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Music Trade Review

Issue: 1921 Vol. 73 N. 1

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
REVIEW
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc.
President and Treasurer, C. L. Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Vice-President,
J. B. Spillane, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Second Vice-President, Raymond Bill, 373
Fourth Ave., New York; Secretary, Edward Lyman Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York;
Assistant Treasurer, Wm. A. Low.
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
RAY BILL, B. B. WILSON, BRAID WHITE, Associate Editors
WILSON D. BUSH, Managing Editor
CARLETON CHACE, Business Manager
L. E. BOWERS, Circulation Manager
Executive and Reportorial Staff
factor in helping business interests to organize, or work together,
along legal lines.
The attitude of various Government commissions up to the pres-
ent has been that when an industry began to show a fair margin of
profit there must be something wrong with its operations. In short,
the altitude has generally been a negative one, and the help that busi-
ness has had a right to expect from Government forces that are sup-
ported in the main by the industries of the country has been lacking.
This condition has long been realized, even by politicians, but Secre-
tary Hoover has been the first Federal executive to make a real effort
to bring about an improvement in that condition. His work should be
watched with deep interest and supported wherever possible by the
business men of the country.
This support should prove easy, for it is the intention of the De-
partment of Commerce to work with business interests through regu-
larly organized trade associations.
THE PROBLEM OF STANDARDIZATION
EDWARD VAN HARLINGEN, V. D. WALSH, E. B. MUNCH, C. A. LEONARD, LEE ROBINSON,
EDWARD LYMAN BILL, SCOTT KINCWILL, THOS. W. BRESNAHAN, A. J. NICKLIN.
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NEWS SERVICE IS SUPPLIED WEEKLY BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED IN THE LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA.
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
Entered as second-class matter September 10, 1892, at the post office at New York, N. Y.,
under the Act of 'March 3, 1879.
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REMITTANCES, in other than currency forms, should be made payable to Edward
Lyman Bill, Inc.
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
anil
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
cllltl
regulating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos
i c U I U l l a l VC|Jal lUlClllS a r e dealt with, will be found in another section of
this paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concerning
which will be cheerfully given upon request.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand frix
Diploma
Paris Exposition, 1900 Silver Medal... .Charleston Exposition, 1902
Pan-American Exposition, 1901 Gold Medal
St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Medal—Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1905
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES—NUMBERS 5982—5983 MADISON SQ.
Connecting all Departments
Cable Address: "Elbill, New York"
Vol. LXX1II
NEW YORK, JULY 2, 1921
No. 1
VACATIONS AS INVESTMENTS
USIC merchants this year more than ever before are realizing
that a vacation for employes is a profitable investment. They
are realizing that it means increased efficiency and a larger volume
of business. They realize that when an employe is relieved from the
cares and worries of business for a week or two and allowed to
seek rest and recreation for that length of time, he will come back
with more enthusiasm and energy and that the sum total of it all
will be better business and increased profits.
Music establishments throughout the country are planning to
give their employes vacations. Regular schedules are being prepared
to grant vacations at intervals that will interfere least with the
running of the business, the time being allotted in such a manner
that when one lemploye returns another will go.
There was a time when employers thought that a nine or ten-
hour day, six days per week and fifty weeks per year, was necessary
if maximum production was to be reached, but experience has
proved this to be erroneous and the vacation habit has become wide-
spread in every business.
M
SECRETARY HOOVER'S CONSTRUCTIVE WORK
ERBERT HOOVER, Secretary of Commerce, is displaying a
commendable interest in the formulation of plans for bringing
the Government and business into closer co-operation, and for making
the Government contact with business of a helpful nature rather than
harassing, as has frequently been the case- of late. Mr. Hoover is a
business man himself, is an able executive and understands rhe prob-
lems that are to be met, and it is to be hoped that his efforts to solve
those problems will be successful.
Certainly there is much room for improvement in the Govern-
ment's relationship with business, particularly in the redrafting of
the duties of the various bureaus and commissions. The first step it is
hoped will be to develop the work of the Federal Trade Commission
to a point where, although it will continue to act as a check on ob-
noxious business practices, it will, on the other hand, prove an active
H
JULY 2, 1921
O
NE of the important subjects being discussed at the first meeting
of the International Chamber of Commerce in London this
month is that of standardization of manufactured products, as pre-
sented at the conference by the American delegation. In view of the
efforts that have been made and are being made to make possible
and more general the practice of standardization of parts in the piano
trade, this treatment of the subject on an international basis is both
important and interesting.
In the various opinions expressed by many manufacturers and
supply men in the United States regarding the desirability of some
form of standardized products, the thought always uppermost has
been to reduce the number of styles, of parts and of instruments with
a view to making possible quantity buying, as well as a saving in
stock, storage and production costs.
It is interesting to note that the same idea was put forth by the
American delegation in London, which in a statement says: "In the
lack of standards and excessive variety in production of commodities
is found the prime cause of stagnant stocks of commodities and con-
gestion in distribution. The efforts of the U. S. Government with
the co-operation of industry in reducing this variety during the war
gave evidence of the practicability of such an undertaking and the
benefits to the industry."
During the war the question of standardization in the music trade
was a vital one in view of the limited production possible, the object
being to facilitate the filling of an abnormal demand with production
at low ebb. Just now, when the problem is one of developing sales,
standardization is equally important, for it enables the manufacturer
and merchant to concentrate on a few styles instead of trying to
feature many, and by cutting down production costs tends to help
materially in meeting the problem of readjustment of prices.
This reduction of variety through the standardization of parts
and styles is a matter that is worthy of constant trade thought, and
particularly the attention of the individual manufacturer. The supply
men in their efforts toward standardization should help materially in
solving the question, but really definite results must depend upon the
attitude and the work of the individual piano manufacturer.
OPTIMISM ON THE INCREASE
T
HE optimism prevalent in the music trades is indicated every-
where. New stores are being opened every day and existing
firms are moving to larger quarters or present quarters are being
enlarged. Present depression and slow business conditions seem to
have little effect on the enthusiasts who, confident that the future
holds golden opportunities, are preparing to grasp those opportunities
when the time is ripe. Even at the present time there are unmis-
takable signs of business revival and the Fall and Winter are sure to
see this condition intensified. One thing is certain, merchants who
are optimistic and farsighted enough to prepare now to handle large
volumes of business will reap the profits and enlarge their trade and
the slow-moving, pessimistic, too conservative merchant will suffer.
Every experienced business man knows 1 that a slump in business is
invariably followed by a return to normalcy, and a review of condi-
tions will convince anyone that the bottom has been reached. Reports
from all over the country point to a slow but sure upward trend.
Therefore it is necessary to get business in such shape that it will be
in condition to cope with the situation later on.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
JULY 2,
1921
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEET
MERCHANTS' EXECUTIVES MEET
Important Matters Discussed at First Meeting of Officers of Music Industries Chamber of Com-
merce Held Since the Chicago Convention—Preliminary Plans Made for 1922 Gathering
Members of Executive and Advisory Boards of
National Association of Music Merchants Hold
Session in New York on June 24
The first meeting of the new board of direc-
tors of the Music Industries Chamber of Com-
merce since the Chicago convention was held in
the Chamber's headquarters in New York last
week and resulted in a lengthy discussion of a
number of important matters, particularly con-
cerning the finances of the Chamber and plans
for raising further revenue. In view of the un-
certainty of conditions, no definite budget was
made, but it is expected that plans will be made
assuring the continuance of the present activi-
ties of the Chamber, particularly in relation to
the tax, and by the time the board next meets in
September the situation will be more stabilized.
'It is felt by the Chamber officials that by the
practice of economy in operation, and with finan-
cial support from the talking machine industry
and from certain piano manufacturers who are
not now using stamps, the revenue of the Cham-
ber will be sufficient until Fall. In the mean-
time, F. B. T. Hollenberg has been appointed
chairman of a committee to interview personally
the few important piano manufacturers who have
not yet agreed to the stamp plan, while General
Manager Smith will go after the talking machine
people. The Chamber's vote was cast on.refer-
endum No. 36 of the Chamber of Commerce of
the United States in accordance with the Cham-
ber tax revision policy—for the repeal of all
wartime excise taxes, and for a sales tax to
bring in the whole amount of additional income
necessary. Under "Forms of Sales Taxes" the
Chamber vote was cast for "On goods, wares and
merchandise."
In response to a request received from the
National Association of Music Merchants it
was decided to develop the Trade Service Bureau •
of the Chamber, begun last year, particularly in-
formation for merchants on business forms and
systems, advertising matter, etc.
A meeting of the Executive and Advisory
Boards of the National Association of Music
Merchants was held on Friday of last week at
the Elks' Club, New York, for the purpose of
discussing a number of matters of Association
importance, including preliminary plans for the
1922 convention of that body, which is to be held
in New York.
It was proposed to hold the annual mid-year
conference of the Association executives in New
York next Winter, subject to call of President
DeForeest, possibly at the time of the Automo-
bile Show.
Action was taken requesting the Music In-
dustries Chamber of Commerce to further the
trade service work proposed by Secretary Den-
nis, to furnish retail helps in advertising and
selling, collections, business forms and informa-
tion about the music industry. This was in line
with the discussion and resolution of the Chi-
cago convention in May.
Another resolution discussed was that regard-
ing a music trade exhibition for the 1922 con-
vention. This is in the hands of a committee
named by the resolution, which includes Presi-
dent DeForeest, C. A. Grinnell and P. E. Con-
roy, who were instructed to confer with manu-
facturers regarding an exhibit.
Following the meeting, luncheon was served
at the Elks' Club, and those members who rep-
resent the Music Merchants in the Chamber of
Commerce attended the board meeting of the
latter body. Those who attended the conference
included President M. V. DeForeest, Secretary
C. L. Dennis and Alex. McDonald, E. Paul Ham-
ilton, John G. Corley, Henry Dreher, C. A. Grin-
nell, F. B. T. Hollenberg and Alfred L. Smith,
general manager of the Music Industries Cham-
ber of Commerce.
The matter of retaining Edward A. Leveille, of
Chicago, to handle national traffic problems af-
fecting the music industry was presented by C.
C. Conway, president of the National Piano
Manufacturers' Association, and will be acted
upon at the next meeting of the board.
R. B. Aldcroftt, president, and Alfred L.
Smith, secretary and general manager of the
Chamber, and M. V. DeForeest, president of the
Merchants' Association and a director of the
Chamber, were appointed a committee to make
such necessary preliminary arrangements for the
1922 conventions as will enable the division
member associations to develop their individual
plans, particularly the Merchants' Association,
which, on account of its size and importance, re-
quires time to formulate the plans for its impor-
tant convention affairs.
A committee of the Chamber is to be appoint-
ed to confer with Messrs. DeForeest, Grinnell
and Conroy of the Merchants' Association rela-
tive to the holding of a trade exhibition at the
time of the annual conventions. If this proves
impossible the joint committee will make such
arrangements as will assure the closing of indi-
vidual exhibitions during the sessions of the
conventions. It is realized that the trade exhi-
bition is a very valuable adjunct of the conven-
tions and it is hoped to get the benefit of it and
at the same time eliminate interference with
the conventions.
There were present at the meetings the fol-
lowing officers and directors: Richard B. Ald-
croftt (president), C. C. Conway, John G. Corley
(treasurer), M. V. DeForeest, Ralph L. Freeman
(second vice-president), Henry Dreher, Fred
Gretsch, C. A. Grinnell, F. B. T. Hollenberg,
Hermann Irion, Paul B. Klugh, M. P. Moller,
John C. Wickham and Alfred L. Smith (secre-
tary and general manager).
HOW TO VOTE ON REFERENDUM REGARDING EXCISE TAXES
MIESSNER PIANO POPULAR
Music Industries Chamber of Commerce Issues Bulletin Showing How Music Dealers Can Regis-
ter Their Protest Against Present Excise Taxes Through U. S. Chamber Referendum
Several New Agencies Established by the Jack-
son Piano Co.
For the information and guidance of its
members and through them of the members of
the Chamber of Commerce of the United States
who are uncertain how to cast their votes on
Referendum No. 36 of the United States Cham-
ber on the subject of tax revision, the Music
Industries Chamber of Commerce issues the
following:
Vote in favor of Proposition I, repealing
wartime excise taxes in relation to particular
businesses.
Proposition II, repealing wartime excise
taxes upon transportation and communication,
does not particularly concern the music indus-
try and the Chamber never has taken a definite
stand in the matter. On general principles,
however, the Chamber is opposed to all wartime
excise taxes.
Which one of the Propositions A, B, C and
D, under "Substitute Taxes," you vote on de-
pends on how you vote for Proposition I and
II. If you vote on Proposition I and II as
suggested above you are supposed to vote also
for Proposition D, and D only, placing the
cross under "Use for a sales tax to bring in
the whole amount." However, this arrange-
ment appears to make one's vote on the sales
tax proposition of no consequence unless one
happens to have voted on Propositions I and II
according to the majority vote. This appears
to be a defect in the wording of the various
propositions under "Substitute Taxes."
It
would have been better if these questions had
each asked for the form of substitute tax rec-
ommended in case it is finally decided by Con-
gress to eliminate the various taxes mentioned.
NEW TUNERS' JOURNAL ISSUED
MILWAUKEE, June 23.—The Jackson Piano Co.,
of this city, is having quite an active Summer
trade on the Miessner piano. The new family
style, three feet ten inches in height, is being
favorably accepted by the trade everywhere.
Both the foot-power player and the reproduc-
ing instruments are going exceedingly well.
Since the adoption of the new policy to go direct
to the dealers and eliminate the jobbing propo-
sition the company has established a number of
strong agencies. Sales Manager E. J. Jordan, on
a recent trip through Iowa and Nebraska, estab-
lished a number of important new agencies,
among which are the Mickel Music House,
Omaha; E. J. Walt, Lincoln, Nebr.; Gaston
Music Co., Hastings, Nebr., and Davidson Bros.,
Des Moines.
New Monthly Periodical Is Announced as Offi-
cial Organ of National Tuners' Body
NEW SALES MANAGER IN BUFFALO
The members could have voted for or against
the sales tax as a method of raising all of the
amounts. In order to overcome this defect
some organizations in favor of sales tax are
urging their members to vote for the sales tax
under all four propositions, A, B, C and D, so
that there will be no question of their vote be-
ing counted in favor of the sales tax.
Under (a) of "Forms of Sales Taxes" vote
in favor of "Use of a sales tax on turnovers to
bring in the whole amount."
Under (b) of "Forms of Sales Taxes" vote
in favor of "On goods, wares and merchan-
dise."
The first issue of the Tuners' Journal, an-
nounced as the official organ of the National
Association of Piano Tuners, Inc., has just been
issued and proves a well-handled and interesting
volume. The publication offices are in Kansas
City, Mo., and Thomas J. O'Meara, a well-known
tuner, is the managing editor.
The first issue is devoted chiefly to extended
reports and comments on the annual convention
of the Tuners' Association held in Chicago early
last month.
The United Music Corp., of Kittery, Maine,
dealer in musical instruments and supplies, has
secured a charter of incorporation in that State,
with a capital of $250,000.
Edward W. Ament Takes Charge of Piano De-
partment of New Wurlitzer Co. Store
BUFFALO, N. Y., June 27.—Edward W. Ament has
been appointed sales manager of the piano de-
partment of the new Wurlitzer store in this city,
one of the finest establishments of its kind in the
State. Mr. Ament was formerly connected with
the Clark Music Co. in Syracuse, and before that
was with Cohen & Hughes, Inc., in Baltimore,
and has taken up his new duties with much en-
thusiasm.
Consult the universal Want Directory of
The Review. In it advertisements are inserted
free of charge for men who desire positions.

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