Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association

HELD IN THEIR

EXHIBITION BUILDING

COR. OF HUNTINGTON AVENUE AND WEST NEWTON STREET

BOSTON

OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, 1892.

GROUP 18.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, INCLUDING PIANO-
	FORTES, PIPE AND REED ORGANS, VIOLINS, AND OTHER STRINGED INSTRUMENTS, BRASS INSTRUMENTS, TUNING AND OTHER DEVICES, AND MUSICAL MERCHANDISE.

Officer in Charge, AUGUSTUS LOTHROP.

JUDGES :
JOHN W. TUFTS,	W. F. HASCALL,
HENRY M. DUNHAM.

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF JUDGES. - The exhibition of 1892 has not shown the variety or number of musical instruments that have been seen in former exhibition, and a regret is felt that there has been a diminished interest manifested in the competition displays.

As in former exhibitions, pianofortes of different forms and styles make the larges showing. The gain in the finish of the action, cases, etc., has not been met in the quality of tone, or its adaptability to the needs of the thousands who are forced to occupy more limited quarters than in former times. The quantity of tone has been increased, until the ordinary house instrument could easily be made to answer the requirements of the concert hall of large dimensions, while the purity and sweetness of tone have been, as it were, su[] or ignored.

Specimens of cabinet work of much beauty and finish have enclosed instruments of music, which would require much latitude of judment to designate as really musical in the best sense. The [] objects of study have been neglected. All students are by no means working to become public performers, and every effort should be made to encourage musical effects that are in the highest degree refined and pure.

The smallest pianoforte will easily fill the largest private house, and it seems to use the manufacturers should constantly strive to satisfy all the conditions of modern life.

The compromises necessarily made in the structure of a modern pianoforte in the lower octaves should not destroy or even injure the purity of tone or certainty of pitch. It is hoped that our manufacturers may again turn their attention to the tone on the artistic side, and not allow themselves to be diverted in the direction of mere makers of elegant pieces of furniture. While all may be charmed by beauty of form, elegance of design, and exquisiteness of finish, the musical side should in no way be forgotten. Let them aid both teachers and pupils in their efforts to attain the highest skill in the production of pure tone, rather than loud and harsh noises. As a whole, little gain has been made in the quality of tone during the past fifteen years.

...
221. KRANICH & BACH, New York. (H. W. Berry, Agent, 646 Washington Street, Boston). - Pianos. - There was on exhibition one parlor, one short grand, and five upright pianos. One Stultz & Baur, one upright, and one Mechlin grand and upright. For the Kranich & Bach grand piano the award is a Special Diploma, affirming a former award of a Gold Medal, for continued excellence. For the general excellence of the exhibit, the award is a

Silver Medal.

707. HENRY F. MILLER & SONS PIANO COMPANY, Boston. - This firm have on exhibition two grand, five upright, and one pedal for organ practice. These instruments were not entered for competition, and consequently no award is made.

749. C. C. HARVEY, 152 Tremont Street, Boston. - Exhibits one grand and one upright piano made by Chickering & Sons, three upright by Blasius & Sons, of New York, and one vocalion. None of these were entered for award, consequently none was made.

337. GEORGE M. GUILD & COMPANY, 101 Bristol Street, Boston. - This exhibit consisted of three upright pianos, a tuning-device, and a newly invented piano-action. The action is a great simplification of those usually employed, and its working seems sure under the sever tests of repetition or very light blows. The new mode of stringing seems to be a gain in its adjustment.
The tuning device was awarded a Silver Medal at a previous exhibition, and a Special Diploma is now issued, affirming that award, for continued excellence. For the new action, the award is a

204. HALLET & CUMSTON (by Wm. T. Johnson, Agent,) 150 Tremont Street, Boston. - One small and three larger upright pianos. Haines Bros., of New York, exhibit four upright pianos. Pease, of New York, has two upright piano on exhibition.

202. THE EVERETT PIANO COMPANY (by E. B. Wood), 180 Tremont Street, Boston. - This company exhibits two grand and six upright pianos, of good workmanship and in tastefully designed cases.

209. A. S. SHOREY, 180 Tremont Street, Boston. - Exhibits and automatic attachment which is applied to an Everett piano. The device, although we consider it of no real musical value, shows ingenuity in its application.
...

site index

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws