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Musical Courier 1892-03-02: Vol 24 Iss 628, 1892
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1spirit of unfairness pervades that portion of the president's report particularly where he states that all benefits desirable could be secured "from two papers published in one city as from twenty" (italics our own). This is a begging of the question, as no such number as the latter existed or even promised ever to exist, although if twenty self sustaining music trade papers were published in New York it would only prove that the music trade is vastly greater than it now is. The quantity of trade papers will always be relative to the greatness or extent of the trade or industry they represent, and one music trade paper only would indicate a very limited industry, in which Mr. Wheelock himself surely could not be found controlling three separate and individual piano manufacturing institutions.
3In the same ratio if, instead of five music trade papers, ten were published in this city, Mr. Wheelock would have much greater opportunities to preside over six factories than he now has, and the membership of the association would unquestionably be twice as large as it now is.
5The agitation of the trade paper question was a mistake, and it were best to admit it and drop it. There are just so many trade papers as the trade wants. When the trade has no further demand for any the supply ceases, under the same natural commercial law that governs the output of pianos.
7The spectacle presented by the association of mingling in the affairs of an outside business like this newspaper business was unheard of and the spirit of antagonism to the same was a surprise to many and a novelty at the same time. Newspapers have been boycotted by labor organizations and by political bodies in Europe, but no organized effort has ever been made to interfere with the publication of any paper or class of papers by the advertisers and readers of the same. Until now newspapers have ceased to exist because they failed either to represent public opinion or had no financial foundation. Newspapers grow because they properly reflect the current opinion of the times in which they flourish, and, at times, old, well established newspapers fail because they have not grown apace with the growth of contemporaneous thought.
9That attempts should be made to thwart them in their aims, purposes and final objects by any organized body of their own advertisers was an unheard of and most unique phenomenon. It created a censorship of newspaper ethics and a body of critics who were to be the last resort of the criticisms published on their own acts. Under such circumstances there could be but one result; the condition was to have been an unnatural one and those who created it were sure to suffer from the false position in which they had placed themselves.
11Never in the history of New York music trade journalism has that particular branch of the newspaper business been so successful as since the beginning of the agitation. The paper that has ceased since then was destined from its own peculiar structure to end as it did. It was not intended or supposed to be a permanent institution. All the other trade papers are in a vastly better condition than they were a year ago. The publishers in order to protect their properties took timely warning to strengthen their positions where they formerly had been neglected and sought for extension of advertising patronage and readers in fields over which the association had no sway or influence. A new life and new activity was displayed in all directions, and for the success attained the music trade press is naturally under some obligations to the Piano Manufacturers' Association, whose attitude became the cue for many future movements in the trade paper press, which, we hope, will enure to the benefit of all concerned.
13Mr. Wheelock has failed to call attention to an important phase of the future development of the association, and that is its broadening into a national association.
15With the material now in it this body of piano manufacturers, representing some of the greatest firms in the country, should form the nucleus of a great national association, with representative delegates from all piano manufacturing centres, who at stated periods would meet as committees, and once a year hold its great annual convention. Originally THE MUSICAL COURIER advocated this plan of organized work, and under it the discussions would cover an immense ground, naturally eliminating small matters that necessarily must engage the time of a local body which does not even contain all the members of its locality. This national association would also be able to exert a great influence upon similar organizations in other industries and its tendency would naturally elevate the whole trade.
17Tops for Violins.
19ON a shelf in his shop Mr. R. G. Hall, the engraver, who also makes violins, has some pieces of spruce wood that are the shape of clapboard, but a little thicker and about half as long. These are "tops" for violins, and were sawed from a beam that was taken from the old Porter house in North Yarmouth. The wood must have been seasoned for nearly 100 years. If held in just the right place, suspended between the thumb and finger, they will give forth a clear, melodious sound when struck by the knuckles.
21In pitch this sound is as high as that from a piece of glass or steel of the same shape and size. The resin in spruce wood undergoes a change in the lapse of time that gives this mellow tone desired in violins. These "tops" are sawed in the shape of clapboards and from the heart of the timber outward, so that the grain of the wood will be in the best relation to the shape for the greatest vibration. George Gemünder, the famous New York violin maker, whose violins sometimes sell for $500, as high a price as is paid anywhere for new instruments, was in this city four years ago, and when he left took with him some of these "tops" from Mr. Hall's shop.
23He made some very fine violins with them, and wrote to Mr. Hall, inquiring if his daughter, Miss Grace Hall, was satisfied with her violin. The reply was that hers was a good one, but a Gemünder violin would be better. He again wrote and offered to send one of his violins for a certain number of those "tops." The offer was accepted, and that is how Miss Hall came into possession of her Gemünder violin, on which her ability to play is too well known to Portland people to require further comment.—Portland "Advertiser."
25The Tuners' Guild.
27THE second meeting of the Tuners' Association (or Guild) was held in Mason & Hamlin Hall last Saturday evening, Mr. E. E. Todd in the chair. The increase of attendance showed increased interest in the movement, and each one present left the hall feeling that the association would soon be on a working basis. Mr. D. J. Greenleaf, of Port Jervis, N. Y., was present, as was Mr. Steidel, of Stamford, Conn. Letters from tuners in distant States were read, showing that widespread interest is being taken in the guild.
29It was decided to issue a circular to the tuning fraternity setting forth the objects of the proposed guild, and a committee of three was appointed to draft the same and have it printed at once, said committee consisting of Messrs. E. E. Todd and C. M. Henry, of Brooklyn; Otto Schneider, of New York, and Mr. D. J. Greenleaf, of Port Jervis. It is expected the circular will be ready for distribution this week. Secretary Schneider was instructed to lay the circular before the executive committee of the United Piano Makers' Union, asking them to have it read at the next meetings of their various assemblies.
31It was decided to fix the date for the next meeting for Wednesday evening, March 23, at the same place, the Mason & Hamlin Company again generously offering the use of their hall. It was agreed that at this meeting a permanent organization should be attempted and officers elected.
33In order to further a large and representative attendance a committee on organization was appointed consisting of Mr. C. Armquist, of Mason & Hamlin, New York; Mr. Otto Schneider, of New York; Mr. Bruillotta, of New York; Mr. C. M. Henry, of Brooklyn; Mr. Geo. Lutz, of Brooklyn; Mr. E. E. Haslam of Brooklyn, and others. Circulars will be placed in the hands of these gentlemen for distribution, while a copy will be mailed to anyone who will address Mr. E. E. Todd, No. 77 Court street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
35Foreign Statistics.
37THE imports of German harmonicas, violins, flutes, trumpets and drums into Servia in 1890 were valued at $2,078.
39The imports of German musical instruments into Egypt in 1890 were valued at $4,258.28.
41The imports of German musical instruments into the Argentine Republic were valued as follows:
43Musical instruments made of wood in 1889……..$102,396.15
44" " " " " 1890…….. 54,234.93
45Pianos in 1889……………………. 323,650.38
46" " 1890……………………….. 107,312.84
47Sheet music in 1889……………….. 12,605.80
48" " 1890……………………….. 2,447.24
50The great disparity between the figures of 1889 and 1890 is due to the monetary troubles that set in in the Argentine Republic. The instruments of metal are not classified, but go in under the general metal schedule.
52The imports of musical instruments from Germany into Greece were valued in 1889 at $15,879, and in 1890 at $10,631.
54M. Steinert's Collection.
56M. STEINERT'S collection of old musical instruments, the rarest of its kind, which is to be exhibited at the coming musical and theatrical exposition at Vienna, has attracted the attention of the Princess Metternich, who is the patroness of the same. She writes to Mr. Steinert as follows:
58VIENNA, February 8, 1892.
60HONORED SIR—Director Conried informs me that you are going to bring your magnificent collection of instruments to the exhibition and I am compelled to express to you my sincerest and warmest thanks for this act of truly artistic munificence.
62Our exhibition promises to grow very great, and general interest in the same is an extraordinary one.
64Accept, honored sir, the renewed assurance of my gratitude.
66PRINCESS METTERNICH.
68We quote from an exchange the following dispatch on the subject from Washington:
70WASHINGTON, February 24.—The President to-day gave an audience to the Austrian Minister and Mr. Heinrich Conried, of New York, who were presented by Assistant Secretary Wharton, of the State Department. Mr. Conried is endeavoring to enlist the co-operation of the musical element in this country in the International Musical and Theatrical Exposition to be held in Vienna from May to October next. His visit to the President was to secure official recognition of the enterprise. The President received him cordially and advised him to bring the matter to the attention of the State Department. At the suggestion of Mr. Wharton Mr. Conried subsequently visited the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum to arrange for the exhibition at the exposition of the collections of musical instruments now in those buildings.
72The collection at the Smithsonian loaned to the institute by M. Steinert will be taken to Vienna, and this, together with his private collection, will make the most remarkable aggregation of old pianos, clavichords, harpsichords, spinets, virginals and instruments of that family now in existence.
74Mr. Steinert leaves for Europe next month.
76Rockford Pianos.
78THERE are but comparatively few people in Rockford that are aware of the fact that now at the Rockford Piano Company's factory on South Fifth street, on the second floor of the Skandia Shoe Company's building, there are in process of construction some of the finest pianos made.
80That may seem a little extravagant, but nevertheless it is true.
82A few months ago the Rockford Piano Company was organized with $50,000 capital stock, chiefly through the instrumentality of John T. Peters, a son of Rev. G. Peters, formerly pastor of the First Lutheran Church.
84It did not take the projectors of the concern long to get down to business and they now have several pianos nearly completed. "A 'Republican' reporter visited the factory and thanks to the kindness of Peters was shown all about the factory. A very fine grade of instruments is being made. None but the best material obtainable is used. They are now making pianos with three different kinds of cases—genuine Honduras mahogany, Circassian walnut and ebony black. On the fall board of each will be inscribed "Rockford Piano Company, Cabinet Grand." To go into detail and describe each and every part of the instruments would be superfluous.
86All of the workmen employed are skilled in their various lines. J. T. Peters was for several years with a large Boston piano house and he knows all there is to know about the business. Al Hummel is stringer and tuner, and Mr. Hummel is one of the best in his line, having had years of experience. John Anderson is head cabinet maker, with Oscar Nelson as assistant. Probably the most artistic workman is G. A. Leonardson, who spent twenty years in an organ factory in Sweden and who is one of the finest piano makers in the country.
88Mr. Leonardson has on exhibition at the factory two violins of his own make which won the gold medal at the Mechanics' Exposition in Boston in 1883 and for which Mr. Leonardson has been offered $500 each, but he refused to sell them at that figure. When it comes to musical instruments Mr. Leonardson is there, and there are but few who excel him in his line.
90The first piano will be completed this week and will be on exhibition at the Steinway salesroom, O. J. Wigell manager. Mr. Peters is confident that the Rockford Piano Company can turn out pianos that for purity and richness of tone and beauty of touch will compare favorably with any.—Rockford "Republican."
92—The Automaton Piano Company has leased the old Behr warerooms at 15 East Fourteenth street for the display of its instruments.
94—The will of Hugh Alexander Stewart, deceased, lately associated with Hemme & Long in the piano business, was filed to-day. It is holographic and gives the entire property, except $100 each to the children Petrina, John and Charles, aged respectively eight, six and four years, to the widow, Catherine Stewart. He asks that she be appointed executrix without bonds and that no appraisement be required by the court, but that the property be placed in her hands as soon as possible. Mrs. Stewart in her petition says the estate consists of real property of the value of $30,000 and personal property of the value of $30,000.—San Francisco "Bulletin," February 16.
96A CHANCE.
98A Prominent Piano and Organ Manufacturing Co.
100DESIRE OFFICE ROOM UPTOWN NEAR THE PIANO CENTRE OF THIS CITY.
102Will give the city agency and supply a full stock of organs and pianos in lieu of rent. An excellent opportunity for any dealer having more room than he requires. Address "PON," care of this Paper.
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