FIRST

EXHIBITION AND FAIR

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

CHARITABLE MECHANIC ASSOCIATION

AT

FANEUIL AND QUINCY HALLS,

IN THE CITY OF BOSTON,

SEPTEMBER 18, 1837

The most important instrument, and the only one which any considerable number was present, was the Piano-forte ; of these, specimens were sent by four manufacturers in this city. The excellence of the best, by each of these makers, was such as to be in the highest degree gratifying : and the Committee believe that the instruments manufactured here, will bear, without disadvantage, a comparison with those of European construction. The qualities desired are a full, rich, brilliant, justly proportioned tone, and a well balanced action, responding promptly to the touch, and enabling the performer to regulate at pleasure the power and volume of sound, and the rapidity of execution.

The instrument which, after repeated trials, the Committee thought deserving of the first rank in all these respects, was made by J. CHICKERING & CO., (No. 903. Seven Piano-fortes,) and was marked Number 6 by the Committee. It stood upon the platform at the west end of Faneuil Hall, and was in a rose wood case. Another instrument, by the same manufacturers, in a mahogany case, which was in the north gallery, was so nearly equal in all respects, that it was not without hesitation the Committee came to their decision.

A third instrument, from the same establishment, claims notice, though of smaller size and price, for the uncommon fulness and brilliancy of tone, its good proportion, and ready action. It was placed at the easterly end of the north gallery, and was numbered 2 by the Committee.

A Gold Medal.

The next in merit to the best one of Chickering's, in the opinion of the Committee, was made by WILKINS & NEWHALL, (No. 414. Two Horizontal Piano-fortes.) The proportion of the upper notes to the lower was slightly, and but slightly inferior to that of Chickering's best, while the action was perhaps fully equal.

A. Silver Medal.

The same remark must be made of the instrument which the Committee estimated as the third in rank, which was manufactured by ALLEN HALLET, (No. 916. Three Piano-fortes,) and which stood on the platform.

A Silver Medal.

Of the fourth, which was made by GILBERT & CO., (No.914. Five Piano-fortes,) the opinion of the Committee was, that the tone, though perhaps not quite the equal to that of the other three, was still rich, pleasing and well proportioned ; but the action seemed to require a heavier touch, and to preclude an equal degree of brilliancy of performance. On this account they felt compelled to prefer the other instruments they have mentioned. The one by Gilbert & Co. which was thought the best of that manufacture was at the north end of the platform, and was numbered 1 by the Committee. A Silver Medal.

...

916. BROWN & HALLETT, Boston. Three Piano-forte Cases.
903. J. CHICKERING & CO., Boston. Seven Piano-forte Cases.
914. T. GILBERT & CO., Boston. Five Piano-forte Cases.
414. WILKINS & NEWHALL, Boston. Two Piano-forte Cases.

It is extremely difficult to make a distinction in the Piano-forte cases, where the whole are superior ; after a careful examination, we have concluded, that No. 7, J. Chickering & Co., and No. 1, Brown & Hallett, are entitled to the preference, with particular reference to the varnishing, and finish generally.

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