business policy—a ]>olicy
which shall be adhered to in our business dealings with other nations
—should prove a distinctly forward step. Opinions may differ as to
the advisability or necessity of entering into the political lives of
foreign countries, but sensible business men are coining to see that
the economic life of each nation has a distinct bearing and influence
on the economic life of every other country, and a sane and whole-
some policy along economic lines will undoubtedly be of benefit to all
concerned.
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; mil other countries, $5.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $6.00 per inch, single column, per insertion. On quarterly or
jrearljr 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-
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
•Plntonic
regulating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos
1111IICUI9 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.
Player-Piano and
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Diploma
Paris Exposition, 1900 Silver Medal
Charleston Exposition, 1902
Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Gold Medal
St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Medal—Lewis-Clark Exposition, 190S
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES—NUMBERS 5982—5983 MADISON SQ.
Connecting all Departments
Cable Address: "Elblll, New York"
Vol. LXXIV
NEW YORK, MAY 20, 1922
No. 20
INFLUENCE OF THE REPRODUCING PIANO
S the musical season comes to a close and results are summed
up the important part played by the reproducing piano in the
developing and maintaining of musical interest becomes increasingly
evident. In this work the reproducing piano, or, in some cases,
the expression player, occupies a unique position. In the first place,
it is generally featured in connection with an elaborate musical re-
cital, calling for the services of artists of reputation and offered free
to those whose interest it is desired to arouse. Then, again, it has the
advantage of presenting a novel and at the same time impressive
form of musical entertainment, which makes a special appeal to
thousands, who, until they attend one of the concerts, have no real
conception of the possibilities of the modern reproducing piano.
It must be admitted, of course, that the dozens of concerts
given by prominent artists throughout the country for the purpose
of introducing and demonstrating the reproducing piano as a solo
or accompanying instrument are given for strictly business pur-
poses. But, while tending to build business and make sales, the
concerts at the same time give to thousands of people in the course
of the season music of the better sort properly played, and the effect
of this work cannot be underestimated by those who have the cause
of music advancement at heart.
A
RADIO AND THE MUSIC TRADE
T
HE music industry for many reasons has become more or less
closely hooked up wi'.h the radio craze, whether fortunately or
unfortunately remains to be seen, and the interest that has been
aroused by the broadcasting of music of all kinds has naturally led
to the consideration of the possibilities of distributing radio equip-
ment through the medium of music stores.
As a matter of fact, a number of retail music houses, among
them some of the more prominent in the country, have-' gone into
the matter seriously and either opened up substantial departments
devoted to the handling of radio equipment or at least put in limited
stocks of such goods.
There is, of course, more or less uncertainty regarding the
proper attitude to be taken by the retailer who seeks to take advan-
tage of profit-making possibilities, but yet is conservative enough to
look before he leaps. The radio craze has come so suddenly that
there has been little opportunity for the layman, or even the manu-
facturers of radio equipment themselves, to make a worth-while
survey of its possibilities.
Certain it is that radio broadcasting and music appear to be
inseparable, and from the standpoint of musical advancement this
is well. It is likewise certain that the public interest in radio is not
likely to have any permanent or harmful effect on the sale of instru-
ments which actually produce or reproduce music, for at best the
radio is but a medium of transmission and limits the programs to
what the dictator at the broadcasting station sees fit to offer.
From the commercial side it is evident that in radio, being yet
in its infancy, there must be expected some extraordinary develop-
ments, which should lead the conservative trade member to see to it
that, while he is in a position to take care of a substantial demand
for radio equipment, if he so desires, he is not in danger of being
caught with a volume of antiquated equipment when improvements
are marketed.
The problem for consideration is that of realizing upon an
opportunity without paving the way for difficulties that may be
foreseen and avoided. Doing business with concerns of recognized
standing in the radio field will help to a material extent.
THE HOUSE OF DREHER
A MOST ENCOURAGING OUTLOOK
T
HERE are many indications pointing to a general improvement
in business conditions throughout the country—an improvement
that is real, tangible and noticeable. Members of this and other
industries who have been touring the country recently report a
more optimistic spirit observable in numerous sections, due to an
upward trend in the prices of farm products, increased industrial
activities, with a consequent improvement in the employment situa-
tion, and other factors that have a real bearing on the progress of
business.
There is not a sufficient demand for pianos at the present time
to get factory officials much excited, but there is sufficient improve-
T
HE recent opening of the new establishment of the B. Dreher's
Sons Co., in Cleveland, was an event of more than local impor-
tance, for it marked a further step in the half-century of development
of one of America's great institutions in the music industry. The
success of the Dreher house has proven conclusively that the consist-
ent maintenance of high business s'andards and the handling of in-
struments of known worth can bring definite rewards. The history
of the House of Dreher, which has remained unshaken throughout
the gamut of business changes for a half-century, should prove
an inspiration to those who question the rewards that come from
the correct merchandising of musical instruments.-
THE
MUSIC
TRADE
FEMLW
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc.
President and Treasurer. C. L. Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Vice-President,
J. B. Spillane, 373 Fourth Ave.. New York; Second Vice-president, Raymond Bill, 37J
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 Reportorlal Stall
EDWABD VAN HASLINGKN, V. D. WALSH, E. B. MUNCH, LEK ROBINSON, C. R- TIGHK,
EDWABP LYMAN BILL, SCOTT KINGWILL, THOS. W. BKESNAHAN, A. J. NICKLIN
W E S T E R N DIVISIONi
BOSTON OFFICE:
Republic Bids;.. 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.
N E W S SERVICE 18 S U P P L I E D WEEKLY BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED I N T H E LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA.
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourtn Avenue, New York
REVIEW
MAY
20, 1922
ment in this demand to cause a number of executives to prophesy a
busy Summer and an active Fall. Altogether, the outlook seems to
be distinctly encouraging.
A NATIONAL BUSINESS POLICY
T
HE national business conference held this week in Washington
under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce of the United
States will undoubtedly produce some lasting and valuable results
so far as the economic attitude of this country toward other nations
is concerned. Certain it is that the business men of America are
coming to realize that economic conditions in this country cannot
help but be affected by economic conditions in foreign nations. We
can no longer hide behind a Chinese Wall of indifference regarding
the welfare, in an economic sense at least, of our sister nations.
Therefore the formulating of a national business policy—a ]>olicy
which shall be adhered to in our business dealings with other nations
—should prove a distinctly forward step. Opinions may differ as to
the advisability or necessity of entering into the political lives of
foreign countries, but sensible business men are coining to see that
the economic life of each nation has a distinct bearing and influence
on the economic life of every other country, and a sane and whole-
some policy along economic lines will undoubtedly be of benefit to all
concerned.
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; mil other countries, $5.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $6.00 per inch, single column, per insertion. On quarterly or
jrearljr 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-
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
•Plntonic
regulating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos
1111IICUI9 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.
Player-Piano and
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Diploma
Paris Exposition, 1900 Silver Medal
Charleston Exposition, 1902
Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Gold Medal
St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Medal—Lewis-Clark Exposition, 190S
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES—NUMBERS 5982—5983 MADISON SQ.
Connecting all Departments
Cable Address: "Elblll, New York"
Vol. LXXIV
NEW YORK, MAY 20, 1922
No. 20
INFLUENCE OF THE REPRODUCING PIANO
S the musical season comes to a close and results are summed
up the important part played by the reproducing piano in the
developing and maintaining of musical interest becomes increasingly
evident. In this work the reproducing piano, or, in some cases,
the expression player, occupies a unique position. In the first place,
it is generally featured in connection with an elaborate musical re-
cital, calling for the services of artists of reputation and offered free
to those whose interest it is desired to arouse. Then, again, it has the
advantage of presenting a novel and at the same time impressive
form of musical entertainment, which makes a special appeal to
thousands, who, until they attend one of the concerts, have no real
conception of the possibilities of the modern reproducing piano.
It must be admitted, of course, that the dozens of concerts
given by prominent artists throughout the country for the purpose
of introducing and demonstrating the reproducing piano as a solo
or accompanying instrument are given for strictly business pur-
poses. But, while tending to build business and make sales, the
concerts at the same time give to thousands of people in the course
of the season music of the better sort properly played, and the effect
of this work cannot be underestimated by those who have the cause
of music advancement at heart.
A
RADIO AND THE MUSIC TRADE
T
HE music industry for many reasons has become more or less
closely hooked up wi'.h the radio craze, whether fortunately or
unfortunately remains to be seen, and the interest that has been
aroused by the broadcasting of music of all kinds has naturally led
to the consideration of the possibilities of distributing radio equip-
ment through the medium of music stores.
As a matter of fact, a number of retail music houses, among
them some of the more prominent in the country, have-' gone into
the matter seriously and either opened up substantial departments
devoted to the handling of radio equipment or at least put in limited
stocks of such goods.
There is, of course, more or less uncertainty regarding the
proper attitude to be taken by the retailer who seeks to take advan-
tage of profit-making possibilities, but yet is conservative enough to
look before he leaps. The radio craze has come so suddenly that
there has been little opportunity for the layman, or even the manu-
facturers of radio equipment themselves, to make a worth-while
survey of its possibilities.
Certain it is that radio broadcasting and music appear to be
inseparable, and from the standpoint of musical advancement this
is well. It is likewise certain that the public interest in radio is not
likely to have any permanent or harmful effect on the sale of instru-
ments which actually produce or reproduce music, for at best the
radio is but a medium of transmission and limits the programs to
what the dictator at the broadcasting station sees fit to offer.
From the commercial side it is evident that in radio, being yet
in its infancy, there must be expected some extraordinary develop-
ments, which should lead the conservative trade member to see to it
that, while he is in a position to take care of a substantial demand
for radio equipment, if he so desires, he is not in danger of being
caught with a volume of antiquated equipment when improvements
are marketed.
The problem for consideration is that of realizing upon an
opportunity without paving the way for difficulties that may be
foreseen and avoided. Doing business with concerns of recognized
standing in the radio field will help to a material extent.
THE HOUSE OF DREHER
A MOST ENCOURAGING OUTLOOK
T
HERE are many indications pointing to a general improvement
in business conditions throughout the country—an improvement
that is real, tangible and noticeable. Members of this and other
industries who have been touring the country recently report a
more optimistic spirit observable in numerous sections, due to an
upward trend in the prices of farm products, increased industrial
activities, with a consequent improvement in the employment situa-
tion, and other factors that have a real bearing on the progress of
business.
There is not a sufficient demand for pianos at the present time
to get factory officials much excited, but there is sufficient improve-
T
HE recent opening of the new establishment of the B. Dreher's
Sons Co., in Cleveland, was an event of more than local impor-
tance, for it marked a further step in the half-century of development
of one of America's great institutions in the music industry. The
success of the Dreher house has proven conclusively that the consist-
ent maintenance of high business s'andards and the handling of in-
struments of known worth can bring definite rewards. The history
of the House of Dreher, which has remained unshaken throughout
the gamut of business changes for a half-century, should prove
an inspiration to those who question the rewards that come from
the correct merchandising of musical instruments.-
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).