The STANDARD Player Monthly

'l,! lS tandard
//~III~
Player
ONTHI.;
Sept em ber
Vol. 11, No. 9
Conten ts Co py r ig h te d
192 5 b y Standa rd
1925
Pneuma ti c A cti on
C om p any
THE" STANDARD'S" PRESIDENT, SECRETARY AND
TREASURER.
T he official electi on o f W. A. Me nnie
to th e office of president of the " St an dard" organization ; of A. K. Gut sohn' s
the tr ade pap er s will be g lad to read o f
it here.
VV . A. M enn ie's a ssociati on with th e
"S ta nda rd " since 1913, a nd his cons iste nt
adv anceme nt. ha s bee n told bef ore in the
S T A 1'."OARO P LAYER lVIOK THL Y.
H. E . Lawrence, who came with the
"Standard " in 1919, has also adva nced
stead ily, having in turn been ad verti sing
W . A. MENNIE, P resident
re-election to the office o f sec reta ry; a nd
of H . E . L awrence's election to th e office
o f treasurer is her ew ith a nnounced;
and your edito r tak es pleas ure in br oadcasting th e goo d new s to the four qu ar ters of th e world , whither yo ur maga zine
travels. vVe know th eir many fri ends
wh o ha ve not seen th e announceme nt in
H. E. LA\\'RE i\ CE. Treasurer
Standard Player Monthly
and sa les promotion manager for thi s
company ; then manager of the entire
advertising and sales promotion department of the Kohler Industries.
A. K. GUTSOHN , S ecre tary
3
A . K . Gutsohn ha s been with the compan y since it was a baby ; and has ably
dem on strated his ability as an industrial
execut ive and efficient factory organizer.
As the president of the Piano Technicians' As sociation, he is well-known to
the American ind ust ry.
The reason for the success of the
"Stan dard Pneumatic Action" and the
growth of this company to be the largest
of its kind in the world is perhaps best
told in the following phrase, taken from
an adv ertisement which app eared in
" P rinter's Ink. " "We are big principally
because we ha ve grown with those we
serve."
Service is the keynote o f the Standard 's world-wid e su ccess, and it is the
con st ant effo rt o f the officers of the
Standard Comp any to keep that note at
concert pitch.
The officers o f the com pany, who se
pictures are here shown, give a triple
assu ran ce of S E RVICE to all the
Standard's customers and friends, and
thru that SERVICE the y feel that the
continued gr owth of the company is also
assured .
NOT AN APOLOGY: AN EXPLANATION
It isn 't always possible to keep a promise. We know that's a sort
of weak statement, but we make no apology for it. And here's why.
When we told some of our friendly contributors that we'd use in the
September issue, the material they sent us, we didn't know that we'd
have the above joyful news to publi sh. And it's taken up one and
one-half pages- Why, we even had to leave out some of the Convene
tion pictures.
However, we 'll try and make good in the October issue with our
promises.
By the way, you fellows who attended the Convention, it certainly
was one big time, wasn't it? The editor hopes to meet - - - . But ~
August, 1926, is a long way off.
And say, don't fail to read the back cover of this issue. To get real
personal, I want you to help me.
4
Standard Player Monthly
McFARLAND PUTS OUR POSTCARDS ON THE JOB
AND GETS RESULTS
It is results that count, isn't it? Some
time ago, J. M. McFarland of Hillsboro,
Texas, sent to us, for some of our postcards for tuners. He is using them, and
with gratifying results.
He was so
pleased with the results that he wrote us
a very nice letter, and sent us a card to
prove that he is getting business through
this method of advertising. Both sides
of the card are shown herewith. Mr.
J. VI. 'k: '.rLend.
H1Utlboro,
McFarland also asked that we notify his
brother tuners as to his methods, so that
they, too, might benefit-a mighty unselfish request. Here is his letter:
Hillsboro, Texas.
Standard Player Action Co.,
638 West 52nd Street,
New York City.
Gentlemen:
Enclosed find one of the cards you
sent me some time ago. I want to thank
you again for them.
I would be very glad to have this
self-addressed card shown in the
August issue of the STANDARD PLAYER
MONTHLY, for I would like my brother
tuners to know how I used them.
When your customer says, "Well, I'm
not able to have my piano or playerpiano
tuned just now," and before you leave
the house, address one of these cards to
yourself and tack it inside the piano.
When the customer gets ready, he will
mail you the card, if he believes in your
ability. Do not leave it -out of the piano
or it will surely get lost; but if you leave
it inside of the piano, every time they
play the "out-of-order" piano they will
be reminded of the tuner's card, and will
finally send for him to come and fix
the piano.
Let me, in closing, say that you have
the most wonderful player action built.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) J. M. McFarland.
We are glad our advertising is being
helpful.
SEPTEMBER
"Septern" is the Latin for "seven" and September was the seventh month of the old Roman
year. "Ember" simply means a recurring period or season.
September, as a name, is camouflage, and is on a par with "daylight saving time." We put
the clock hands ahead in April and call six o'clock "seven o'clock"; we take the ninth month
of the year and call it the seventh month. But, as old Bill Shakespeare would remark, "What's
in a name, anyway." The sun enters the constellation of stars called Libra during this month
-so that balances up things. ("Indicator" please note.)
The A. Saxons, well-known in history, and through the S. P. M., called this month Gerstmonath or "barley month" because they harvested the barley crop at this time. We suspect
John Barleycorn was one of the patron saints of the A. Saxon's, but he's been so long dead
that his name has almost passed into oblivion, so we can't verify this.
September is the month in which folks in lands where the \Vinters are cold, begin to think
of coal and comfort, and of tying up the flivver. They also begin to think Music.
It is to the interest of Music Dealers, Salesmen, and Tuners to catch them while their
minds are turning to Home Comforts and Home Pleasures.
September is a good month in which to put in powerful advertising punches.
Standard Player Monthly
5
IMPRESSIO NS OF THE N. A. P. T.
DETROIT CO NVE NTION,
D etr oit, big city, 1,250,000; busy. Big factor ies, big bu ildings, big hotels. Statler H ote!.
S ign ove r ma in en tr an ce, "T uners Convent ion."
H otel lobby : men wearing go ld badges and
smiling faces : tun er s. H and shak ing. " He llo,
I~)2S
tives in attendance : dark complex ioned gentleman with sm all black mu stache and eyeglas ses : know s a lot about player acti ons an d
ot her thin gs-A. K . Gut sohn : another gen tleman, slim built, suit that looks tailor-made,
a lso knows a lot a bout player acti ons and
stra w hat s ; S ta ndard's popular W est ern r eprese ntative-B. M . Str ub : little chap, head of
wa vy hair, wears specta cles w ithout r ims, g ray
mu stache, smo kes a pipe--editor of S. P. M .
Register on table.
Eve rybody reg ister s.
Everybody shakes hands with everybody else.
Like "old hom e week." Short man crowds
in-Johnston of th e P eori a Division, N. A.
P. T . enthusiast: looks in ea rn est ; is in earnest.
P eoria Divi sion gives hand some silver cup to
bc awarded at next Conven tio n to division of
N . A. P. T. doing best publi city stunts.
Down on elevat o r agai n. Ball room floor .
Meetin g on. Shut up ex hibits. E ver ybod y to
meetin g! Meet ing crowded. Front seat , man
w ith fine head of white ha ir, pleasant-spokenT. ]. O 'Meara o f "T uner 's J ournal"-also his
am ia ble and clever bett er half. Another man ,
tall, black-rimmed glasses , walks about hall in
restless manner, clas ps and unclasps hands,
hair falling in eyes- W illiam Braid White,
author of book s for Tuner Men and techni cal
editor of Music Trades Re view-one of th e
speakers. Trim littl e lad y, dark hair, br ight
eyes- M rs. D onna W . Do nelson, another of
H OTEL STAT L E R, DETROIT
Charlie!"
" He llo, Bill I" "Hell o, Frank !"
"Hell o, everybody." Big man, ru ddy complexion, gray suit, Panama hat, cute bow-tieCharlie Deutschm ann, President N. A. P . T.
He's all smiles. Why not? Biggest and best
Conven tion ever. Hello! Who's th is ? It 's
Mac , :-J. A . P . T. secret ary. He look s pleased
too. Bellb oys hu stlin g here and there ; men in
groups ; men sing ly; men w ith th eir wives.
El evat o rs doing th eir ups-and-down s ; " name
your floor. please." " F loor 14." Man y ca lls
fo r sto p at 14. T wo men getting on eleva to r
toge ther : a blond and a br unett e. B lond is
Nel s Boe, tro uble -shoote r
for
" Tu ners'
J ourna l." Brunette is H erbert An tu nes-e xpert tu ner an d repairman-also writes good
stu ff for Jo urnal. 1: p we go.
Fourteenth floor. Exhibits-lots o f them.
Many people bound for Room 1438. Wh at' s
th er e? S ta nda rd Pn eumatic Action Com pany 's
exhi bit. Large r oom, well ligh ted: one corner
han dsom e gold fr am e di splay ing "S ta ndard "
parts : a not he r corne r a mudel o f the" Standa rd
Pl ayer Action ." Table, spread with whi te
cloth : samples of ad vertising matter fo r
Tuner- men. "G rea t stu ff; g rea t act ion ; g reat
people," say the visitors. Th ree represent a-
C HA R L E S D E UTS CH MA N N. Pres. N . A .
T. ( rig ht); W . F . lvlcC L E L L A N, N. A .
P. T . S ec'v , (le ft)
r.
6
Standard Player Monthly
the speakers and w ife o f the ge ntleman in the
gray suit, F. L. Donel son . Meeting pr oceeds
opened by John S m ith, Ma yor o f D etroit;
presiden t's gave l l ittl e used ; har mony preva ils ;
wh y shouldn't it at a T uners' ga the r ing?
H. A NT U N ES and NELS BOE
S peaker s r oundl y applauded. Meeting adjourns.
Bac k to ex hi bits. "Hello, Mr. Editor!" Who's
tha t? B less us, it's Roy Schow of the Philadelp hia Y.M. C.A., pleasant as ever.
O n eleva to r to fourteenth floor again. Hats
o ff; L adi es on elevator. Mrs. Braid White
and M r s. McClellan. Fourteenth floor. Piano
music from diff erent rooms. In room 143()
a crowd of men studying player actionsStandard, A uto and Welte-Mignon (Licensee)
rep roduce r. Van N ost rand on deck, instructing .
Room 1438 aga in, Mr. and Mrs. j or dan and
Baby Jo rda n. Baby]. is younge st conve nt ioner , and exh ibits a fondn ess fo r "S tanda r d"
peop le. Excel lent ta ste! Mr. J or dan' s initi al s
a re M . E . T. H e capita lizes on this. Uses
ta il-light on ca r ; on the len s is pr inted " Ha s
yo ur pian o M ET Jordan , the Tu ner ?" Great
publ icit y. Mo re visitor s and more visitor sa ll regi sterin g . E ach one who reg isters c cts
souvenir fr om " S ta nda r d." Loose-lea f mem o
book. Man y ex press ions of approval. "Ju st
like the 'Stand ard'-F ine !"
"Most usefu l
gif t !" "C leve rly go tte n- up!"
Orders for
"S tanda rd" adver t ising, too . "Your adv ertising
has br ought us in many dollars."
Anot her day. Same happ y do ings. Banqu et.
Hall crowder!. Co mmunity sing ing of par odies
by E . L. Seagra ve. Bright lig ht s. Good "ea ts."
Mor e singing. Speeches by C. A . Grinnell, H .
F. F reun d, Wi llia m Braid W hit e, A. K.
Gutsohn.
Mu sical program . J ack Mi nifie's
da ughte r Ne ll ie, lO years old, d isplays ab ilit y
as violi nist. Ot her fea ture s. Then dancing .
Glorious time.
Thursday, August 6th : last day of Conv erttion. Been a busy, gra nd, profitable t ime.
Ma ny new fr iends made; many new th ings
learned . E ver ybody exp resses complete sa t isfaction and a des ire to take in the next T uner 's Conv enti on. "Tune up America and M ake
it Mu sical." F ine slogan . The job well sta r ted-at D et roit-i n 1925.
:MVSIC
THE ORIGIN OF MUSICAL IVIEL ODY.
" P rimi tive P eoples heighten and express th eir emotional stat es with
Rh ythltl and );1 elody be[ore the y aitempt serio us arc hit ectu ral d ecoration, or sculpture and painting ."-Murray S hee han, lVI . A.
I t is much easier to speculate upo n t he
origin of musica l r hythm than upon th e
origin of melody. But we ad van ce the
th eor y th at mu sical mel ody was de veloped by th e birds of the air before
p rim itive man began to make me lody
him self. Coa rse in m ind , coa rse in characte r; in daily combat with natu ral
fo rces; th e primit ive man woul d have
littl e inclina tion towa rd melody. S trengt h
a nd cunning a nd courage we re th e g rea t
des ide ra t ums in th e far -go ne days-not
me lody .
T here is a pos sibility that th e song of
th e bird first a woke th e desire for melodic expression in the hea rt of uncivilized
man. W hen " the time of the sing ing of
birds" had come , then th e pri mitive men
and women knew th at the Sp r ing with
its glori es had a rr ived an d th at th e hardships o f Winter had pas sed . \ Ne can
easily imagine a woman of th e cave-days
Standal'd Player Monthly
t rying to mutat e some simple melody o f
a song bird.
When we speak o f melody we usually
thin k o f it as an intelli gibl e musical
sentence, or series of sentences-a song
or tun e. The first songs mu st have been
ver y short and of nar row mu sical range.
7
shell 0 f a dead tortoise. No thing was
in the shell but some of the sinews,
st retched tigh tly across. O n tou chin g
these, Mercury found that they ga ve
forth a mu sical note - and there an d th en
ori gin ated the idea o f the harp.
But the first melodi c instrument was
proba bly the hollow reed or bamb oo.
Just as one can get a mu sical ton e by
blowing across the mouth o f a narrownecked bottle, so, by blowing across the
end of a hollow section o f bamboo, is a
musical ton e obtained. As a youngster we
remember a travelling musician who
played on an instrum ent of bamb oo. It
was made up of pieces o f this reed cut
to various lengths-thus :
~y f
.
RrstMelodicNote
_ .lJ "
In listening to the tun es of the savage
one is impressed by the monotony of
them, con sisting, as they often do, o f the
repetiti on of a sing le melodic phrase usually in a min or key. O ne might say that
in the melodi es o f a tribe, country or
race, history is to be found. H ow monot onou s then , must have been the Iife
o f the ea rlier man . H ow sad must hav e
been the histo ry o f some coun tr ies, whos e
mu sic is full o f melodie s in m inor keys.
T he or igin o f inst ruments o f mu sical
melody other than the hum an throat an d
lips is a matter of speculation . Which
came first, the wind instrum ent or th e
st ringed instrum ent -the " pipes o f P an"
or the ha rp ? Man y ha ve thought that
th e twanging o f a taut bowst ring first
suggested to the primitive mind the making of the har p. The writer has used a
bow , but has never been consciou s of any
distin ct musical not e fr om the qui vering
stri ng . T her e is an old legend that the
Roman God, Mer cury, walkin g by the
ban ks of the Egyptian Nil e, kicked th e
7he Pipes ofPan
As bamboo was used for many purposes, it is easily possible that som eone
o f our pr ehi storic an cestor s, blow ing int o
a tube - to clear it perhaps-discovered
that it gav e forth a pleasing note. The
child-man would naturally be delighted ,
and would exp eriment with one piece of
hollo w reed a fter an other and would ,
a fter a wh ile, discover the di fferent tones
made by diff erent lengths o f reed. F ro m
this discovery to that o f placing holes at
va ry ing distances down the reed, would
be a big step forwa rd in t he evolution
o f an instru ment of melody ; but when
this wa s accomplished the forerunn er o f
the mod ern flute woul d be in exi stence.
Musical Melodies can readily be brought out on a Player fitted with a Standard P layer Action.
\
Standard Player Monthly
8
Standard Player Monthly
-
COlllll11tll'ies Where 1tlhle
S1tamudlal1rcdl PEayey Actnon
AUSTRALIA
OJ~ S1tandlanll PEayeJr Mon1tJrnBy
are Jl\noWIDl and Es1teemed
Africa
Australia
Argentina
Alaska
Barbados
Belgium
Bermuda
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Canary Islands
China
Colombia
Chile
Cuba
Denmark
Dominica
Egypt
Ecuador
England
Finland
France
Germany
Guatemala
Hawaii
Holland
India
Ireland
Italy
Jamaica, B. W . 1
Japan
Mexico
Norway
Nicaragua
New Zealand
Portugal
Porto Rico
Peru
Phillipine Islands
Switzerland
Spain
Scotland
Sweden
South Africa
Trinidad
Tasmania
United States
Uruguay
Venezuela
Wales
THE
AU ST RA L I A , a cont inent with an a rea of a lmo st 3,0 00 ,000 square miles
.M.. and a po p u lation of a bout 5 ~ mi llio n, exclus ive of ab origines. Big gest
is land in t he world. Produces wheat, oats , s ugar and w ool : m in es gold,
sil ve r, copper and tin.
Amongs t it s finest prod uc t s a re-A us t r a lia n s, some
o f who m are geniu ses. Percy Gr aing er . the wonderfu l pia ni s t , is fro m the re
Beside s piano players, Australia al s o ha s P layer pi a nos. m a ny of the m fitted
w ith Sta ndard Player Actions, W hich brings us to the fact that Aust ralia
al s o has piano t u n ers and p layer men. And n ow w e h ave a r r ived . N o t long
ago we got a letter and a g r eat nu mber of pictures fr o m a Tuner-man in
Australia. Some of the pictures. shown above, w ill a cq ua int our read er s with
the fact that Australia has both fin e cities and fine scenery : the followin g
letter will also prove that we have app reciative friends in that great country
-and we are glad.
9
" STANDAR~S"
GEOGRAPHY
Dear Mr. Barrow:
~'
May 25th, 192 5.
J ust another one-you have so m a n y~ ha~ you must get fed up reading t h.em
all . But we who are so m a n y thousan mi les from you, I'm sure h av e a uny
co rne r in your editoria l hea rt, and m a y be forgiv en fo r trespassi ng.
This is only to say that I am se nd ing you a few views u n d er separate cover
of our city of Sydney and its ha r bo r, princip a lly, a nd Au st ralia in · general.
I just think because occas ionally over u s all comes a feeling that we would
like to shake hands over the long di stance and t hank you for what you have
d one a nd what you are always d o irig fo r us and " us " m ea ns the va st co nco u rs e of the world 's tuners who daily acq uire player k nowledge by some
reference to either S. P. M ., or Prine. of P . A. O per a tio n , and made possib le
only by the wi lli ng, unselfish se r vice to tuners that yo u have, for over ten
years, been giv in g them.
I will go so far to s a y t hat if t hey speak from their he art, that 50 t o 75 0/'0
of the tu ners in all pa rts of t he world owe th eir knowled~e of p layer constru ction a nd upkeep to the S. P. M . and it must be gratt fying fo r you t o
k now that while m an y of us may never see you, we fee l members of y our
g reat fam ily- d eepl y g r ateful fo r th e w ealt h of kn owled ge and hi n ts th a t co me
to us every m onth, in the S. P . M.
Slogan: "Action s S pe ak Louder T han W or ds " if they a r e S tan d a rd s .
B es t Wishes,
( Sig ned ) Fred R. Gooch,
Sydney, Australia.
The list of countries and places outside of the United S ta t es where " St a n da r d s "
are known and admi red is imposing and upholds t he verdict of our man y
friend. as to our product's high quality. Sa les m en could use this page we n
a s a st ron g and i mpressive sales a r g um en t.
10
Standard Player Monthly
6diloYlal
STANDARD
Player Monthly
The
Published
Monthly
by
THE STANDARD PNEUMATIC ACTION Co.
638 W. 52D ST.
NEW YORK CITY
Editorial Board:
W. A. MENNIE
- President
FRED A. BARROW
- Editor
A. K. GUTSOHN - - - - Technical Editor
Our English Representative
We wish to announce, for the benefit
of our friends in England, that the English representative of the Standard Pneumatic Action Company is the Piano Accessories, Ltd., of 15 Mortimer Street,
London, W. 1. We are sure that in your
dealings with this, our representative, you
will receive the same courteous treatment
that it has been the custom of the "Standard" Company to extend to all its patrons.
The Contest
The Big Contest is closed. N ow for
the winners. The letters are in the hands
of the judges and we can assure you,
friends, that the judges are going to have
some job picking out the best letters. The
Contest Letters came in thick and fast
from all parts of the U. S. A. and from
abroad. The last ones to arrive were
from Australia. Well, there were some
mighty fine letters, we can tell you. They
certainly said some complimentary things
about the "Standard." Look for the October issue of the S.P.M. You'll find
the names of the prize-winners there in
all their glory. Of course all who entered the Contest can't win-but here's
wishing you all "good luck" anyhow.
"Festina Lente"
The income to be made in any trade of
any profession partly depends on certain
factors that are aside from the ability of
the individual. Local conditions and local prices are factors which influence the
earning power of every tuner, regardless
of his speed or ability. A tuner in a
small town, although he should be the
best in his profession, could scarcely hope
to make as much as his brother in the
populous city; but, as a rule, what he
does make, comes easier. In the big
cities, while there are more pianos to be
tuned, there is also greater competition.
The letter of Mr. R. S. Sinclair, published in the July issue of the STANDARD
PLAYER MONTHLY brought several responses from tuners in other localities.
Some of the writers have exceeded Sinclair's earnings for one month. W. S.
Kingman, of Pittsfield, Mass., says, "I
never think of doing less than eight pianos a day." Was he joking? We are
inclined to think so. He times himself
to "split seconds."
The explanation of the satisfactory
earnings of many tuners may be summed
up in this way-there are pianos to be
tuned in their localities, and they go get
them and receive a satisfactory fee for
their services. If the pianos were not
there, or if the tuner did not take the
trouble to find out if the out-of-tune instruments were there, the business would
not be obtained.
In the profession of Piano Tuning or
Player Adjustment, there are men who
can be both speedy and painstaking, and
then there are others who require more
time in order to be thorough. But, fast
or slow, if there are but few pianos to
be tuned, neither the speedy man nor the
plodder can make money.
It is far from the desire of the S.P.M.
to start a speed competition. We are
sure that the Tuning Fraternity would ,
not benefit thereby. Our purpose in publishing Mr. Sinclair's letter was to show
that there is money to be made in the
tuning profession. Here is shown the
earnings of some tuners as further evidence to prove it.
Standard Player Monthly
10
6dilorial
STANDARD
Player Monthly
The
Published
Monthly
by
THE STANDARD PNEUMATIC ACTION Co.
638 'vV. s2D ST.
NEW YORK CITY
Editorial
W. A. J\fENNIE
FRED
A. K.
A.
Board:
BARROW
GUTSOHN
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
President
Editor
Technical Editor
-
-
-
-
Our English Representative
We wish to announce, for the benefit
of our friends in England, that the English representative of the Standard Pneumatic Action Company is the Piano Accessories, Ltd., of IS Mortimer Street,
London, W. 1. We are sure that in your
dealings with this, our representative, you
will receive the same courteous treatment
that it has been the custom of the "Standard" Company to extend to all its patrons.
The Contest
The Big Contest is closed. N ow for
the winners. The letters are in the hands
of the judges and we can assure you,
friends, that the judges are going to have
some job picking out the best letters. The
Contest Letters came in thick and fast
from all parts of the U. S. A. and from
abroad. The last ones to arrive were
from Australia. Well, there were some
mighty fine letters, we can tell you. They
certainly said some complimentary things
about the "Standard." Look for the October issue of the S.P.M. You'll find
the names of the prize-winners there in
all their glory. Of course all who entered the Contest can't win-but here's
wishing you all "good luck" anyhow.
"Festina Lente"
The income to be made in any trade of
any profession partly depends on certain
factors that are aside from the ability of
the individual. Local conditions and local prices are factors which influence the
earning power of every tuner, regardless
of his speed or ability. A tuner in a
small town, although he should be the
best in his profession, could scarcely hope
to make as much as his brother in the
populous city; but, as a rule, what he
does make, comes easier. In the big
cities, while there are more pianos to be
tuned, there is also greater competition.
The letter of Mr. R. S. Sinclair, published in the July issue of the STANDARD
PLAYER MONTHLY brought several responses from tuners in other localities.
Some of the writers have exceeded Sinclair's earnings for one month. W. S.
Kingman, of Pittsfield, Mass., says, "I
never think of doing less than eight pianos a day." Was he joking? We are
inclined to think so. He times himsel f
to "split seconds."
The explanation of the satisfactory
earnings of many tuners may be summed
up in this way-there are pianos to be
tuned in their localities, and they go get
them and receive a satisfactory fee for
their services. If the pianos were not
there, or if the tuner did not take the
trouble to find out if the out-of-tune instruments were there, the business would
not be obtained.
In the profession of Piano Tuning or
Player Adjustment, there are men who
can be both speedy and painstaking. and
then there are others who require more
time in order to be thorough. But. fast
or slow, if there are but few pianos to
be tuned, neither the speedy man nor the
plodder can make money.
It is far from the desire of the S.P.M.
to start a speed competition. Weare
sure that the Tuning Fraternity would ,
not benefit thereby. Our purpose in publishing Mr. Sinclair's letter was to show
that there is money to be made in the
tuning profession. Here is shown the
earnings of some tuners as further evidence to prove it.
..
•
'--,
Standard Player
Pianos
tuned
Louis A. Drumheller,
Harrisburg, Pa ...
A. J. Van Doren,
Waterloo, Iowa ...
F. J. Schulze, Chicago, Ill. . . . . . . . .
F. J. Schulze, Chicago, Ill. . . . . . . . .
Time
Receipts
39
11! days $216.70
85
26
104
26
141
27
"
543.00
524.00
"
570.00
The above shows 369 pianos tuned in
90 days which approximates 4 pianos
tuned a day at an average cost to each
owner of $5.00. Does this analysis indicate excessive speed? It does indicate
that our fortunate friends went after
business and found it. In the matter of
speed as applied to Tuning, the old motto which heads this article and which
means "Hasten slowly" should be kept
in mind.
THOMAS DANQUARD
Died August 5. 1925
Thomas Danquard is dead.
With
him, the adventure of life is over; and
he has passed on to the great and
mysterious Valley of the Shadow. Behind him he has left a name and a reputation in the playerpiano industry that
is an enviable one.
Born in Europe, and arriving in the
United States during his early manhood, he first followed his occupation of
surgical-instrument maker. Attracted to
the playerpiano industry, he entered this
field of endeavor and bv his inventive
genius, helped shape its successful course.
In 1903 he made possible the placing of
a player action inside of an upright piano
in such a way as to make it removable
without disturbing the piano action. This
player was known as the Antopiano,
The conception of the Danquard
School was his. He earlv realized that
in order to make the playerpiano permanently popular it must be serviced by
competent men. To train these men,
the Danquard School was founded: and
today it is carrying out its purpose in
many cities, in their turn.
Those who have known Thomas Danquard speak of him as "a quiet and
unassuming gentleman." Not often do
Mon~ly
11
modesty and genius show in the same
character, but in the case of Thomas
Danquard both were evident.
By his death the playerpiano industry
has lost an esteemed co-worker, and
many a man has lost a friend.
The Problem of the Neglected Player
Mr. W. H. Ewing of Saltsburg, Pa.,
makes this statement in a letter recently
received, and we fully believe that the
conditions he speaks of are not local but
general.
"There are players right here in my own
town, maybe eight or ten years old, that have
never been tuned or adjusted. There are
dozens and dozens of them in my territory,
of which the same can be said. Owners lose
interest in them and sirnnly would not think
of spending a dollar on them. Some problem."
W. H. Ewing.
Why is it that such a condition prevails? Why do owners lose interest in
their players? Who can answer this?
Is the Player Purchaser taught how to
get the best music out of the Playerpiano?
Or is he forced to find out for himself?
After the Player is sold, is there a steady
"follow-up" with new selection; for the
Player from the store where the Player
was purchased?
Is the owner of the Player allowed to
retain the impression that the Player can
only render popular selections of ordinary grade? Or is he shown that the instrument is capable of interpreting the
finest works of the greatest composers?
(Continued from page 14)
"Catch" Questions for September
Question No. 1. How far should the
Capstan Screw on the Flexible Striking Finger be from the Piano wippen?
Question No.2. Where are the secondary
pouch "bleeds" situated on a doublevalve action?
Question No.3. What causes the motor
to reverse on "reroll"?
Question No.4. Why does atmospheric air "blow up" the striking pneumatics after the valve is closed against
admission of reduced air?
Question No.5. Why will a note sometimes play even with its tubing stopped
completely? .
12
Standard Player Monthly
IMPORTANT
When writing to us about a Standard Action, will you be sure to let
us have the Player Action Number, and the make of Playerplano in
which the action is installed? This information will eliminate much
delay and will enable us to give you very prompt service.
E. D. I am sending you a spring from
your player action so you can see the
style. The lady thinks this spring pumps
hard so please send me two new springs.
This piano is about five years old, and it
pumps harder than when it was new. I
had a player man clean it and fix it all
up, but it pumps still much harder. Can
you tell me what to do for it?
Answer: We have inspected these
springs and find them to be in perfect
condition. We feel sure that these parts
are not affecting the pumping qualities of
the player. You state that the piano is
about five years old. but you fail to give
us the action number. This information
is always helpful to us. to properly tell
the condition of the player and offer you
a suggestion for a remedy. \Ve believe
the player is in need of a thorough overhauling. and possibly is in need of more
cleaning than it has received. Particularly, do we think that the primary valves
need re-regulation. Weare sending you
under separate cover, a copy of our
"Principles of Player Action Operation"
book and would refer you to Pages 37
and 38 for further instruction pertaining
to the regulation of the primary valves.
\Ve would also refer you to Page 10
which shows the installation of the bottom action, and how the gate and reroll
valves are set. You will note in con-
nection with the gate box to the extreme
left, that on "reroll" the valve shuts off
one port entirely, while when the lever
is thrown to "play" both ports are equally
open. Let me further suggest that your
playerman read this booklet of instructions through very carefully and we feel
sure that he will be able to effect a
remedy. Should he fail, however, please
do not hesitate to call upon us once more,
giving us the action number and all other
information that might help us to draw
proper conclusions and thereby be of
service to you.
R. F. E. I am working on an - - with your action. I have been all over
the player, cleaned the valves. and regulated them. It plays in good time until
about half through a roll. Then it slows
up-gets slower and slower until it stops
and won't move until it is rerolled.
Motor seems all right, also brake. I took
governor off and went over the tempo.
Knife valve seemed all right. It is hard
to see, for it is the old type pneumatic
in back, and knife valve, then tempo in
front. Then another box which the motor
tube connects into. The connection, on
the piano of this box, moved to the left,
stops the player. Moved to the right, it
plays real fast. Please tell me what is .
wrong, and how I can rectify it.
Answer: According to the description
...-,
Standard Player Monthly
given in your letter, we do not believe
that this is one of our actions. The
trouble seems to be in the governor. We
believe that the check screw is turned out
too far. Throw tempo lever to the extreme right, that is to "130" 'collapse governor pneumatic with your hand, and have
someone treadle. Now regulate the check
screw in the governor pneumatic in or
out until the paper travels over the
tracker bar as though the tempo pointer
would be placed normally at "10". Also
examine the upper brake block to see that
it is bearing properly onto the shaft preventing the paper from being wound too
loosely on the take-up spool. The brake
should be tight, thus bearing on the shaft
to keep the paper in tension all the time
while playing.
P. B. I have a - - - Playerpiano
which refuses to play. I have tested the
lower action which is in perfect condition. I have also taken a tube and listened
for leaks in the upper action, but cannot find an:)'. I cannot get any pressure
on it, and therefore think it must be in
the valves. Will you kindly tell me how
to test the valves, also how to adjust
them?
Answer: You do not state what player
action this piano contains, and therefore
it is very hard for us to give you the information that would help you solve the
problem. However, we are sending you
a copy of our "Principles of Player Action Operation" book and would refer
you to Pages 35 to 38 inclusive. We
think that the trouble is the lack of motion on the valves or possibly the pouches
have shrunk. It is also possible that the
channels, bleeds, etc., have become
clogged with accumulated dust and lint
which has been drawn into the action
from time to time. Probably cleaning
with a suction pump will help somewhat.
F. J. A. I have one of your Player
Actions in a - - - Playerpiano. The
music roll runs to the right. It is one with
a spring under the lower bellows. The
tracker does not work when covering the
holes on one side, and leaving the other
side uncovered. I have reglued the tubes
and put on the 6 new pouches and cannot
13
find the trouble. If you can, I wish you
would tell me what to do.
Answer: Your description is not complete enough for us to tell the trouble
accurately, but we believe that there are
leakages between the tracker bar and
shifter device itself. We would suggest
that you inspect all four tubes individually from the tracker bar, from the block
where they enter the shifter to see
whether they are absolutely tight and
that they are not clogged up with dust
and lint which might have been drawn
in while playing. See that the packed
joints on the shifting device are tight.
If you fail to effect a remedy, let us suggest that you send this shifter in to us
for repairs. According to the number of
the action which you have given us, it is
from thirteen to fourteen years old and
is very likely in need of an entire overhauling. However, if it is just the shifter
which is giving trouble, and you decide
to send it in for repairs, it will receive
our best and prompt attention, and will
be returned to you in first class condition.
A. B. What is wrong with a player
that will not make a sound? I have tested
the bottom action and it is strong. I can
disconnect the pipe thai goes to the valves
and close it and the motor runs O. K.
but when it is connected, it runs slow.
I have tightened every screw in the bottom and top action. It's not a Standard.
Answer: The trouble with the player
will no doubt be found in the valve system. You advise that this is not a Standard Action, but you do not state what
make of player action it is. This prevents us from making a proper diagnosis
and from giving you a statisfactory
remedy. However, let us suggest that
you take the player apart and clean the
channels of accumulated dust and lint,
and see if the pouches have become
shrunken. Furthermore, make sure that
the valves have the required play or motion. The action is likely leaking throughout and this is the cause of your motor
slowing down when playing. Weare
sending you a copy of our "Principles of
Player Action Operation" book which
we would suggest that you study carefully.
Standard Player Monthly
14
•
The following men answered the July
questions, but their letters were received
too late to be given credit in the August
issue of the magazine:
H. W. Brown, Gloucester, Mass.
F. R. Chegwidden, Shelton, Conn.
C. E. Forsythe, Dayton, Ohio.
Robt. Gerecht, Woodside, L. 1.
J. R. Leeks, New London, Conn.
F. M. Lilyard, Hartley, Iowa.
O. E. MacCollum, Williamsport, Pa.
N. P. Marx, Cashton, Wis.
A. W. Rafnell, Auburn, Maine.
Karl Reuter, Green Isle, Minn.
E. K. Riek, Rhinelander, Wis.
The following are names of men who
have answered the questions which appeared in the August issue of the
S. P. M.:
W. C. Case, Alliance, Ohio.
M. J. F. Corrar, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Henry Dunteman, Ambia, Ind.
W. H. Ewing, Saltsburg, Pa.
C. E. Forsythe, Dayton, Ohio.
W. A. Hook, Lynn, Mass.
F. J. Lyon, Cleveland, Ohio.
H. E. Clingenpeel, Lafayette, Ind.
M. J. Kannamer, Quitman, Texas.
E. O. Liaboe, Centerville, S. D.
A. W .. Rafnell, Auburn, Maine.
J. L. Robinson, Lawrence, Mass.
W. H. Schaeffer, La Porte, Ind.
T. Solberg, Stamford, Conn.
L. J. Socin, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Here are the answers to last month's
questions:
Question No. 1. How far should hammers be from strings when soft pedal
pneumatic is operating correctly?
Answer: About % of an inch, or
somewhat less than half the distance of
the hammer from the strings when the
hammer rail is full back.
Question No.2. What measurements
should be made first before attempting
to recover a motor pneumatic?
Answer: After taking out old pneumatic
and before removing cloth, measure
width between both leaves when pneumatic is fully open. The recovered
pneumatic should have this same
measurement.
Question No.3. If the motor crank-shaft
measures ~ inch from center of shaft
to outside point, what should be the
full opening allowed for pneumatic in
recovering?
Answer: Two inches.
Question No.4. What would cause a
hammer to remain against the string,
if player action is found to be O. K.
in every respect?
Answer: Tight pin in flange of piano action; or return spring of hammer not
in place.
Question No. S. What causes treadle to
stay down when pumping, allowing that
the spring is strong enough to bring it
back?
Answer: The pin joining the link to the
treadle board will be found to be too
tight.
(Continued on page 11)
WANTED
,
•
These Want Ads. are Printed Free of Charge
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Send in your ad. vertisements before the fifteenth of the month
to insure insertion in the edition of the first
month following. Want ads. received after
the fifteenth will have to appear in the edition
of the second month following.
POSITIONS WANTED
Notice to Piano Dealers in Philadelphia. Expert Tuner and Repairman is able to take
care of work for firms in this city. Quality
work at reasonable rates. Want Col. No.
946.
Tuner & Repairman on all makes of pianos
and players including Reproducers. Experi
enced in handling men. Best references.
Wishes position as Shop Foreman. Want
Col. No. 947.
Tuner, Repairman and Player Mechanic desires
permanent position with reliable firm. 5
years experience. Would consider orchestra
and band work, bass drummer and piano
player. Single, steady and sober. Member
of MasonIc Lodge. Want Col. No. 948.
standard Player Monilily
Tuner & Playerman familiar with Reproducers
would like position with good piano house.
28 years of age. Single. Can play piano
also. Danquard graduate. Want Col. No.
949.
player Repairman, also on Grands and Straight
Pianos. Wishes position on outside work,
whole or part time for store work. Six
years experience on outside work. AU work
guaranteed. Located in New York City.
Want Col. No. 950.
Tuner, .Repairman & Player Mechanic. Some
experience with reproducers, burning in and
case work. Want Col. No. 951.
"J.uner & Repairman, Player Mechanic, would
.ike permanent position with good reliable
firm in Pa., N. J., or Del. 6 years experience. Married, steady, sober. Can drive car.
Want Col. No. 952.
First class Tuner & Player Mechanic would
like to hear from firms who wish a man
for two or three days a week, residing in
N. J. Can drive a car. Want Col. No. 953.
First class Piano Tuner, Player & Finisher
would like change of location. Can organize
Iarge orchestra. Experienced theatre leader.
Very large fine library orchestra music.
Band leader and director. Want Col. No.
~54.
t
Salesman who is also an experienced Tuner,
capable of management. Practical experience
in band-orchestra merchandise, as well as
pianos. Want Col. No. 955.
First class Tuner & Player Repairman on Reproducing and Electric Pianos. 24 years experience in piano business. Would consider
managing store for first class piano concern,
or combination tuning and selling. At present employed, but wish a change. Want Col.
No. 956.
Tuner wants Position with reliable firm.
Player work a specialty. Can help with
sales. 12 years experience. Best of reference. Want Col. No. 957.
Fine Tuner & all-around Repairman. Willing
to locate in Penna., N. Y., Conn., N. J.,
Mass.
Married.
Reliable.
Worked for
Sohmer and Knabe. Had selling experience.
11 years in piano trade. Want Col. No. 958.
-'runer.& Player Repairman would like to connect with first class house anywhere in
country. 34 years of ag-e. 18 years experience. Want Col. No. 959.
first class Tuner, Repairman & Player Mechanic. Have held Foreman position. Inside
or outside work.
14 years experience.
Married: Want to locate in Ohio, Ky. or
Ind. Want Col. No. 960.
Competent Piano Tuner & Repairman wishes
Have had 12 years experience.
position.
Want Col. No. 961.
lfuner & Player Repairman wishes position
with reliable firm. Not afraid of hard work.
Good character and personality. 25 years old.
Experienced in player work, tuning, piano
regulation, and voicing. Want Col. No. 962.
15
Tuner & Player Repairman. Can also repair
piano actions and install all kinds of player
actions. Would like to locate with some
firm in Jersey City or commuting distance.
Want Col. No. 963.
Qualified Wareroom Foreman. 18 years with
Steinway pianos. Expert Tuner. Rebuilding all makes of pianos and players, also
refinishing. Not only executive, but also selling ability. Will go anywhere if the remuneration is fitting. Want Col. No. 964.
Salesman & Manager of Music Store seeks
position with reliable music house. Experienced Tuner and Repairer of pianos. Capable of taking charge of store handling
pianos and small instruments. Can furnish
best of references. Prefer New York City
or vicinity. Want Col. No. 965.
Experienced Tuner & Repairman on all makes
of players and pipe organ work. At present
employed but will change for better position.
References exchanged. Age 37. Married.
Want Col. No. 966.
Expert Tuner & Repairman with 22 years of
experience desires position with reliable piano
concern. Understands all branches of repair
work. Want Column No. 967.
Manufacturers and mail order houses needing
the services of a Tuner who understands reproducers, pipe organs, automatic pianos, and
collections, anywhere in Florida, get in touch
with Want Col. No. 968.
Competent Tuner would like to connect with
reliable house, either factory or outside
work. 26 years old. 10 years experience.
Want Col. No. 973.
Tuner and Repairman with years of experience in all lines of store work. Can repair phonographs and' all wood instruments.
Can drive and take care of car. Married.
Age 39. Want Col. No. 974.
Expert Player-Reproducing Action Mechanic
and Tuner fully equipped with test rolls
and tools to handle all current makes of
players on the market, would like to connect with manufacturers or dealers desiring
prompt, efficient and courteous service on
a time basis, in any part of Connecticut.
Want Col. No. 975.
HELP WANTED
Competent Tuner & Player Repairman. One
familiar with the We1te Mignon Reproducing
Action. In answering state experience with
reference, and salary expected. Located in
Lynchburg, Va. Want Col. No. 969.
A good Piano Tuner and Repairman, one
familiar with reproducing pianos. Located
in Penna. Want Col. No. 970.
MISCELLANEOUS
Desire to purchase an established music business in New York City or preferably within
commuting distance. Must stand thorough
investigation. Wan Col. No. 971.
Wanted: Active or inactive partner in a welt
established music business. Investment requi! ed $5,000 to $10,000. Want C<JI. No. 972.
lit 1VmHG IT
Up To You,
. ENDTuNER
I've
been
asked
to Increase
the
Mailing List of the S. P. M. and I
want to do - it.
You kn ow, we've got
a mighty big mailing list as it is, and it's steadily growing; but some o f ou r folks ain 't sa tisfied-th ey w ant to
see it grow qu icker.
N ow I'm going to ask each one of
you m en to help me, and I kn ow that if you are willing
-
a nd I believe you a re -
across.
w e'll be able to put this thing
And here's h ow you can help the edito r.
Get the name of some Tuner o r Repairman who isn 't
recei v ing th e STANDARD PL AY ER MONTHLY, and send it in
to me. If yo u can send in m ore than o ne name, so much
the better.
I sure will be thankful to you for the effort.
Y ou'll d o this, won't you?
By the w ay , we've recei ved some mighty nice letters
in re ga rd to the 1.11 onthl y , and we've been pleased to get
them .
If you r s was o ne of them , accept m y personal
thanks.
Your fri end,
THE EDITOR.
P . S. Just note , on the middle pages, wher e th e S. P . M. goe s.
Your magazin e is some magaz ine, isn't it? An d Tuners everywhere spea k well of the STAN DA RD PLAYER ACTION.
,
\