Music Trade Review
Issue: 1925 Vol. 81 N. 26 - Page 45
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
-
DECEMBER 26,
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
1925
45
SUPPLY BRANCHES OF THE INDUSTRY
Do Antiquated Methods Prevail in the
Present Piano Manufacturing Methods
An Article in "Veneers" Making Such Charges Brings Immediate Reaction From Piano Men
Interviewed—Where the Writer Evidently Got His Information
I S it fair to consider the piano manufacturing
*• industry, taken as a whole, as being back-
ward in the matter of factory production meth-
ods? Is the mill equipment or other machinery
used by piano-making plants antiquated? Are
there changes possible in the great percentage
of piano concerns, which will result in an eco-
nomic saving to them? These and other related
questions come up for discussion from time to
time among superintendents and foremen, some
of whom hold divergent views from those of
the heads of their companies.
Frequently the most radical criticisms are
made by supply men or equipment salesmen
who merely visit the plant occasionally and
lack the knowledge which comes with every-
day contact with it. Some of the suggestions
of this group are doubtless valuable to factory
executives and ought to be heard by all con-
cerned provided the proper mental discount is
made of the bias of the equipment man who
has a fat sale in view.
One of these suggestions showed its head in
print in the December issue of "Veneers" and
contains some fairly strong allegations against
the piano industry as to its antiquated shop
methods. The writer, who signs only his initials
A. W. W., is evidently disgruntled at the recep-
tion accorded his suggestions to certain piano
superintendents. His general tone seems to be
sincere, however, so it is fair enough that he be
heard.
"One idea that has occurred to me from time
to time," he writes, "is that if the manufac-
turers got busy and produced an instrument of
decent quality at a much lower price than they
have been obliged to ask in recent years, they
might achieve something. What I have in mind
3s to cut down the cost by adopting different
methods in their factories. Take finishing, for
instance; the process as I know it, and I doubt
if it has changed in most plants, was to stain,
fill, varnish (five coats, with about five days
between coats), rub, flow (this being another
coat of varnish), with rottenstonc, polish and
then oil off.
"When you size up this formidable list of
Write for a sample can of Behlen't
Varnish Crack Eradicator and try it.
Once you learn how much it means to
you in the saving of time on your refin-
ishing jobs by eliminating the necessity
of scraping off old varnish and shellac,
and how much more satisfactory are
the results, because of the better sur-
face it gives to work on, you, like
others, will continue to use it.
Write to-day.
H. BEHLEN & BRO.
Aniline*
Sh.lUe.
Suina
Fillers
10-12 Christopher St., New York
Hear * h Art., aad Stk at.
operations you can't help thinking that there
must be some more modern method of finishing
by which an acceptable finish can be produced.
How about a lacquer finish as it is now being used
on furniture, whereby a couple of coats can be
put on in a day! 1 It has been my observation
that if there is one industry in the country that
clings closely to tradition it is the piano busi-
ness. There are plants with quite modern meth-
ods, of course, but I have found more piano
factories that adhere to the methods of their
grandfathers than any other plants producing
wood products.
"I was talking to the superintendent of one
the other day, a comparatively young man
whom I know intimately (we having worked
in the same factory years ago), about veneering
matters. They have two planers, one on which
they dress their stock to thickness and one fitted
with toothed knives through which the core
stock is passed after it is dressed. I asked him
why he did not sell the two of them to a
huckster for old iron and get one good one,
but his reply was that even if they did it would
not effect much of a saving, because they would
still have to either tooth or sand the corcstock
before laying the veneer on it.
"In many respects he is quite up to date but
on the subject of toothing corestock you sim-
ply can't shift him. Another thing we failed
to agree on was their method of gluing up core-
stock. They use some blocks with upright rods,
over which are dropped narrow iron straps with
holes in them, wedges being used between the
edges of the corestock and the rods to exert the
necessary pressure; most glue-room men will be
familiar with them, at least the older men. My
friend contends that they can glue up their stuff
as quickly this way as they could with a re-
volving clamp.
"In all the piano factories I am acquainted
with, save one exception, they are using some
very antiquated methods of manufacture, and I
believe if more modern methods were adopted
they could cheapen the cost of manufacture very
considerably and perhaps reduce the selling
point of their product."
Although space does not permit any lengthy
comment on the above remarks, it seems appro-
priate, however, to hazard the opinion, based on
probably as many visits to piano plants as
A. W. W. has made within the past few years,
that the piano industry is no more at the rear
of the parade of industrial progress than are
any of the wood-working industries. The whole
point of acquiring modern machinery seems to
depend on quantity production, and there are
few piano plants engaging in this basis of manu-
facture which are not up to date. They have
to be, for it pays them. Firms with a smaller
production are not without knowledge that the
new equipment would save them a great deal of
time, but their cost sheets show them that they
cannot afford such equipment considering their
total output.
Additional comment on this article may be
forthcoming in the near future from Henry Fry,
superintendent of the new Brambach plant, and
A. K. Gutsohn, superintendent of the Standard
Pneumatic Action Co. and president of the Na-
tional I'iano Technicians' Association, who have
also read the article in "Veneers."
The Lutkins Return
From a Trip Abroad
T. L. Lutkins and Ted L. Lutkins, Jr., Back.
From Purchasing Trip to England
T. L. Lutkins and Ted L. Lutkins, Jr., pro-
prietors of T. L. Lutkins, Inc., importer of
pneumatic leathers, returned from a hasty trip
to Kngland on December 14 on the "Baltic,"
and have again assumed their duties at their
headquarters at 40 Spruce street, New York.
Leaving New York on the- "Berengaria" on
November 18 the Lutkins were enabled to spend
a trifle over ten days in England visiting the
various tanneries and ordering their skins for
the coming year.
"My father and 1 enjoyed a most successful
trip," said Ted L. Lutkins, "and accomplished
what we set out to do. Lambing conditions
are better than usual although there is still a
tendency for a tight market. Since we have
returned we have been getting estimates from
our customers for future business far into 1926
and we have reason to expect a very active
season."
New Forestry Bill
A new foresty bill, prescribing a ten-year pro-
gram for the Federal Government in acquiring
lands for national forests on the head waters
ol navigable rivers, has been introduced into the
present session of Congress as part of the tim-
ber conservation movement.
The measure,
known as the McNary-Woodruff bill, would au-
thorize- the Government to spend $3,000,000 a
year for the next five years and $5,000,000 a
year for the succeeding five years in purchas-
ing forest land in the Eastern half of the United
States for a system of national forests located
in the Lake Stales, the White and Appalachian
Mountains.
Protect Your Bench With
A SLIP COVER
American
Piano Wire
"Perfected" "Crown"
Highest acoustic excellence dating back to the
days of Jonas Chickering. Took prize over
whole world at Paris 19W). For generations
the standard, and used on the greatest num-
ber of pianos in the world.
StrricM •< M I Aceostic BafU«er always araUabU
—fret Illustrated books—-frae
American Steel & Wire
ACOUSTIC DEPARTMENT
2W S. LA 8ALLE ST.. CHICAGO
Company
Write for Bench and
Cabinet Catalog.
THE ART NOVELTY CO., Goshen, Ind.
PHILIP W. OETTING & SON, Inc.
213 East 19th Street. New York
Sole Agent* for
WEICKERT HAMMER AIND DAMPER FELTS
GRAND AIND UPRIGHT HAMMERS
Made of Wei eke rt Felt
-
DECEMBER 26,
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
1925
45
SUPPLY BRANCHES OF THE INDUSTRY
Do Antiquated Methods Prevail in the
Present Piano Manufacturing Methods
An Article in "Veneers" Making Such Charges Brings Immediate Reaction From Piano Men
Interviewed—Where the Writer Evidently Got His Information
I S it fair to consider the piano manufacturing
*• industry, taken as a whole, as being back-
ward in the matter of factory production meth-
ods? Is the mill equipment or other machinery
used by piano-making plants antiquated? Are
there changes possible in the great percentage
of piano concerns, which will result in an eco-
nomic saving to them? These and other related
questions come up for discussion from time to
time among superintendents and foremen, some
of whom hold divergent views from those of
the heads of their companies.
Frequently the most radical criticisms are
made by supply men or equipment salesmen
who merely visit the plant occasionally and
lack the knowledge which comes with every-
day contact with it. Some of the suggestions
of this group are doubtless valuable to factory
executives and ought to be heard by all con-
cerned provided the proper mental discount is
made of the bias of the equipment man who
has a fat sale in view.
One of these suggestions showed its head in
print in the December issue of "Veneers" and
contains some fairly strong allegations against
the piano industry as to its antiquated shop
methods. The writer, who signs only his initials
A. W. W., is evidently disgruntled at the recep-
tion accorded his suggestions to certain piano
superintendents. His general tone seems to be
sincere, however, so it is fair enough that he be
heard.
"One idea that has occurred to me from time
to time," he writes, "is that if the manufac-
turers got busy and produced an instrument of
decent quality at a much lower price than they
have been obliged to ask in recent years, they
might achieve something. What I have in mind
3s to cut down the cost by adopting different
methods in their factories. Take finishing, for
instance; the process as I know it, and I doubt
if it has changed in most plants, was to stain,
fill, varnish (five coats, with about five days
between coats), rub, flow (this being another
coat of varnish), with rottenstonc, polish and
then oil off.
"When you size up this formidable list of
Write for a sample can of Behlen't
Varnish Crack Eradicator and try it.
Once you learn how much it means to
you in the saving of time on your refin-
ishing jobs by eliminating the necessity
of scraping off old varnish and shellac,
and how much more satisfactory are
the results, because of the better sur-
face it gives to work on, you, like
others, will continue to use it.
Write to-day.
H. BEHLEN & BRO.
Aniline*
Sh.lUe.
Suina
Fillers
10-12 Christopher St., New York
Hear * h Art., aad Stk at.
operations you can't help thinking that there
must be some more modern method of finishing
by which an acceptable finish can be produced.
How about a lacquer finish as it is now being used
on furniture, whereby a couple of coats can be
put on in a day! 1 It has been my observation
that if there is one industry in the country that
clings closely to tradition it is the piano busi-
ness. There are plants with quite modern meth-
ods, of course, but I have found more piano
factories that adhere to the methods of their
grandfathers than any other plants producing
wood products.
"I was talking to the superintendent of one
the other day, a comparatively young man
whom I know intimately (we having worked
in the same factory years ago), about veneering
matters. They have two planers, one on which
they dress their stock to thickness and one fitted
with toothed knives through which the core
stock is passed after it is dressed. I asked him
why he did not sell the two of them to a
huckster for old iron and get one good one,
but his reply was that even if they did it would
not effect much of a saving, because they would
still have to either tooth or sand the corcstock
before laying the veneer on it.
"In many respects he is quite up to date but
on the subject of toothing corestock you sim-
ply can't shift him. Another thing we failed
to agree on was their method of gluing up core-
stock. They use some blocks with upright rods,
over which are dropped narrow iron straps with
holes in them, wedges being used between the
edges of the corestock and the rods to exert the
necessary pressure; most glue-room men will be
familiar with them, at least the older men. My
friend contends that they can glue up their stuff
as quickly this way as they could with a re-
volving clamp.
"In all the piano factories I am acquainted
with, save one exception, they are using some
very antiquated methods of manufacture, and I
believe if more modern methods were adopted
they could cheapen the cost of manufacture very
considerably and perhaps reduce the selling
point of their product."
Although space does not permit any lengthy
comment on the above remarks, it seems appro-
priate, however, to hazard the opinion, based on
probably as many visits to piano plants as
A. W. W. has made within the past few years,
that the piano industry is no more at the rear
of the parade of industrial progress than are
any of the wood-working industries. The whole
point of acquiring modern machinery seems to
depend on quantity production, and there are
few piano plants engaging in this basis of manu-
facture which are not up to date. They have
to be, for it pays them. Firms with a smaller
production are not without knowledge that the
new equipment would save them a great deal of
time, but their cost sheets show them that they
cannot afford such equipment considering their
total output.
Additional comment on this article may be
forthcoming in the near future from Henry Fry,
superintendent of the new Brambach plant, and
A. K. Gutsohn, superintendent of the Standard
Pneumatic Action Co. and president of the Na-
tional I'iano Technicians' Association, who have
also read the article in "Veneers."
The Lutkins Return
From a Trip Abroad
T. L. Lutkins and Ted L. Lutkins, Jr., Back.
From Purchasing Trip to England
T. L. Lutkins and Ted L. Lutkins, Jr., pro-
prietors of T. L. Lutkins, Inc., importer of
pneumatic leathers, returned from a hasty trip
to Kngland on December 14 on the "Baltic,"
and have again assumed their duties at their
headquarters at 40 Spruce street, New York.
Leaving New York on the- "Berengaria" on
November 18 the Lutkins were enabled to spend
a trifle over ten days in England visiting the
various tanneries and ordering their skins for
the coming year.
"My father and 1 enjoyed a most successful
trip," said Ted L. Lutkins, "and accomplished
what we set out to do. Lambing conditions
are better than usual although there is still a
tendency for a tight market. Since we have
returned we have been getting estimates from
our customers for future business far into 1926
and we have reason to expect a very active
season."
New Forestry Bill
A new foresty bill, prescribing a ten-year pro-
gram for the Federal Government in acquiring
lands for national forests on the head waters
ol navigable rivers, has been introduced into the
present session of Congress as part of the tim-
ber conservation movement.
The measure,
known as the McNary-Woodruff bill, would au-
thorize- the Government to spend $3,000,000 a
year for the next five years and $5,000,000 a
year for the succeeding five years in purchas-
ing forest land in the Eastern half of the United
States for a system of national forests located
in the Lake Stales, the White and Appalachian
Mountains.
Protect Your Bench With
A SLIP COVER
American
Piano Wire
"Perfected" "Crown"
Highest acoustic excellence dating back to the
days of Jonas Chickering. Took prize over
whole world at Paris 19W). For generations
the standard, and used on the greatest num-
ber of pianos in the world.
StrricM •< M I Aceostic BafU«er always araUabU
—fret Illustrated books—-frae
American Steel & Wire
ACOUSTIC DEPARTMENT
2W S. LA 8ALLE ST.. CHICAGO
Company
Write for Bench and
Cabinet Catalog.
THE ART NOVELTY CO., Goshen, Ind.
PHILIP W. OETTING & SON, Inc.
213 East 19th Street. New York
Sole Agent* for
WEICKERT HAMMER AIND DAMPER FELTS
GRAND AIND UPRIGHT HAMMERS
Made of Wei eke rt Felt
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