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12
THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
this roughness musically that antagonized the
musician. It is now possible to secure music with
the player that is right. Schools are adopting play-
ers instead of the piano, and there is a tremendous
market here alone for the player."
"Do you believe it is necessary for a piano sales-
man to-day to know how to play?" was asked.
"Yes ! I do," Mr. Dressier answered, '"although
not so much so to-day when one considers the
player-piano. It is not necessary to read a note to
sell these, but with a piano, upright or grand, a
demonstration by the seller is always impressive.
Of course, I know some good salesmen who know
nothing about playing, but it is this exception that
proves the rule."
The Ditson line of pianos that are in Mr.
Dressler's charge are the • following: Baldwin,
Briggs (handled for the past twenty-two years),
Poole, Hamilton, Merrill, Xorris & Hyde, the en-
tire series embrac'ng uprights, grands and players.
PIANO SALESMAN AND ORGANIST
Is Louis R. Dressier, the Popular Manager of
the Piano Department of the Business of
C. H. Ditson & Co.—Descants on Changing
Conditions in the Piano Trade in the Past
22 Years—Prejudice of Musicians Against
the Player-Piano Disappearing—An Interest-
ing Chat with an Interesting Personality.
One of the quiet, yet big men, physically and
musically, in New York, is Louis R. Dressier, for
the past twenty-two years manager of the piano
warerooms of C. H. Ditson & Co., 8 East 34th
street, this city. His wide acquaintance and
friendship in the musical fraternity has served him
well in the capacity of piano man, for he knows a
great, many musicians and when they seek a good
piano it is Mr. Dressler's advice that they want.
Mr. Dressier reciprocates this by serving his clients
in the best possible manner, his aim being to make
a customer eminently pleased.
For the past nine years Mr. Dressier has held
the position of organist and musical director of All
Souls' Unitarian Church at Fourth avenue and 20th
street. This church enjoys the distinction of hav-
ing an excellent musical service, and it is Mr.
Dressier who is responsible for it, for Mr. Dressier
has played church organs since he was 16 years old.
Growing reminescent, Mr. Dressier remarked to
The Review this week: "Twenty-two years has
eliminated the square piano from the field; has per-
fected the upright and the grand, and introduced
the player-piano. I say 'introduced the player' be-
cause I am of the opinion that there is consider-
able work yet to be done in conjunction with the
perfection of that instrument. This applies partic-
ularly to grand players.
"The small monthly payment has proved suc-
cessful and the commercial piano has grown tre-
mendously. Many developments in piano construc-
tion have characterized the trade. Various asso-
ciations have been formed, while many question-
AN ADMIRABLE VOLUME.
Is That Just Issued by the Starr Piano Co. and
Devoted to the Richmond Piano.
An excellent piece of book-making is the catalog
devoted to Richmond pianos, just issued by the
able methods in marketing pianos in a retail way
Starr Piano Co., of Richmond, Ind. The little
have been tried and abandoned. Efficiency seems volume opens with an interesting chat on the evo-
to be the watchword to-day. Grand pianos and
lution of the piano, leading up to the creditable part
player-pianos have the sale to-day with the high played in the American industry by the Starr Piano
class trade, these two types of instruments costing
Co. in developing a great, organization, of which
but a little more than an upright. People who can
the production of the Richmond, piano forms a
afford a high grade upright can easily spend the part. The especial merits of the Richmond pianos,
difference for a player."
grand, upright and player-pianos, are referred to
"Being an associate of musicians," commented
in detail, accompanied by attractive illustrations.
the writer, "do you find that they are easing off in The volume throughout is modest, convincing, il-
their prejudice against the player-piano?"
luminative and well fulfills its mission-in convey-
"Very much so," replied Mr. Dressier, "because ing to the reader an idea of the merits of this in-
the development of the player has now made it- strument as well as the importance of the house
possible for them to play the composition as it behind it.
should be interpreted. You know that the player
was in the rough when it appeared and that it was
Let the dog days be busy sales days?,
Louis R. Dressier.
Bell Brand Harmonicas
"Made i n A m e r i c a "
Have won a national reputation because of their remarkable and durable
qualities. They are not the best merely because they are American made,
and the only harmonicas made in this country, but they stand competition
with the products of the world, embodying the very best musical qualities
and workmanship.
BELL BRAND HARMONICAS
CAN BE PROCURED FROM THE FOLLOWING WHOLESALE HOUSES:
C. BRUNO & SON, New York, N. Y.
BUEGELEISEN & JACOBSON, New York City, N. Y.
OLIVER DITSON CO., Boston, Mas*.
C. H. DITSON & CO., New York City, N. Y.
W. J. DYER & BRO., St. Paul, Minn.
J. W. JENKINS SONS' MUSIC CO., Kansas City, Mo.
THE RUDOLPH WURLITZER CO., Cincinnati, O.
ROBT. C. KRETSCHMAR, Philadelphia, Pa.
KOERBER-BRENNER MUSIC CO., St. Louis, Mo.
LYON & HEALY, Chicago, 111.
C. MEISEL, New York City, N. Y.
SHERMAN, CLAY & CO., San Francisco, Cal.
JOS. W. STERN & CO., New York City, N. Y.
TONK BROS. CO., Chicago, 111.
THE RUDOLPH WURLITZER CO., Chicago, 111.
The National Musical String Co., S