[ This article, from an unnamed trade magazine, was reprinted in the
 [ book, "Put Another Nickel In", by Q. David Bowers, page 161.  The
 [ year is not given but it's probably early 1920s.  -- Robbie

DIVISION POINT NEEDS STANDARDIZATION

Vocalstyle Music Co., in Official Publication, Warns Manufacturers That
Unless Hammer Rail Division Point Is Standardized, Industry Faces Ruin

CINCINNATI, OHIO, Oct. 5.

Ruin of the expression electric player-piano industry, unless the
manufacturers adopt a standard dividing point in the hammer rail in
order to obtain the proper pianistic effect from music rolls played
upon expression instruments, is predicted in an article appearing in
the latest issue of "Vocalstyle Notes," official publication of the
Vocalstyle Music Co.

"It is evident that the piano manufacturers, who are dividing at
variance with the standard observed by roll manufacturers, are going to
receive a lot of adverse criticism from dealers and purchasers of
expression instruments," says the publication. "In looking over the
many different pianos that were displayed at the New York conventions,
it was found that the manufacturers of expression players had not
observed any set rule with regard to the division point in the hammer
rail. Some divided between E and F. Some at other places.

"The manufacturers of player rolls have always observed a standard
division point, between C-sharp and D, the logical division point.
These rolls played on pianos divided at other points would not give the
proper pianistic effects. In an effort to have the piano interests
observe the same standard observed by the roll makers, the Vocalstyle
Music Co. sent a letter to all manufacturers of reproducing
player-pianos, pointing out the advantages of getting together on this
point.

"In order that the dealers may be posted on this campaign we are
quoting our letter:

" 'Most of you will recall that some years ago a convention was called
at Buffalo to consider the advisability of standardizing the tracker
bar on player-pianos. At one stroke this convention, held in 1908,
wiped out all the confusion that imperiled the future of the
player-piano industry with the adoption of the standard 88-note tracker
bar.

" 'With the advent of the electric expression player we find ourselves
again embarrassed with a difference in construction that is proving a
handicap to manufacturers, dealers and music roll manufacturers alike.
This condition, while not so serious, happily may be easily overcome.
With the popularity of the expression . player growing daily it
behooves us to get together on this matter before it is too late.

" 'We have reference to the division in the hammer rail. At present
there are three manufacturers of expression rolls. All have
standardized so that the division comes between No. C and D. The dealer
who demonstrates an expression player divided between E and F will find
it impossible to get the proper pianistic effects using this
combination, and naturally will fail to make the sale. This state of
affairs multiplied indefinitely will spell ruin to the industry. On the
other hand, with hammer rail divided to correspond with the rolls the
expression players will sell themselves. We will all benefit
financially while we are advancing the cause of music generally.

" 'This subject was discussed at some length at the New York Convention
in June. Manufacturers and dealers were unanimously of the opinion that
if this matter was called to the attention of the manufacturers they
would be very glad to standardize the hammer rail.

"It will be a great pleasure to do whatever we can to help this
movement on to a successful and speedy conclusion. Please command us
whenever we can be of any service to you.

" 'In conclusion let us recall a slogan that is as apt today as it was
when it was originated: "The player-piano is only as good as the roll
it plays." The truth of this statement was never more forcibly
demonstrated than it has been in connection with the reproducing rolls.
You have a good instrument. You'll get the best results from it through
the use of the best rolls you can get.

" 'We want you to see for yourself what marvelous effects are possible
when your piano appears to the best advantage. You don't half suspect
how fine your player really is. And these rolls, remember, play on any
standard 88-note player.

" 'Would you like to have one with our compliments? Then just fill out
the requisition and send in to us.

" 'Yours very truly,
" 'THE VOCALSTYLE MUSIC CO.,
" 'A. B. Furlong, Jr.'

"Piano tuners throughout the country are being advised of the movement
started by Vocalstyle, and are being asked to co-operate with us in
bringing about the standardization that will help dealers sell these
pianos and keep their buyers satisfied after the sale is made.

"If the piano you are handling is not divided between C sharp and D you
should write the factory, asking them to change. It's for your good and
theirs.

"Up to the time of going to press we have received a letter from the
Lester Piano Co., Philadelphia, stating that they had instructed their
superintendent to change to this standard division point."