Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1920 1768

PRESTO
June 12, 1920.
and the law of accommodation and compensation would obviate dis-
appointment.
But, to so far simplify the problem by which the plate maker, the
action maker and the case maker are confronted as to create absolute
standardization, may not meet the requirements of the higher ambi-
tions among the piano manufacturers. It may not seem possible to
furnish the plate makers with changeless, or uniform, patterns from
which to cast innumerable metal frames suited to the demands of all
piano industries alike. Nor can the actions be made to so closely
coincide in cost and details, that they may be adapted to all makes
of instruments. Unlike windows in a house, the parts of the piano
can not well be just alike in all grades of instruments. The scale that
is perfected by some acoustician, with infinite care and pride, can not
be applicable to the piano whose maker aims solely to produce a
finished instrument for as little money as possible.
It is easy to understand that for the greater number of pianos
a system of standardization in sizes and styles may be possible, and
certainly advisable. But there will still be the exclusive and ambi-
tious piano which will disregard the rules and present differences, in
essential features, from the less distinguished majority. It is so with
everything that borders the domain of art. And it is not difficult to
call to mind the pianos which will be thus individualistic and inde-
pendent.
POET OF THE ORGAN
An impressive ceremony in honor of John G. Saxe, the poet who
wrote "The Nightingale and the Organ," was held at Highgate, Vt.,
on June 2. A huge boulder from the shore of Lake Champlain,
erected by the state on the site of the old Saxe homestead near the
Canadian border, was dedicated that day as a memorial to the poet-
humorist. Gov. Clement, Lieut.-Gov. Mason S. Stone and other state
officials took part in the ceremony, which was held on the anniversary
of the birth of the poet, who died in 1887 at the age of 71 years. The
monument was unveiled by Miss Mary Saxe, a niece of the poet.
John G. Saxe immortalized the organ—in his day the chief in-
strument of music—in his poem, "The Nightingale and the Organ,"
as follows:
A nightingale who chanced to hear
An organ's deep and swelling tone,
Was wont to lend a careful ear,
That so she might improve her own.
One evening while the organ's note
Thrilled through the wood, and Philomel
Sat tuning her melodious throat
To imitate the wondrous swell,
A twittering sparrow, hopping near,
Said, "Prithee, now, be pleased to state
What from those wooden pipes you hear
That you can wish to imitate?
I do not hesitate to say,
Whatever the stupid thing can do
To please you in a vocal way,
That very organ learned from you
Of all sweet singers, none is greater
Than Philomel; but on my word,
To imitate one's imitator—
Can aught on earth be more absurd?"
"Nay," said the nightingale, "if aught
From me the organ ever learned,
By him, no less, have I been taught,
And thus the favor is returned
Thus to my singing, don't you see?
Some needed culture I impart;
For nature's gifts, as all agree,
Are finest when improved by art."
In referring to Orpheus, in his poem, "Orpheus and Eurydice," Mr.
Saxe wrote:
For historians tell he played on his shell
From morning to night so remarkably well
That his music created a regular spell
On trees and stones in forest and dell.
What sort of an instrument his could be
Is really more than is known to me.
And it's clear Sir Orpheus never could own a
Shell like those they make in Cremona.
His wife died and went to Hades-; so Orpheus went down there
to fiddle her out. Having played the three-headed dog, on guard at
the entrance, to sleep, Orpheus—
Went groping around among the ladies
Who throng the dismal halls of Hades,
Calling aloud
To the shady crowd,
In a voice as shrill as a martial fife,
"Oh, tell me where in hell is my wife."
He had got her almost out, when he turned around to look at her
and she had gone back—at least she was invisible,
Just when it was that Saxe made the organ the subject of his
song we do not know. But it was at a time when no one could have
prophesied that within the century the organ, as it was then known
to most of the people—the home organ—would become almost ex-
tinct.
At the time, the reed organ was in its beginning, its "new
fangled" improvements startling the music dealers and keeping the
salesmen busy knocking one another's lines. The octave-coupler, the
celestine and diapason stops, the harp attachments and the "full six
octaves, with three sets of reeds" were astonishing the natives. Of
course the poet had the pipe organ in mind, and that was even then
an ancient instrument—the oldest in the world.
Today the pipe organ has lost none of its glories, but the fanciful
parlor organ is almost "out of the running." There are more pipe
organ industries today than ever—small ones in number as many as
there were reed organ concerns when Saxe wrote his verses that live.
There are several direct connections between the automobile
business and the piano business. The automobile auto-delivery
truck for carting pianos within the limits of a city as well as for in-
terurban cartage is certainly a connecting link. And both lines of
business are interested in oil; and oil has a wonderful story. The
story of the petroleum industry in the United States dates back to
1859 when on August 28 oil was struck in the Drake well near Titus-
ville in northwestern Pennsylvania. When the pumping began, the
oil flowed in a tiny stream of 40, and later only 15 barrels a day.
Five million barrels were produced in the United States in 1870;
26,000,000 in 1880; 45,000,000 in 1890; 63,000,000 in 1900; 209,000,000
in 1910, and 356,000,000 in 1918. The output last year is perhaps, 30,-
000,000 barrels in excess of the 1918 record.
:|:
*
V
An illustration of the way opportunities are overlooked is seen in
the story of Paderewski's piano in North Topeka. The yarn is spun
on another page in this issue of Presto. It doesn't seem like a true
story, though it may be just as it is told. The doubt arises when it is
considered that Paderewski played the Steinway piano, and no Stein-
way piano is so old as to be without quite a large value. And
especially a piano that had been habitually used by the great Polish
artist could not escape bringing a good price anywhere. What's the
matter with the Topeka piano men? And how hard it is to pass up
that hoary-headed old joke about the facility with which firemen
usually play upon pianos when duty calls.
*
*
In times just succeeding the stone age it was customary to
charge some piano salesmen with "chewing the rag." And, after wait-
ing all these years, the original "Chew" piano is being discussed in
London. It is said, by a correspondent of the London Music Trades
Review to have been a "magnificent piano for tone" and "of the most
expensive kind," with "double iron frame with heavy iron plank cast
in one piece. It could only be tuned with a special ratchet hammer."
Evidently the Chew piano could not be made upon any uniform
standardization basis of supplies.
* * *
Since January 1, according to the Journal of Commerce, New
York, new incorporations in this country have reached the tremen-
dous sum of $7,586,994,900, an increase of 209 per cent over 1919, and
515 per cent as compared with the corresponding period of 1918. In
May there were 979 companies incorporated in the principal states,
representing $1,417,613,900. The percentage of musical instrument in-
dustries in these vast totals was not given, but it is a safe guess that
it was not very significant.
* * *
The music trade is given the opportunity to choose the time of
the annual conventions. Shall it be in blizzardy midwinter, in lovely
spring, or in the out-of-door delights of midsummer? We can already
guess the answer. But if the piano merchants and others affiliated
with the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce will express their
preference, it is safe to rely upon their decision. Anyway, display an
interest in a matter of so much importance.
* * *
Strange how few good books on music come from the American
publishers. We have few Geo. P. Uptons left, and but for Jas. Hu-
naker there would be a dearth of bright musical new literature on
musical topics in this country. On the other hand, the English writ-
ers are putting forth good books on musical subjects with remarkable
fecundity.
* * *
Don't ever be tempted to talk phonographs to a piano prospect
until after the musical instrument has been selected and the sale
closed.
Enhanced content © 2008-2009 and presented by MBSI - The Musical Box Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
All Rights Reserved. Digitized from the archives of the MBSI with support from NAMM - The International Music Products Association (www.namm.org).
Additional enhancement, optimization, and distribution by the International Arcade Museum. An extensive collection of Presto can be found online at http://www.arcade-museum.com/library/
L
June 12, 1920.
sist the railroad committee materially in preparing
its report and campaign for future action.
Good Work Acknowledged.
The Merchants' Association of New York has
prepared for its weekly bulletin, "Greater New
York," a long article on the situation, conforming to
the suggestions of the Chamber.
Steps Taken to Prevent Discrimination
The National Association of Credit Men replied
as follows: "We shall be glad to bring this matter
Against Shipments of Pianos Are Meeting
before our committee on resolutions in connection
with Promise of Gratifying Success for
with our Atlantic City convention, which is being
the Industry and Trade.
held this week."
The Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce says: "We
The campaign recently started by the Music In-
dustries Chamber of Commerce to induce the indus- are making every effort to enlist the co-operation of
tries of the country to make more effective use of Bridgeport shippers in relieving the present railroad
cars, and making unnecessary any priorities such as situation. The suggestions you make toward this
is being urged by certain industries, is receiving end are very good, indeed."
most gratifying support. Letters of approval, prom-
The Milwaukee Association of Commerce has sent
ising active co-operation, are being received from a circular letter to all its members, containing the
chambers of commerce throughout the country and suggestions of the Chamber, and writes: "We thank
from national trade associations.
you for bringing the matter to our attention, as it is
The extensive correspondence which is being re- only by concerted effort that we can ever hope to
ceived by the Chamber indicates clearly that indus- get anywhere."
The Southern Supply and Machinery Dealers' As-
try in general is more thoroughly awake than for-
merly to the dangers which would inevitably result sociation writes: "We will be glad to co-operate
from the creation of even a rudimentary priority with you in aiding the transportation problem."
system, and that industry is determined to do every-
The Minneapolis Civic and Commerce Association
thing possible to prevent any need for priorities. is working along the lines suggested, and has al-
Undoubtedly, any future suggestions to relieve other ready called the attention of its membership to the
conditions of congestion—which will undoubtedly suggestions which the Chamber made.
arise—will meet with a more prompt and active op-
The National Confectioners' Association of the
position than was the case when the present situ- United States has proceeded along the lines sug-
ation became acute. The immediate problem is rap- gested by the Music Industries Chamber of Com-
idly disappearing, and unless complications arise, merce.
there is little further likelihood of the introduction
Encourages Package Service.
of priorities, although some of the letters received
The Railway Business Association commends the
by the Chamber from certain trade associations state Chamber
especially upon its recommendation to "ex-
that the Interstate Commerce Commission is still pedite package
service through the use of consoli-
being urged by them to grant preference in ship- dated shipments,"
which the association says is cer-
ments.
tain to have a favorable effect in a direction involv-
ing large totals.
Many Members Help.
The Atlantic Coast Shipbuilders' Association
The work of the Chamber has been furthered ma-
terially by many members of the industry, who, in writes: "We are sending a copy of your letter to all
response to its request, are working actively in their the members of the association and are publishing it
own localities. The trade in Chicago has been espe- in our bulletin,
"This is an excellent movement, and we appre-
cially active, as is shown by the following letter to
the Chamber from Adam Schneider, president, Chi- ciate your calling our attention to the matter, and
are glad to give our fullest co-operation," writes the
cago Piano and Organ Association:
American Malleable Castings Association.
Relative to your communication of May 27th, beg
The National Automobile Chamber of Commerce
to state that I considered the matter of so great an is in full accord with the suggestions of the Music
importance that I immediately had an interview with Industries Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. W. B. Price, president of the Chicago Piano
The Waxed Paper Manufacturers' Association has
Manufacturers' Association, who, in turn, has taken written to obtain further suggestions as to how it
up the matter with Mr. Edward W. Leveille, traffic may co-operate.
manager of said association, and if he deems it nec-
The Association of Commerce of Roanoke, Vir-
essary, he will call a meeting. He will also com- ginia,
is in hearty accord with the movement, and
municate with the Chicago Association of Commerce has taken
action according to the suggestions of
as per your suggestion.
the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce.
Later, took the matter up with Mr. Jas. F. Bowers,
The Springfield (Ohio) Chamber of Commerce
who is on the executive board of the Music Indus- writes "to inform you that we shall be glad to co-
tries Association of Chicago, resulting in a letter operate in the manner suggested in your letter."
being sent to all members of said association, as per
copy enclosed.
ADVERTISING HELPS PRODUCTION.
Today, Friday, the executive beard of the Chicago
'It is essentially wrong to look upon the expense
Piano & Organ Association held a meeting and of advertising as one of the costs which is added to
the enclosed resolution was adopted, and my com- the price," declared Joseph French Johnson, dean of
mittee assured me that they will take immediate ac- the New York University School of Commerce, at
tion in accordance with same. The resolution reads one of the sessions this week in Indianapolis of the
as follows:
Associated Advertising Clubs of the World. "With-
"Be it resolved, That the Chair appoint a com- out advertising, large scale production is absolutely
mittee of three members cf this organization (Chi- impossible, and large scale production is the sine
cago Piano & Organ Association) to go into the qua non of low prices. Furthermore, advertising
matter of railroad transportation and prepare the sees to it that people shall get goods of the best
necessary statements, documents, and other matters quality. Advertising put no rcyal crown on the
relative to the subject and draft a suitable leter, copy head of humbug.''
of which is to be sent to all members of our associa-
tion and possibly dealers throughout the state of
LUDDEN & BATES, PROPRIETORS.
Illinois, calling attention to the freight problem con-
J. A. Stewart, proprietor of the Ludden & Bates
fronting the music industries."
Southern Music House, with headquarters at At-
lanta, Ga., spent a few days in Chicago last week,
Shippers Will Co-Operate.
A letter went forward last week to the General making his headquarters at the offices of the Story
Freight Agents of all railroads calling the attention & Clark Piano Co. Mr. Stewart has made a splendid
to the willingness of shippers to co-operate along record since he took hold of the Ludden & Bates
constructive lines, informing them of the sugges- business and he has been particularly successful in
tions which business organizations are making to featuring the Story & Clark line as his leader in
their members to promote the effective use of cars, all the Ludden & Bates stores. When Mr. Stewart
and showing them that business men are in favor of took hold the business of the old Southern house
the present methods rather than resort to danger- was in rather a chaotic state, but he straightened it
out and now owns it, and it is in a very flourishing
ous priorities.
condition.
The attitude with which the campaign of the
Chamber is being met throughout the country is
MUSIC'S RIGHT OF WAY.
shown by the following, which are a few of the
many replies from important Chambers of Commerce
Work of razing the old Winston mansion, Third
and National Trade associations.
street, between Monmouth and Saratoga streets, one
The Chamber of Commerce of the United States of the landmarks of Newport, Ky., began last week
of America, in thanking the Chamber for calling this to make way for a music printing establishment.
important matter to its attention, says that this The structure was erected almost a century ago
whole matter is before its railroad committee, which by Major Winston, who married a daughter of
has been actively engaged upon the problem for Major Martin, one of the commanders at the old
some time, and has plans of a very concrete nature, Newport barracks. Mrs. John W. Stephenson, wife
which it may suggest later, after giving them a thor- of Governor Stephenson of Kentucky, who also
ough test in actual practice. The suggestions of served as United States senator from Kentucky,
the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce will as- was born in the old mansion.
PRIORITY SYSTEM
PIANO MENACE
Q R S COMPANY OPENS
BRANCH AT DENVER
Territory Covers Most of Seven States in
Mountain Section and Branch Is to Be
in Charge of Tower Askerlund.
The Q R S Music Co. will open shortly in Den-
ver, Colo., a fully equipped wholesale distributing
branch. The location, already secured, is near the
railroad depot and express offices, and on a spur
track. The territory to be served direct from the
branch is as follows:
Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, South-
west South Dakota, Western Kansas and Nebraska.
Tower Askerlund, formerly in charge of the music
roll and Victor small goods department of the
Knight-Campbell Music Co., and lately resigned
from that post, has been appointed manager of the
Denver branch.
This move is in line with The Q R S Music Com-
pany's progressive methods, and will insure service
the dealers appreciate in the mid-western section.
APOLLO SALESMEN SHOWN
INSTRUMENT IN THE MAKING
Entire Sales Force of the J. B. Bradford Piano Co.,
Milwaukee, Visits DeKalb Plant.
The Apollo Piano Company's factory, DeKalb,
111., was visited by a party from Milwaukee last
week and every minute was made interesting by the
officials. The entire sales force of the J. B. Brad-
ford Piano Company, Milwaukee, which has handled
the Apollo for years, passed several instructive hours
in the various departments of the busy plant.
Part of the Milwaukee folks arrived early in the
week and departed after a tour of inspection of the
DeKalb plant, and the remainder of the sales force
were entertained by the DeKalb management on a
later day. The men who knew the Apollo in the
selling were shown the instrument in the making.
The evidence of their eyes was made more convinc-
ing by the descriptive words of President E. S. Rau-
worth and the department chiefs of the progressive
factory. The visitors saw the processes in manu-
facture that gave the assurances to the company's
guarantee with the Apollo.
TRADE TAKES KINDLY TO
THE COMBINATION STAMP
Pianos Will Carry New Series for Support of Music
Industries Chamber of Commerce.
The almost unanimous support of the piano manu-
facturers in using the new series of Combination
Stamps for the support of the Music Industries
Chamber of Commerce, is reported from the offices
of that organization. C. L. Dennis, of the Cham-
ber, says that the new combination stamp series ap-
pears to be meeting with as complete success as the
first series.
"We have gained a number of new supporters,"
said Mr. Dennis, "in spite of the added investment
on the part of the piano manufacturers. The fund
of $25,000, guaranteed by the manufacturers last
year when the Merchants' Stamp Plan was in its
infancy and its results an unknown quantity, will be
more than doubled by the manufacturers' contribu-
tions through the stamp, according to present indi-
cations. The merchants have demosntrated the fact
that they are virtually unanimous in favor of the
stamp contribution, so that the combined revenue
from the new stamp will be approximately $100,000
during the year.
"This means that more than 200,000 pianos bear-
ing the Combination Stamp will be sold at retail in
the United States. This is a conservative figure,
based upon an estimated output (also conservative)
of 300,000 pianos by American manufacturers, part
of which will be exported.
JOHN GERTS' WIDOW DIES.
Caroline Gerts, widow of John Gerts, at one time
a member of the corporation of the Bush & Gerts
Piano Company, Chicago, died June 5. Mrs. Gerts,
who was" 75 years old, leaves three children, two
sons, Oscar and John Gerts, and a daughter, Mrs.
Frieda Arnold. The funeral was held privately from
the home of her daughter, 4312 North Albany ave-
nue, on Tuesday. Services were held at Montrose
Cemetery Chapel at 8:30 p. m.
GOOD DEMAND FOR BOOKLET.
Requests for copies of "Music in Industry," the
booklet recently issued by the National Bureau for
the Advancement of Music to aid in the work of lin-
ing up large and small industries on the side of
democratic music continue to arrive at the bureau in
great numbers.
Enhanced content © 2008-2009 and presented by MBSI - The Musical Box Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
All Rights Reserved. Digitized from the archives of the MBSI with support from NAMM - The International Music Products Association (www.namm.org).
Additional enhancement, optimization, and distribution by the International Arcade Museum. An extensive collection of Presto can be found online at http://www.arcade-museum.com/library/

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