THE E BOOK OF PIANOS
THE ASIAN INVASION TO THE INFORMATION AGE
1960 Brand Names 1979The two major producers in Japan, Yamaha and Kawai, used similar approaches to enter the u.s. market in 1960. Each offered a limited selection of moderately-priced, fair-quality uprights and grand pianos to the u.s. market. Over the next two decades, each upgraded the quality of its pianos and broadened its range of price points, models, styles, and finishes. In addition, they expanded their technical and educational services to dealers, piano tuners, teachers and potential customers. Later during the early 1990's both of these manufacturers started offering pianos being manufactured in China or Indonesia.
Consequently, when the high interest rates adversely affected business during 1980-82, fewer of their dealers went out of business. As dealers sought to limit the lines they carried in order to reduce inventory, one Japanese producer became especially attractive because of its broad range of price levels, styles, and finishes and the other Japanese producer appealed to dealers because of a fast turnover rate.
u.s. producers had an advantage in the large number of dealers with whom they have had longstanding relationships. On the other hand, in the recession period, field research indicated that the largest Japanese suppliers limited the number of dealers and restricted the number of pianos available to dealers based on sales. This policy was beneficial to the dealers during the recession as it reduced interest and inventory costs and resulted In fewer dealer closings. The domestic industry in the same period encouraged dealers to buy more pianos than they could sell in this period. While the Japanese suppliers have placed an emphasis on a full range of services and promotion activities with piano teachers and technicians.
Price - A critical factor affecting the retail price of a piano is the manufacturer's costs, which vary considerably depending on labor, raw material, purchased components, and overhead. The most significant portion of a piano's production cost is labor, which ranges from about 30 to 40 percent of total cost. Lower labor rates gave manufacturers in Japan and Korea a cost advantage over u.s. producers. This advantage is more significant for grand pianos than uprights and is greatest for Korean pianos
Applying average hourly labor rates estimated by the u.s. Department of Labor to the typical number of man-hours required to build a grand piano in the United States, the labor cost in producing a grand piano domestically in 1982 was $1,886.40 compared with $931.20 in Japan and $195.20 in Korea. The largest portion of u.s. sales of pianos is for home use, where the furniture styles associated with u.s. producers are an important consideration. However, sleek, European styles were becoming increasingly popular. The traditional finish in both the furniture industry and the u.s. piano industry Is lacquer, but most pianos in Europe and Japan had polyester finishes.
| Acrosonic Aeolian Albrecht, Charles Altenburg, Otto Astin-Weight Astor Baldwin Baldwin, D. H. Bechner Bechstein, C. Becker Becker, J. Belarus Bentley Bergman Betting, Th. Blondel, G Bluthner Bohemia Bohemia Piano Bosendorfer Boston Brentwood Cable, Hobart M. Carl Ebel Charles Albrect Chickering Classic Cline Conn Daewoo Diapason Disklavier Eavestaff Ellington Estonia Euterpe Everett Falcone | Fandrich & Sons Fazioli Feinton Fenner Feurich Forster, August Grotrian (-Steinweg) Haessler Haileer Hamilton Hampton Hastings Heintzman Helios Hoffmann, W. Horugel Howard Hupfeld Hyundai Ibach J & C Fischer Jassen Jonas Chickering Kawai Kawai-Schultz Kemble Kimball W. W. Kingsburg Klima Knabe Knabe, Wm. Knight Kohler (& Campbell) Kranich & Bach Legnica Linden Lowrey Maeari Marshall & Rose | Mason & Hamlin Mecklenburg Monarch Monington Nakamichi Nakamura Nakamura-Schultz Niemayer Nordiska Nordpiano Otto Meister Overs-Steinbach Pearl River Petrof Pfeiffer PianoDisc Pianova Pleyel Pramberger Prince Princess Ridgewood Rieger-Kloss Ritmuller Rosler, W. Roth & Junius Rud. Ibach Sohn Rudolf Wurlitzer Sagenhaft Samick Sangler & Sohne Sauter Schafer & Sons Schiedmayer Schimmel Schirmer & Son Scholze Schubert Schultz & Sons | Schulze Pollman Schumann Seidl & Sohn Seiler, Ed. Shanghai Piano Sherman Clay Shingeru-Kawai Shirmer, R. Schulze Sohmer Sojin Steck, Geoge Stegler Steinbach Steinberg, Wilh. Steiner, Bernhard Steingraeber & Sohne Steinmann, Wilh. Steinmayer Steinway & Sons Story & Clark Strauss Tadashi Thurmer, Ferd. Tokai Wagner Waldstein Walter, Charles R. Weber Welmar Weinbach Westbrook Wieler Woodchester Wurlitzer Xinghai Yamaha Young Chang Zimmermann |
ACROSONIC, Built by Baldwin
This distinctive and exclusive name designates a line of spinet and console pianos built by the Baldwin Piano Company. Coined from the Greek word,"akros," meaning supreme and the Latin word, "sonus," meaning tone, the trade mark "Acrosonic" is registered in the United States Patent Office. Acrosonics are famous for their beautifully compact styling, their tonal clarity and power and Baldwin's exclusive Full-Blow Action.
AEOLIAN AMERICAN DIVISION OF AEOLIAN CORP. Factory was located at East Rochester, New York 14445.
Piano lines manufactured by this Division listed alphabetically include Chickering & Sons, Wm. Knabe & Co., Mason & Hamlin and Weber. The manufacturing facilities at East Rochester consisted of over 250,000 sq. ft. of space situated on over eight acres of land occupied and devoted exclusively to the manufacture of pianos from 1906 to 1983.
During 1960 the work force included only excellent craftsmen under the direction of people who had been associated with these fine makes for many years, thus preserving unimpaired the Individual and distinctive quality of each piano. The affiliation of the various houses that formed this large and powerful contributing force to the art of music, insures for each a wider scope for musical activity in that each of its units was of the highest quality in its grade, which had an extraordinary economy of production. This company's purchasing power contributed immeasurably to the integrity and value of instruments that were made in the various Divisions.
Aeolian was one of the pioneers in producing and placing on the market the highly desirable vertical piano, and had constantly made outstanding advances in the art of piano styling and acoustical design. Aeolian was one of today's largest producers of grand pianos. Instruments made by Aeolian American Division enjoy unquestioned reputation through the world and are sold by leading music merchants everywhere.
AEOLIAN CORPORATION
Factory was located at Memphis, Tenn.
Formerly Winter & Co., was one of America's largest and leading piano manufacturers, had two modern facilities in Memphis, Tenn. Corp. They have produced more instruments than any other company in the u.s. Additionally, the prestigious facility in East Rochester, N.Y., has manufactured more pianos selected by presidents and fine musicians.
Founded 1899 as Heller & Co., later incorporated as Winter & Co. In 1903, the firm became affiliated with Sears Roebuck and Co. In 1941 William G. Keller, Henry R. Keller and associates acquired the Sears interest and devoted the production to defense work during World War II. Faith in the industry and the conviction that the piano Industry needed someone to keep the venerable manufacturer in operation, Aeolian acquired companies which would not otherwise have survived.
The Memphis plant was equipped with all of the most modern machinery available for the production of quality pianos under the most economical conditions. The Aeolian factory is self-contained, with a large lumber yard for storing and air drying. Modern kilns insure proper drying and aging of all wood parts. The Aeolian lumber mill was considered a model for its completeness of equipment to turn out the most elaborate case work as well as backs, pin blocks, and bridges of the very highest quality. The veneers used in Aeolian pianos are carefully selected for beauty of figure. A completely equipped veneering department with hot plate presses, automatic glue spreaders, taping and matching machines, insure productive efficiency and permanent bonding. Core stock is quarter sawn and small stripped so that even under the most adverse conditions warping of casework is held to a minimum. In the case shop, elaborate sanding machines, as well as a hand sanders to guarantee smooth, rich finishes.
All Aeolian piano cases are stained, filled, sealed and lacquered with the best quality materials available on a finishing conveyor, totally enclosed in order to maintain proper temperature, humidity on exposed and internal wood parts are milled to protect against moisture and atmospheric conditions. In bellying, stringing, action finishing, side gluing, regulating and tuning, experienced craftsmen, many having been with the company since it was established in Memphis 20 years ago, and highly trained in the art of producing fine tone quality, perform these operations by the best traditional hand methods. Steady employment at the Aeolian factory as a result of the large demand for its pianos has attracted the best and most experienced craftsmen. Every operation in the factory is checked by an inspector before moving on to the next department.
The Memphis plant was one f the first completely pollution free woodworking industries in the nation, with all boiler, sawdust and lacquer pollutants cleansed from the air prior to releasing into the atmosphere. Recognition given by the trade to the various Aeolian lines is the best evidence that Aeolian Corporation pianos manufactured in Memphis and East Rochester, fill every requirement in grands, studios, spinets, consoles and players in a variety of scales and finishes, as well as case desigeL Aeolian produces not only the concert and beginners piano, but also for the artist and leisure time musician. Not only manufacturing pianos for three generations, Aeolian is the one manufacturer that controls that quality from the forest to the sawmill, through dry kilns, machining, and finishing; in the foundry; in the action and key factory; in the hammer manufacture; and in the hardware plant.
Aeolian distinguishes itself as a piano maker, not merely an assembler. Aeolian plants produce pianos that are quality assured, one of the reasons that over the years many of the largest school systems in the United States have selected their pianos exclusively. In addition, broadcasting stations, colleges, music schools, universities, operas, and symphonies have countless Aeolian pianos in constant service. Aeolian pianos are sold through authorized dealer agencies only, and Aeolian numbers among its dealers many of the best known and reputable music merchants throughout the United States And many foreign countries.
AMERLING PIANO
This firm purchased an entire building located at 1307-17 Utica Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y., where complete modern factory facilities have been installed. On these premises are produced the Amerling line of fine console-grand, studio and grand pianos.
Amerling pianos are custom built with old world touch and new world technique. Amerling instruments are invested with a century of knowledge and tradition and bring to each owner a pride and prestige that only 100 years of experience and progress can produce in the specific art of pianoforte construction.
The Amerling line of console-grands includes such features as "Direct Grand Blow Action" (produces richer tone and reduces wear and tear on action); "Centertone Bridge" (transmits sound waves to grand crown soundboard without distortion); "Grand Crown" (spruce tapered soundboard of finest quality as used in concert grands); "Grand Locked Uniscale" (fortified, even balanced side to afford pure, even tone).Amerling pianos are available in French and Italian Provincial, Modern, Contemporary and Traditional designs, and are finished in a wide variety of attractive color-tones. Highly endorsed by leaders in radio, theatrical and television fields, Amerling pianos also enjoy fine acceptance among well-known decorators.
ARIRANG PIANOS ( After 1979 See - DAEWOO - DAYTRON - HYUNDAI - SOJIN)
Founded by the Hyundai corporation of Seoul, Korea, in 1976. Arirang pianos are manufactured using only the highest quality materials gathered from all four corners of the world. Four Grand Piano Models and Four Uprights make up the Hyundai Arirang line. A variety of polyester and lacquer give the Arirang line added versatility.
ASTIN-WEIGHT
Factory and offices at 120 West 3300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115.
Company makes two sizes of uprights: a 41" console in several styles and finishes, and a 50,' upright in walnut. The heart of the Astin-Weight Piano is very different from that of any other piano made anywhere else in the world. Backs of ordinary pianos have several wooden posts for strengthening the overall string structure; Astin-Weights have no posts in back. Instead of a corn bination of wood and metal to hold the 20 tons of string tension, Astin-Weights have a massive four-corner iron plate that is designed to take the stress of the strings without wooden posts, resulting in greater tuning stability for the instruments. This innovation, however, was not original with Astin-Weight; many European upright pianos have had similar construction for over 40 years. The really important innovation in Astin-Weights is the sound board construction. Console size pianos have never had any real tonal depth. The soundboards in small pianos have always been too small to transmit the lower frequencies of sound, particularly in the bass. This shallowness of sound has caused many musicians to describe consoles and spinets sounding "tinny." A a fair generalization, one might say "the bigger the soundboard, the richer the sound." With the structural difference in Astin-Weight console, the size of the soundboard was increases so that its surface area is roughly equivalent to the soundboards of the old 54" upright pianos, resulting in a very real improvement over conventionally designe consoles. In fact, the performance of these pianos is superior to most home-size grands. The 50" upright has the same type of design difference as the smaller pianos have, A very massive iron plate and a soundboard as large as that of a semi+oncert grand, actual square inch measurement. (To do this by conventional means, an upright would have to be at least 60" tall.) The resulting overall tonality is one that has not been heard in uprights for 50 years. There is no question about this performance being superior to that of other uprights. The only question is, how superior? In the center of the keyboard, the tone is rich and full. In the bass, there is unprecented depth, and the upper treble is strong and clear. The U-500 is fitted with fineest upright action available affording maximum performance; the action is beautifully regulated for the fullest control and ha+at delight of the ccomplished pianist, a fall sostenuto. Made in the Utah mountain climate, all wood used in Astin-Weighta is dried down to a moisture content lower than that of pianos made in denser climates. This ensures both tuning and tonal stability over a long life expectancy.
BALDWIN
The Baldwin Grand Piano, designed, built and guaranteed by The Baldwin Piano Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, is used exclusively by the first rank of concert artists in all spheres of musical expression-pianists, conductors, composers, singers, instrumentalists-as well as outstanding symphony orchestras and music festivals. The word, "Baldwin," in characteristic Old English type face, is a registered trademark in the United States Patent Office. From the nine foot concert grand to the five foot, two inch grand, every Baldwin embodies the latest concepts of acoustical science and piano making. Baldwin also builds:
Acrosonic Spinet and Console Pianos, Howard Spinet Pianos, Hamilton Studio Pianos.
The Baldwin Piano Company, incorporated under the laws of Ohio, is one of the largest manufacturers of keyboard instruments in the world today. An unbroken line of management has maintained the artistic ideals and progressive aims of the founders of the business. The Baldwin Piano Company maintains general offices in Cincinnati, a city ideally located for the supply of raw materials, transportation facilities and skilled labor. Baldwin's financial and technical resources provide a program of research which is perhaps unparalleled in the industry. With a complete line of pianos and organs: five lengths of Baldwin Grand Pianos in five styles, Acrosonic Spinet and console Pianos in all major furniture styles and many fine woods, the medium-priced Howard Spinet Piano and the 45" Hamilton Studio Piano; two large electronic church organs (the Models 10A and 8A Baldwin Organs), two spinet home organs (the Series 51 and Model 30 Orgasonic Organs) and a middle-sized complete organ styled two ways-for church and for home. The Baldwin Concert Grand is used and endorsed by the first rank of concert artists in each sphere of musical expression. These experts are the best qualified and most critical judges of piano tone; their approval is indisputable testimony to the greatness of the Baldwin Piano.
Baldwin also has manufacturing plants in Fayetteville and Conway, Arkansas. The Baldwin Piano Company is represented by leading dealers in all principal cities and operates company-owned retail stores in New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Louisville, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
BECHSTEIN
C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik GmbH Reichenberger Str. 124, 100 Berlin 36, Germany
Factory located in Berlin, Germany
Founded by Carl Bechstein 145 years ago. Since then, Bechstein pianos have been manufactured by skilled craftsmen. Through the quality of its grand pianos, Bechstein acquired a name famous throughout the world. Nowadays, Bechstein grand pianos are to be found in innumerable concert halls all over the world. There are two additional plants in Karisruhe and Eschelbronn, Germany
BETSY ROSS SPINET
This is one of America's most popular pianos because of its musical excellence and beautiful appearance. Available in 37 and 40 inch models, the Betsy Ross Spinet is handsomely designed in both traditional and modern styles in a wide choice of finishes. A new Custom Series line extends the choice in Betsy Ross Spinets to include a group of distinguished pianos featuring superfine cabinetwork and unusual finishes which may be ordered to fit any special decorating plan. Built only by the Lester Piano Manufacturing Company, each instrument carries the Lester name on the fall board and cast into the plate, just as each one carries the Lester 10 year guarantee. Most models are Damp Chaser equipped for regulated moisture control.
The entire resources of the Lester Company are behind the nationwide reputation for quality, tone and performance. The Lester Piano is the offical piano of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The scales for the Betsy Ross Spinets were drawn by the late Paul M. Zeidler and their magnificent tone is proof of his genius. Recent manufacturing improvements have added to their excellence through achieving Lester's now famous Amplified Tone. The Betsy Ross Spinet is a one name, one quality, one price piano. The Betsy Ross Spinet is manufactured by the Lester Piano Manufacturing Company, Inc., in Lester, Pennsylvania, to which refer in this section.
The Betsy Ross Spinets were well constructed pianos, with one major exception. Shortly after WWII, Betsy
Ross pianos created a new action using a new material called plastic. This was a disaster, while plastic at first was lighter and not subject to moisture, the newly invented plastic had a life span of about ten years before it became brittle and would shatter for no reason at all, and forevermore the Betsy Ross spinet piano was a non-instrument classified as bad. If the truth was known, replacing the plastic elbows in the action of a Betsy Ross gave you a perfectly acceptable piano for very little money.
BLUTHNER
Founded by Julius Blijthner In Leipzig, Germany in 1853, now under management of his great-grandson Ingbert Blijthner. Six grand piano models and two studio upright models are available.
BOSENDORFER PIANO - Vienna, Austria, for 150 years, with craftsmanship handed down from one generation to another. Bosendorfer Piano Co. produces the world's finest concert grand pianos, including the 9'6" Imperial, which is the largest of all pianos. The Bosendorfer Co. was purchased in 1966 by Kimball International Inc., parent company of the Kimball Piano & Organ Co.
BRADBURY PIANO CO., INC.
Factory located at Memphis, Tenn. until 1983
Founded in 1854 by Wm. B. Bradbury, a man of fine musical taste and education, the writer of many hymns and songs used to this day.
Bradbury pianos retained the traditions of quality and workmanship established for over 100 years. In styling, today's Bradbury models follow the trend towards smaller, more compact, and beautiful instruments. Bradbury pianos are made in a variety of designs: spinets, consoles, and grands. Many institutions and schools are using the Bradbury, despite the fact that this piano is especially designed for home use. Structorally, the Bradbury incorporates quality in modern piano building.
CABLE
This piano is manufactured by the Conover-Cable Piano Co. with offices and factory at Oregon, Ill. The original Cable Piano, an instrument of high standing and one which has always attained great popularity, is sold extensively in all parts of the United States and abroad. It possesses that pleasing attribute an exceptionally sweet tone, one of richness and exquisite delicacy, especially recommending it for studio and home use. Its lasting qualities are as unexcelled as skill, first-class workmanship and patient attention to the infinite details that piano building can insure. The original Cable Piano not only has th best qualities that distinguish an instrument of high standing, but those superior qualities of tone and action which are rendered possible by a construction and design especially adequate to the production of such desirable results.
The Cable Studio piano, due to its rugged durability, has been selected and recognized by many schools, colleges, music conservatories and public institutions where long lasting service is a requisite. The durable features embodied in original Cable pianos over many years are still being employed in attractively designed consoles and spinets.
The Cable Studio piano, due to its rugged durability, has been seleeted and recognized by many schools, colleges, music conservatories and public institutions where long lasting service a prequisite. Durable features embodied in original Cable pianos over many years are still being employed in attraotively designed consoles and spinets and grands. Memphis, Tenn.
CABLE, HOBART M., CO.
More than a hundred thousand instruments bearing this name have been manufactured since 1911. The pianos are known for their musical excellence, durability and attractive cabinet work.
CABLE-NELSON PIANO CO.
Owned and controlled by the Everett Piano Company, South Haven, Michigan, (listed in this section). Cable-Nelson is the low-priced companion line to the Everett. Since 1905, over a quarter of a million Cable-Nelson pianos, bearing one of the most respected names in American piano manufacturing have been produced in the large Everett factory on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Historically, the story of the origin of Cable-Nelson begins in Chicago in 1903 when Fayette S. Cable, a distinguished leader in the piano industry at the turn of the century, purchased two well established Chicago piano companies: the Lakeside Piano Company and the Sweetland Piano Company. These were merged into the Fayette S. Cable Company.
Cable joined forces with H. P. Nelson in 1905 to form the Cable-Nelson Piano Company. Messrs. Cable and Nelson, widely planning for the future of the company, sought to locate it in a fine, smaller community where the tradition of building outstanding pianos could be generated among the local working force and the standards of quality and perfection in their concept of manufacture could be insured. After surveying numerous mid-western localities, they chose South Haven which had ideal industrial facilities. From the very inception of the Cable-Nelson Company, Fayette S. Cable set the course of the company's operation in the direction of producing exceptionally fine pianos made of carefully selected materials and crafted with superior workmanship. And, starting out in a new manufacturing plant designed and built for the express purpose of making pianos, Cable rapidly proved his theory that the musical public would quickly recognize the design, tone and durability of Cable-Nelson pianos.
For the next two decades, the company prospered and produced fine grand and upright pianos that became proud possessions in homes all ovor the nation. In 1926, the Cable-Nolson Ir-lano Company morged its plant, facilities. ai+d pimo-making loro with one of the greatest names in the American music industry, the Everett Piano Company, founded in Boston ia 1883. When the two companies joined forces, the principle of product dependability at low cost was preserved in the Cable-Nelson line of pianos. And, through all of its history, the Cable-Nelson has represented one of this country's highest grades of pianos designed and built to be sold at a modest price to bring an excellent musical instrument to American families. Cable-Nelson cases are designed by William H. Cliagman of Grand Rapids, one of America 5 most noted furniture designers. From his drawing board in the center of the greatest furniture producing area of the country, Cliagman works in close association with the production engineering specialists at the South Haven plant. His objoctive always is freshness of design, together with lasting good tastc and dignity. The Cable-Nelson is available in a variety of pC1.io(1 and c-jnternporai.y styles and light-to-dark finishes.
CHALLIS, JOHN.
Harpsichord and Clavichord maker. 85 E. Vernor Hwy., Detroit Mich. Established in 1930. The first to use cast aluminum for structural frames not dependent on a substructure of wood. The first to use combined Bakelite and aluminum wrestplanks in which tuning-pins cannot come loose either from excessive dryness or long use. Challis harpsichords are known for their light, reliable actions, superior carrying quality in concert halls, and beauty of tone. All instruments sold directly to customer.
CHASE, A. B.
Established by Alvin B. Chase in 1885. He had for ten years previous to that devoted his inventive genius to the creation of the A. B. Chase organs. The A. B. Chase was a success from its inception. The fine reputation enjoyed by the A. B. Chase organs prepared the way for a ready acceptance of the A. B. Chase pianos. This is an honored name in the annals of music in America, being closely associated with the love and development of music in the home. They have always been noted for splendid workmanship. The A. B. Chase is made in baby grands and spinet models. It is a product of the Aeolian American Corporation.
CHASE & BAKER.
Instruments bearing this name are made by the Estey Piano Corp. of Bluffton, Indiana.
CHICKERING & SONS
Established in 1823, Chickering & Sons celebrated in 1923 the completion 0 f a century of continuous manufacture of Chickering pianos. illustrious firm, the oldest piano house in the United States, has been at all times in the forefront and has received woridwide recognition for its part in developing the pianoforte on distinctive lines.jonas Chickering, the founder was born at Mason Village, New Hampshire, in April, 1796, where, after a sound schooling, he thoroughly learned the business of cabinet making Impelled by a restless ambition to seek a larger field, he went to Boston in his early twenties.
There he entered the factory of a well+known piano maker of those days and pursued a course of study in Piano-making in its then primitive stage. It was not long before the genius of Jonas Chickering manifested itself, and he introduced a series of changes and improvements which have since become standard and which revolutionized the methods then prevailing. His name from the earliest times has been constantly linked with the Americanizing of the piano by methods of such importance and value that both America and Europe today admit their worth by universal adoption. To him must be ascribed the invention of the full iron plate for grand pianos recorded in 1837. This invention was accepted by the scientific world as one of far-reaching importance; indeed, it proved to be the foundation of all modern piano construction, for without it the sonorous grands of today would have been impossible. ~ successfully solved the problem of the proper support for the great strain of the strings and defined a new era in the history of Piano-making In 1843, Jonas Chickering invented a new deflection of the strings and in 1845 the first practical method for over stringing in square pianos, that is, instead of setting the strings side by side, substituting an arrangemet, of them in two banks, one over the other, not only saving space but bringing the Powerful bass strings, directly over the most resonant part of the sound-board, a principle which obtains to this day in the construction of all pianos, both grands and uprights. Until the year 18.52, Jonas Chickering superintended each department of his business with his usual scrupulous care but was relieved of much of this responsibility upon his taking into partnership his three sons, all of whom had received under their father a practical training of the highest order. The genius of C. Frank Chickering as a 'r-scale'' draftsman soon became internationally known and acknowledged and to his extensive scientific research is to be attributed much of the renowned beauty of the Chickering tone. Not content with retaining this invaluable knowledge himself he imparted the secrets of his studies to those in the factory in whose gifts he had confidence, thus insuring their perpetuation. In addition to the many patents taken out by Jonas Chickeriag, his sons and their successors, various methods exclusive to themselves have also been employed and there are in
constant use operations of an abstract character which may be described as mechanical subtleties possessing great value and which are an integral part of the Chickering system. The above outline of the significant importance of the Chickeriag system will appeal to the practical minded but to those who would know more of the romance and charm which the Chickering story holds for the student of America's musical development. The significance and historic value of Chickering in the development of the pianoforte in America is seen in the preservation at the Ford Museum at Dearborn of several important Chickerings including the very first instrument made by Jonas Chickering in 1823. Others are: the first Chickering upright made in 1830 and the first Chickering grand completed prior to 1850. Chickering & Sons have receive upwards of 200 first medals and awards. These have been received from States and sovereigns, international expositions and learned societies in all parts of the world embracing every known method of honoring distinguished merit. C. Frank Chickering was personally invested with the Imperial Cross of the Legion of Honor at the hands of Napoleon 111. The significance of this high honor is the more appreciated because of its extreme rarity, very few such honors having been bestowed for accomplishments in the fine arts. In 1923 Chickering & So+is were the recipients of a remarkable tribute from musicians and persons of prominence in all walks of life who united in celebrating the Hundredth Anniversary of the founding of Jonas Chickering's epoch making enterprises. A committee headed by the Hun. Calvin Coolidge (then Vice-President of the United
States) carried to a successful and brilliant conclusion what was termed the Jonas Chickering Centennial Celebration, culminating in a banquet held at the Copley Plaza, Boston, at which Mr. Coolidge was the chief speaker. It marked in a most significant manner a century of musical achievement that is without parallel in the history of American piano making. The most famous virtuosi including pianists, singers and instrumentalists have exhausted superlatives in expressing their high admiration of the Chickering. The Handel and Haydn Society of Boston the world's foremost oratorio group, established 1815, has used the Chickering exclusively for more than a century.
The list of pianists, composers and musicians who have since its inception used and endorsed the Chickering piano is too long to include here. Several years ago this great house, content with its already rich background of achievement on the concert stage, turned its attention to the perfection of a smaller piano. The Chick-ring is essentially a piano for the home. The first successful small grand was a Chickering and, today, the exquisite instruments made by this famous house bear witness to the scientific and successful solution of the problem of bringing into the confines of pleasingly curtailed dimensions the rich sonority and perfect balance and nobility of tone of the larger grand. A notable achievement in both tone and beauty of case is seen in the Chickering pianos of the nes vertical type especially designed to meet today's problem of space in the smalleT apartments, preserving beauty and tonal quality. The present factory of Chickering & Sons, at East Rochester, New York, presents an example of superb modern equipment.
CONOVER
This piano belongs in the highest grade manufactured J Frank Conover was considered one of the world's greatest piano makers, a man who devoted over 40 years of his life to the study of a single problem-tone Behind the life work of Mr. Conover are the present unlimited resources of the maker-the Conover-Cable Piano Co., with unsurpassed modernized factory facilities and an organization of most competent experts. The Conover scale has met and is constnntly meeting the highest requirements of musicians. The patented sounding-board and frame construction in the small grand is part of an improved construction designed to maintain the proper curvature of the sounding board so necessary to preserve the original tonal beauty of the instrument. Instruments having this construction, bear the trade mark "Crownstay." The Conover piano is a product of the Conover-Cable Piano Company with offices and factory located at Oregon, Illinois
CONOVER-CABLE PIANO CO.
This company was established in 1875, and honors J. Frank Conover who introduced his now famous piano in the same year. Located at Oregon, Illinois, this company manufactures a wide variety of both spinets and consoles. They have long been known for the lasting quality of their instruments and for their exquisite appearance as to finish. The plant is extremely large and well equipped so that every advantage can be taken of modern engineering techniques combined with old time hand operations. This company manufactured such famous instruments as the Cable, Kingsbury, Wellington and Schiller in strict accordance with their traditional exclusive patents and methods.
Piano belongs in the highest grade manufactured. J. Frank Conover was considered one of the world's greatest piano makers, a man who devoted over 40 years of his life to the study of a single problem-tone. Behind the life work of Mr. Conover are the present unlimited resources of the make the Aeolian Corp., with unsurpassed modernized factory facilities and anorganization of most competent experts. Conover scale has met and is constantly meeting the highest requirements of musicians. Memphis, Tenn.
CURRIER
Currier Piano Company's heritage of handcrafted excellence began in 1823 with the Boston founding of Currier & Company. Since the heart of fine piano manufacture is not found in highly mechanized operations, Currier Piano built its plant in Western North Carolina. This lush mountain country provided Currier with two vital assets craftsmen and artisans capable of patient, expertly handcrafted work and a ready supply of premium mountain hardwoods and fruitwoods. Preserving the richly grained wood which had distinguished its pianos year after year.
This special finish was developed by Thad M. Poteat, executive vice president. It was introduced in early 1977, Curriercote protects the deeply marbled under-finish of the Currier Piano from scratches, scrapes, and water damage even from cigarettes burns. It is based is a special chemical formula developed by a leading chemical company.
u.s. Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams were early owners of Currier pianos. DUO/ART PLAYER-PIANO
An exciting innovation in piano design and engineering has led to the creation of the Hardman DUO, the amazing new player-piano developed and manufactured exclusively by Hardman, Peck & Co. Unveiled in the Spring of 1957, the DUO is actually two pianos in one. At once an incomparable Hardman Console famed for acoustical richness is changed from manual to a player-piano, ready to play any of the hundreds of melodies on music rolls-everything from classics to rock 'n roll.
A flick of the lever and the dropping of a panel are all it takes to release the pedals and finger-tip controls of the new DUO. Expression is extremely sensitive to the individual touch. Rhythm and nuances are even attainable through subtle practice on the pedals themselves. But other expression devices enable you to have complete shading control over any melody played. A tempo gauge, calibrated to any extra wide sweep can be set or changed during play by a flick of the finger. Soft bass and soft treble buttons may be depressed independently or together for muting melody or bass chords. In addition a volume lever sustains tones like the manual sustaining foot pedal. When manual play is again desired, raising the panel and another flick of the lever places all controls completely away from view, and at once you again have a manual Console with standard toe pedals.
The DUO is an ideal family piano, one that every member can play even those who have never had a lesson. Lyrics are printed right on the music rolls, so everyone can sing along as well. This adds greatly to the fun of family gatherings and parties. The young student in the family will find he learns faster on the DUO. He can play it manually for practice lessons, and as a player-piano to observe the technique of more advanced arrangements.
One of the oldest and most respected of all player-piano names, DuoArt is the newest of all present-day player makes. DuoArt features such special refinements as automatic expression control, a device activated by music roll perforations, and which engages sustaining pedal; a sensitive volume control and a trans poser bar to permit playing in any of five different keys.
Other expression devices include soft bass and treble buttons, which may be employed separately or together for muting melody or bass chords. In addition, a loud pedal lever may be used to sustain tones. Finally, tempo can be set or changed during play by a flick of the finger. DuoArt comes equipped with authentic foot pedals that enable adding rhythm, and subtle expression variatiors. An electric motor unit allow enjoying player-piano music without effort. DuoArt uses performance-proven Standard Pneumatic Action Co. player mechanism. As a regular manual console piano, DuoArt is perfect for beginners or the accomplished. When all player controls are hidden from sight, DuoArt is a fine direct blow console, with responsive action and rich tone. DuoArt is available in a choice of two styles.
EMERSON
Established by William Emerson in 1849, it is one of the beat known names in the piano world. William Emerson's idea was "tone," not tone volume solely but tone characterized by clearness and sweetness. The immediate demand for his instruments produced abundant evidence of his success. They soon became known as the "sweet-toned Emerson." The Emerson was made in small grands, spinets, being pre-eminently a piano for the home. It was a product of the Aeolian American Corporation.
ESTEY
Manufacturers of the famous Estey line of pianos. The factory and executive offices were located at Bluffton, In. The Estey business was established in 1869 and has ever since occupied a position of prominence in the pianoforte industry. The concern manufactures a complete line of pianos, including 4 ft.-6 in. grands, spinets and consoles. Estey pianos received an award at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, at the International Exposition, Torino, Italy, in 1911, at the Pan-American Exposition in San Francisco in 1915, and latterly they were awarded the gold medal at the Sesqui-Centennia-: Exposition in Philadelphia for unusual beauty of case design and the high quality of the instruments.
Estey pianos were available in styles from period to traditional to modern, and in woods and finishes including African mahogany, American walnut, limed oak. Salem maple, blond mahogany and cherry.
The Estey Piano Corporation made notable improvements in piano building that have developed into the outstanding feature of Estey pianos. The Violin Bridge Construction (Patent Pending) is said to improve the tone quality, tone volume and sustaining tone in a most amazing manner. This discovery is very simple and is accomplished by reducing the mass of the treble bridge by means of running a furrow or cove along each 5i(IO of the bridge, thereby adding flexibility and reducing the weight of the bridge. The Direct Blow Action (Pat. No. 2096478) is used in all Estey consoles and spinets. This development permits of correct touch, maximum power and excellent responsiveness, and furthermore eliminates action worries and troubles. All Estey pianos have 7-ply hard maple planks.
The manufacture of Estey products was under the supervision of men who had been prominently identified with the piano industry of this country for many years, men who are authorities on quality pianoforte building.
EVERETT
The Everett Piano Company was established in Boston, Mass., in 1883, by the John J. Church Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, one of the leading music publishing concerns of America. In June, 1926, Everett merged with the Cable-Nelson Piano Company; and the firm moved manufacturing facilities from Boston to South Haven, Michigan.
From its earliest inception, the Everett was a piano of high quality. Teresa Carreno, foremost pianist of her time; Walter Damrosch, long-time conductor of the N.Y. -ymphony and pioneer radio conductor; Cecile Chaminade, eminent French composer; the pianist Alfred Reisenauer, John Philip Sousa-these are but a few of the many great artists who played Everett grands on the concert stage or owned, used and admired them in private life. Because of the growing vogue of the small piano in the home and the shrinking market for grands. Everett ceased making grand pianos in 1946 and devoted their entire manufacturing facilities to small pianos.
A turning point in the company's history was its acquisition in 1936 by George Stapely. (The firm subsequently became a subsidiary of the Meridan Corporation.) Mr. Stapely was a graduate engineer who had served as production manager for Chevrolet and authored a series of books on engineering and cost control. One of the greatest of Mr. Stapely's innovations was the development of the Balanced Tension back. The Everett Balanced Tension back construction (patented), introduced in 1946, was a most important improvement in scientific piano construction equaling in its engineering features that of the full cast plate now universally used. The principle is as old as history, but new as applied to pianos. Using cast metal levers which control the balance the 20 ton pull of the piano strings and synchronize with movements of the cast plate under varying conditions of heat and cold, damp or dry climates, Everett achieves 40% greater tone freedom and a much more solid tone.
Exhaustive testing and the subsequent use in all part-: of America during the last thirteen years have proven most conclusively that pianos so constructed stay in tune for a much longer period. All Everett consoles and spinets have this exclusive construction feature. In 1949, as the result of many years' research, Everett introduced the first small pianos with a dyna-tension scale, which, according to Everett, gives them the "tonal beauty of a grand." The dyna-tension scale was developed and perfected by John A. Herms, America's foremost piano scale designer. This exclusive scale is possible only in Everett consoles and spinets with Balanced Tension back, because no other piano (i.e. a piano with wooden back posts instead of metal levers) has the strength to carry the increased load of a super high string tension. The company claims that
the beautifully fashioned Everett offers the same "concert fidelity" . .. distortion-free volume more than adequate for today's home ... as a fine grard piano, which also has "high tension" strings.
Everett employed one of America's leading furniture designers, William H. Clingman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, to create authentic period designs and finest modern and contemporary stylings in a complete range of light, medium and dark hardwood veneer finishes to harmonize with other fine furniture pieces.
The Everett School Piano has been purchased by more than 7,000 colleges and universities, schools and churches since 1948. It was the first school piano to meet and then exceed the rigid specifications for school pianos set by Dr. Elwyn C. Carter, head of the music department of Western Michigan University. The Style 11, incorporates many features including a greatly reinforced fallboard with concealed locks at both ends, extra sturdy back-posts (26% heavier than before), and a locking top (patent applied for). The piano comes in a choice of finishes.
Everett was long known as "An Honest Piano at an Honest Price" and featured the exclusive Dyna-tension back construction in its IMPERIAL and LIMITED series of 41 inch consoles. Also offered was the Everett CLASSIC series, a moderately priced console.
Bought by Yamaha in September, 1973, Yamaha expanded its capabilities when it acquired the facilities of the Everett Piano Company which it now uses to produce a line of Yamaha console and studio pianos in South Haven, Michigan.
The 45 inch Everett Style 11 school piano has been chose by more than 10,000 schools, colleges, universities, and churches. It meets the rigid specifications established by Dr. Elwyn Carter, Western Michigan University, which have been generally accepted as a standard for the purchase of institutional pianos. In addition, two other 45 inch verticals are in popular demand: the Home Professional in walnut or ebony, and the beautiful Chapel piano in oak.
FORSTER-AUGUST FORSTER
Manufactured in Loebau, East Germany, since 1863. One of the most respected grand pianos in continental Europe. The concert grand with the Forster name is a work of art. Various special construction features help produce the distinctive, well known "Forster Sound." Exclusive distributors:
MCH Manufacturers' Centre Holland U.s.A., Inc., 955 West Pratt Boulevard, Elk Grove, Illinois 60007.
FISCHER, J. & c.
Manufactured by the Aeolian American Corporation. One of the oldest and most reputable pianos in the United States. 3. & C. Fischer succeeded directly to the business of R.& W. Nuons of New York, one of the pioneer houses in the American piano industry. The present title of J. & C. Fischer was given the firm in 1&40. John U. Fischer and Charles S. Fischer came of a most distinguished family of piano makers, their father having gain~l the coveted honor of being appointed "piano-maker" to Ferdinand I, King of Naples. The original factory of 3. C. Fischer wlaS established in 1840 in St. John's Lane, New York City. The present factories and general offices are in East Rochester, N. Y. This house has taken a prominent part in the development of the piano industry in the United States. The 3. & C. Fischer pianos in small grands, consoles and School pianos of professional performance are c-iebrated for their fine, pure quality of tone, and the 3. & C. Fischer is further distinguished for the beauty of its case designs. In recent years special attention has been given to this important feature of artistic piano making so that even the regular models of Fischer pianos are noteworthy for their simplicity and grace, and the period models are superb examples of the adaptation of the decorative art of past centuries to the case of the modern piano.
JESSE FRENCH & SONS
In January 1955, the P. A. Starck Piano Co. of Chicago purchased the Jesse French & Sons trade position. In the modern Starck factory, master craftsmen utilize materials and equipment to produce Jesse French pianos of beauty and lasting musical quality for the intimacy of the American home; the exactitude of the studio and the hard usage of the school. The Jesse French models are exclusive designs based on present day trends in home furnishings. Jesse French pianos are scientifically balanced in every detail, and are nationally known as instruments of the highest quality. Many satisfied purchasers recommend Jesse French pianos to their friends. It is not unusual for the second and third generations of families to purchase a Jesse French piano. Each Jesse French piano is equipped with the new Ori-Coustic High Tension Scale. This scale has been acclaimed by experts as one of the finest piano scales available,regardless of price. GRAND
Morganton, N.C.
One of the few family owned and operated piano manufacturers remaining in existence. Exclusive manufacturers of the CONSOLLA upright pianos which are 39" in height and the 42" HERITAGE series direct blow consoles. The entire product line is marketed nationwide under the GRAND and/ or UNCAID names. Grand specializes in the manufacture of budget priced upright pianos which are sold through leading piano dealers throughout the United StateL Grand's modern manufacturing facilities consist of 100,000 square feet situated on a 25 acre tract of land immediately outside of the Morganton city limits. The property and facilities are all company-owned.
Grand is renowned for having intreduced brand new 88 key upright pianos in a budget price range previously reserved for rebuilt pianos. An assortment of 25 cabinet styles encompass Modern, Contemporary, Transitional, Traditional, Early American, Spanish, French Provincial, Italian Provincial and Mediterranean styles available in Walnut, Mahogany, Oak, Pecan, Cherry Fruitwood, Maple, Pine and Antique White/Gold finishes. Grand construction features include full 88 note keyboards, three solid brass pedals including operative bass sustaining pedal, full size reinforced plate, a comfortable 24~" keybed height, extra length solid copper wound bass strings, hardrock maple bushings, nickel plated tuning pins, five full size 3', back posts made from solid stock, exposed posts inter-locking with the filler blocks, laminated hardrock maple pin-plank, 27 ply laminated birch keybed to insure permanent stability, Solid Sitka Spruce Soundboards (tapered and crowned), 10 perfectly spaced ribs (feathered and crowned), crowned liners, Solid Northern Hardrock Maple Bass and Treble bridges, heavyweight hammers of reinforced, waterproof construction, genuine veneers in lumber core construction, finished backs and lustrous hand rubbed finishes on the cabinets.
In addition to these features, the 42" Heritage series consoles also feature built-up tops, prop lids and Boston-style fallhoards with two full-length continuous hinges. A special Conservatory
style 42" console further offers solid oak cabinet construction, an extraordinary mirror finish, a louvered tonal escapement riser panel, fallboard lock, recessed hinged top and a buil+in de-
humidifler.
Grand offers an industry-wide Exclusive Lifetime Warranty to purchasers of its products. The warranty is anchored in the solid stability of the Kincaid family tradition, recognized over half a century for honor and craftsmanship. Grand offers their dealers an exclusive deferred-payment finance plan that permits pianos to be paid for as sold. This unique plan eliminates all preliminary costs, and limits dealer cost to simply interest on ADB basis making this floor plan program competitive with all types of bank funding. This plan is independent of any other floor plan already being utilized. This plan can be extended for a full year and includes rental provisions. This plan provides for stocking of larger inventories without any capital outlay.
Grand delivers its pianos on ite own fleet of trucks directly to the dealer's stores. This unique service provides distinct savings in freight costs, virtually eliminates transit damage, speeds up delivery and eliminates the need for crating/ uncrating the piano. This service is also available nationwide. Grand is dedicated to leading the field in providing upright pianos at modest prices which can be proudly sold as the best value on the market. Grand feels they offer an instrument most suited to the mass music market simply besause they have developed a preclsion built piano with a fine sound, in a beautifully styled and finished cabinet to be sold at a price that enables more people to place a marvelous musical instrument in the home. With Grand uprights, total family fun and total family enrichment can cease to be a dream and move toward reality.
GULBRANSEN
By building a new multi-million dollar plant, Gulbransen became the first piano manufacturer in half a century to achieve this distinction, and this venture was especially noteworthy. The demonstration of faith in its splendid products, faith in the piano industry, and faith in America was entirely justifiable in the light that it became necessary to enlarge their facilities by an additional new big wing of 50,000 square feet, so that now theirs is the largest, all on one floor level, piano factory in all the world.
The Gulbransen factory retained all its personnel in sales and plant craftsmen. The latter are in a new and modern environment, and have taken with them all the know-how of a craft that has taken many decades to learn and in most cases in herited and handed down from family to family. Gulbransen workmen average 40 years in piano making. Their product is their pride and they are bringing up their sons to follow.
Beyond internal excellence of the mechanics that go into a Gulbransen is the forward-looking, alert thinking of the management, which was attentive to the style changes in their interior mode of the home. No Gulbransen piano owner is ever without an available new model to match the motif of home or studio.
More than 500,000 pianos have been manufactured by this company, thereby establishing it as one of the largest in the industry. The distribution of this vast number of instruments has been accomplished through a nation-wide organization of dealers whose high ethics in merchandising conform with those of the company itself. Through this widespread dealer organization, Gulbransen pianos have been sold into many homes and, in addition, are to be found in more than 7,500 schools, churches, conservatories of music, radio stations and the studios of many prominent musicians. The highly trained and experienced technicians who make up the Gulbransen personnel are carrying on the high ideals and standards instilled by the company's distinguished founder, A. G. Gulbransen. Of this personnel the most important members are the "men who make them," a group of artisans who have literally spent their lives employing those principles of piano craftsmanship without which no fine piano can be created.
Backing up their efforts, Gulbransen is known for having only the latest and finest in manufacturing equipment. Numerous patented devices are in daily use for research and improvement of products and under the guidance of E. W. Okeson, factory superintendent, an authority on scale drawing and piano building, the present line of Gulbransen Supertone scale pianos has been brought to a higher standard than ever before. A large number of distinguished models of period, modern and conventional designing are offered, and interior decorators widely
acclaim the authenticity and gracious dignity of Gulbransen cabinet styling. Prominent among these are the new spinet-type and console models which include a variety of beautiful encasements in a number of sizes. In addition to these new type pianos Gulbransen has an unusually complete line of conventional grands, uprights and other models, all incorporating those features of construction and tonal excellence which are characteristic of the Gulbransen pianos. Owners of instruments of this make have the eminent satisfaction of knowing that "the name of the founder is the name on the piano.
HADDORFF
The elder Haddorff was recognized as a genius of first rank in the design and creation of fine pianos, equally eminent in his artistic conception of piano tone and in his mastery of the mechanical problems of fine piano construction. His scales, both for his concert grand and other professional pianos and for the smaller pianos, have been judged by experts as important contributions to both the scientific and artistic sides of piano acoustics.
On the material side, he felt that his most significant achievement was his original theory and practice of sound board design and layout, involving a novel formula for the tapering of the board itself and the proper allocation and dimensions of ribs and bridges. It is this feature which is mainly responsible for that even quality and fullness of power throughout the whole piano range which is one of the distinguishing characteristics of Haddorff Pianos. Other mechanical improvements due to the mechanical ingenuity of C. A. Haddorif, some of them patented, are too numerous for listing. During the year 1935, the Haddorif' Piano Co. created one of the great piano sensations of all time by the introduction of a new and original piano form kno'vn as the ""ertichor~~ This piano achieved what was up to that time regarded as an impossibility, a vertical piano which could never be called an "upright," but which preserved all the advantages of that type of piano in the way of space economy, sound board area, and string lengths.
The Vertichord was the original and the prototype of all of the pianos which have since come to be known as Spinets and Consoles and whith now account for the great majority of the total plano production. The basic design ard construction of the Vertichord are fully covered by patents. The Vertichord presents a further sensational improvement in small piano tonal development in the form of a secondary sound board connected with the main board by means of a "tone post" called the acoustic coupler. This invention increases the sound board area by more than half, with a corresponding improvement in the power and quality of tone.
HALLETT & DAVIS
Originally established in Boston in 1839 and one of the three oldest piano names in the country. The name Hallet & Davis has been intermingled with all important musical events since practically the birth of the American piano. Used exclusIvely in many leading musical schools and conservatories, it meets, with high satisfaction, the most rigorous demands. Hallet & Davis Pianos have received 140 gold medals and competitive awards. At the Paris Exhibition of 1887 Franz Liszt, the great pianist-c:omposer, played on a Hallet & Davis piano, and enthusiastically endorsed it. Johann Strauss, whose "Blue Danube" and other waltzes will live forever, was enthusiastic about its tone. It has received awards at all the great world's expositions, including the Berlin Exposition of 1871, the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876, the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, and the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle in 1909. In 1911, His Holiness the Pope, Pius X, selected a Hallet & Davis for the Vatican, and has awarded its makers a gold medal. This renowned instrument is being built today in accordance with the ideals of artistic and mechanical integrity which have made Hallet & Davis pianos widely prized by musical artists and virtuosi.
HAMIL TON Built by Baldwin
This name designated the 45" studio piano built by The Baldwin Piano Company. Functionally styled, it is built in mahogany, dark and light oak, walnut. and ebonized. The name "Hamilton" is registered in the U. S. Patent Office.
Baldwin also builds-Baldwin Grand Pianos, Acrosonic Spinet and Console Pianos, Howard Spinet Pianos, Baldwin Electronic Organs and Orga-sonic Spinet Organs.
HAMPTON
Pianos bearing this name were built by Story & Clark Piano Company, to whom refer. HARDMAN, PECK & CO.
Founded in 1842. Executive offices, 33 W. 57th St., New York City. One of the oldest and most distinguished manufacturers in the piano industry. Has a world-wide reputation. For fifteen years the Hardman was the official piano of the Metropolitan Opera Co. and was highly and enthusiastically endorsed by leading opera stars. Enrico Caruso personally used and endorsed the Hardman piano exclusively during his entire career in the United States. For years they have been used by pianists, singers and musicians of international fame.
Hardman, Peck & Co. make a specialty of building instruments for export in addition to their large domestic market, and many thousands of their instruments are now in use throughout the world. Their long experience in exporting pianos guarantees absolute satisfaction. Their pianos were distinguished by the variety and artistic character of their musical qualities, including purity, delicacy, and singing character of tone, and also for their finely balanced and sensitive touch. These characteristics are prepared for long periods of time as the pianos are especially constructed to hold the tone. Hardman, Peck & Co. also manufactures Hardman Grands and Spinet Type pianos; also Harrington Grands and Console Type pianos. They are exclusive manufacturers in U.s.A. of the Minipiano.
Newly introduced in 1957 has been the Hardman DUO, the amazing player piano built into the compactness of a standard console. As the DUO is both a regular console as well as player, much public acclaim greeted the arrival of the new "complete family instrument."
HARRINGTON
Manufactured in the Harrington Department of Hardman, Peck & Co., New York, since 1891. A moderately priced instrument of superior qualities perpetuated by a durability resulting from the best materials fashioned by expert workmen. To the musician, the Harrington console offers an instrument of superior power and richness of tone, plus that durable construction so characteristic of the Hardman. The recognized standing of Hardman, Peck & Company, who have been preeminent in the manufacture of fine pianos since 1842.
HEINTZMAN
A Canadian company with an international reputation. Heintzman has been making pianos since 1850 and has won many international awards for quality and tone. Heintzman manufactures a full line of console pianos ranging in size from 41" to 48" and a 6' grand piano. The products have many exclusive features, including independent agraffes. Built in Hanover, Ontario, Canada. Mr. W. D. Heintzman, president. U.s.A.
HOBART M. CABLE
For generations, Hobart M. Cable pianos have been bringing music into home around the country. The Hobart M. Cable piano line has taken great pride in providing fine quality home pianos at a very modest and affordable price. Its features include three working brass pedals for better tone control and longer strings for better sound. It's no wonder that nearly 100,000 pianos carry the Hobart M. Cable name in living rooms everywhere. Every Hobart M. Cable piano carries a 10-year Limited Warranty that's transferable to subsequent owners during this period. Hobart M. Cable pianos are assembled with excellence in quality and craftsmanship in Grand Haven, Michigan. Write for complete literature. Hobart M. Cable. Lincoinwood, Illinois 60646. (NORLIN)
HORUGEL
HOWARD
This name designates a spinet piano built by The Baldwin Piano Company. Its cabinetry was in a Contemporary style, in either mahogany or walnut. The name is registered with the U. S. Patent Office.
HOWARD,R.
Refer to Janssen Piano Co., listing.
IVERS & POND
This old established, nationally prominent, and highly regarded concern continues with its policy of building only pianos of high quality. Incorporated in 1880
The Ivers & Pond piano is noted for its structural integrity, extreme durability and charming tone quality. It has always enjoyed a wide national distribution, and the house has never changed from the original corporate form chosen at the start.
Over seven hundred conservatories and schools and over eighty thousand homes throughout the country use Ivers & Pond Pianos. In years past the company has been one of the most extensive and consistent advertisers in the piano industry so that the name "Ivers & Pond" has become almost a household word in musical circles throughout the land. Many practical improvements and special features enhancing durability and tonal qualities have been developed in the Ivers & Pond factories and particular attention has been paid to artistic styling of the various piano types. The historic policy of this well-known house, of building quality instruments only, is being strictly maintained, as is also their principle of constantly striving to give greater value to the purchaser.
JANSSEN
One of the most respected names, among keyboard instruments in America today, and one of tile few remaining companies in the industry still controlled and actively directed by the descendants of the founding family. The Janssen family owned and operated one of the largest and best equipped piano manufacturing plants in New York City, where skilled artisans perpetuate a tradition of more than 100 years of dedication to the highest standards of quality piano construction. The company's steadfast insistence on integrity of craftsmanship and superiority of materials has earned for its products a truly distinctive reputation, not only with other manufacturers, but with America's foremost piano dealers and the music loving public everywhere.
Although the Janssen piano has gained a broad acceptance among schools, musical institutions, and teachers of music, it has become widely known as "The Home Piano of America" because of the many exclusive features and qualities that make it the ideal instrument for use and enjoyment in the home,
the traditional cradle of musical appreciation and learning. The superiority of the Janssen piano was
the result of the company's continued policy of product research and refinement, and few companies in the industry can point to such an impressive record of successful improvements in design, materials, beauty of tone, mechanical excellence, and the efficiency and exactness of manufacturing procedures. Proud owners of Janssen pianos throughout the United States and in many foreign lands as well are reaping the benefits of this policy of product improvement and development, for no other piano has so much lasting value built into it, and no piano, regardless of price, has all the exclusive features found in a [anssen.>
In the Janssen Console line of quality leaders in the fine piano field are found many of the exclusive features that make the purchase of a Janssen such a sound investment. One of them, the built-in Music Desk Light, has been proclaimed as one of the most beneficial improvements in the history of piano manufacturing. The soft illumination of this fluorescent light, directly below the music, makes other room lights unnecessary and is a priceless safeguard of good eyesight for children and adults alike. The light also effectively combats dampness:, the greatest enemy of a piano's delicate inner mechanism.
The remarkable strength and durability of grand piano construction is achieved in Janssen's exclusive four-section cast iron plate, which guarantees longer instrument life and greater tone quality. This is but another of the numerous quality features that make the Janssen the superlative instrument that it is and assure the purchaser of a lifetime of pleasure and satisfaction. Other fine and desirable Janssen Mignon features include beautiful hand-rubbed lacquer finishes, truly authentic period styles, responsive Direct-Blow Action, solid Sitka Spruce sounding boards, sturdy six-post backs, three functional pedals, including bass sustaining, reinforced moth-proof hammers, Maple tuning pin bushings, and the most rigid pin-block construction possible, through Hard-Rock Maple laminations and nickel-plated pin-block locks.
It was not only the intrinsic quality of Janssen piano construction that kept the Janssen name in the forefront of the industry, but also the success of the company's engineering imagination. The Janssen Spinet, for instance, is the smallest full-keyboard spinet piano in the world with standard Direct-Blow Action, and represented one of the truly great piano values on the market.
The Janssen Chord Piano was another much-publicized invention born of the inspiration and know-how of Janssen technicians, that by an integral system of diminutive colored lights, enabled anyone, regardless of age, to sit down and have fun at the piano without ever having had a lesson.
The best understanding of the continued excellence of the Janssen Piano can be found in the words of the famous Janassen Creed, which was written many years ago by the founder and summarizes the principles that govern the company today:
"This is my creed and on it I have built my Piano and Reputation! To give you as nearly as possible a dollar's value for every dollar you give me. To treat you as I want to be Justly. Since you may possibly know little or nothing about the material or craftsmanship that goes into the piano you bought, you must naturally rely on me. I want you to do that-and I promise that your confidence shall not be misplaced. Following this creed for a life time, has earned a [anassen reputation, that my product and methods must; maintain. I want to be right and do right. If I fail in anyone thing, it will never be because I wanted to."
CURRIER PIANO CaMP ANY KAMAN a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation-
Curriercote protects the deeply marbled under-finish of the Currier Piano from scratches, scrapes, and water damage-even from smouldering cigarettes. Its basis is a special chemical formula developed by a leading chemical company with direction from Currier. Rather than replacing the superb hardwood finish that has become a tradition at Currier, Curriecote provides a tough barrier between wood and generations of wear and tear.
Since the heart of fine piano manufacture is not found :n highly mechanized operations, Currier Piano +ilt its present plant in Western North Carolina. This lush mountain country provided Currier with two vital assets-craftsmen and artisans capable of patient, expertly handcrafted work and a ready supply of premium mountain hardwoods and fruitwoods. The special know-how, gentle pride, and attention to detail that mountain craftsmen bring to work every day constitute the real trademark of Currier. Combined with the excellent distribution of Kaman. A Currier piano is an excellent investment.
Since moving into its new, modern 90,000 square-foot plant in Marion, North Carolina, Currier has broadened its manufacturing capabilities to irr-ude deluxe style consoles, professional studios as well as a line of quality grand pianos. Along with its re-Iar spinet and console production, these new additions enable Currier to meet all piano needs.
The Parents' Magazine Guaranteed Seal has been awarded to the Currier Piano Company for the eighth year. By meeting rigid product standards and professional inspections by Parents' Consumer Products Testing Bureau, Currier provides a piano guaranteed by two outstanding companies-Parents' Magazine and Currier Piano Company.
KAWAI
The forerunner of today's full line of Kawai grand and console pianos was manufactured in Japan in 1899. Today, Kawal pianos, made by Kawal Musical Instruments, Hamamatsu, Japan, are distributed throughout the u.s. by Kawal America Corporation, a wholly-owned factory subsidiary.KIMBALL, W. W.
Established 1857. An old and distinguished house of international standing and reputation. Since its inception, the firm has been under the continuous ownership and control of the Kimball family. One of the world's quality manufacturers of pianos, grand pianos, consoles, consolettes, spinets and studio models.
The Kimball plant, occupies approximately 200,000 square feet of floor space. The building is equipped with modern machinery and appliances for an ideal mixture of fine craftsmanship and modern methods. In the manufacture of these instruments the best and most reliable materials are used and an exceptionally high class of labor is employed. Completion of the plant in May, 1956, revealed completely new dry kiln and lumber handling equipment, extensive conveyor systems, and the air-conditioned office facilities. The program included acquisition of the newest
modern machinery, including many special machines developed by Kimball engineers and employees.
The Kimball line of grands includes several sizes Vertical type pianos included a special school and studio model. Artist Console, Consolete, and Spinet models were available in a wide range of modern and period designs. The Kimball Consolette has four exclusive Tone-Touch features: The Kimball Pipe-Organ Tone Chamber, produced through the combined skill of the Company's pipe organ and piano technicians; the Kimball Unilocked Scale; the Kimball patented Direct Blow Action; and the new Kimball Life-crowned Toneboard, which will not split or crack open and
permanently holds the crown developed through years of research and experiment. The Kimball technical staff draws all scales, designs' actions and cases and various other parts; thus insuring the precision and uniforra quality that are so important to the performance of a fine piano. The company even operates a completely equipped machine shop where have been built many ingenious special machines found only in this plant.
The Kimball instruments have won recognition at many of the world's expositions, among these the Chicago Columbian Exposition, 1893, gave the Kimball Co. "an award of superlative merit" for having attained the highest standard of excellence in its particular manufacture. The international Jury of Awards of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition at Seattle, 1909, conferred the highest award upon Kimball grands and uprights and pipe organs, stating, "Their upright and grand pianos typify the highest perfection in tone, scale, action and design, in American piano making." At the Trans-Mississippi Exposition at Omaha, Nebr., in 1898, Kimball pianos received the diploma and only gold medal awarded any piano. Highest awards from the Panama-Pacific Exposition at San Francisco were announced in the summer of 1916, Grand piano medal. Hundreds of world famous musicians and singers have used Kimball pianos, lOath in public and for their private use, and have given them unqualified endorsements. The Kimball is heard on the concert stage today as it has been continuously for over half a century. Several thousand churches, schools, colleges and public institutions have purchased Kimball pianos. Among the colleges, universities and conservatories which have purchased Kimball pianos: Cosmopolitan School of Music, American Conservatory of Music, Chicago, Barry College, Miami, Fla., Birmingham Conservatory of Music, Ward Belmont College, Detroit Conservatory of Music, U. S. Military Academy (West Point), Stephens College, Christian College, Oregon State College, Universities of Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, Delaware, Southern California, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Montana, Oregon, Texas, Washington. Public schools in Chicago, Illinois; Seattle, Washington; Cleveland, Ohio; Providence, R. I.; St. Paul, Minnesota; Kansas City, Missouri; Washington, D. c.; Los Angeles, California; West Palm Beach, Florida; Wilmington, Delaware; Youngstown, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; and over a thousand other schools. Several thousand Kimball pianos are used in churches and in associated schools. A large number of radio stations, hotels and other public institutions have also purchased and are using Kimball pianos.
Kimball was the first to perfect a laminated spruce sounding board ... one of the most important piano improvements in generations ... as described above; first to develop electronic gluing, which permits using waterproof glues in piano case construction; first to pioneer lacquer to supplant varnish, producing a perfect finish, a better product ... for less money; first to perfect a keybed leveling device
which eliminates wedges and shims, produces a perfect key level; first to pioneer the type of white and black keys now used by the entire industry; first to make a piano
in genuine fruitwood; first to design authentic French Provincial and Early American pianos; first to develop a grand scale for a 5' size grand piano.
The Kimball Piano & Organ Co. is one of the oldest and most distinguished keyboard instrument manufacturers. It was established in 1857 and is now part of Kimball International, Inc. of Jasper, Ind. Kimball is the largest keyboard instrument manufacturer in the United States and produces a more complete range of pianos than any other manufacturer in the world. These range from the 9'6" Bosendorfer Imperial, the world's largest concert grand piano, which is made by a Kimball division in Vienna, Austria to the Kimball Whitney spinet, a quality, moderately priced pano. The complete line includes home and concert grands, consoles, spinets, electronic player pianos, and studio instruments. Kimball has long been a pioneer in the development of technical and tonal advances. Among these are Super-Phonic Scale that brings grand-size tone to upright pianos; Life-Crowned Toneboard, a triple strength, laminated toneboard that will not crack or split under extreme temperature and humidity conditions; Unilock Back Construction which give super-firm grip for tuning and helps keep piano in tune longer. Kimball also led in the use of electronic gluing, lacquer finishing, easy-to-adjust key leveling, and the use of new type of black and white keys, now a standard in the industry. Many of the advances in domestic piano manufacture are adaptations from the Bosendorfer pianos.
One of the unique things about Kimball pianos is their fine furniture design. All cabinets are designed by Kimball's own world-famous designer and all reflect currently-popular furniture styles, including Contemporary, Traditional, French Provincial, Italian Provincial, Mediterranean, and Early American. Because of Kimball International's vast investment in forests and lumber facilities, Kimbafl has an extensive storehouse of rare and valuable hardwoods, which are carefully and individually selected for use in the pianos.Kimball Piano & Organ Co. has been part of Kimball International since 1959 and as such is part of a world-wide sales and manufacturing network which includes Victorian Reproduction furniture, household furniture, office furniture, and components including music actions, electronic parts, and many others. Kimball is one of the few manufacturers who control every stage of manufacturing from raw materials to finished product.
KINGSBURY
The Kingsbury Piano was manufactured by the Conover-Cable Piano Co., General Office and factory at Oregon Ill., to which refer. This instrument is one of the most popular pianos manufactured and its popularity rested firmly upon its merit. It was only possible to build a piano of the Kingsbury's superior qualities, and sell it at the price for which it is sold, as the result of large volume and public acceptance.
KNABE & CO, WM.
A division of Aeolian American Corporation. Among the few really celebrated and artistic pianofortes in the United States, the time-honored Knabe ranks pre-eminent, being distinguished for a distinctive tone quality that has often been described as the nearest approach to the human singing voice. During its celebrated career 115 years, it has always been identified with the high est standards of manufacture, as well as by its close association with the artistic world. It has had a notable share in the development of musical intelligence and culture in the United States.
The Knabe dates back to 1837 when William Knabe founded the business in the city of Baltimore, where he had been working in various factories since his arrival in this country in 1832. He had previously acquired a broad practical knowledge of piano craftsmanship in all its branches. A man of mechanical ability that classed him as a genius, with the steadfast ambition to produce only the best, he enlisted an organization of experts, deeply imbued with those high ideals which have been handed down to the present day. The craftsmanship that makes the Knabe a leader among all pianos is not an acquisition of one generation but a pedigree of skill that has continued from that idealistic beginning. Knabe pianos
have always been distinctive for touch, durability and endurance, and their glorious tone combines power, sweetness, delicacy and a poetic singing quality. The pages of its history are rich with great names of composers, singers and pianists of highest renown whose musical triumphs have been shared by Knabe. It enjoyed a pleasant and intimate relation with such great figures in the world of music as:
Puccini, Tschaikovsky, von Bulow, Lehar, Nordica, Calve, Humperdinck and Ysaye.
Since 1926 it has been the official piano of the Metropolitan Opera Company, used publicly and privately and always at the Opera House by the great artists of that celebrated organization. Among present artists who have added their personal testimonials of admiration to the endorsement of the Opera Company are: Licia Albanese, Mildred Allen, Lorenzo Alvary, Lucine Amara, Salvatore Baccaloni, Daniele Barioni, Kurt Baum, Rudolf Bing, [ussi Bjoerling, Giuseppe Campora, George Cehanovsky, Fausto Cleva, Nadine Conner, Lisa Della Casa, Mario Del Monaco, Victoria de Los Angeles, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Mattiwilda Dobbs, Otto Edelmann, Rosalind Elias, Dezso Ernster, Paul Franke. Frank Guarrera, Hilde Gueden, Mack Harrell, Osie Hawkins, Jerome Hines, Laurel Hurley, Charles Kuilman, Jean Madeira, Robert Merrill, Josef Metternich, Zinka Milanov, Mildred Miller, Nicola Moscona, Patrice Munsel, Gerhard Pechner, Roberta Peters, Marcella Pobbe, Nell Rankin, Regina Resnik, Margaret Roggero,Norman Scott, Mario Sereni, Cesare Siepi, Martial Singher, Dr. Fritz Stiedry, Rise Stevens, Renata Tebaldi, Cesare Vailetti and Ramon Vinay.
The Knabe has long been the chosen instrument of important conservatories of music and other institutions of higher learning where musical instruction has a prominent place in the curriculum. In these institutions great durability as well as exquisite tone is demanded, for the pianos in the teaching and practice rooms are used without interruption for several hours each day. Especially notable in this list is the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester, which has purchased nearly 200 Knabes; the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, in which were installed 115 Knabe grands; the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music in Indianapolis; Phoenix College, Phoenix, Ariz.; San Jose State College, San Jose, Calif.; State Teachers College, Emporia, Kansas.; University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.; University of Wichita, Wichita, Kansas.; State School for the Blind, Baton Rouge, La.; Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.; Louisiana Polytechnic institute, Ruston, La.; Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y.; Houghton College, Houghton, N. Y.; Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y.; Public Schools, New York, N. Y.; New York State University, Syracuse University, Syracuse, N. Y.; State Teachers Colleges,i California, Kutztown and West Chester, Pa.; Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa.; Austin Peay State College, Clarksville, Tenn.; Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas; Texas Technological College, Lubbock, Texas; Baylor University, Waco, Texas; Virginia State College, Petersburg, Va. and st. Norbert's College, DePere, Wisc.
Exquisite styling and beauty of detal give Knabe encasements authentic decorative appeal to companion their remarkable tone so that they have been chosen by interior decorators and home lovers for the drawing rooms and apartments of hundreds of style-conscjous private owners; as well as by the most prominent music teachers, clubs, churches and other semi-private institutions throughout the country. Knabes are sold all over the United States by leading dealers who have been chosen for their long established reputation for responsibility and ethical standards.
Division of The Acelian Corp. Among the few really celebrated and artistic pianofortes in the Ll.S; the time honored Knabe ranks pre-eminent, being distinguished for a distinctive tone quality that has often been described as the nearest approach to the human singing voice. During its celebrated career it has aIwayR been identified with the highest standards of manufacture, as well by its close association with the artistic world. It has had a notable share in the development of musical intelligence and culture in the u.s.A.
Knabe dates back to 1837 when William Knabe founded the business in Baltimore, where he had been working in various factories since his arrival in this country in 1832. He bad previously acquired a broad practical knowledge of piano craftsmanship in all its branches. A man of mechanical ability with the eteadfast ambition to produce only the best, he enlisted an organization of experts, deeply imbued with those high ideals which have been handed down to the present day. The craftsmanship that makes
Knabe a leader among all pianos is not an acquisition of one generation but a pedigree of skill that has continued from that idealistic beginning. Present factory in E. Rochester, N.Y., is ideally equipped to manufacture pianos of so great prestige.
Knabe pianos have always been distinctive for touch, durability and endurance, and their glorious tone combines power, sweetness, delicacy and a poetic singing quality. The pages of its history are rich with great names of composers, singers and pianists of highest renown whose musical triumphs have been shared by Knabe. It enjoyed a pleasant and intimate relation with such great figures in the world of music as: Puccini, Tscbaikovsky, von Bulow, Lehar, Nordica, Calve, Hum perdinck and Ysayc. Since 1926 it has been official piano of the Metropolitan Opera Co., used publicly and privately and always at the opera house by the great artists of that celebrated organization. Among prominent artists who have added their personal testimonials of admiration to the endorsement of the opera company are: Licia Albanese, Mildred Allen, I'orenzo Alvary, Lucine Amara, Salvatore Baeealoni, DanIele Barioni, Kurt Baum, Rudolf Ding, [ussi Bloerling, GIuseppe Camporn, George Cehanoval:y, Fausto Cleva, Nadine Conner, Lisa Della Casa, Mario Del Monaco, Victoria de Los Angeles, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Mattiwilda Dobbs, Otto Edelmann, Rosalind Bliss, Dezso Ernster, Paul Franke. Also Frank Guarrera,Rude Gueden, Mack Harrell, Osie Hawkins, Jerome Hines, Laurel Hurley, Charles Kuliman, Jean Madeira, Robert Merrill, Josef Metternich, Zinka Milanov, Mildred Miller, Nicola Moscona, Patrice Munsel, Gerhard Pechner, Roberta Peters, Marcella Pobbe, Nell Rankin, Regina Resnik, Margaret Roggero, Norman Scott, Mario Sereni, Cesare Slepi, Martial Singher, Dr. Pritz Stiedry, Rise Stevens, Renata Tebaldi, Cesare Valletti and Ramon Vinay. Until recent years the Knabe was used exclusively by the San Francisco Opera.
Knabe has long been the chosen instrument of important conservatories of music and other institutions of higher learning where musical instruction has a prominent place in the curriculum. In these institutions great durability as well exquisite tone is demanded, for pianos in the teaching and practice rooms am used without interruption for several hours each day. Especially notable in this list Is Eastman School of Music of University of Rochester, which has purchased nearly 200 Knabes; Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore; Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music in Indianapolis; Phoenix College, Phoenix, Ariz.; San Jose State College, San Jose, Calif.; State Teachers College, Emporia, Kans.; University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kans.; University of Wichita, Wichita, Kans.; State School for the Blind, Baton Rouge, La.; Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.; Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, Ruston, La-; Hamilton College, Clinton, N.Y.; Houghton College, Houghton, N.Y.; Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.; Public Schools, New York, N.Y.; New York StateUm.versity, Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y.; State Teachers Colleges, Calif., Kutatown and West Chester, PL; Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa.; Austin Peay State College, Clarksville, Tenn.; Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Tex.; Texas Technological College, Lubbock, Tex.; Baylor University, Waco, Tex.; Virginia State College, Petersburg.Nor-:
College, DePere, Wise.; Obe-Iin, University of Tezas, Kansas State and M.LT.
Exquisite styling and beauty of detail give Knabe authentic decorative appeal to companion their remarkable tone so that they have been chosen by interior decorators and home lovers for the drawing rooms and apartments of hundreds of style conscious private owners; as well as by the most prominent music teachers, clubs, churches and other institutions throughout the country. Knabes were sold all over the u.s.A. by leading dealers who have been chosen for their long established reputation for responsibility and ethical standards.
The Knabe line featured console styles, a professional studio upright, and grands in the 5'1", 5'S", 6'4" and concert style.
KNIGHT
Alfred Knight, Ltd., of England makes the unusual claim of being the youngest large-scale manufacturer of pianos. The founder, Alfred Knight, came from a family long associated with the building of fine pianos; and he was apprenticed at an early age. Mter completing his apprenticeship and
formative training his Interest turned to pianoforte design and in 1935 he realized his ambition of founding a new plant with up-to-date machinery. North London was chosen as a location where skilled workers were available and a nucleus of experienced men' welcomed the idea of joining a new company witn progressive ideas and scope for advancement under practical directorship. In laying down designs for the new range of pianos.
Alfred Knight's progressive ideas were tempered by those of Ms key workers whose combined experience totalled well over a thousand years, and by constant contact with his many friends among concert and orchestra pianists. Although Alfred Knight died in September, 1974, the business remains a family one. His daughter, Sylvia, has taken over as managing director and her husband, John York, is also a director. They and all their staff are determined to carryon the quality of workmanship in the Knight tradition. Aldress: Langston Road, Debden Estate, Loughton, Essex, England.
KOHLER & CAMPBELL
Founded in 1896 as a partnership between Charles Kohler and J. c. Campbell, in less than 20 years Kohler and Campbell became the world's leading manufacturer of upright and grand pianos, player pianos and automatic reproducing actions. The first factory was in a small loft building on 14th Street in New York City but after the company was established only a few years the business expanded to such a degree that it moved to much larger quarters, occupying an entire building built for it at 50th Street and Eleventh Avenue and continued to expand into adjoining and nearby buildings until it occupied over one million feet of floor space. Under the direction of Charles Kohler, who became the entire owner upon Mr. Campbell's death in 1904, Kohler & Campbell popularized the player piano in America, manufacturing player actions for other piano makers in its subsidiaries and making available to the public for the first time the music of the world's leading artists through the Welte-Mignon reproducing action.
The position of Kohler & Campbell in the piano industry is well illustrated by the distinguished piano companies either founded or acquired by it during its 65 years of operation. Among those companies are Hazelton Brothers, Francis Bacon Piano Company, Behning Piano Company, Milton Piano Company, Behr Brothers, Brambach Piano Company, Davenport and Treacy Company, Kroeger Piano Company, McPhail, Stultz and Bauer, Astor Piano Company, Newton Piano Company, Waldorf Piano Company and Ejur Brothers. Nearly every major piano manufacturer purchased player actions from the Auto Pneumatic Actior Company and The Standard Pneumatic Action Company, manufacturing subsidiaries of Kohler & Campbell during the days of the player piano. Their combined production exceeded 50,000 player actions per year.
Although through the acquisition of the Francis Bacon Piano Company, Kohler & Campbell traces its heritage back to 1789, the date of the founding of the first piano company in America by John Jacob Astor, progressive leadership and modern production techniques have always been outstanding attributes of the company. Julius A. White, originally joined the company in 1921 and became president in 1930. Under his direction, the former loosely-knit organization was consolidated administratively and the manufacturing facilities were all brought under one roof. Following World War II, he move the factories from their 50th Street location to the Bronx and a larger, more modern building. Again in 1954, seeing that the manufacture of durable goods in a multi-story urban plant was no longer economically practical, he engineered the move of the entire manufacturing facility from New York to Granite Falls, North Carolina. The site was carefully picked for its skilled woodworkers and it proximity to the heart of the Appalachian hardwood lumber producing area.
In 1956, the presidency of the company passed on to a third generation when Charles Kohler White, grandson of the founder, assumed the position. Charles Kohler White met his accidental death in 1957 after which Charles L. Clayton was elected president. The other officers were: Rita Kohler White, daughter of the founder, secretary, Robert H. Meuser, treasurer and Gaylord M. Huffstader, sales manager. The company was represented by W. O. Patrick Care; Paul Corbett, Louis J. Nienaber,Bert C Bruce, Sr., Hyrum B. Summerhays, and E. G. Burghardt .Kobler & Campbell offered a complete line of
spinet and console pianos. The spinet was offered in five models and ten wood and finish combinations. The console was available in six different models and eight different finishes. The 45" Studio designed principally for use in studios,
KRAKAUER BROS.
Manufacturers of Krakauer Bros. grand, upright, console and spinet pianos. In the course of their long and successful career Krakauer Bros. have been a family concern and never allied with combinations outside the organization. This house was founded in 1869 by Simon Krakauer, an excellent musician, who came to America in 1853 with his son David.
The manufacture of Krakauer pianos is entirely confined to one high grade quality-the Krakauer piano-which is available in a wide variety of attractive designs in Grand and Vertical models. For many years the Krakauer is noted for exceptionally artistic and uniquely attractive case designs, durable constru-tion, and an exceptionally rich tonal quality. They have successfully pioneered the patented closed back construction which permits the piano to be placed anywhere in the room like a grand piano and without the necessity of placing it with its back to the wall. One of the most successful models in this design is the Krakauer "Serenade" which because it can be faced out in a room like a grand piano has a "grand like" free flowing quality of tone. Most of their spinet pianos also contain the exclusive Acoustic Tone Chambers which strikingly re-enforce and enhance the tone.
The Krakauer line is definitely a "Decorator" line of styling. Every model is authentic in its derivation and is not just a conglomeration of senseless frills. All this is based upon the close attention of the "one family" element in the organization, with an honest and intimate interest in every piano made. Krakauer Bros have no mass-production. A unique, exclusive feature of all Krakauer pianos is the new Bridge Braced Back construction, claimed by Krakauer engineers to be the strongest and most durable in the world. Krakauer Bros. have supplied their pianos to a large number of great musicians of today and the past who have, without solicitation, given eloquent testimony and endorsement to the worth and quality of the Krakauer piano. There are over 1,000 Krakauer pianos in the Public Schools of New York City alone. The factory was a modern, light five story corner building located at 115 East 138th Street, New York City.
KRANICH & BACH
One of the oldest, most noted and prominent firms in the piano industry, which, for nearly a century has enjoyed the highest reputation. This business was established in 1864 by Helmuth Kranich and Jacques Bach, both practical piano makers of tried experience. The firm soon became known as makers of distinction, and almost from the start Their instruments have been regarded as among +ne most reliable made. In 1873 Messrs Kraaich & Bach moved its factories and warerooms to East Twenty-third Street, New York. In 1890 the business was incorporated. This company prides itself upon the fact that it possesses what is considered one of the most complete and up-to-date piano manufacturing plants in the country, equipped with the finest machinery and most modern appliances. They belong to the very small group of famous makers whose pianos are among the highest class made in the world.
They are noted for durability, and for a tone which is distinguished for its purity. singing quality, brilliancy and carrying power. Obtained awards at the Mechanics' Fair, Boston; Philadelphia Centennial in 1876, and Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Represented all over the country by dealers of prominence, most of whom feature it as their leader. Among the famous products of these renowned makers is a magnificent concert grand which made its debut in the trade in the spring of 1916.
The four foot six inch Grandette was introduced to the trade and the public in 1934, and is among the smallest artistic grands on the market. This instrument is not an abbreviated grand in the sense that it represents a larger scale cut dawn, but is a grand built with an entirely new scale especially drawn for this instrument, which embodies all the sterling features of Kranich & Bach construction. and differs
only in dimensions from the larger grands of the same make. The close of 1935 saw the tests and experimental work on a small upright, incorporating the Violyn piano plate (another notable patent of this house), satisfactorily completed. This commendable addition to an established and complete line of quality pianos is encased in a newly designed model of the vertical type, and trade marked "Grandette" Console. The scale, layout, materials and craftsmanship used in the manufacture of this new "Grandette" Console are identical witl
those employed only in Kranich & Bach pianos, resulting in a characteristic Kranich & Bach piano. During the year 1937 they manufactured and put on the market a still smaller size-3 ft. 3 in. Console, which also has an original Kranich & Bach scale, developed in their own factory. It was made in several styles and considered one of the most beautiful Console cases being shown. The house perhaps more than ever before in its history, convincingly displayed all of the determination to be fully alert and mindful of modern business methods and requirements yet conservative in its adherence to its traditions and ideals laid down by the founders.
LAUGHEAD, GORDON, COMPANY
Established 1942. Factory was located in Grand Haven, Michigan. Gordon Laughead Piano Co. were manufacturers of beautiful vertical pianos produced under the personal direction of the founder of the company, .Gordon Laughead. He was a leader in the piano industry for forty years, is the son of the late Edward Rankin Laughead, a practical piano builder and tuner. This fine firm has kept abreast of the demand for small 88-note vertical pianos of the highest quality. They build a complete line of Spineta Consoles and School Pianos receiving wide acceptance. An engineering staff equal to the best, is headed by Joseph Klepac, a graduate of the Trade School for Piano Builders, Berlin, Germany. Mr. Kiepac is recognized on two continents as a respected and outstanding piano authority and acoustical engineer. Mr. Klepac's latest scalewith the much advertised "Miracle Bridge" has received great praise
throughout the nation, including a fine compliment from Dean Sternberg, Baylor University, Waco Texas, America's largest Baptist University. Mr. Klepac's famed acoustic laboratory is also in Grand Haven.
Gordon Laughead Spinets, Consoles and School pianos are actually custom built. Thirteen bearings or measurements are made for each piano in fitting the bridge to the cast iron plate. Craftsmen with years of practical experience now combine their efforts to create an outstanding vertical piano of superb, high quality, acoustically perfect and attractively designed. The finest materials obtainable are furnished by the world's leading supply houses. The firm's trademark, "Gordon Laughead Piano-fortes" is cast in the plate of each instrument.
LESTER PIANO COMPANY
The Lester Piano Manufacturing Company also produces the well known Betsy Ross Spinets, which have met with outstanding success. This is a complete line pianos including spinets and consoles, 37 and 40 inch models in a wide variety of traditional and modern styles to suit every demand. Lester also makes a 44 inch studio upright piano designed especially for school use with extra long strings for exceptional quality of tone and volume. In addition, the Lester Piano Manufacturing Company produces a 73 note spinet piano for those who want a piano smaller than the Betsy Ross Spinet. Most styles of Lester Betsy Ross Spinets and Console Pianos are equipped with the exclusive Damp-Chaser to insure regulated moisture control at all times. The Lester is the only piano equipped with this amazing Damp-Chaser that protects the piano from dampness in all climates, reduces the number of tunings, keeps the piano in perfect playing condition and prolongs the life of the instrument.
In 1951, the Lester Piano Mfg. Co. added a Custom Series line to the popular Betsy Ross Spinets. This new series included distinctive models in unusual finishes; or any style could be finished to actual order. This Custom Series of Betsy Ross Spinets was met with wide public acceptance and was promoted by Lester national advertising and by dealer advertising.
The Lester "one name .. one quality .. one price" policy was met with the universal approval of dealers and consumers. This policy meant that all Lester Pianos were always of the same musical quality, any difference in price was based on the case. There were no ghost or stencil pianos made by this company It means too that everyone receives equal value since there was only one price for a Lester Piano and that was the factory advertised price. This practice was called a "Fair Trade" policy but was outlawed as price fixing at a later date.
Shortly after World War II, Lester introduced a line of spinets using a new "Plastic" in their actions, plastics were very new in 1947,plastic was new annd not intended to be used in piano actions, after a few years these actions began to fall apart. The Lester Company issued what was to become the first major recall of a major purchase. All of the plastic elbows in the actions were replaced on those pianos that were found to be defective. These pianos turn up from time to time, the parts are still available to correct this problem through most piano repair shops.
LINDEMAN & SONS
Established in 1836 by William Lindeman. An endeavor to give the highest possible value in materials and workmanship at a moderate price was the keystone of an outstanding success. Lindeman made not only in the small grands but in the highly popular spinets in which the beautiful Lindeman tone has been brought into the confines of these smaller cases. Lindeman was a product of the Aeolian American Corp.
KRAKAUER BROS
Berlin, Ohio.
Krakauer built a high-quality, hand-crafted piano. Models include a 41-inch console and a 48-inch professional upright.
LOWREY
In late 1977 Lowrey unveiled a completely new line of elegant console pianos. These instruments were entirely new pianos that were designed to complement and maintain the standard of quality and craftsmanship the Lowrey name has come to mean. All Lowrey pianos are 42 inches in height. There are no spinets in the Lowrey line, primarily because a console is the best piano for the average family. In addition, the company recently introduced a 5'6" grand piano. With refinements like a grand piano top, lead weighted keys, brass accents and Swedish steel strings, these pianos are truly distinctive instruments. Authentic furniture styling and a unique piano scale that carries the Charks Frederick Stein trademark are yet other attributes which set the Lowrey line apart from other pianos.
LYON & HEALY
Manufacturers of harps and harp accessories. Since 1889 this flrm has made a wide variety of quality products which have earned international recognition and fame.
MALCOLM LOVE
Instruments bearing this name are well made and have a wide spread reputation for their tonal excellence. The Malcolm Love is subsidiary of the Estey Piano Corp., Bluffton, Indiana.
MASON & HAMLIN
This distinguished and world-renowned piano was established in 1854. From its inception its activities have been governed by the highest ideals and today the name Mason & Hamlin Is outstanding in its high achievements in pianoforte production. The remarkable qualities of the Mason & Hamlin have
been recognized by the most exacting and critical musicians. The great beauty of the Mason & Hamlin tone, the meticulous care given to every detail of its making, the superb design of its sdentifieally planned scales, have attracted the attention of musical connoisseurs the world over and their verdict as to its supreme qualities is amply sustained in the ever increasing favor with which these instruments are received.
The Mason & Hamlin factory was under the direction of men who have long been associated with this famous make of instrument, thoroughly trained in those peculiar processes and methods, that are responsible for the individual tone.
The Mason & Hamlin has been gradually developed by experts in acoustics with a view to the practical application of scientific principles, and the result finds expression in the unique system of constructior' whereby an extraordiiiary musical quality of tone, volume, singing capacity and durability inevitably follows.
An important invention, the Tension Resonator, distinguishes Mason & Hamlin pianos, the virtue of which invention was set forth by the "Scientific American" in the following words: "One imperfection of the modern pianoforte, found even in the instruments made by standard makers, has been loss in tone quality, due to the inability of the sounding board to retain its tension. The problem seems at least to have been satisfactorily solved by a simple and ingenious construction emhodied in the Mason & Hamlia piano." Many eminent artists have chosen the Mason & Hamlin as the most sympathetic means of expressing their musical conceptions on the concert stage. Mason & Hamlin is the official piano and used exclusively by the New York State Theatre at Lincoln Center in New York City.
It is also the official piano of the Albany-Schenectady and Troy Symphony Orchestras. It numbers amongst its patron, the elite of the musical public and possesses the distinction of selection by an extraordinarily large number of educational institutions.
The Mason & Hamlin has also been selected by many important national institutions. including: The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York; Sound Studios of New York; American Bell Telephone Company Experimental Laboratory: Audio-Cinema, Inc.; Radio Corporation of America, Inc.; Nstional Broadcasting Company: Columbia Broadcasting System; Canadian Broadcasting Commission.
A division of Aeolian American Corporation. The distinguished and world-renowned Piano was established in 1854. From inception its activities have been governed by the highest ideals and today the name Mason & Hamlin is outstanding in its high achievements in pianoforte production. The remarkable qualities of the Mason & Hamlin have been recognize by the most exacting and critical musicians. The great beauty of the Mason Hamlin tone, the meticulous care given to every detail of its making, the design of its scientifically planned scales, have attracted the attention of music connoisseurs the world over and their verdict as to its supreme qualities is amply sustained in the ever increasing favor with which these instruments are receive The Mason & Hamlin factory is under the direction of men who have long be associated with this famous make of instrument, thoroughly trained in the particuliar processes and methods, that are responsible for the individual to quality that has won this great piano its fame. The making of each piano is regarded as an individual task. Limits of measurements are set standards which are uniformly high, but the workmanship is that of the art of craftsman and not that of the routine mass producer.
The Mason & Hamlin has been gradually developed by experts in acoustics with a view to the practical application of scientific principles, and the complete expression in the unique system of construction whereby an extraordinary musical quality of tone, volume, singing capacity and durability inevitably apply. An important invention, the Tension Resonator, distinguishes Mason & Hamlin grand pianos, the virtue of which invention was set forth by the "Scientific American" in the following words: "One imperfection of the modern pianoforte found even in the instruments made by standard makers, has been loss in to quality, due to the inability of the sounding board to retain its tension. The problem seems at last to have been satisfactorily solved by a simple and ingenious construction embodied in the Mason & Hamlin piano." Many eminent artists have chosen the Mason & Hamlin as the most sympathetic means of expressing the musical conceptions on the concert stage. It numbers amongst its patrons the elite of the musical public and possesses the distinction of selection by an extraordinarily large number of educational institutions of first importance, among them the following:
Birmingham Southern College, Birmingham, Ala.; State Teachers College, Jacksonville. Ala.; University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Ala.; Phoenix College, Phoenix, Ariz.; University of Arkansas, Fayettville, Ark.; Mills College, Oakland, Calif.; San Jose State College, San Jose, Cal University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.; University of Georgia, Athens, C Wesleyan College, Mac-, Ga.; Academy of Arts, Honolulu, Hawaii; University Illinois, Champaign, Ill.; Eastern Illinois State College, Charleston, Ill.; St. Xavier College, Chicago, Ill.; University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill.; Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.; Barat College, Lake Forest, Ill.; Rosary College, River l+orest, Ill.; Indiana University, Bloomington, md.; St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind.; State University, Iowa City, Iowa; Fort Iltys State College, I-lays, Kans.; University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kans.; State Teachers College, Pittsburg, Kans.; Friends University, Wichita, Kans.; Municipal University of Wichita, Wichita, Kans.; University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La.; Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.; Boston University, School of Music, Boston, Mass.; Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.; Smith College, Northampton, Mass.; Hope College, Holland, Mich.; Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn.; State Teachers College, Winona, Minn.; Cottey College, Nevada, Mo.; Missouri School for the Blind, St. Louis, Mo.; State Teachers College, Springfield, Mo.; Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, Neb.; University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb.; Concordia College, Seward, Neb.; State School for the Blind, Batavia, N. Y.; State Teachers Colleges, Brockport, Cortland Plattsburg and Potsdam, N. Y.; Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, N. Y.; Harpur College, Lndicott, N. Y.; Columbia University, N. Y.; Public Schools, New York, N. Y.; Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, Rohester, N. Y.; East Carolina Teachers College, Greenville, N.c c.; Cleveland College, Cleveland, Ohio; Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla.; University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Okla.; Pennsylvania State College, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.; Marwood College, Scranton, Pa.Winthrop College, Rockhill, S. c.; Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas;University of Houston, Houston, Texas; Texas Technological College, Lubbock,Texas; Baylor University, Waco, Texas; Lawrence College, Appleton, Wisc.; State Teachers Colleges, LaCrosse and Milwaukee, Wisc. and University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
The fact that really makes this incredible list even more important and impressive is the fact that these institutions selected, bought and paid for these instruments, The were not given in return for commercial purposes, sales, promotions and the like.
The Mason & Hamlin has also been selected by many important national institutions, including: The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York; Sound Studios of New York; American Bell Telephone Company Experimental Laboratory; Audio-Cinema, Jnc.; Radio Corporation of America, Inc.; National Broadcasting Company; Columbia Broadcasting System; Canadian Broadcasting Commission, etc. So many more unable to list.
MASON & RISCH
One of Canada's largest, oldest, and one of her best known major industries. Founded in 1871 in Toronto, Canada, Mason & Risch achieved international status in 1881 when one of its pianos was acclaimed by the great Franz Liszt. In the company's archives is a letter reading in part, "The Mason & Risch piano you forwarded to me is excellent, magnificent, unequalled, artists and judges and the public will certainly be of the same opinion." Other famous users of Mason & Risch pianos included Queen Victoria and His Holiness, Pope Pius XI who was pleased to confer upon Mason & Risch the title, "By appointment manufacturers to his Holiness, Pius XI, and the Apostolic Palaces." The pianos manufactured by this old and reputable firm are among the finest teachers are also among their enthusiastic patrons. Among the earlier awards obtained, were those at the Philadelphia centennial in 1876, Montreal in 1881, World's Fair, Chicago in 1893 and San Francisco in 1894.
MEHLIN, PAUL G., & SONS
Established in 1853, this company has by years of persistent effort won a place in the front rank among the makers of artistically designed pianos. The firm was founded by Paul G. Mehin, noted inventor, who devoted his entire life to the bettering of piano construction. Mehlin case design have long been noteworthy for their artistic qualities, especially appealing to those of refined and sensitive taste. The firm makes a very complete line of spinet and grand types of pianos.
MELODIGRAND CORPORATION
This is probably the world's foremost manufacturer of the short keyboard piano. The Melodigrand measures but a scant 42 inches in width, yet is able to feature a keyboard of greater playing area than was available to Mozart throughout his entire pinying and composing career. Over five and one-half octaves make up the Melodigrand's amazingly rich piano tone. Extraordinarily styled, the compactness of the melodigrand makes it ideal for small sized apartments, country homes, patios, schools, trailers, churches, in fact everywhere where a small sturdy piano is wanted. Its extreme ruggedness and mobility enables +elodigrand to be wheeled easily from room to room, or out to the patio or porch for summer entertainment. The Melodigrand is also ideal for summer homes or cottages. The eye-appeal of the Melodigrand is a sound achievement of compact piano engineering. In addition to its availability in all the standard woods, the Melodigrand is also featured in a complete array of living decorator colors: Persian Red, Mist Green, Onyx Black, Lagoon Blue and Antique Ivory.
MELODIGRAND
Melodigrand is a product of skilled craftsmen whose only concern and long experience is building pianos. For homes where apace is an important consideration, Melodigrand makes an ultra-compact (42 inches wide) 64-note piano, the Jefferson. Handsome styling, sturdy construction and easy mobility make the piano ideal for home, school, church, in fact every where a small sturdy piano is wanted.
MELODIPRO
This instrument is a specially built version of the Melodigrand Spinet into which a perfectly balanced set of Helpinstill Sensors is precisely and permanently installed during manufacture. The output of the sensors connects to a guitar amp or any other high impedance input to amplify the true piano sound to a level where it can compete or blend with other amplified instruments. Charles Helpinstill's sensors are used by Elton John, David Bowie, Elvis Presley, and others, but the Melodipro is the only piano licensed to use them integrally. In addition to its acceptance by professional groups in concert and on tour, it has found wide use in churches, schools, auditoriums, and restaurants where control of amplification is essential as well as home use.
MILLER, HENRY F.
Among the art products of the American piano in dustry are the instruments of the Henry F. Miller Piano Co. The late Henry F. Miller, Sr., founder of this house, was a fine musician and organist. When, at the age of nineteen, he entered a prominent piano factory in Boston, he at once took a he became identified with the earliest beginning of piano manufacturing in Boston. Having started operations in 1863, this house has always adhered strictly to the highest possible standard of manufacture. Henry F. Miller pianos have received the hearty endorsement of artists, musicians and teachers of high repute. These instruments have always been distinguished for their artistic and harmonious case designs, and for their rich, full tone. Henry F. Miller is a subsidiary of the Ivers & Pond Company, Memphis, Tenn.Henry F. Miller Piano Co. has been manufacturing pianos in the U. S. for more than 100 years. An ideal location in the heart of the south's finest hardwood region, allowing immediate and efficient access to necessary woods, coupled with the most modern technological improvements offered by one of the newest plants in the piano industry, enables Henry F. Miller Piano Co. to provide consumers with savings at no sacrifice in quality.
Rock maple bridges hand-fitted to each plate, full-sized plate made of strength-tested cast iron and precision designed for greatest acoustical performance, all-spruce sounding board, 6-post back and Master-Touch action afford the dealer excellent selling points and insure the consumer lasting value. There are spinet, grand, and console designs all beautifully styled and finished in a manner that would complement any decor. The company also made a 5' 1" grand piano.
"MINIPIANO"
The "Minipiano," developed in Sweden, and manufactured for a number of years in England and other countries is made exclusively in the United States by Hardman, Peck & Company. In Europe it has been the fastest selling piano and although it was introduced in this country only in 1936, due to its universal acceptance, the name "Minipiano" has become a household word. With its convenient size occupying less floor space than any other full scale piano, appealing tone, and its many beautiful case designs in a variety of woods (including bleached woods) and colors, it is enjoying tremendous popularity. Hardman, Peck & Co.,
MUSETTE
One of the first of the modem player-pianos, Musette was completely restyled and redesigned late in 1966. Musette was available in a choice of five different decorator styles that complement its low spinet silhouette. Construction improvements include a wide-range volume control for use diirinr automatic play and a trans poser attachment that permit dialin- any five different keys for more sing-along or play-along satisfaction Musette also offers many other expression devices to permit individual interpretation of player rolls. They include soft bass and soft treble buttons that can be used separately or individually to accent melody or rhythm, a loud pe(lallever that sustains notes like a regular sustaining pedal and a tempo lever that can he set or changed (luring play. Musette player action is manufactured by the Standard Pneumatic Action Co. It comes with authentic foot pedals that permit satisfying expression variations and an electric motor unit for automatic play. Like other modern player-pianos, the Musette can be enjoyed as a manual piano. All player controls disappear from view, the Musette looks, plays, and sounds like a fine regular piano.
NATIONAL
The principals of this company have been identified with the manufacture and sale of pianos since 1898. This concern manufactures consoles and verticals in authentic period and conventional models, using only the best materials and skilled labor, and produced under the supervision of recognized experts. The company specializes in custom-built models in rarest woods, designed to match the furniture or interior decoration of exclusive homes.
Established in 1850, the National Piano Corp., manufactures the famous Shoninger Piano that included the following styles: Conventional, Colonial, Modern, Queen Anne, Regency, Louis XV French Provincial and a school model console. Both spinets and consoles are obtainable in any of the above styles. All styles were offered in mahogany and walnut butcould also be had in special finishes such as antique white or ebony with or without gold trim. Any other special finishes were available on order.
Specifications on the Shoninger are rigid and exacting and incorporate the latest developments in piano manufacturing. Every Shoninger has three working pedals, the middle being bass sustaining. The pin block is constructed of 7-ply hard rock maple. It is beautifully finished and may be seen for inspection. Its faultless construction obviates any need to cover it with felt or plywood. Heavy reinforced stapled mothproofed hammers are used in every Shoninger.Piano. Since 1850 Shoninger has always been recognized as a custom built piano and has been known for superior tonal quality, durability of construction and elegance of case design.
NEWBY & EVANS
Established 1884. Owned and controlled by National Piano Corporation. PERLMAN, H. W.
Established 1898. Perlman pianos were famous for their superior tonal quality and durability A complete line of attractive case designs are made. Special cases and finishes to match interior decorations are manufactured to order. Thousands of Perlman pianos that were purchased ten, thirty and even fifty years ago are still in use.
PIANINO
This was the trade name of a small upright piano introduced by Steinway & Sons in the latter part of 1938. This Steinway was vertically strung and designed especially for small homes and apartments of moderate size. It was 45 inches high, 571/2 inches in length and 25 inches deep. The Pianino contained a scale and certain advanced features of construction which have never before appeared in a Steinway of vertical strings. The celebrated Steinway accelerated action was used in this small, upright piano.
PIANOCORDER
Invented by R.W. Fordyce in Miami Florida. Developed by Superscope, Inc., the Pianocorder is a radical new electronic player piano mechanism which, by means of magnetic tape, automatically records and plays a "live" performance on any upright or grand piano. Supers cope introduced the Pianocorder in 1977 in Atlanta. All patents and rights purchased by Yamaha.
PIANOLA
Pianola, Division of Aeolian Corp. Memphis, Tenn., was the producer of the compact well known "Pianola" player-piano. As a manual spinet, the Pianola is a marvel of tonal engineering, as fine a piano as it is unique. The sound can be described as being "vibrantly alive." Sonorous, vividly clear and deep, its tonal quality is astonishing. To beginners, as to everyone who wants to learn to play manually, the Pianola was a genuinely inspiring source. Teachers attest it actually speeds the learning process as students "pick-up" dexterity by closely observing professional arrangements.
The choice of music rolls is practically limitiem with new titles constantly being added-from favorites of yesteryear to the very newest hits and show tunes. Even the song word. have been incorporated, printed conveniently on the rolls, encouraging listeners and spectators to join in and sing along.
With the Pianola evolves a new trend in designing compactness. The Pianola measures a little over 3 % feet in width, yet has a greater plaving range than Mozart's pianoforte. But the compactness is just part of the Pianola history. Well evident Is a wholly new sense of design freedom and artistry. The tapering lines are clean, unspoiled; the styling crisp and distinctly modern. And through the grace of warm, superbly finished woods and delicately drawn trim-work along the sides, the Pianolae is compatible to almost every decor. The Pianola came with an electric motor for automatic play (with no distortion of tone) making It three fine pianos in one: manual, pedal-powered and electrically operated.
POOLE
Established in 1893 by William H. Poole whose abilities and knowledge of piano craftsmanship were gained through actual service in the industry from earliest youth. The company is a subsidiary of Ivers & Pond Company, address being 2718 Pershing Ave., Memphis, Tenn. This house is progressive in its business methods and in adapting its output to the newest requirement of the piano industry. Poole pianos are of tested durability, containing latest improvements and their case design is an artistic
achievement evolved especially by the Poole Company. Poole pianos contain an even, superbly well-balanced scale and justly deserve the enthusiastic endorsement of prominent musicians, recognition from representative dealers, and excellent reputation they have won through out the country.
SCHILLER PIANOS
This piano was made by the Conover-Cable Piano Co. with General Offices and a Factory at Oregon, Illinois. Thousands of these instruments are in homes today rendering outstanding service. They embody exclusive features of construction, one of which incorporated in the Schiller Super Grand is of particular importance and consists of a suspended free vibrating sounding board-a constructibn which entirely frees the sounding board from the outer case.
SCHUMANN
Fine pianos for more than 100 years have borne the name of Schumannand the high esteem these fine instruments are accorded the result of the quality of materials and high workmanship in the Schumann factory. The Schumann piano has been honored by testimonials from many great artists and musicians. All Schumann pianos, even the 37"-high spinets, are equipped with direct blow actions. The response of the direct blow action, the fine finishes and case styling, and above all the superior tone are all joined in every Schumann spinet and console piano.
They were available in styles from period to modern in fine African mahogany, American walnut, Salem maple, limed oak, blond mahogany and cherry woods and finishes. Made by Estey
SETTERGREN Refer to Estey Piano
SHONINGER
This distingnished and world renowned piano was first established in 1850 by B. Shoninger, one of America's pioneer piano markers. From inception, Shoninger pianos have always been noted for their high standards in tonal quality, durability, case design and finish. Only the highest type of trained piano mechanics are employed in their manufacture. Careful and scrupulous attention was to every detail of manufacturing Each and every bridge is reinforced by a three ply laminated cap consisting of cross grained hard rock Maple veneers. Only sounding boards of seasoned selected Adirondack spruce are used. Heavy moth proofed, reinforced hammers are used exclusively. All Shoninger pianos are carefully tone regulated, fine regulated, voiced and fine tuned. Shoninger pianos are not mass produced, but, on the contrary, are truly custom built.
The famous Shoninger piano includes the following styles. Conventional, Colonial, Modern, Queen Anne, Regency, Louis XV French Provincial and a school model console. Both spinets and consoles were obtainable in any of the above styles. All styles were offered in mahogany and walnut but could also be had in special finishes such as antique white or ebony with or without gold trim. Any other special finishes were available on order.
Every Shoninger had three working pedals, the middle being bass sustaining. The pin block is constructed of 7-ply hard rock maple. It is beautifully finished and may be seen for inspection. Its faultless construction obviates any need to cover it with felt or plywood. Heavy reinforced stapled mothproof hammers are used in each and every Shoninger.
Honors and endorsements have been received at all expositions where Shoninger pianos have been displayed, such as the International Exposition at Paris in 1878, the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, the World's Fair at Chicago and the Rotterdam World's Fair.
The Shoninger School piano was placed in elementary and junior high schools throughout the entire city of New York.
SOHMER&CO
This famous, old-established House, is one of the limited number still solely owned, controlled and directed by the immediate family of the founder. Though tracing its origin back to 1860, the first Sobmer piano was actually built in 1872, when Hugo Sohmer founded the firm of Sobmer & Co., in New York.
Located in an entire building constructed to their special requirements, and in an atmosphere that attracts connoisseurs of afl the arts, Solimer & Co., Inc.,display pianos representative of the finest furniture styles. Each model is a decorative accomplishment as well as a remarkable musical instrument. The phenomenal success of the Sohmer Console-Vertical has in no way diminished the fact that Sobmer & Co. has always been and always wHI be-A Grand Piano House. Ever since the invention of the baby grand by Sobmer in 1884-.5ohmer grand pianos have had a dominating role in the home market. This Grand is remarkable for the volume and resonance of its tone, despite its diminutive size, being only five feet long and four feet five inches wide. Hugo Sobmer patented the first five foot grand in 1884 and the style 50 Grand of today is the logical development of this pioneer effort. 75 years of continuous improvement of tone model is typical of the Sobmer pursuit of perfection and the Sobmer Family states, without reservation or exception that it is their confirmed belief that no other small grand approximates the Sobmer in tone and response. Its perfect symmetry of form and the extraordinary quality of its tone result from its scientific scale and integrally cast CApo D'Astro bar, another
patented feature of Sobmer construction. Hugo Sohmer's first five foot grand, made in 1881, is still in use and is played daily by visitors to the Sobmer Galleries in New Yoik. This piano has all the original parts. No repairs have been made because none have been necessary.
Sohmer has also pioneered in the introduction of the popular small pianos known as "Spinets." Never since its inspection, has the Sohmer console been an abbreviated upright piano. Sobmer & Co. early discarded all thoughts and precepts of upright construction concentrating rather on the principles of the grand piano scale and string distribution. As a result the Sohmer Console Vertical has long been known as "The Musicians' Consle." As the science of acoustics has progressed, they have applied new principles in the making of their "Console Vertical," creating tonal results considered impossible only a short time ago. Due to an original scale featuring a fan like disposition of the strings these small pianos are a revelation of modern acoustics with their brilliant treble, full middle tones and sonorous bass. All Sohmer Console-Verticals are guaranteed to have more than 96% grand piano string distribution.
Educational institutions had to make a critical choice of musical equipment. To purchase the best available instruments that the school budget would allow, this was long before the commercial practice of giving the school instruments for advertising and promotional considerations. Each school or university would usually make their selection based on which piano offered the most value exceeding the price, most of them selected Sohmer.
"To build the finest piano that human ingenuity, skill, knowledge, craftsmanship and family tradition can possibly produce. To utilize the world's markets to procure the best materials regardless of cost. To maintain that quality unswervingly and never to sacrifice one iota to gain an added profit, no matter how great. To preserve the integrity and individuality of the Sohmer institution free from outside affiliation or influences. To be governed always and under all circumstances by sound principles and never by expediency."
STARCKP.A.
Manufacturers of "Starck" and "Jesse French" that can be found in the world today. The company is engaged in a program of modernization and expansion of its production facilities which will make even more of its highly prized instruments available to the public.
In the making of a high grade piano, three things are absolutely essential. In the first place, every piece of material that goes into it must be perfect; second, the workmanship must be of a quality and skill that is gained only after painstaking years of apprenticeship. But the third and most important essential is a thorough knowledge of piano making; the sources for supply of rare and-finer materials, and the ability of fabricating these parts to that degree of perfection and accuracy found only in pianos of highest quality and price. The extreme care with which a Starck piano is made, and the high order of its workmanship will at once be apparent to anyone upon inspection of the piano itself.
Every Starck piano built is produced under the watchful eye of a member of the Starck family who now represent the third generation of the famous piano builder and founder, P. A. Starck. Each Starck piano is equipped with the new Ori-Coustic high tension scale. This scale has been acclaimed by experts as the finest piano scale available, regardless of price.
STECK & CO./GEORGE
This concern is a division of the Aeolian American Corporation, manufacturing the renowned George Steck piano recognized as one of the strictly high grade makes in the country. General Offices and factories at East Rochester, N. Y. George Steck began the manufacture of pianos of his own design in 1857, winning many honors during his long career. In the great Vienna Exposition in 1873 the George Steck won the award of First Prize for merit as to tone, design and careful detail of construction. This was the only such honor granted at this exposition and marked the superiority of the George Steck over all other pianos exhibited. Many such awards came to the creations of this master craftsman, and scientific acoustician, including the coveted Gold Medal at Vienna and others of the world's international expositions. It was on the George
Steck that Richard Wagner composed his great Music Drama "Parsifal." The instrument was presented to Wagner by his fellow townsmen and is still preserved in the Wagner Villa at Bayreuth. The greatly increased facilities of the Aeolian American Corp, and the experience of its musical experts and artisans insure the carrying on of George Steck traditions. The George Steck is available in grands and console styles. The George Steck School Pianos are found in many leading schools and academies where it is chosen for its durability and tonal perfection. The Kansas City Starlight Theatre and the St. Louis Municipal Opera both use and endorse the George Steck.
STEGER
Office and factory are located in Steger, Ill. Steger manufactured a line of 37" spinets and 40" consoles in mahogany, walnut, cherry, oak, and ebony. The original Steger Company was founded by John V. Steger in 1893. In 1894, the Rice and Macey Company was purchased by a Dr. Crawford of Cincinnati, Ohio, who in turn sold out to Steger in 1902, making Steger one of the largest piano manufacturers of the day. Peak production was reached in 1905 when it
climbed to 100 instruments a day.
STEINW AY & SONS
This most illustrious, old-established and world-renowned house is intimately associated not only with that development of the piano industry in the United States which has made it pre-eminent among nations, but with the growth of musical taste and intelligence the world over. The Steinways have been scientific and practical piano-makers for five generations. The firm started in business in New York in 1853.
The instruments of the House of Steinway have won world-wide recognition from the most distinguished composers, virtuosi, musicians and teachers and is used today in over 90% of all concerts in this country. Richard Wagner described his Steinway grand as "a noble work of art," and added that he knew nothing that could compare with the perfection reached by the Steinways in pianoforte building. Franz Liszt asked to be permitted to add his homage, and wrote a special composition to
illustrate their tone sustaining pedal. Anton Rubinstein declared their instruments to be "unrivaled," and Hector Berlioz, while admiring their "splendid sonority," expressed his views of the indebtedness all artists were under to the house for the introduction of jmprovements of supreme value.
To an infinite number of similar testimonials, Ignace Jan Paderewski added his declaration that the Steinway grand he used had been "an inspiration" to him on account of "the grandeur, power and ideal beauty of tone" and the "absolute perfection of touch and mechanism.
Pages could be taken up with the patented improvements invented by Steinway & Sons. Among the principal are: Their method of agraffe adjustment, their application for over+stringing in grands, which they later applied to uprighits; their duplex scale, their new system of "scaling," and their cupola metal frame, which was approved by that great authority on acoustics, Helmholtz. One of their patented improvements is their grand metal string frame with Capo d'Astro bar, case hardened at point of contact with strings, by which the beautiful tonal qualities of a grand piano have been reproduced in upright form.
The Steinway Accelerated Action is one of the most outstanding improvements in piano construction in the past half century. It decreases friction and therefore increases the speed of repetition. The return of the key to its normal position of rest is more rapid. Tone production is under more perfect control, and playing made easier. It has been received with the enthusiastic acclaim of amateurs, professionals music schools and radio broadcasting stations everywhere. This and the new Diaphragmatic Soundboard, tapered from the thick center to all the edges, are fully patented and are included in all Steinway pianos. The manufacturing facilities of the house are unexcelled, with extensive and complete plants at Long Island City, New York. These factories are unsurpassed in their capacity for scientific piano making of the highest possible standard.
Steinway & Sons was incorporated in 1876, with a capital stock of $8,000,000.
This house has made a feature of its business the development of the artistic in piano case construction, not only in the way of special designs for individual pianos, for which the carving has been done by renowned artists but has also paid particular attention to bringing out instruments which are "works of decorative art," having hand painted designs by artists of the highest distinction.
For nearly 145 years, Steinway & Sons has been a leader in the piano industry in the United States. Since its founding in 1853 by Henry Engelhardt Steinway, Incorporated in 1876, Steinway & Sons has long been a leader in the technical development of the piano as an instrument Well over 100 patents have been granted this House for importantimprovements in the manufacture of pianos which are today incorporated in practically every piano manufactured. Recent improvements covered by U. S. Patent are the Steinway Permafree Action and the Steinway Hexagrip wrestplank. Other important exclusive features include the Steinway Accelerated Action, and the Steinway Diaphragmatic Soundboard, both of which are included in all Steinway pianos, grand and vertical.
The instruments of Steinway & Sons have won worldwide recognition from the most distinguished pianists and musical aitists. The Steinway is used today in over 90% of all concerts in this country. Distinguished artists such as Richard Wagner, Franz Liszt Anton Rubinstein, Ignace Jan Paderewaki and Serge Rachmaninoff have in past years chosen the Steinway. Such great artists today as Artur Ruhinstein, Rudolf Serkin, Van Cliburn and many hundreds more choose the Steinwayexclusively.
STERLING
For many years one of the most successful and popular piano manufacturing concerns in the United States. Now manufactured in extensive and finely equipped factories, these pianos have consistently enjoyed a wide popularity for their excellent tone and tested reliability. This Copany. also controls the Huntington and the Mendelssohn Pianos.
THE STING II
The Sting II,is both a player piano and a professional studio piano. As a player, The Sting II can either be played by pnmping the pedals or automatically with the flip of switch. The player piano has four fingertip controls including tempo and volume controls and seperate accent buttons for bass and treble. The Ukelano feature changes the full rich timbre to the authentic "rinky-tink" sounds of bygone days. Another simple control transposes the music into five consecutive keys for easier sing-along
partici pa tion.
As a studio, The Sting II stands 48" with a 44- studio scale and is constructed to provide a response and timbre second only to a grand piano. Features include nickel-plated tuning pins, antiqne brass pedals, solid copper bass strings, double wheel casters and a massive 6 post back for generations of durability and performance. Fine furniture design is also built into The Sting II. Crafted of rich grained oak, its lines are further enhanced by the use of carved motifs. A rich stain plus hand rubbing brings out the warmth of this popular wood. A final lacquer finish adds luster and durability to this classic piano.
STORY & CLARK..
Founded in 1857 in Burlington, Vt., by Rampton L. Story. Born with a deep, inherited appreciation of music, Hampton Story was an accomplished pianist at the age of ten. At twenty, he was a busy piano teacher, and at twenty--two he began to manufacture the pianos he knew and loved so well. Hampton Story's first instruments were built in a modest workshop overlooking Lake Champlain. There, with typical Yankee thoroughness he constructed pianos of such high quality that his name Soon spread, and within a few years buyers were coming from such distant cities as New York, Buffalo and Cleveland. A true New Englander, Story had an instinctive dislike of superficialities and shoddy methods, insisting on the best or nothing attitude. Six years after he had made his first piano, Hampton Story enlisted in the Army. After the war ended, the country was in a surging and expansive mood, and the Mid-West offered splendid Possibilities for the manufacture and marketing of pianos. Whatever the exact reason, in 1867 the firm moved to Chicago.
In 1950 the company introduced this century's most sensational development, the Story tone Mahogany Sounding Board. The Story tone sounding board replaces traditional spruce with laminated Mahogany, which cannot split or crack, minimizes the necessity for tuning due to temperature and humidity changes and enhances the quality of tone. This new feature was standard in all Story & Clark spinets, consoles, studio uprights and grand pianos.
In 1952 the Company also introduced the Style 44-C Church Piano, the only piano ever designed exclusively for churches. It is a 44" Upright, in Walnut, with a special Gothic encasement that harmonizes perfectly with the consoles of fine church organs. It has bass agraffes, pine keys, six posts and tone-escapement outlets both above and below the keyboard. Most important of all, the Style 44-C Church Piano has the exclusive Story tone Mahogany Sounding Board. This provides almost complete immunity to the effects of alternate high and low temperature, humidity especially serious "piano problem" in most churches where temperatures and heating vary so widely throughout the year. The Story tone Board helps hold the piano in tune for much longer Periods-enormously important in church work, where the piano is often require to be in tune with the organ.
Story & Clark has been making pianos for homes, churches, and institutions around the world since 1857, more than a century of careful craftsmanship. It is one of the largest selling lines in history. An unusually wide selection and fine furniture styling which makes these pianos so distinctive and refined sets this line of instruments apart from others. Since 1857, Story & Clark has been manufacturing pianos, and for close to 80 years these instruments came from Grand Haven, Michigan, a community famous for its furniture designers and manufacturers. In fact, four generations of some families have made their living producing Story & Clark pianos. This is an impressive dedication to a time-honored craft.
Story & Clark pianos were a unique find in cabinet styles from French Provincial to Contemporary, and virtually any style in between. Every style was authentic in design as well as execution, so they will be as exciting and true in decades as they were then. These are just some of the qualities that have contributed to the strong Story & Clark reputation.
WATERS, HORACE, PIANO CO., INC Refer to Janssen Piano Co. WEBER PIANO CO
A division of Aeolian American. The house of Weber was founded in 1852 by the late Albert Weber, a Skilled musician, a piano maker of the highest distinction and a business man of rare enterprise and consummate ability Almost from the start he won for his instruments general recognition for artistic merit and a leading Position in the musical world. Weber gave to his pianos that distinct individuality of tone quality, power and sympathy which is today and has always been characteristic of them. He was for many years one of the most prominent figures in the musical and artistic world of this country, and did much to further the developmerr- of musical knowledge and culture. He was closely identified with the musical undertaking of his time and wielded a powerful influence. The business was afterward conducted by his estate until 1897, when the Weber Piano Co., with William E. Wheelock as president, was formed.
The "Weber" Pianos won distinguish+- honors at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876. In 1887 they were exhIbited at the American Exhibition in London, where they attracted the admiration of the most distinguished musicians and critics. Two years later they were exhibited at the Paris Exposition, where they secured an enthusiastic indorsement from the press and the musical public and obtained medal of highest award. The "Weber" Instruments, obtainable in grands and verticals, have always been favorites with the most distinguished musicians and artists and with singers of the highest renown. The international standing and artistic excellence of the "Weber" Pianos are shown by its selection by His Holiness Pope Pius X for his personal use and for the use of the Apostolic Court. A further compliment of like nature was paid the "Weber" piano when it was selected by His Majesty Alfonso XIII for his own personal use.
WEBER
Albert Weber, a skilled musician, a pianomaker of the highest distinction and a businessman of rare exiperprise and consummate ability. Almost from the start he won for his instruments general recognition for artistic merit and a leading position in the musical world. Weber gave to his pianos that distinct individuality of tone quality, power and sympathy which is today and has always been characteristic of them. He was for many years one of the most prominent figures in the musical and artistic world of this country, and did much to further the development of musical knowledge and culture. He was closely identified with the musical undertakings of his time and wielded a powerful influence. The business was after ward conducted by his estate until 1897, when the Weber Piano Co, with William E. Wheelock as president, was formed. The "Weber" pianos won distinguished honors at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876. In 1887 they were exhibited at the American Exhibition in London, where they attracted the admiration of the most distinguished musicians and critics. Two years later they were exhibited at the Paris Exposition, where they secured an enthusiastic indorsement from the press and the musical public and obtained a medal of highest award. The "Weber" instruments, obtainable in grands and verticals, have always been favorites with the most distinguished musicians and artists and with singers of the highest renown.
The international standing and artistic excellence of the "Weber" pianos are shown by its selection by His Holiness Pope Pius X for his personal use and for the use of the Apostolic Court. Further compliment of like nature was paid "Weber" piano when it was selected by His Majesty Alfonso XIII for his personal use.
WEGMAN
The Wegman Piano Company was incorporated in New York State in 1882 and was reorganized in 1916, and later was acquired by the Estey Piano Corp., of Bluffton, Indiana, who manufactured these pianos. Wegman pianos were of exceptional tone quality and modern and beautiful designs
WELLINGTON
This Piano was manufactured by the Conover-Cable Piano Co. with general offices and factory at Oregon, III. It is designed to meet requirements of those who want a thoroughly modern piano at a very moderate price. Thousands of Wellington pianos have been sold and the large output has enabled the makers to market a piano of exceptional quality at a reasonable price. An unusually well built piano at an unusually low price, Wellington is a registered Trade Mark.
WESER
This concern manufactured Weser Bros. pianos which weremade since 1879 by the Weser family. This company was founded in 1879 by John A. Weser who was the first to build the Weser piano. Ever since inception Weser pianos have been noted for their quality of tone and beautiful case designs. Only the most skilled artisans are employed by this company. Pioneers in the use of the direct-drive action for consoles they manufacture many beautiful Colonial and period models. Weser grands have always enjoyed recognition in the musical world and are noted for their beautiful appearance, durability and richness of tone. Over 125,000 pianos have been made by the Weser family.
WINTER & COMPANY
Generally conceded to be one of America's largest and leading piano manufacturers, whose factory was located at 863 E. 141 Street, New York, N. Y., probably produced more instruments than any other single plant in the world. This company's enviable Position in no small way could be attributed to its open-minded approach to new methods and improvements and in its genuine interest in producing fine pianos. Winter had a reputation for progressiveness which resulted in beautifully toned, and styled pianos of long durability. This is the company that introduced the Alumatone plate; developed Practiano, a device permitting piano practice without disturbance to others in the room; and the Resotonic Scale. It was Winter & Company's Musette piano, first introduced in 1935, that launched the great re-styling movement which has swept the modern console into nation-wide popularity.
With all equipment for production of quality pianos under the most economical conditions. The Winter factory is self-contained with a large lumber yard for storing and air-drying kilns to insure proper drying and aging of all wood parts. The Winter lumber mill is considered a model for completeness of equipment to turn out the most elaborate case work; as well as backs, pin blocks, bridges, etc., of the very highest quality. The veneers used in the Winter pianos are carefully selected for beauty of figure and a completely equipped veneering department with hot plate presses, automatic glue spreaders, veneer dryers, taping and matching machines insure productive efficiency and permanent bonding. Core stock is quarter-sawed in small strips so that even under the most adverse conditions, warping of case work is held to a minimum. In the case shop, elaborate sanding machines, as well as a staff of hand sanders, guarantee smooth rich finish.
All Winter piano cases are double filled and stained before best quality lacquer is applied to produce the handsome, durable finish. All exposed internal wood parts are filled and sealed to protect against moisture and atmospheric conditions. In stringing, action finishing, side-gluing, regulating and tuning, experienced craftsmen perform these operations by the best traditional hand methods. These men are of long experience. many having been with the company over thirty years, and have long training in the art of producing fine tone qualitv Steady employment at the Winter factory, as a result of the large demand for its pianos, has attracted the best and most experienced craftsmen. Every operation in the factory is passed upon by an inspector before moving on to the next department. Finally, each instrument is hand-rubbed, fine tuned, and a final inspection before shipment serves to protect the high standards of Winter pianos. The recognition given by the trade to the Winter line is the best evidence of their muscal excellence, fine quality and attractive designs. Winter & Co. make a very comprehensive line of pianos, consisting of grands, studios, spinets, and consoles in a varety of cases.
For many years one of America's largest and leading piano manufacturers, whose pianos were produced in an ultra modern factory in Memphis, Tenn., had a reputation and progressiveness which has resulted in beautifully toned and styled pianos of long durability. This is the company that introduced the Alumatone plate; developed Practiano, a device permitting piano practice without disturbance to others in the room, and the Restonic Scale. It was Winter & Co.'s Musette piano, first introduced in 1935, that launched the great restyling movement which swept the modern spinet and consoles into nation-wide popularity.
WISSNER & SON Refer to Janssen Piano Co.
WURLITZER
Established in 1856; In 1935, Wurlitzer introduced the tradition-breaking spinette piano, proving that a piano only thirty-nine inches high could replace the bulky instruments traditionally produced. Upon the design of this piano is based all modern piano production. Through science, research, and ingenuity, Wurlitzer has developed such exclusive features as Tonecrafted Hammers, Pentagonal Sound Board, Augmented Sound Board, and many others to provide a greater volume of rich, resonant tone. A unique achievement in finishes is "Wurl-on," highly resistant to heat, cold, dryness, and moisture as well as mars, scratches, and abrasions an attractive as well as durable and long-lasting finish. The complete line of Wurlitzer pianos offers a wide range of spinette, console, and studio-type designs, finished in a variety of fine woods, hand-rubbed to satin smoothness, and priced to suit any budget. Noted for their perfection of performance and beauty of appearance, Wurlitzer pianos give enduring satisfaction and are a handsome addition to any setting. Introduced in 1955, the sensational new Wurlitzer electronic piano has no strings or sound board, provides natural piano tone through means entirely electronic, weighs only sixty-eight pounds, carries like a suitcase by means of its handy porta-cover, is unaffected by changes in temperature or climatic conditions, has built4n volume control, may be played "silently" with earphones plugged in, and offers the additional important advantage of modest cost. A console model of the electronic piano, introduced in 1957, met with immediate popularity.
All Wurlitzer pianos are manufactured under the name "Wurlitzer"; no stencil, second, or ghost names are employed. In pursuing this "one name" policy Wurlitzer avoids the confusion and misunderstanding commonly associated with the multiple name system. In fact, so widely known is Wurlitzer that the name "Wurlitzer" and the word "music" are practically synonymous, and millions of people continue to read about Wurlitzer pianos in leading national publications of vast circulation.
A progressive program of research and development, modern manufacturing processes, and custom-engineered equipment have enabled Wurlitzer to offer its customers pianos of excellent quality at affordable prices. Wurlitzer pianos are marketed throughout the world.
Wurlitzer's line of pianos consisted of nearly fifty types, styles, and finishes. Wurlitzer manufactured spinets from 37" to 38 1/2" high, consoles 40" to 43" high, studio or school 45" high, and player pianos, all of which carry the Wurlitzer name. The name Wurlitzer has been associated with the musical instrument industry since 1856.
The basic action and keyboard of each Wurlitzer piano are precision-crafted to exacting standards by largely automatic equipment at the company's plant in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Popular Wurlitzer pianos featured include hexagonal sound board with larger soundboard area for greater amplification, three working pedals, six-post back, and decorator-designed cases. Many Wurlitzer pianos utilize Wurlitzer Duraphonic and Duraphonic Multi-radial SoundboardsTM, which The Wurlitzer electronic piano was designed for teaching and professional use as well as the home. It can be played silently so that tones are heard through ear phones for the pupil and a monitor system for the teacher. The Wurlitzer electronic piano is now an established feature of Wurlitzer Educational Products which include, for the purpose of classroom instruction, the Wurlitzer Music Laboratory. By use of closed-circuit visual aids, students participating in music labs can benefit simultaneously from private instruction and group dynamics. The system provides economies of cost and time to instructors.
YAMAHA
A complete line of pianos, manufactured in Japan by Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd., one of the world's largest piano manufacturers, and in the u.s. by the Everett Piano Company. Yamaha pianos are distributed in the u.s. by Yamaha International Corporation, a wholly owned factory subsidiary of Nippon Gakki, which acts as the importing and marketing agency between dealers and factory, and which maintains a cooperative sales support campaign in hehalf of u.s.A. dealers.
The manufacturing company commenced operations in 1887, making reed organs. Piano manufacturing began in 1900. Most popular are the Yamaha grand pianos, available in a wide range of sizes and finishes. Built to specifications for world wide distribution, These grands are said to suit the tastes of discriminating musicians, yet are competitive in cost because the company builds large quantities.
In September, 1973, Yamaha expanded its capabilities when it acquired the facilities of the Everett Piano Company which it now uses to produce a line of Yamaha console and studio pianos in South Haven, Michigan.
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