Music Trade Review

DECEMBER
THE
8, 1923
MUSIC
TRADE
REVIEW
5
Trade Forecasts Prosperity
•
In
1924
Manufacturers and Dealers Unite in Declaring Business in Sound and Healthy Condition With Every Pros­
pect That Continuance of These Conditions Will Extend Far Into the Coming Year-Many Manufac­
turers Report Advance Orders Being Carried Over Into 1924
F there is any pessimism eXlstmg in the music trade regarding
1924 business prospects little of that pessimisim is evident in
the comments offered by manufacturers and dealers in all sections
of the country and published in connection herewith.
Certain it is that 1923 measured up in every way to the promises
held forth at the first of the year, and in many respects proved
unusually good from a business standpoint inasmuch as the usual
Summer slump failed to materialize in many sections of the coun­
try, and the month-by-month average showed more or less sub ­
stantial gains over the corresponding months of last year.
Naturally there were certain sections of the country wherein
prosperity did not reign undisturbed. Local conditions, partic­
ularly in the South during the past few months, have thrown a
damper upon business of all sorts, but in no case is the situation
alarming.
One of the outstanding- features of the trade that leads many
manufacturers and dealers to hold bright hopes for the coming
twelve months is that the demand still continues well ahead of the
supply, particularly as it applies to instruments of the higher grade
and more expensive makes. It is interesting to note that despite
the rapid gains made by the reproducing piano, due to the construc­
tive campaigns of exploitation carried on by the manufacturers
thereof, the straight grand has held its own and in a number of
di stricts the straight upright, declared by some to be following the
trail of the dodo, has experienced a revival of popularity.
Twelve months is a long period .to cover with any set prediction,
but even the most conservative members of the trade believe that
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the opening months of 1924 at least will result in an excellent
volume of trade in musical instruments. In fact, a number of
manu facturers report a sufficient quantity of orders to be carried
over to the ~ew Year to sustain them in expectations of good
husiness.
Fortunately for the piano trade there ha s been very little
liquida tion of piano stocks during the year for the reason there
was no occasion for such a policy. There have been question­
ahle methods employed in certain instances in an effort to move
stocks with unusual activity, but the average dealer at few times
during the year had so much surplus stock on hand that he was
worried regarding its disposal.
Savings bank deposits during the year have broken all records,
according to the bankers. Basic industries are flourishing and
there was little or no unemployment. .\11 these indicate that the
buying power of the public will be sustained and perhaps increased,
which means that a certain amount of this buying power will be
felt by the music merchants. The increase in home building in
all sections in connection with a program that will extend well
through 1924 is also taken as an indication there will be many
available openings for piano sales to the merchant who goes after
them .
.Every report received by The Review emphasizes the fact that
business generally, · both wholesale and retail, is in a sound , healthy
and optimistic condition, and seldom have the members of the trade
been so unanimous in the expression of their optimi sm and faith in
the future.
Eastern Piano Manufacturers Unanimous
in Seeing Good Business During 1924
~".>
Aeolian Co., New York. By Wm. H. Alfring,
General Sales Manager:
The reproducing piano has come into its own.
This has been proven repeatedly in 1923. In­
crease in Duo-Art sales has been phenomenal.
Intelligent · advertising and promotion have
shown the truth about the instrument, s tressed
the important and interesting facts about it. To
the public it is no longe r a lu xur y. The great
artists testify to its great value a s an agency
for good music and as an educator.
In the schools and colleges; in the highel
class vaudeville and motion picture theatres; on
the concert stage, the instrument has been in­
troduced intimately to th e public, and ha s d emo
onstrated its true worth musically.
Now it is up to the dealers to realize on the
new business which has be en created for 1924.
This coming year will mark the opening of an
era of unprecedented prosperity for the in­
dustry.
American Piano Co., New York. By C. Alfred
Wagner, General Manager:
I am sure the Fall bus iness is very gratifying
to everyone in the piano trade, to say nothing
of general bu s iness. My opinion is, the first
part of next Yl"ar promi ses a continuance of
good business but, b eyo nd thi s, I am frank to
say, it is a littl e too far for me to express an
opinion.
Autopiano Co., New York. By Corley Gibson,
President:
The year 1923 was, in a great many respect s,
a record year for the :\utopiano Co. Next year,
we are co nfident, will be equally as good, if not
better, as experience has proven conclusively to
us that the buyin g public is interested in pur­
chasin g, and th e successful merchant is inter­
ested i,: pushing a line of merchandise that w,ill
give satisfaction, rather than one that can
merely be bought and so ld cheap or moved
under ialse stimulants.
Cable & Sons, New York. By L. S. Roemer,
President:
The outstanding featur e of the piano indu st ry
this year was the excep tionally stea dy demand
atl through the year, including the Summertime.
This signifies that it is the business conditions
and general prosperity of th e country, and not
any particular season of the y<'ar, which makes
the piano bu si ness good or bad. The electric
uprights and grands are Ihe cOining instru ­
ments, and steps should be taken to meet this
coming dem a nd .
Cable-Nelson Piano Co., Chicago.
Parnham, President:
By John H.
I am impressed with the continued improve·
ment, not only in the general conditi o ns, but
a lso in the financial standing of OUr tra de taken
as a whole. If present conditions are contrasted
with what they were even a lew years ago, no
one can fail to be impre,sed wi th the better­
ment that has taken place in all bra nches of
the industry.
1924 will be a good year. "Vhat can stop it?
The public is more interested in music and musi­
(Colttinued on pa,ge 7)
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page 3)
on hand to warrant continued activities for some months to come. The buying power of the public has
shown a better than normal increase during the year, as is testified to by the growing savings bank deposits.
The promis~ o~ a $330,000,000 reduction in Federal \\Tar Taxes and numerous other factors afford rea-
sons for optimIsm.
The music industry has completed such readjustments as have been possible and necessary following
the abnormal conditions of the post-war period, and has little or nothing to fear from what may develop
during the next twelve months. Business as a ·whole is sound, and that is an advantage that cannot be
overlooked.
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