The weekly Shasta courier., 1873-02-01
PIANO F0RTES.
Genuine VS.. Meretrioious Excellence
Facts showing In what Respects sohmer's
Square Pianos are Superior to All
Other Similar Instruments.

On various occasions the readers of the Trade
LEDGER have been treated to subjects on the above
manufacture. The reason for so doing is, that
the more we consider the subject in the trade and
general interest of the country, the more prolific
It becomes matter to lubricate the actions OF the
journalists pen. Facts of fresh and national i'm
portance in the business are daily presented to us
in our rounds of inquiry, and regarding the art
of piano-making in the United States, as we do,
as one Of the leading features in the history of its
manufacturing progress made during the last
quarter of a century, it constitutes ready and
useful theme Of consideration. The fact that
American pianos are now everywhere conceded
to be
THE BEST IN THE WORLD,
For tune and mastery finish in all details, is a
point in review which has already been too COM
monty (though JUSTLY boasted of to need any es-
pecial comment here. In the city Of New York
alone there are at the present time upward of a
hundred establishments whose business is devo-
ted entirely to this beautiful but delicate branch
Of art and industry; and nearly all of them claim
for their particular production no less distinction
than equality with whatever instruments are de-
clared by the popular voice or the most compe-
tent authority to be
THE SUPERIOR OF FOREIGN PIANOS
OF merit and fame. The very absurdity Of this
conduct is borne on the face Of nine-tenths ofthe
claimants pretenisons, although it may be allow
ed that indeed the large majority Of the makers
turn out very good piano-an instrument with
out its distinguishing merit. But the number Of
manufacturers whose instruments will bear the
test of the severest musical and mechanical
criticism all round, and from which national su-
periority in the art can be fairly deduced, is ex-
tremely limited. The fact is in great measure
due to the simple but significant circumstance
that very few of the whole list Of makers have
any thorough mechanical or scientific and pro-
fessional knowledge of the business which theii
capital controls. And for this reason large
number of
CHEAP AND FLAsHY PIANOS
Are made, whose main claims for sale is to be
found in the extravagant and deceptive assist.
ance for the allurement of the unwary, Of fam
ing and imprudent advertisements and "bough'
testimonials from medicant Bohemians or soi
disaut professors" Thus, as we are looked
upon for information upon this score, we car
safely say that one of the most worthy and reiia'
BILE houses in the city, who do not condescend te
invoke such mean and irresponsible aid IN be-
half of their productions, but have well-deserv
ed fame of their own making, by an experience
as practical piano makers and BY the sterling
merits of their pianos, is that of Sohmer q Co
Nos. l47, l49, isl, 153 and l55 East Fourteenth
street. corner of Third avenue. We have person
ally inspected the above named concern, and no
ticed that only the best material for the construc
ton Of piano il here brought into service, TN
firm acting on the principle that
THE BEST Is THE CHEAPEST.
MANY thousand feet of lumber are selected ant
used annually, embracing such as pine, maple