BIG PIANO DEVELOPMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1922, Page 7

BIG PIANO DEVELOPMENTS.

WHAT MASSED PRODUCTION CAN DO. An American, visiting New Zealand, remarks that piano stores in America are practically full of ordinary pianos which have been accepted in part payment for pianos with a player equipment. An American manufacturing firm argued that by building in huge quantities, high-grade “player” pianos could be sold as cheaply as ordinary household pianos. The result has been that an instrument, capable of producing every human expression in pianoforte playing or song accompaniment, is being marketed at a price that makes the player attachment practically a gift. Nor has the quality of the pianos suffered by a cut in price of £7O. The Gulbransen, as the instrument is called, compares favorably with the best instruments on the market lor quality of tone and evenness of scale —it is a full trichord upright grand. But the most fascinating part of the instrument is the wonderful control the operator has over every note. A person with no knowledge of music can introduce the light and shade, the artistic hesitancy, and the charming phrasing of the most accomplished pianist. Or at a moment s notice the piano can be used as an ordinary instrument. A first class piano nowadays costs from £l2O to £2OO and yet the Gulbransen with its wonderful controls and automatic tracker, can be purchased for 163 guineas. A Daily News reporter had the pleasure of listening to one of these charming instruments yesterday at the show rooms of Messrs. 11. Collier and Co., Devon Street, New Plymouth, who have been appointed agents for this territory, and was astounded at the simplicity with which the expression of the master pianists could be reproduced by any person with musical tastes. The instrument provided waltz, one-step and jazz music to perfection, delightful accompaniments for almost any song, classical and popular choice selections, stirring marches, etc. The instrument will take any make of music roll, and there are over 50.000 songs, selections, dances, etc., to be selected from, including the most popular numbers. The Gulbransen Player piano has met with such phenomenal success that the firm are at present turning out approximately 45,000 per annum. American and - Australian firms are specialising in the instrument, and it is anticipated that before long the Gulbransen Player Piano will have displaced many of the ordinary pianos now in New Zealand homes. As already stated. Messrs. H. Collier and Co., New Plymouth, are the sole agents for Taranaki for this magnificent, yet extremely cheap instrument. Ladies should be careful always that any preparation used on the skin is made only of the finest and purest materials. Any irritating substance may cause trouble on the skin that will be difficult to cure. Velvet Hand Emollient is absolutely reliable. It will soothe and heal the most tender skin. 2/- bottle. Friendly Societies’ Dispensary, Devon Street, New Plymouth.