Hobbies And Interests
Cable Piano Quality
Herman Cable started his career with the Chicago Cottage Organ Co. Knowing that quality was essential for steady sales, his goal was always to make the best piano possible, using the finest materials and best workers. As a result, Cable pianos were top-quality instruments. The factory did its largest volume of trade in the early 1900s, and during this time, approximately 500 people were employed at the plant. Recognizing that he needed to keep his employees happy, Herman Cable provided various outlets for them, from a company-sponsored brass band to a company baseball team.
The Cable Piano
Cable Piano built and sold a number of fine piano brands, such as Kingsbury, Wellington, Schiller, Conover and Euphona player pianos. As one of the largest piano manufacturers of its time, Cable Piano grew through mergers and partnerships with other piano manufacturers. In 1890, Cable merged with Conover Brothers, and Herman brought his two bothers into the company. In the next several years, Cable Piano bought the Schiller Piano Co. and used the Schiller pianos as its "top of the line" models.
Sunset at Cable
After the 1929 stock market crash, Cable Piano started having financial problems. The first layoffs at Cable were around Thanksgiving 1929, a little over a month after the crash. In 1938, after several years of trying to survive, the recession finally proved too much and the company sold its plant to the Howell Furniture Co., which itself went out of business later.
Cable Pianos Today
Today Cable Pianos are considered antique instruments, and there is a definite resale demand for them. Although many may have fallen into disrepair, most are worth evaluating for restoration. Many will be made playable again or collected as an antique.