Albert S. Bond

Biography

Albert S. Bond, referred to in the text as 'the artist, A. S. Bond,' directed the Packard Piano Company though he no longer performed hands-on work such as handling the chisel, plane, or draftsman's tools. Described as an inspiring leader who brought out the best in those who assisted him, he was credited with producing the 'faultless Packard piano.' Besides his artistic reputation, Bond was recognized as a capable businessman, and his contemporaries elected him president of the National Association of Piano Manufacturers. His two brothers and several officers of the company managed the manufacturing, engineering, treasury, and secretarial functions, but the text states everyone credited Bond himself for the Packard Company's success, an honor he in turn tried to deflect onto his associates. Bond, son of S. B. Bond, entered the service of the Packard Company as an apprentice at age 16 in 1879. After five years of bench experience, he spent two years traveling as a salesman for the company and was elected general manager in 1886. Under his father's guidance he expanded the business; described as well educated with distinct artistic inclinations and progressive enthusiasm, he added piano manufacturing in 1893. The text credits him with maintaining the high standard of the Packard name, noting the pianos were readily accepted as high-class instruments and that, following the successful introduction of the Packard Player Piano, the corporation's business grew to commanding proportions, valued for musical tone quality and exquisite workmanship.

Highlights

• Son of S. B. Bond; entered the Packard Company as an apprentice at age 16 in 1879
• Elected general manager in 1886 after five years on the bench and two years as a traveling salesman
• Added piano manufacturing to the company's line in 1893
• Directed and inspired the Packard piano's makers though he no longer worked tools himself
• Elected president of the National Association of Piano Manufacturers by his contemporaries
• Credited by associates with the Packard Company's success, though he deflected the praise to them

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), pp. 373, 374; Vol. II (1913), p. 163.

Public domain.