Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-22
STRINGED INSTRUMENTS.
By FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

The American Guild of Mandolinists'
Banjoists and G,Iitarists. now In session
in Philadelphia, represents class OF mu-
steal artists whose work merits much
greater consideration than 1t generally
receives. The enormous increase In the
piano trade in America necessarily over
shadows the claim Of all stringed instru-
ments, but this does not Indicate tnat
there Is any decline in popularity OF the
latter in public favor. On the contrary
stringed instruments were never so pop
ular as today, and America Is taxing
front rank both as regards the develop
ment Of this class of music and the man
ufacture Of the instruments themselves.
The guild in session Is giving CONSIDER
alton to the music that is specially appro-
pirate and to the importation OF other
stringed instruments similar In scope.
For vacation purposes. Informal gather
ings and outings the banjo mandolin or
guitar can supply a need which the bulk
mess Of the piano leaves vacant. In ad-
dition to this they lend themselves most
gracefully to composite music. Much 10
the classic music originally prepared for
the piano has been arranged with obli-
gatos- for these other instruments and
each year the variety increases.
The banjo is really an American inven-
ton, originating on the old plantation
and used by the negroes as an accom-
paniment for their quaint. weird ditties.
The musical value of these negro melodies
and their stunning banjo accompani-
ment became known even before the civil
war. After the war minstrel companies
were formed with the banjo as the prin-
cipal instrument. These enjoyed pass
ing favor in public patronage covering a
number Of years. during which time the
possibilities Of the banjo for impromptu
music became generally recognized.
~
Manufacturers then began to make
banjos and put them upon the market,
although t h e
Banjo Received original one Of
the south was
Will CAtuuSAaSm' of home con-
struction Like many other fads the
banjo was received at first with great
enthusiasm. and clubs sprang up IN all
parts Of the country. Many of these
were short-lived and soon gave way to a
newer interest. But to the earnest player
the musical possibilities of the banjo
have never lessened. Manufacturers are
shipping them to other countries. and.
despite assertions to the contrary, the
banjo has now an established position
among musical instruments.
The guitar and mandolin are very old
instruments much used in the days Of
chivalry, although their forerunners an
tedate historical records. The violin also
dates back to times of early history.
Nero fiddled while Rome burned. but
ages before that celebrated performance
A. ~, alt h. al
cholia of King Saul by skillfully touching
the strings of the psalter. an instrument
closely resembling the guitar.
In later history stringed instruments
have also played an important part.
Senator Taylor OF Tennessee. who is
known as "Fiddling Bob Taylor among
his own people, is said to have f1ddled his
way into the hearts Of many Of his con-
stituents. During a campaign in which
there was fierce rivalry music was in
excellence of Fiddling Bob's music de-
feated his brother candidate and gave
him his seat In the United States Senate.
The violin has long been the most I'm.
portant of stringed musical instruments.
The manufacture
Many Fine Violins of fine vio1ins
Owned in America. n for = seen an II r, ss'
There are many old ones now in exist
ence, each Of which is worth a fortune.
number of these are owned by Americans
Under former Interpretation Of the customs
law violinS were admitted duty free as
being tools of trade" for musicians
Lately, however, an antique violin has
been recognized as a piece Of fine art. II
is therefore dutiable. and violin SNUG
! Cling is one OF the new developments ir
, customs evasion. A dealer In Chicago has
| lately been sued for bringing two old VIC
| Inns from Canada, one a Quedamini made
in 1850 and the other an Amati. The two
are valued at s., $751; although they were
purchased in Toronto for $50 The duty
| on violins is As per cent, SO this dealer
will likely have to pay over 5000 anG
costs for his bargain.
Another interesting violin customs suit
has just been opened against the estate
OF the late II. o. Havemeyer. the suga,
| magnate. Mr. Havemeyer purchased q
Stradivarius violin in London in 1906 fol
$500. He brought it into Boston withou,
duty, although its value at that time was