| MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. JUDGES: | |
| JULIUS EICHBERG, | HENRY J. SMITH, |
| CHARLES J. CAPEN, | JOSEPH B. SHARLAND. |
WE have examined with care the articles presented for inpection, as follows : -
PIANOFORTES. - 2307. GUILD & CHURCH. - One Semi-Grand.
2307. GUILD & CHURCH. - Two Squares.
2262. W. H. IVERS. - Two Squares.
2459. ROGERS & CO. - Two Uprights.
2528. T. PARSONS. - Two Mathushek Squares.
2529. O. A. GAMAGE. - One Square.
...
We notice with regret the lack of interest shown by manufacturers in this department. On reference to past reports we find the average number of Pianofortes of all kinds, for the Eleven preceding Exhibitions, is nearly thirty ; this year it has fallen to ten, or one third of the average number, and is only one half of the number presented at the First Exhibiton in 1837. As there is no department in the Mechanic Arts for articles for use or ornament in which such rapid strides of improvement have been made as in this department, and but few in which the demand has so increased, there must be some cause not fully apparent for this apathy, and which we ask the Association to consider. As improvemnt in the aesthetic adn durable qualities of musical instruments is wholly germane to the Mechanic Arts, we venture to suggest that better conveniences for the exhibition of pianofortes nad other musical instruments may awaken a zeal as great as has been shown by exhibitors in the Fine Arts, and arouse an ambition in manufacturers to make this department a fair exposition of their skill, and more in keeping with their fame. The specimens submitted, however, are well up to the standard of excellence as shown at the two or three previous exhibitions.
The square Pianofortes exhibited by Mr. Wm. H. Ivers and by Messrs. Guild & Church, would have proved very attractive at any exhibition. The Pianofortes of Mr. IVERS have the qualities of a first-class instrument in a high pegree of perfection. The tones are clear, brilliant, and beautiful, pure and even throughout the scale, and the action satisfactory to the most sensitive touch. In power and full resonance of tone they equal the best instruments of their class, and we award the first prize, a
Silver Medal.
The Square Pianoforte offered by Messrs. GUILD & CHURCH is an instrument of superior excellence and finish, of good power in the middle register, and would do credit to any manufacturer. We award a
Bronze Medal.
For the Semi-Grand exhibited by them, a
Bronze Medal.
Messrs. ROGERS & CO. exhibited two Upright or Boudoir Pianofortes, demanding the attention of makers on account of improvements in this class of instruments claimed to be important and valuable. These consist chiefly in an ingenious method of securing the strings, by which it is claimed the tuning can be done with but little trouble, and will be more durable. It is also claimed that the improved iron frame, with bars so adjusted in accordance with the line of tension and its laws, secured great strength, with economy of material, and reduces the weight of the instrument without loss of power or durability. Its detached sounding-board and its improved action are also worthy of notice. In the former, repairs can be made without taking the whole instrument apart ; in the latter, if a single key gets out of order it can be repaired without taking out the whole action. Other improvements of more or less value are claimed. Not presuming, at the present time, to judge of the probable success of any or all of these, or of their value, which time alone can test, nevertheless we deem them worthy of special notice. At a previous exhibition this style of pianos was recommended as the most desirable next to the Grands. But, with all its excellent traits, it has defects which have obstinately withstood all efforts for their removal. The Messrs. Rogers have devoted much time and labor to this end, and we regard them as deserving great credit for their enterprise and untiring efforts in this direction, adn award to them for their improvements a
Silver Medal.
We do not feel called upon to speak of instruments not designated for award. In justice to Mr. GAMAGE, we would say that the principle underlying his method of adjusting and securing the strings is similar to that mentioned in the Rogers' Piano ; and if time attests its value, much credit will be due him for his earnest efforts in the path of improvement.