The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-10-02
A Birds-eye YietU Of Mansnsoth Music
House.


tune to meet the well-known piano man,
G. G. Hunt, now of the Music House Of
Rudolph Wurlitzer & Brother, LIS M lain
street. This gentleman had the kind
ness to invite me to visit the house in
company with himself, facetiously OBJ
serving that it was one OF the "big
sights" of thes city, that visitors should
not fail to see. His invitation was at
was standing on the fifth floor of the
most extensive musical establishment
in America. My curiosity was now fully
aroused, and wishing to learn all l could
respecting the trade in this branch of
business, l proceeded at once to inter-
view the members of the firm, which
resulted in my obtaining the following
infOrmation:
This Great Music House was estab-
lished upward OF a quarter of a century
ago. 1t had very small beginning,
but, through the skill, probity and un-
tiring perseverance Of the Wurlitzer
Brothers, has grown to be The immense
concern it now is. The immense stock
kept constantly on hand is regularly re-
plenished at short intervals by direct
importations from Europe, and by reason
OF these large and frequent importations,
as well as their favorable connections
with great European Houses, they are
able to successfully compete with any
Houses in America.
Now for brief description in detail /:
The dimensions Of the fifth floor is % by
100 feet; the rear portion OF this room is
used for general repairing department,
while the front part is filed with bass,
military and toy drums of every con-
ceiyable size, quality and price.
lrfh 10 oI hu
Here we find still finer grade OF iEstru-
ments, such as German and French ac-
cordions, concertinas, yiolins, guitars,
banjoes, tambourines. This is the de-
partment that would naturally cause the
original plantation negro to rejoice, for
II the instruments l saw in this room
were, by miracle, to commence playing
at once our negro would not only con-
clude that the "Klngdom was coming"
but that it was sat hand" Descending
to the third floor we see nothing before
us but stringed Instruments, such as
double-basses, violoncelloes, guitars and
violins. Among the different classes of
guitars we were shown the celebrated |
Martin Guitar, famous throughout the |
musical world. The price OF violins |
range from 81 to $500 apiece. The second |
floor is divided into two distinct depart
nents, the first part being rs by 100, and |
is filed 10 its utmost capacity with all |
sorts of musical holiday presents. The |
rear part of this floor Is 90 by 100 feet;
is occupied with pianos, organs, piano
and organ covers OF the finest quality, |
and elegantly finished with silk EN-
broidery and gilt borders.
In this department there Is large va
riety of reed-pipe and hand organs, but
the leading organ OF this department is
nla nI
growing so rapidly in favor with the pro-
lession. Among the pianos we noted the
following: "Arion," siMathuschek,"
''Kranich en- Bach" and "Hazelman."
While all Of the above must be pro-
excellent instruments, the
'sArion" is unquestionably the leading
instrument. Having magnificent ex-
terror and tone unsurpassed for
strength and melody, this instrument
IL destined to become the leading instru-
ment in America.
We now descend to the first floor,
which is % by 200 feet: Here we became
bewildered, but soon .regained our equi-
librium, and proceeded to take items.
silver band instruments music boxes,
ranging in price from $8 to $500
apiece, flutes, ifes, piccoloes, flag
eOlets, clarionets, nautboys, aad samples
Of all musical Instruments Kept by the
House. Shelves. drawers, boxes, &C., are
,rammed and stuffed with Instruments.
Right here l must not forget to state
that this House are the sole proprielors
and owners Of mandatory Of German
silver band instruments, in Marknen
Saxony. The basement is 23
oy 200 feet, and Is used for packing and
storing of heavy instruments.
But ] fear l am drawing my letter out
100 long, and will close by saying that
he most remarkable fact to be stated in
connection with the Great Music House
8, that the immense business transacted1
n it is carried on with such precision
md regularity that you hardly everhear
noise above whisper or the sound Of
. light footstep-all Of which is the re-
iult OF perfect system, operated by o
,orps OF well-trained employees, under
he direct supervision Of the Wurlitzer I
3rolhers. Such is very imperfect de- :
cription Of this Great House. To be
ully appreciated 1t must be seen; and.l ,
vc advise all persons who come TO the
ity to ses the sights, to visk Wurlitxer
Bro, llo MUM street. VISITOR. !