Presto
Issue: 1924 1972 - Page 5
PRESTO
May 10, 1924.
CHRISTMAN
"The First Touch Tells
THE BRITISH PIANO
INDUSTRY PERILLED
Import Duty Does the Dangerous Trick and
Creates a Cri de Coeur, with Dreaded
Competition the Cause and Prosperity
in the Balance.
SO SAYS GEORGE CECIL
Writing from Paris, the Famous Correspondent and
Critic Speaks in Brutally Plain English of Piano
Conditions in England.
Reproducing Grand
The very highest type of piano attainment
is exemplified in this remarkable instru-
ment. It is as perfect in operation, repro-
duction and in volume of tone, and as
reliable in every detail of construction, as
skill and flawless materials can create.
Studio Grand
Some of the Greatest Pianists have pro-
nounced this instrument the peer of any
produced. It is powerful and yet it is but
five feet long. It is a veritable "little giant"
among pianos, and its artistic qualities
command attention in any dealers' ware-
CHRISTMAN
Uprights and Players
Are favorites with dealers who sell fine
instruments. They are as Perfect in
Operation as can be made, and they
are the True Christman in Tone and
Construction.
We Will be Glad to Send Particulars, Prices
and Terms to Live Piano Merchants
(f
The First Touch Tells"
Reg. U S. Pat. Off.
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St.
New York
By GEORGE CECIL.
Despite frequent advertisments to the effect that the
British piano is "second to none," and that "'its
supremacy over the instruments of all other countries
keeps the flag flying." London piano-makers are
frightfully perturbed. For Germany again is making
strenuous efforts to cut out the Briton, and it is be-
lieved that she will succeed in her fell purpose.
"Hence these tears," as they say in the classics.
Nine fleeting years ago Mr. McKenna, a govern-
ment servant, who was employed by England to make
money for his country, fully earned a generous salary
by imposing a duty of 33j/j per cent on German
pianos imported into "the dear homeland." The re-
sult was that the trade, jibbing at this unkind inter-
ference with the liberty of the subject, paid greater
attention to the British product. Those who had the
good fortune to be musical recognized that the best
English instrument could not touch the German piano,
but the 33^/j per cent stuck in their gizzards. So
they often plumped for the home-made article, and
London makers, who bulk largest in the industry,
were as pleased as Punch. Before the war imports
had reached as high a .figure as 24,482 pianos in one
brief year; for the twelve months ending last Decem-
ber they were under 13,000.
Another result of Mr. McKenna's far-reaching ac-
tivities is that unemployment in the piano trade is
practically nil. From the magnate who draws a sal-
ary as managing-director of a firm to the lynx-eyed
employe who reports slothful workmen for arriving
late at the works, everyone has been in clover for
some time past. Lucky fellows!
"Be Loyal!"
Now, however, the government contemplates with-
drawing the overpowering duty, and the heart of each
British piano-maker is heavy within him. For it is
feared that Ueutschland will seize upon the advan-
tageous occasion to flood England with her inexpen-
sive instruments. Indeed, many a German firm,
anticipating the startling development in political
economy, has, during the past few weeks, specially
circularized the trade. Almost every retailer in the
kingdom, including that dangerous country, Ireland,
is being favored with the most alluring offers, both as
regards cost and terms of payment. Never in the
whole history of the piano business has the dealer
been afforded so glorious an opportunity of "getting
rich quick." And he apparently intends profiting by
it.
One German manufacturer has sent out a particu-
larly sensible letter. Not only is the screed couched
in impeccable English, but it shows hard common
sense, commercial trimmings and polite inquiries
after the recipient's health being given a miss. The
letter commences:
"Should the 33 T /i per cent duty be repealed, you are
that amount to the good. Further, we are ready to
reduce our prices by 5 per cent, and without alter-
ing the terms of payment already allowed you."
As the German maker pays his workmen eightpence
an hour, against the one shilling and ninepence half-
penny demanded by the British citizen, the proffered 5
per cent is no great hardship to him. Several firms,
in fact, have offered a 7 x /i per cent reduction.
Meanwhile, an English manufacturer has addressed
a heartrending appeal to the retail trade, a veritable
cri de coeur. ''Be loyal!" is his slogan. "Do not for-
get the late war!"
But the invitation has fallen on deaf ears, the re-
tailers obstinately declining to mix patriotism with
business. Indeed, one jocular proprietor of a Glas-
gow establishment pawkily reminded his would-be
mentor that Great Britain has been engaged in other
wars.
"Must we," he jestingly asked, "decline to spend
our holidays in Paris because of the Battle of Water-
loo?"
Other piano men seem to share this independent
view.
Why the Piano Man Winks.
At the time of writing this illuminating article, the
33]/s per cent duty has not actually been dropped.
Politicians are busily debating the pros and cons of
the proposed remission, and the "Daily Mail" (Eng-
land's leading comic paper) has valiantly supported
the distressed piano-makers' cause. But the betting
is a piano-leg to an inch of catgut that the tax will
be cut out.
England, being largely imbued with the Christian
spirit, is ever anxious to forgive her enemies. The
catechism, upon which she has been brought up for
countless decades, insists upon all people dwelling to-
gether in unity.
Besides, the Briton is only too ready to live up to
the forget-and-forgive principle, while pianists who
take music seriously would infinitely rather pay a
little for a good German piano than a lot for an in-
ferior English one. They cannot reasonably be ex-
pected to do otherwise.
Foreboding Facts.
Should the piano-makers' worst anticipations be ful-
filled, innumerable British firms may go out of busi-
ness. This will be a blow to them, as, as the moment,
they are unable to cope with the orders which pour
in upon them morning, noon and night, owing to the
demand being far in advance of the output.
That, at all events, is what the advertisements in
the trade papers ask the retailer to believe. Piano men,
when reading this glowing literature, wink hard.
It is to be hoped that, upon the fatal day arriving,
those who are forced to shut up shop will have made
their fortunes. The man who is now turning away
business cannot, one imagines, have done otherwise.
Can he?
WH1TTINGT0N SELECTS BALDWIN
Dorsey Whittington, now among
the widely known pianists, has se-
lected the Baldwin piano for its
merits dear to the artist. He made
his New York debut at Aeolian
Hall last year. Coming practically
unknown, at the end of a concert
season overcrowded with great pian-
ists, he succeeded in arousing the
enthusiasm of the critics and the
public alike. Mr. Whittington, whose
portrait appears with this story, has
this to say of the Baldwin:
"It has been my privilege to play
the greatest pianos of America and
in choosing the Baldwin for my
forthcoming tours, I feel a particu-
lar satisfaction that I will have at
my disposal the world's best piano;
a companion that responds to ray
every mood. It not only satisfies
^me completely by its mechanical
perfection, but inspires me by the
beauty and individuality of its tone."
The clever young pianist has se-
lected the Baldwin as the piano for
all of his forthcoming recitals.
Enhanced content © 2008-2009 and presented by MBSI - The Musical Box Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
All Rights Reserved. Digitized from the archives of the MBSI with support from NAMM - The International Music Products Association (www.namm.org).
Additional enhancement, optimization, and distribution by the International Arcade Museum. An extensive collection of Presto can be found online at http://www.arcade-museum.com/library/
May 10, 1924.
CHRISTMAN
"The First Touch Tells
THE BRITISH PIANO
INDUSTRY PERILLED
Import Duty Does the Dangerous Trick and
Creates a Cri de Coeur, with Dreaded
Competition the Cause and Prosperity
in the Balance.
SO SAYS GEORGE CECIL
Writing from Paris, the Famous Correspondent and
Critic Speaks in Brutally Plain English of Piano
Conditions in England.
Reproducing Grand
The very highest type of piano attainment
is exemplified in this remarkable instru-
ment. It is as perfect in operation, repro-
duction and in volume of tone, and as
reliable in every detail of construction, as
skill and flawless materials can create.
Studio Grand
Some of the Greatest Pianists have pro-
nounced this instrument the peer of any
produced. It is powerful and yet it is but
five feet long. It is a veritable "little giant"
among pianos, and its artistic qualities
command attention in any dealers' ware-
CHRISTMAN
Uprights and Players
Are favorites with dealers who sell fine
instruments. They are as Perfect in
Operation as can be made, and they
are the True Christman in Tone and
Construction.
We Will be Glad to Send Particulars, Prices
and Terms to Live Piano Merchants
(f
The First Touch Tells"
Reg. U S. Pat. Off.
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St.
New York
By GEORGE CECIL.
Despite frequent advertisments to the effect that the
British piano is "second to none," and that "'its
supremacy over the instruments of all other countries
keeps the flag flying." London piano-makers are
frightfully perturbed. For Germany again is making
strenuous efforts to cut out the Briton, and it is be-
lieved that she will succeed in her fell purpose.
"Hence these tears," as they say in the classics.
Nine fleeting years ago Mr. McKenna, a govern-
ment servant, who was employed by England to make
money for his country, fully earned a generous salary
by imposing a duty of 33j/j per cent on German
pianos imported into "the dear homeland." The re-
sult was that the trade, jibbing at this unkind inter-
ference with the liberty of the subject, paid greater
attention to the British product. Those who had the
good fortune to be musical recognized that the best
English instrument could not touch the German piano,
but the 33^/j per cent stuck in their gizzards. So
they often plumped for the home-made article, and
London makers, who bulk largest in the industry,
were as pleased as Punch. Before the war imports
had reached as high a .figure as 24,482 pianos in one
brief year; for the twelve months ending last Decem-
ber they were under 13,000.
Another result of Mr. McKenna's far-reaching ac-
tivities is that unemployment in the piano trade is
practically nil. From the magnate who draws a sal-
ary as managing-director of a firm to the lynx-eyed
employe who reports slothful workmen for arriving
late at the works, everyone has been in clover for
some time past. Lucky fellows!
"Be Loyal!"
Now, however, the government contemplates with-
drawing the overpowering duty, and the heart of each
British piano-maker is heavy within him. For it is
feared that Ueutschland will seize upon the advan-
tageous occasion to flood England with her inexpen-
sive instruments. Indeed, many a German firm,
anticipating the startling development in political
economy, has, during the past few weeks, specially
circularized the trade. Almost every retailer in the
kingdom, including that dangerous country, Ireland,
is being favored with the most alluring offers, both as
regards cost and terms of payment. Never in the
whole history of the piano business has the dealer
been afforded so glorious an opportunity of "getting
rich quick." And he apparently intends profiting by
it.
One German manufacturer has sent out a particu-
larly sensible letter. Not only is the screed couched
in impeccable English, but it shows hard common
sense, commercial trimmings and polite inquiries
after the recipient's health being given a miss. The
letter commences:
"Should the 33 T /i per cent duty be repealed, you are
that amount to the good. Further, we are ready to
reduce our prices by 5 per cent, and without alter-
ing the terms of payment already allowed you."
As the German maker pays his workmen eightpence
an hour, against the one shilling and ninepence half-
penny demanded by the British citizen, the proffered 5
per cent is no great hardship to him. Several firms,
in fact, have offered a 7 x /i per cent reduction.
Meanwhile, an English manufacturer has addressed
a heartrending appeal to the retail trade, a veritable
cri de coeur. ''Be loyal!" is his slogan. "Do not for-
get the late war!"
But the invitation has fallen on deaf ears, the re-
tailers obstinately declining to mix patriotism with
business. Indeed, one jocular proprietor of a Glas-
gow establishment pawkily reminded his would-be
mentor that Great Britain has been engaged in other
wars.
"Must we," he jestingly asked, "decline to spend
our holidays in Paris because of the Battle of Water-
loo?"
Other piano men seem to share this independent
view.
Why the Piano Man Winks.
At the time of writing this illuminating article, the
33]/s per cent duty has not actually been dropped.
Politicians are busily debating the pros and cons of
the proposed remission, and the "Daily Mail" (Eng-
land's leading comic paper) has valiantly supported
the distressed piano-makers' cause. But the betting
is a piano-leg to an inch of catgut that the tax will
be cut out.
England, being largely imbued with the Christian
spirit, is ever anxious to forgive her enemies. The
catechism, upon which she has been brought up for
countless decades, insists upon all people dwelling to-
gether in unity.
Besides, the Briton is only too ready to live up to
the forget-and-forgive principle, while pianists who
take music seriously would infinitely rather pay a
little for a good German piano than a lot for an in-
ferior English one. They cannot reasonably be ex-
pected to do otherwise.
Foreboding Facts.
Should the piano-makers' worst anticipations be ful-
filled, innumerable British firms may go out of busi-
ness. This will be a blow to them, as, as the moment,
they are unable to cope with the orders which pour
in upon them morning, noon and night, owing to the
demand being far in advance of the output.
That, at all events, is what the advertisements in
the trade papers ask the retailer to believe. Piano men,
when reading this glowing literature, wink hard.
It is to be hoped that, upon the fatal day arriving,
those who are forced to shut up shop will have made
their fortunes. The man who is now turning away
business cannot, one imagines, have done otherwise.
Can he?
WH1TTINGT0N SELECTS BALDWIN
Dorsey Whittington, now among
the widely known pianists, has se-
lected the Baldwin piano for its
merits dear to the artist. He made
his New York debut at Aeolian
Hall last year. Coming practically
unknown, at the end of a concert
season overcrowded with great pian-
ists, he succeeded in arousing the
enthusiasm of the critics and the
public alike. Mr. Whittington, whose
portrait appears with this story, has
this to say of the Baldwin:
"It has been my privilege to play
the greatest pianos of America and
in choosing the Baldwin for my
forthcoming tours, I feel a particu-
lar satisfaction that I will have at
my disposal the world's best piano;
a companion that responds to ray
every mood. It not only satisfies
^me completely by its mechanical
perfection, but inspires me by the
beauty and individuality of its tone."
The clever young pianist has se-
lected the Baldwin as the piano for
all of his forthcoming recitals.
Enhanced content © 2008-2009 and presented by MBSI - The Musical Box Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
All Rights Reserved. Digitized from the archives of the MBSI with support from NAMM - The International Music Products Association (www.namm.org).
Additional enhancement, optimization, and distribution by the International Arcade Museum. An extensive collection of Presto can be found online at http://www.arcade-museum.com/library/
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).