Scan 36
Musical Courier 1893-07-01: Vol 27 Iss 695, 1893
68 lines. Read by computer on 23 September 2026. Printed page 33. See the scan on archive.org.
1which to pay for goods and it will dog you to death for extensions.
3We have been going through this lengthening of the public's credit during the last five or six years. It is so bad to-day that goods are sold for comparatively little money, and a note maturing after the dissolution of the universe given for payment. We have reached the limit of the foolishness of salesmen whose zeal has run away with their common sense.
5Goods must be sold for more money and credit shortened. It is not a case of one dealer trying it and his competitor getting his trade while his new policy is in process of evolution; it is all dealers doing this, for the limit we have reached, precipitated by the financial flurry, has been generally felt.
7In this reorganization or re-establishment of the older and more reliable basis of shorter credit the trade will be the gainer.
9The dealer will make more money selling on shorter time, for he will not lose so many bad accounts. Granted, for argument's sake, that he will lose as many, he will be ahead, as the cash paid on larger monthly instalments will have decreased his loss and the dealer will watch his collections closer. This he will be forced to do by the present stringency in the money market. He cannot go into banks with a handful of collateral and realize on it. He will be told not to ask for discount on paper in larger quantities than absolutely necessary. The manufacturer in selling on few months' time or for cash and not being asked for extensions will have his cash so in hand that he can more successfully operate both his trade and his manufacture. He will realize more in a year's business and will not have the bother of everlastingly extended accounts. Foolishness of the dealer will be practically eliminated and he will get down to doing business.
11Therefore we repeat our opening sentence: "The greatest blessing that was ever showered on the music trade is the present financial depression, from which we are rapidly emerging into the light of sound business."
13The Steck.
15Some time ago The Musical Courier published an article on the Steck piano. It was stated in that article that the makers of the famous Steck pianos could justly claim the distinction of being something more than mere piano makers in the sense as applied to mechanics. They demonstrated in the quality of tone produced that they were tone makers; that through some peculiarity in the construction of their pianos an individuality was secured.
17Yet further than this Geo. Steck & Co. claim that their instruments are made upon lines differing in some particulars from those pursued by other makers, lines over which through patents they have an absolute control, and which are of sufficient importance to materially influence the musical quality of their instruments. They claim through this peculiarity in construction superiority in the singing tone of their instruments, that it is of longer duration, clearer and more pronounced; again, they claim that their instruments stand in tune longer and are of greater durability.
19In substantiation of the claims put forth they cite the construction of their iron plate and their method of attaching the sounding board to this plate.
21The sounding board is the soul of the piano—the tone producing member. Upon it depends to a very great extent the musical value of the instrument. The full resources of the sounding board must depend somewhat on the manner of adjusting it. We shall refer later in this article to the manner of attaching the sounding board.
23Geo. Steck & Co. use an independent self-supporting iron frame, their patent. This frame or plate is heavier than is generally used. The bars or braces on this plate are so arranged that one half of their width projects above the plane of the strings, the other half below the plane; in consequence the tension is midway of the bar and has no tendency to bend or warp the frame; the immense strain of the strings is thus counterbalanced and carried with ease. This accounts for the Steck pianos standing in tune the way they do; the entire strain of the strings is supported by this iron frame which holds everything firm and immovable and secures the instrument against the influence of climatic changes which necessarily affect, to a more or less extent, the pitch of any piano the main support of which is a wooden back frame.
25The sounding board is attached to this iron frame, and does not come in contact with any of the wooden portion of the piano; it is freer, less deadened by binding and pressure, and vibrates more easily and longer than by the usual method of construction. Hence that singing quality for which the Steck is noted.
27We have attempted briefly to show that in certain parts of the piano which time and use are most liable to affect and thus seriously impair the musical quality of the instrument, are carefully considered by Geo. E. Steck & Co. in the special mode of construction, and that the vulnerable places are made strong, a fact conceded by the trade and fully appreciated by those dealers throughout the country who have for many years handled the Steck, and who are aware that the selling of a piano is only a part of the transaction. To make good a warranty is another feature of the transaction, which on an unreliable piano is too often annoying and expensive.
29Perfect workmanship, solid construction and the choicest of material has given the Steck a most enviable reputation. Its musical qualities appeal to the refined and artistic. Once thoroughly known, the Steck piano will never be forgotten, nor can any other piano ever take its place in the affection of its owner. There is something in it that lingers in poetic sweetness in the memory.
31WANTED—Position by a first-class piano and organ salesman, either wholesale or retail, who has had years of varied experience in both branches. Address "A. B. C." care The Musical Courier, New York.
33A THOUSAND TUNES.
35That's a large number, but the Symphonion plays it. The Symphonion is an unlimited music box instead of a cylinder playing from one to six airs. The Symphonion uses steel plates as shown herewith.
37These plates revolve and their teeth strike the teeth of the steel combs, thus producing the tones. Plates are changed in a moment. They may be bought by the hundreds and each plate represents a different tune. One may thus have sacred music, old favorites and latest songs of the day, as he chooses.
39The Symphonion is simple in construction and does not get out of order, as the old fashion music boxes always do. They are rich and melodious in tone and not the least expensive.
41We are headquarters for the trade and are prepared to quote lower prices than ever before with all the latest improvements.
43Send for Catalogue and Price List.
45The Sander Musical Instrument Co., 212 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass.
47EVERYWHERE RECOGNIZED AS THE STANDARD OF THE WORLD.
49WRITING-MACHINE
51REMINGTON
53WYCKOFF, SEAMANS & BENEDICT, 327 Broadway, N. Y.
55THE LOWENDALL STAR WORKS AT THE COLUMBIAN EXHIBITION.
57BERLIN S. O., Germany, No. 121 Reichenberger Strasse, Reg to inform the Trade that they will exhibit their WORLD RENOWNED
59Violins and Bows.
61Mr. Louis Lowendall, Jr., will shortly make a journey through the United States with a full collection of Violins, Bows and other Instruments, and will represent the firm at the opening of the exhibition.
63MAX GOTTSCALK & CO., Successors to WEILE & CO., BERLIN S. (GERMANY). PRINZENSTR. 31.
65FACTORY OF BLACK PIANO ORNAMENTS.
67ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE FREE ON APPLICATION.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.