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MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS |
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BENJ. E. WOOLF, |
CARL BAERMANN, |
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JOHN W. TUFTS. |
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In the department of musical instruments we regret to find so few exhibitors ; the display being less than we remember to have seen at any previous fair. But two piano-forte firms make any large showing. The absence of exhibitors from among the leading piano houses is a marked and striking feature in this department of the fair. In other instruments a large proportion of the manufacturers are of foreign origin, thus reducing the actual competition to an exceedingly small proportion of the whole. Foreign manufactures are useful as an incentive and as models to our own workers ; but they should not, in an exhibition of this kind, be the sole representatives in any phase of construction...
309. CHICKERING & SONS, Boston, Mass. - Piano-fortes. - This firm has made a large and valuable exhibit. Of the short grand we can speak in the highest terms for the fulness of tone, the carrying power, and evenness and singing quality through the whole compass. We do not think we are called upon to decide upon the peculiarities of construction, and our decision is based upon the general results attained by the skill of the manufacture. To these we can accord the warmest praise. For the short grand we would award a Gold Medal.
Of the uprights we would commend the artistic beauty of design and the exquisite finish of the workmanship of the mahogany case of one instrument. To this we should suggest the award of a Silver Medal.
106. GUILD, CHURCH & CO., Boston, Mass. - Piano-fortes. - For excellent display of square and upright pianos of their own manufacture we would recommend a Silver Medal.
974. HARDMAN, New York. (White, Smith & Co., Agents, Boston.) - An Upright Piano, in tasteful English Walnut Case. - This instrument is large and fulll in tone, is of good workmanship, and is thought by us worthy of a Bronze Medal.
647. JOHN B. HAYES, Boston, Mass. - For excellent work in the Restoration of Piano-fortes, we would award a Diploma.
John B. Hayes also exhibits a Piano made by Jonas Chickering, in 1827. This should not be passed by without a word of recognition for thoroughly honest and lasting work, and which, even after a lapse of nearly sixty years, shows points of favorable comparison with the very best workmanship of the present day.