Presto

October 28, 1922.
PRESTO
ing. Not a week passes in which such demands are not made upon
Presto. Within a week requests have come for three expert player-
piano salesmen, two of whom must be especially expert in demon-
strating the Ampico. We have probably "placed" more workers in
the lines referred to than any other single influence. And these are
only part of the trade paper's work.
It would be a mighty poor trade paper that could escape criticism,
and often of the kind that hurts. This trade paper has been criticised
because it has expressed special admiration for certain artistic instru-
ments. It has been found fault with because it has given voice to
opinions not in keeping with personal views of selfish kind. It has
been "called down" for mild opposition to some of the fanciful plans
of the trade organizations. And it has been called to account by ad-
vertising men in the service of industries the heads of which seem to
relegate to individual experts more authority than is good for the best
interests of the house. We have even been called lacking in piano
knowledge because we have advocated the conservation of the
"straight" piano without in the least deprecating the more modern
playerpiano. And there is the very apex of critical absurdity.
For what is the playerpiano but a piano plus the wonderful power
of expression without manual skill ? No demand of the straight piano
can hurt the progress of the playerpiano. But to kill the straight
piano would be the direct way to the destruction of all pianos. No
trade paper has done more than Presto to develop the advanced player
mechanism. No trade paper has done less to impede playerpiano
progress, or more to produce the kind of advertising literature by
which best to promote the modern evolution of the two-hundred year
old instrument.
The business of the piano in all its departments is now at the
dawn of a new day. The factories, particularly in the West, are over-
flowing with activity. Orders are crowding the makers. It is a time
of opportunity. And the trade paper must have its share of the re-
sults. This trade paper was never before so well equipped to help,
nor was the demand upon it so full or so suggestive of the activities
that are to swell and grow during the three years just ahead. The in-
vitation, as the preachers say, is again extended. We are here for a
purpose. Make use of us.
A piano dealer, and his salesman, in a city of ten thousand, will
strive to get into every intelligent home in their community where
no piano exists. That's their business. Probably not more than one-
fourth of the homes possess instruments. The dealer and his sales-
men read the trade paper—probably this trade paper—which in-
fluences the line of pianos sold in the town. If from six thousand
to eight thousand piano dealers are similarly influenced, and active,
can any other medium of publicity equal this one." A million "broad-
cast" could not effect one-half the actual sales. Does it puzzle you?
Then think it over.
* * *
Of all men the publicity promoter, or advertising man, most
needs the qualities of urbanity and civility. The most humble solicitor
may be the very man most capable is doing injury to the interests of
the house that permits a grouch in the advertising department to meet
inquiring strangers. Whatever you are, or however you may feel, be
discretely courteous always.
* * *
An error crept into Presto's "Where Doubts Are Dispelled" col-
umns two weeks ago. In answer to a correspondent the responsibil-
COLLEGE SENIOR WINS
BRAMBACH BABY GRAND
John Korolishin Selects His Contest Prize at the
J. L. Hudson Music Store.
John Korolishin, a Detroit music lover, has re-
cently become the proud possessor of a Brambach
Baby Grand, by winning the third grand prize of the
Detroit Music Memory Contest, recently conducted
in that city. Mr. Korolishin, now twenty years old,
has lived in a musical atmosphere all his life. His
love for music has been developed under the direc-
tion of his brother, who is prominent in musical sing-
ing societies. He is now in his senior year at the
University of Michigan, has a fixed determination of
becoming a teacher of music and English literature
when he graduates.
Last summer he was persuaded by his.friends to
cuter the Detroit Music Memory Contest, and he
spent many months in perfecting his knowledge of
the work of the great composers. This was done by
ity for the "Ellwood" trade-mark was charged to Lyon & Healy
whereas the name was originally used on pianos of the Melville Clark
Piano Co. which later became the Apollo Piano Co. The "Ellwood"
is a well made instrument, nevertheless, so no harm can come to the
inquirer in the case.
* * *
Two months ago a mildly discouraged piano manufacturer asked
Presto to formulate a campaign by which business might be made to
wake up. It was done, and 27 dealers were aroused to apply for par-
ticulars. Seven of them saw an advantage ahead and took on th<2 in-
struments of that particular manufacturer. It wasn't merely a
"scheme," but a direct result of investment in good trade paper pro-
motion.
* * *
There are well-made pianos, little known aii(j few of which are
produced, because they lack proper promotion. An investment of a
few thousand dollars in trade publicity, inelligently directed, would
result in twice the factory output, and ten times the manufacturer's
profits, within twelve months. Hard to believe, but true.
* * *
Of all the storm-tossed veterans in the piano world, none has had
a more romantic or varied experience than the Smith & Nixon. That
piano has held a very high place in the trade and musical world. It
has now "come back" and it will regain its old-time place, as was told
exclusively in Presto last week.
* * *
It demands patience to win success these days, notwithstanding
the intense, restless and eager pushing for place and preferment.
Courtesy is one of the first essentials to substantial progress. The
man behind the office rail who doesn't appreciate this fact is in line to
the Shanghai house.
* * *
A single phonograph industry published an advertisement last
Sunday in which the names and addresses of 76 stores were given as
its retail representatives in a single city. The phonograph is the
Brunswick, and the city of 76 agencies is Chicago.
* * *
Modern ideas of the piano industry are not at all like the methods
of earlier times. It demands the same, kind of energy and activity,
and more of it, to promote pianos today that is needed to promote any
other department of industry. The dreamer days are past.
* * *
Piano dealers who prefer to sit in their stores and swear at the
unnecessary dullness of trade, have themselves to blame. They'd
better kick at the weather, or get a little tin soldier to fight with.
The same effect would certainly close some sales.
* * *
The organization of special advertising departments by piano
houses is a recent development. Today a dozen of the larger piano
industries have publicity bureaus, some of them forceful and alert.
The piano business is no longer a small specialty.
* * *
A buyer for one thousand phonographs called on Presto for ad-
vice last week. For a time it had seemed that the talking machine
threatened to topple into near-oblivion. But, with other things, it
now bids fair to experience a revival.
the aid of a phonograph. When the Music Memory
Contest was over last week, it was found that he had
not only captured the third prize, which was a Bram-
bach Baby Grand piano, but also won first prize of
the Retail Clerks' Class. This brought him, in addi-
tion to the Brambach Baby Grand, a new Edison
phonograph, which gives him musical equipment of
which anyone might justly be proud.
WANTS AUTOMATIC ORGAN.
The demand abroad for American goods, as shown
by inquiries received by the Department of Com-
merce from commercial attaches, trade commission-
ers, and consular officers during the last week is
widening, and includes a great variety of commodi-
ties. Products of all kinds are wanted. Among the
unusual requirements is a request from Mexico for
a merry-go-round with an automatic organ. India
has many wants, but Spain predominates over all
others, as she has for several weeks past. Cables re-
ceived by the Department of Commerce indicate
marked improvement in Spanish conditions generally.
REHABILITATION OF THE
WEYDIG PIANO COMPANY
Peter Weydig Heads a New Industry in Which He Is
Associated With His Sons.
The latest New York incorporation of interest to
the piano trade is that of the Weydig Piano Corp.,
Bronx, $20,000; P. and W. E. and W. Weydig. (At-
torneys, Greenbaum, Wolff & Ernst, 7 Dey St.)
Peter Weydig is the practical piano manufacturer
who established the Weydig, Henkelman Piano Co.,
which was later changed to the Whitman Piano
Co. The factory was on 14th street, New York, for
several years, and did a good business. The instru-
ments to be produced by the new concern will be of
popular character and, no doubt, the company will
have its share of the prosperity which is promised
to the industry in the years just ahead.
Charles Parker, Waco, Tex., will soon open a
branch in Houston.
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