Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-01-23
TIE GREAT SOUTHERN PIANO MANUFAC.
TORY.
From tie NeH York World, Dec. FL.

gooo IN themselves, were utterly unable to
stand the excessive variation of our climate
and the super-heating of our parIors general
", SO that after two or three years they be-
came mere rattle>traPs, fit only for kindIing-
wood. One of the first houses to assert that
America could manufacture for herself; and
whose efforts were successful in diminishing
the importation of pianos, was that of Knabo
d Co., who commenced business over thirty
years ago in the Monumental City of Balti-
more. Their beginnings were humble, for
large Investments in an untried branch of
trade, which must at once come into compe-
tition with the best manufactures Of Europe,
was thing unheard of, since, besides the
competition to be overcome, there was wide
spread, deeply-rooted prejudice in favor of
the foreign article to be encountered. The
excellence of the Knabc piano, however,
gradually attracted attention, and it began to
command market elsewhere than in Balti-
more. Pianos made in the Eastern States
also began to claim attention, and the fact
came to be realized that instruments worthy
of that name could be made in America, and
that it was worse than folly to import an ar
ticle at high price, which could be furnished
at home better in quality, and at about two
thirds the cost
Under these favorable circumstances. the
house of Knabe gathered strength and made
headway, until to-day their manufactory is
one OF the largest in the world, and their bus
mess extends all over the United States.
South America, the West Indias, and even
to Europe.
This house is the only rival of the few
great piano establishments Of the Eastern and
Northern States, and the Knabc instruments
are running race in popularity, ard success
iully competing in the North and East with
the best pianos made there. The enterprise
OF the hrm Is noteworthy.
The present capacity of their manufactory
enables them to turn out thirty five pianos
per week, but the success of their agency in
New York, carried on by J. Batter & Co. hns
SO greatly increased the demand for the in
struments that they have been compelled to
erect a new wing to their building on Eutaw
and West streets, Baltimore, which; with the
lumber yard attached, occupies two entire
blocks. This extensive manulactorY is five
stories high, and with the now wing attached
will present a frontage of four hundred aud
thirty-six feet, with depth on all the floors
OF the building of forty feet. We doubt if
there IS piano factory in the world of much
larger dimensions. All the modern mechau-
ical aids to labor arc contained therein their
beautiful eng inc turns a hundred wheels. and
moves score of saws; the motive power.
steam, warns the entire building, and mum.
Der OF rare and costly machines, of cxtraordi-
nary power and unique invention, are in con.
slant operation to produce the beautiful spcci-
mems Of workmanship which the Kna5e nj
amos exhibit.
The pianos of Knabe & Co., are sterling
instruments, thoroughly made of first-rate
and long seasoned materials, so that their
powers of endurance may be entirely relied
upon. They arc not turned out rapidly with
view only to their sale, but the makers ex-
poet that each piano shall be an anyertise-
ment, OF many years standing, of the sterling
excellence Of their work
There are but few makers Of grand pianos
in the country, and in this class Of instruments
tho Knabe Acknowledges no superior. Their
new scale has produced an instrument of no.
bic qualities. The tone is large and sonorous.
brilliant and sympathetic, round and bell-like'
and its power of singing or sustaining the
sound is not exceeded in any instrument now
made. The touch is firm, yet elastic, light.
yet powerful, meeting every want of the play
er. 1t ls an instrument of surprising beauty.
grandeur and richness-one that could not
fail to inspire good player with exquisite
thoughts
The new squares are equally marked in
their general excellence. The popular Yeak
ness seems now to be in favor of a great body
OF tone. The Knabe square piano has plenty
oftonc, but is of a refined and beautiful char
acter, sympathetic and brilliant, clear and
equal in all its registers, and It's singing quail
lty Is but little less than that of their grand.
In point of touch it is all that could be desir-
cd, while in finish and exterior appearance
the workmanship is perfect The purchaser
ofa knabe square piano, may rest assured that
he possesses one of the finest instruments in
tie world
The uprights are the best of their class
now made in the United States. The tone
is sweet and silvery, rich and sentimental
and possesses far more power than could be
expected from instruments of that Class They
stand we'll in tune, their small, compact form
is very conTenient. the cases elgant, and they
are in every way an admirable instrument.