Presto

Issue: 1920 1769

PRESTO
June 19, 1920.
RECALLS AN EVIL
OF THE TRADE
The Contest and Puzzle Sale, Admittedly a
Thing of the Past, Viewed in Compari-
son with the Legitimate Effort
in Retailing
It is only a short time ago that the puzzle and
guessing contest sales were so common they gave
a very undesirable character to the piano business.
Of course at the same time there were regular sales
conducted on a legitimate basis and these helped to
nullify the harmful effects of the guessing kind.
Some of the latter were so dishonest it dignifies
them to rank as sales. A stronger and uglier word
has frequently been used to characterize them.
But there were varieties in the guessing sale. It
had no standard, but it was possible to grade it. One
dealer said, "They're all wrong, but some of 'em
are damn wrong.'' These were graded by the ca-
pacity of the promoter for deception and misrepre-
sentation. In each sale of the kind the dealer was
particeps criminis and his bit was a share of the
ill-gotten gains.
Job for Historian.
Some interesting chapters will be written about
the contest sale when someone gets down to write a
history of the piano trade. Able men like Alfred
Dolge have set down the surprising facts in the
6 7 Years of Improved Effort Are
Behind Every Piano Turned Out by
CABLE&SONS
THE OLD RELIABLE
ESTABLISHED 1852
Factory and Offices:
550-552 West 38th Street
NEW YORK
history of the piano manufacturing industry. Of
course someone will do a similar job for the retail
trade and in that the "dark age," the puzzle contest
era of hornswoggling episodes will necessarily be ex-
tensively treated. The contest days did not cover
so much time, but they created an effluvia that makes
them memorable.
In the highly ethical age that the Better Business
Bureau is building, the conscientious salesman or
dealer will read the puzzle contest chapters of the
history with amazement. He will be shocked to
learn that the honorable business to which he is
commercially wedded was once a game played with
a cold deck. Perhaps he will consider coincident
episodes; will conclude that the free lunch of the
saloon in the reign of Demon Rum had an allure-
ment similar to that of the something-for-nothing
hand-out of the piano trade. The student will read
in his general history of times we now may call
recent, how the boss or the bartender frequently
observed the sociable function of "setting 'em up."
It was, the student will be told, one of the ways the
customers were lured to the demonrumeries.
Parallel Cases.
The incidents of the wet days in the old United
States set forth in one book will be duplicated by
stories and descriptions of the guess days in the
same old realm in another book. And the reader
will marvel at the unwisdom of piano dealers who
encouraged a weakness in human nature by adver-
tising the free stool, bench, scarf hand-out. That
was bad, but it was harmless compared to the puzzle
and contest sales in which every deal was a doubt- •
ful asset.
Of course one cannot compare the puzzle and
guess contest sales which we now regard as past
and the legitimate ones necessary in certain circum-
stances. One represents an obsession of the trade:
the other its normal wisdom. For the trade will
always have its special sales. The special sale ap-
peals to the people who appreciate the value of
money, and while looking for a chance to save some
are nevertheless not anxious to practice false econv
omy by overlooking piano values. When that kind
buy, the instrument may be considered finally sold
when it is delivered. The chances that they will fail
in their payments are small.
The puzzle and other kinds of contests for encour-
aging piano sales were contrary to the fundamen-
tals of good business. They aroused an hysterical
desire to get a piano on a gambling chance. They
appealed to those whose only hope of getting a piano
lay in getting it for nothing, or next to nothing.
The dealer usually took chances in selling to pros-
pects discovered by the guess contest means.
29
TRADE HAPPENINGS
ARE TOLD IN BRIEF
Views and Beliefs of Live Piano Merchants Ar«
Presented,
Fred J Lanshe has bought out his partner, Frank
D. Hartman, in the music house of Hart & Lanshe,
Allentown, Pa.
The Robelen Piano Co., Wilmington, Del., has be-
gun extensive alterations and improvements in the
store at 710 Market street.
L. D. Marsh has bought out the talking machine
department of the Ritter Music Shop, Spokane, Wash.
The Adora Phonograph Company, Detroit, opened
its tenth retail store in that city last week.
The Fulton Music Shop, 303 Bergenline avenue,
Hoboken, N. J., has been opened.
Schrader's Music Store, Escanaba and Ishpeming,
Mich., has purchased the talking machine business
of P. H. Sperry, Marinette.
The Hawthorne phonograph, made in Los An-
geles, Calif., is handled by the Southern California
Hardwood & Manufacturing Co., 1430 S. Alameda
street, in that city.
The Vit talking machine has been added to the
line of J. K. Morgan in the Leiter Building Store, in
Chicago.
Columbia Grafonola dealers of New Orleans
and vicinity met recently at the Grunewald Hotel.
About fifty dealers were present. The following
spoke: O." F. Bertz, A. B. Creel, H. P. Wise, W. W.
Quaid, E. L. Estes and J. B. Lillybridge.
The Willers Co., phonograph manufacturers, Chi-
cago, recently moved from 550 West Lake street to
728 West Madison street. The company makes the
Wilier Baby Grand phonograph.
SELLING BY 'PHONE.
EVERY MAN. WHETHER
Directly or Indirectly Interested in
Pianos, Phonographs or the General
Music Trade
Should have the three booklets compris-
PRESTO TRADE LISTS
No. 1—Directory of the Music Trades—
the Dealers List.
No. 2—The Phonograph Directory—the
Talking Machine List.
No. 3—Directory of the Music Industries
(Manufacturers, Supplies, etc., of
all kinds).
Price, each book, 25 cents.
The three books combined contain the
only complete addresses and classified
lists of all the various depart-
ments of the music indus-
tries and trades.
Choice of these books and also a copy of
the indispensable "Presto Buyer's Guide,"
will be sent free of charge to new sub-
scribers to Presto, the American Music
Trade Weekly, at $2 a year.
You. want Presto; you want the Presto
Trade Lists. They cost little and return
much. Why not have them?
Published by
Presto Publishing Co.
407 So. Dearborn St.,
CHICAGO, ILL.
The advanced methods of selling phonograph rec-
ords in Terre Haute, lnd., are described by the
Kansas City Journal for the benefit of dealers there:
"By means of a novel mechanical attachment patrons
of a large music firm in Terre Haute, lnd., are
enabled to sit at home and listen to phonographic
records being tried out for their benefit by a clerk
in the store. Upon the arrival of a new consign-
ment of records the clerk rings up his regular cus-
tomer in the city or surrounding territory by tele-
phone and together they go over the titles until
they come to one which the customer believes he
would like to add to his collection. At his request
the clerk tries it out on the phonograph, which is
connected, through the new device by telephone
wire with the customer's home."
WOOL SUBSTITUTES.
Tests are being conducted at the textile institute at
Leeds, England, in manufacturing by a chemical
process artificial wool from cellulose derived from
cotton waste. These efforts are said to have been
very successful, and although the substance is only
a substitute for wool it is said to have great wearing
possibilities, especially if used with other fabrics.
There was no difficulty in using the substitute on
woolen machines with 50 per cent natural wool or
working the machinery with wholly artificial wool.
Experiments in dyeing the new material are also
said to have succeeded very well.
FOR INLAID EFFECTS.
Here is a hint for piano manufacturers and per-
haps also furniture manufacturers who may contem-
plate making inlaid goods, says the Kansas City
Journal. Good lines and nicely figured woods ap-
pear to be sufficient decoration, which is as it should
be. It is foolishness to try to paint the lily, and
it is hard to imagine any person craving for any-
thing more handsome than a nicely figured piece of
walnut or mahogany.
HIGH G R A D E
CHANGE AT FRANKLIN, IND.
Dealers' Attention Solicited.
J. T. Phillips has sold his Ideal Music Co., at
Franklin, lnd., and is temporarily out of business.
Mr. Phillips has been in ill health for some time and
decided to dispose of his business and recuperate.
Folding Organs
School Organs
Practice Keyboards
A. L. WHITE MFG. CO.
315 West 6£4 Place, CHICAGO* ILL.
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
30
PRESTO
June 19, 1920.
THE PRESTO'S WANT ADVS.
PIANO T R A V E L E R .
PIANO T R A V E L E R — W e l l known throughout the United
States; successful and with large acquaintance among
retail trade, ten years in present position, wishes to
change to another enterprising piano manufacturer.
Address " 2 . L.," care of PRESTO, Chicago.
FACTORY T U N E R S , A T T E N T I O N !
Attention, factory tuners who want to learn player con-
struction.
Paid while learning.
Apply "Player-
Tuner," care PRESTO.
PLAYER MEN W A N T E D .
Assemblers and testers, who know their business, for
employment in modern player action factory. Apply
in writing, stating the salary expected, age, experi-
ence, and whether married or single. Scott Player
Action Co., Racine, Wis.
W A N T E D — T u n e r capable of handling player-piano re-
pairs and adjustments, for work in our Illinois branch-
es. One preferred who is willing to live in Central
'.illnois. Give reference and salary expected. Ad-
dress "R. J. C , " Cable Piano Co., 301 S. Wabash
Ave., Chicago.
TUNER AND PLAYER REPAIRER.
TUNER AND SALESMEN.
W A N T E D — T u n e r familiar with player-pianos; also piano
salesmen. Cable Piano Co., 604 S. Saginaw St., Flint,
Mich.
SALESMAN'S O P P O R T U N I T Y .
We need a man who can go unaided and close the deal.
Hundreds of good leads—all new. We will consider
only high-class closer who knows the game, and for
this man we have an attractive offer and permanent
place in city of 30,000. State age and experience. Ad-
dress " T . , " care PRESTO.
TRAVELER WANTED.
W A N T E D — H i g h grade traveling representative in each
state, to sell one of the best known lines of player-
pianos, on a commission basis. Give full information
with first letter. None but men of high standing and
exceptional ability will be considered. Apply "Ability,"
care PRESTO.
PLAYER SALESMAN A N D T R O U B L E M A N .
W A N T E D — Well known manufacturer of high grade
player-pianos desires services of young man thor-
oughly familiar with player-piano mechanics who
can do everything in repairing, tuning and regulating
and has the personality and business qualities neces-
sary for wholesale salesman. Good opportunity. Ad-
dress "Trouble Man," care PRESTO, Chicago.
TO PHONOGRAPH I N D U S T R I E S .
Buyer for Australian house, now in this country, desires
to get in touch with phonograph manufacturers and
supply industries who are prepared to accept orders
for prompt shipment. Address "Buyer," care of
PRESTO Chicago.
T U N E R A N D PLAYER MAN.
'
WANTED—Experienced tuner and player man with some
salesmanship ability. We are located in a Wisconsin
city of 40,000. State salary wanted, experience and
reference in first letter. Address "Oshkosh," care
PRESTO Publishing Co., Chicago.
FACTORY S U P E R I N T E N D E N T .
WANTED—Position as superintendent; one who has had
25 years' experience and has worked at most all
branches of the business. Is now employed, but
wishes to make a change. Am not an office man, but
spend all my time in the factory looking after things.
Address "Factory Man," care PRESTO, Chicago.
F I F T Y - F I F T Y SALESMAN.
Can you go to the farmer and sell him a piano? Are you
willing to work. I have a live store, thoroughly es-
tablished, in central Wisconsin, selling jewelry, pianos
and phonographs. I am willing to split profits with a
hustler who can take over the managing and selling
of the music end of the business. I can finance all
you can sell. Answer "Box 15," care PRESTO, Chi-
cago.
SALES R E P R E S E N T A T I V E
Wanted in each state by old established manufacturer to
handle high grade talking machines as a side line on
a liberal commissicn basis. Address Box 28, care
PRESTO Publishing Co., 407 S. Dearborn St., Chi-
cago.
" R E P R O D U C O " FOR S A L E .
Reproduco, electric driven, combination player piano and
pipe organ, two manuals, made by The Operators'
Piano Co. This instrument has had only a little use
and is as good as new. Plays regular 88-note rolls.
Will sell for $1,000. Address Holley Music House, Car-
roll, Iowa.
STOCK FOR S A L E .
FOR SALE—Common stock In the S. W . Miller Piano Co.,
Sheboygan, Wis. For particulars address R. H. Rob'
erts, Box 615, Berwyn, III.
RETAIL MANAGER WANTED.
WANTED—Experienced retail sales manager for a lead-
ing piano and music store in Denver, Colo. Splendid
opportunity in one of America's finest localities. A
boon to man requiring mountain climate for health
of self or family. Give past experience fully in first,
letter. Address "Experienced M.," care PRESTO,
Chicago.
ASSISTANT SALES MANAGER.
W A N T E D — A middle-western Steinway house desires the
services of a young man who is now employed as
salesman but wants a connection wherein he has a
chance to broaden, to act as assistant to sales man-
ager. Must have initiative, good moral habits and
some floor experience is advantageous. Give three
references and salary expected. Address "Mid-West,"
Care PRESTO, Chicago.
VARNISH FOREMAN W A N T E D .
WANTED—First-class varnish foreman. One who under-
stands coloring. Good wages. Apply to "Coloring,"
care PRESTO, Chicago.
T U N E R A N D REPAIR M A N .
W A N T E D — A competent tuner and repair man. Must
be sober and reliable as well as a first-class work-
man. Must be able to refinish pianos by quick method.
Well equipped shop and. position should be worth
$250 per month to the right man. References in first
letter required. Address Southwestern Music Co.,
Corsicana, Tex.
MILL MAN W A N T E D .
W A N T E D — F i r s t class mill man. One with executive
ability and capable of taking charge of mill and piano
case shop in one of the largest piano factories. Apply
"Mill Man," care PRESTO.
POSITION W A N T E D .
Young man, married, 30 years of age, wants position as
piano salesman. Seven years' experience. Best of
references furnished as to ability. Prefer position in
California or some other western state. Am at pres-
ent employed in Kentucky, but want to make a
change. Address K. Y., care of PRESTO.
REGULAR S H I P M E N T S W A N T E D .
A successful "factory to home" piano house in the mid-
dle-east wants to make connection with some in-
dustry that can make regular shipments on terms of
absolute security. Must be good instruments, both
players and pianos. Business will be steady and sat-
isfactory. Address Distributors, care PRESTO, Chi-
cago.
PLAYER ACTION FOR SALE.
C O M P L E T E P L A Y E R . P I A N O A C T I O N , with patents.
This is absolutely one of the easiest pumping player
action on the market. Investigate and let us give
you a demonstration. Address "Investigate," care
PRESTO, Chicago.
VENEER HAND WANTED.
WANTED—Veneer hand. A good man to work as fore-
man in our veneer department. Write, giving experi-
ence, references and wages wanted. Address " V e -
neer Expert," care PRESTO.
PLAYER ACTION EXPERT.
POSITION WANTED—Thoroughly competent and experi-
enced player action maker, now employed, would
make change if conditions are suitable. Can satisfy
^ most exacting and has his own action of special ad-
vantages. Address "Player Expert," care PRESTO,
Chicago.
SALESMAN'S O P P O R T U N I T Y .
S A L E S M A N - M A N A G E R — I am looking for a live, honest,
capable piano salesman to help me run my piano store.
It has grown too big for me. I am located in a
wealthy city with a half a million population in the
middle west. A working partnership will be arranged
for the right man. No additional capital will be re-
quired. This is a real opportunity for a live hustler.
Address "Live Hustler," care PRESTO.
Won't You Come Back
to Me, Dear?
A WONDERFUL WALTZ SONG
VENEER MAN
Veneer hand. A good man to
veneer department. Write,
ences and wages wanted.
care PRESTO, Chicago.
WANTED.
work as foreman in our
giving experience, refer-
Address "Veneer Hand,"
PREFERS MISSOURI.
POSITION W A N T E D in Missouri or near St. Louis by
a thorough piano man, salesman, tuner or capable
of managing store. Will start on any reasonable
basis. Want to settle permanently. Am now em-
ployed. Write " J , " care of PRESTO.
DULL FINISHER WANTED.
WANTED—Experienced dull finisher capable of taking
charge of organization turning out nothing but dull
finished work. Good wages and plenty of chance for
advancement. Apply "Finisher," care PRESTO.
MUSIC WEEK IDEA SPREADS.
Communities in all parts of the country are taking
to the idea of the annual Music Week like ducks to
water, says the National Bureau for the Advance-
ment of Music, under whose auspices the first New
York Music Week was held last February. Similar
events have taken place in San Angelo, Texas, and
Great Falls, Montana. The music dealers of Great
Falls set their brethren in other cities a good exam-
ple by taking liberal space in the local newspapers
announcing special programs at their respective
stores during the week.
FRANK HOOD ON NEW TRIP.
Frank M. Hood, traveler for the Schiller Piano
Company, came into Chicago last week from a trip
which took him to Decatur, 111.; Columbia, Mo.; Ne-
vada, Mo.; Fredonia, Kan.; Wichita, Kan.; Kansas
City, Mo.; Lincoln, Neb.; Carson, Iowa, and Gales-
burg, 111. He has gone to the Schiller factory at
Oregon, 111., from which place he contemplates mak-
ing a three-weeks' trip into other territory.
If you are not handling the
McKINLEY EDITION OF
10c MUSIC
Comprising Standard,
Classic and Teaching Music
you are losing an opportunity to make money
Dealers Realize
Send 2c for Professional Copy
Orchestration, 25c—Regular Copy for Piano, 15c
150% PROFIT
r
On Sales of McKinley Music
Dealers ask f°
quantity price
D. LACOUR
210 Porter St.
DETROIT, MICH.
Established 1867
Strauch Bros
All Well-posted Piano
Dealers and Salesmen
recognize the value of this name on a
Piano Action.
For more than 50 years it has been associ-
ated with the best products of the Piano
industry. It has always represented
Quality and Merit
When a Piano Action bears the name of
Strauch Bros, it is an additional guarantee
of the quality of the instrument containing it.
STRAUCH BROS.
Piano Actions, Hammers and Repairs
22 to 30 Tenth Avenue
New York
It is the most popular library of 10c music
on the market. Selections contained in this
Edition are used by the most prominent
teachers in the country — Students, Accom-
plished Musicians, and the Music Loving
Public in general.
It is conveniently handled; arranged in
compact form, and is labor saving in serving
the customers.
The dealer is supplied with catalogs bear-
ing the business imprint which serves to
bring more customers to the store than any
other advertising medium that could be em-
ployed.
WRITE US FOR SAMPLES AND PAR-
TICULARS TODAY
Our Jobbing Department is the largest and
most complete in the country. We can sup-
ply you with every want in the sheet music
line. We fill all orders the day they are
received.
McKinley Music Company
The Largest Sheet Music House
in the World
NEW YORK
CHICAGO
145 W. 45th St.
1501-13 E. 55th St.
L. YOSCO MFG. (0., Inc.
204 West 34th Stree'
NEW YORK
Sole Makers ol the New and Wonderful Model
"Yosco" Double Rim Banjos
Write for details, interesting to Jazz Instrument
Dealers and the trade in general.
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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