Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1922 1897

PRESTO
December 2, 1922.
father had brought the marvelous "new" instrument to the point of
its start in the world.
It was in the early months of 1883 that an item appeared in a
New York paper reading: "The wonderful machine by which ex-
tempore music is jotted down and preserved is eclipsed by an instru-
ment by which not only the notes, but the expression of the player is
reproduced—the soul of the player—as it were." And an invitation
The American Music Trade Weekly
was added that music lovers visit a wareroom on 14th street, New
York, to see the wonderful self-play ing piano exhibited by Mr. Wil-
PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY AT 407 SOUTH DEAR-
liam
B. Tremaine
BORN STREET, OLD COLONY BUILDING, CHICAGO, ILL.
From that time the name of Tremaine was foremost in the pro-
Editors
C. A. DAN I ELL and FRANK D. ABBOTT
Telephones, Local and Long Distance, Harrison 234. Private Phones to all De-
motion of the new instrument. Mr. William B. Tremaine formed
partments. Cable Address (Commercial Cable Co.'s Code), "PRESTO," Chicago.
the Aeolian Company, and overcame every obstacle to its progress, to
Entered as second-class matter Jan. 29, 1896, at the Post Office, Chicago, Illinois,
the day when he relinquished it to his son who was distinguished last
under Act of March 3, 1878.
_ _
week in recognition of what he also has done from that time to this.
Subscription, $2 a year; 6 months, $1; Foreign, $4. Payable In advance. No extra
charge in United States possessions, Cuba and Mexico.
For twenty-four years Mr. Tremaine has been at the head of
Address all communications for the editorial or business departments to PRESTO
the
Aeolian
Company. During that time he has made the Pianola,
PUBLISHING CO., 407 So. Dearborn Street, Chicago, III.
and in that instrument laid the foundation for an industry which has
Advertising Rates:—Five dollars per inch (13 ems pica) for single insertions.
become as broad as the civilized world. He was the beginner in the
Complete schedule of rates for standing cards and special displays will be furnished
on request. The Presto does not sell Its editorial space. Payment Is not accepted for
player music-roll industry, and he was the first to create a great com-
articles of descriptive character or other matter appearing In the news columns. Busi-
ness notices will be Indicated by the word "advertisement" In accordance with the
bination of famous pianos. He, too, headed the organization of
Act of August 24, 1912.
Photographs of general trade interest are always welcome, and when used. If of
great
Aeolian industries subsidiary to the parent house in New York,
special concern, a charge will be made to cover cost of the engravings.
and? reaching out into the foremost countries of Europe. It may not
Rates for advertising in Presto Tear Book Issue and Export Supplements of
Presto will be made known upon application. Presto Year Book and Export issues
be a large exaggeration to say that, in a sense, the Aeolian Company
have the most extensive circulation of any periodicals devoted to the musical In-
strument trades and Industries in all parts of the world, and reach completely and
is H. B. Tremaine, and that the strength of one is the greatness of
effectually all the houses handling musical Instruments of both the Eastern ana west-
ern hemispheres.
the other.
Presto Buyers' Guide is the only reliable index to the American Pianos and
Player-Pianos, It analyzes all Instruments, classifies them, gives accurate estimates
•f their value and contains a directory of their manufacturers.
So that there was a special fitness in the honors paid to Mr. Tre-
Items of news and other matter of general Interest to the music trades are In-
maine, the world over, last week. It seems double cause of congratu-
vited and when accepted will be paid for. All communications should be addressed to
Presto Publishing Co., 407 So. Dearborn Street. Chicago, III.
lation because it was the first time in the history of music that a leader
in the practical side of the art has been thus distinguished.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1922.
Other piano men have been honored by the great nations of the
world. But never before has any member of the # piano industry, in
PRESTO CORRESPONDENCE
any country, received international recognition in anything like the
IT IS NOT CUSTOMARY WITH THIS PAPER TO PUBLISH REGU-
spontaneous and earnest manner that marked last week's tribute to
LAR CORRESPONDENCE FROM ANY POINTS. WE, HOWEVER,
Mr. Harry B. Tremaine, of the Aeolian Company.
HAVE RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVES IN NEW YORK, BOSTON,
SAN FRANCISCO, PORTLAND, CINCINNATI, INDIANAPOLIS, MIL-
WAUKEE AND OTHER LEADING MUSIC TRADE CENTERS, WHO
KEEP THIS PAPER INFORMED OF TRADE EVENTS AS THEY HAP-
PEN. AND PRESTO IS ALWAYS GLAD TO RECEIVE REAL NEWS
OF THE TRADE FROM WHATEVER SOURCES ANYWHERE AND
MATTER FROM SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS, IF USED, WILL BE
PAID FOR AT SPACE RATES. USUALLY PJANO MERCHANTS OR
SALESMEN IN THE SMALLER CITIES, ARE THE BEST OCCA-
SIONAL CORRESPONDENTS. AND THEIR ASSISTANCE IS INVITED.
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Forms close promptly at noon every Thursday. News matter for
publication should be in not later than eleven o'clock on the same
day. Advertising copy should be in hand before Tuesday, five p. m.,
to insure preferred position. Full page display copy should be in
hand by Monday noon preceding publication day. Want advs. for cur-
rent week, to insure classification, must be at office of publication not
later than Wednesday noon.
A SIGNIFICANT EVENT
Last week's Presto presented quite a full account of an epoch-
making event in the history of the piano trade and industry. It was
the international observance of music in honor of Mr. Harry B. Tre-
maine and that gentleman's accomplishments in the world of music.
The week had very especial significance because it marked the first
time that so broad an honor had been paid to a member of the music
industry.
From almost the dawn of civilization there have been special
demonstrations in recognition of great characters in war, poetry,
literature and the other arts of higher development. But the workers
in the realms of music, except in the concert rooms, have not been
thus recognized. It is this that gives to the week devoted to Mr.
Tremaine's attainments a significance in which all concerned in the
industry and trade must find cause for congratulation.
Notwithstanding the almost universal celebration, last week, it
is probable that a good proportion of piano men, right in his own
country, do not fully realize the part Mr. Tremaine has played in the
development of the foremost instrument of modern times—the player-
piano.
How many know that the player roll owes its beginning to the
man who made the "Pianola" a success? How many realize that,
from the first appearance of the playerpiano—long before it was even
denominated—the name of Tremaine had everywhere been coupled
with it? For, back of Mr. Harry B. Tremaine, that gentleman's
REED ORGANS
The wheels of industry often reverse themselves. In the days of
the square piano the reed organ was a stiff contender for first place.
And it persisted until long after the upright had come and won first
place.
And then the parlor organ began to decay. Finally the "mechan-
ical" organs came, and the perforated music roll industry was born.
By that time the original parlor organ showed signs of falling out.
It had been developed to such a degree that a few manufacturers
were putting forth piano-case organs so designed that it was diffi-
cult, on sight, to distinguish them from the upright pianos. And some
of them possessed the full piano key-board. That was, however, the
beginning of the end, and the parlor organ gave way to the upright
piano almost entirely. Only a few of the reed organ industries re-
main. But they are good ones and, if recent reports are reliable, they
bid fair to experience a revival of activity.
Last week a report from the Old World told of a remarkable de-
mand for reed organs in Africa. The great "dark country" has be-
come so effulgent with light that music is as essential there as in most
parts of Europe. And the call for "American" organs is growing to
such an extent that the outlook for an export trade of good size is
promised.
But the reed organ has never been a negligible item in our own
country. There has been a good demand in the South, and hundreds
of music stores have carried some of the home instruments in stock.
The industry of S. N. Swan & Sons, at Freeport, 111., has found orders
enough to sustain a good factory without cessation. And, at last ac-
counts, the Freeport factory was filling orders for export as well as
for domestic consumption. In the face of almost continuous urging
to join the crowd, and turn to piano making, the Messrs. Swan have
stuck to their original purposes and have kept right on producing the
most attractive reed organs in the market.
It is quite likely that the report from Africa that reed organs
are wanted will stimulate the export trade. And no one in the trade
will be surprised at any time to hear of the re-establishment of the
reed organ industry in this country. In England and Germany it has
never waned.
An evidence of real progress is seen in the plan of life insurance
for workers adopted by the Gulbransen, Dickinson-Co., of Chicago.
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/
\
PRESTO
December 2, 1922.
It is practical support of the men who devote their energies and skill
to the upbuilding of a great piano industry. The Gulbransen, Dickin-
son Co. is realizing the dream of noted industrial economists in the
hope of seeing just such righteous and liberal contributions to human
happiness as the plan of free insurance provides.
Throwing in a lot of music rolls with the playerpiano is a habit
much indulged in by retailers. It's not a good plan, for it has a ten-
dency to restrict the regular sales of rolls. A single roll is enough.
The music roll trade is not what it should be and by throwing in an
assortment the retailers rob themselves of a considerable source of
profit.
* * *
Next year is certain to prove a great one for the small Grands.
And the very small uprights will continue in favor. When the giant
cases may come back again no one can tell. There are piano men
who believe that they have "gone forever"—but probably not.
JjC
3j£
3(C
Only piano dealers who can't shake a bad habit persist in talking
about adverse trade conditions at this time. The piano business is
good almost everywhere. By going after it salesmen may get it. The
demand upon the manufacturers is growing steadily. Get your 1923
orders in early.
* * *
The old year has brought some disasters. At least two of the
piano factory failures caused surprise, while as many others had
CALLS FOR KURTZMANN GRANDS
AND REPRODUCING PIANOS
Big Orders from Dealers and Roadmen Keep Buffalo
Factories Working Overtime.
Reports of dealers and travelers to C. Kurtzmann
& Co., Buffalo, N. Y., are in agreement in one pleas-
ant fact. That is that business is steadily improving
and that the fact is plain to even the most unobserv-
ant. It is no mere happy statement with either deal-
ers or travelers but is backed up with the irrefutable
evidence of orders. H. J. Hackenheimer, president
of C. Kurtzmann & Co., said this week that the size
and number of the orders were dependable basis for
a cheerful estimate of the winter business.
A lively holiday business is suggested in the gen-
erous orders for pianos marked for immediate de-
livery, according to Mr. Hackenheimer. The busi-
ness makes an overtime schedule in the factory obli-
gatory. And what pleases him most is the big de-
mand for reproducing pianos and for Grands. The
handsome orders for these instruments are not lim-
ited to any particular section but come from all over.
SOUTH AFRICAN FARMERS
LIKE ORNAMENTAL ORGANS
Musical Instruments on the Veldt, Where Cheap
Pianos and Phonographs Are Very Popular.
South Africa is a good market for American or-
gans, according to a report to the Department of
Commerce from Consul Charles J. Pisar, Capetown.
The farmers buy the organs for use in their homes
and demand a rather low-priced instrument, prefer-
ably very ornamental and always with a mirror in the
back. In many instances the ornaments have more
to do in effecting a sale than the tone quality. Or-
gans retail at £35 to £45.
The English piano is lower in price than the aver-
age American piano and is very much in demand. It
is exceedingly important that the cases of the pianos
should be well finished. In this particular both the
German and the English pianos excel American in-
struments. America has lost some of the market in
South Africa because of the high prices of pianos,
but reductions in prices of American pianos during
the last year, together with lower ocean freight rates,
should make it possible for America to compete suc-
cessfully. It is believed a good medium grade piano
selling for about $135 f.o.b. New York, with a mahog-
any veneer finish, 4 feet 2 inches high iron frame,
check action over strung, 7% octaves, with ivory
keys, would sell readily.
Piano players are enjoying a good market. Prac-
tically all of them come from the United States.
Phonographs are in great demand. American ma-
chines enjoy considerable prestige. The German ma-
chines are cheaper but inferior in tone, quality, finish,
and workmanship.
been expected. And death has chosen some shining marks, leaving
gaps in the ranks hard to fill.
i\:
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sjc
The last quarter of the year closing has been more productive in
the piano business than all of its first half. And the promise is that
the new year will prove one of the best thus far of the new century.
Let's go in to make it so.
* * *
Now that you've given thanks, and feel better for it, give your-
self cause for more thanks by making collections so that you can also
win the thanks of the manufacturers by making clean settlements at
the year's end.
* * *
There will not be so many important changes in the industry
and trade this month as has been customary at the year's end. As a
rule the piano men are pretty well satisfied with the outlook for the
New Year.
* * *
The Mason & Hamlin piano is playing a large part in the con-
cert world this season. Some of the greatest pianists are placing the
seal of their approval upon the really artistic instrument from Boston.
* * *
Go over your books thoroughly, and make a stiff push for delin-
quent collections. Don't let any of them jump over into the New
Year if you can help it.
TECHNIQUE OF EXPORTING.
A new book for exporters is "Export Merchandising"
by Walter F. Wyman, published by the McGraw-Hill
Book Co., New York. This is a book on the tech-
nique of export trade by an export manager with a
national reputation. Judging from the style and gen-
eral make-up, it is obviously intended primarily for
the practical exporter; and it is quite clear that the
contents are the result of actual experience rather
than theory or second-hand information. The follow-
ing partial list of subjects covered by the book will
indicate its eminently practical nature: The export
department, the export manager securing and train-
ing export salesmen, developing export trade by cor-
respondence, how advertising gets foreign trade, the
export catalogue as a salesman-, the place of the
house organ in export selling, the motion picture in
export, samples in export selling, planning an export
sales campaign, typical export sales campaigns, the
fundamentals of export credits, fraudulent export
schemes.
NEW SHONINGER RECEIVER.
Judge Edwin S. Thomas, in the United States
Court, New Haven, Conn., has removed Walter C.
Mallory as receiver for the B. Shoninger Co., piano
manufacturers, and has named as permanent receiver
Attorney Louis'Strouse, of New York. The decision
came as a surprise to the heads of several local banks
and to New Haven lawyers active in the case, as
they had asked the retention of Mallory, and that
J. C. Lomas be named to act with him. The liabili-
ties of the Shoninger company have been given as
approximately $100,000.
TRYING TO GIVE SERVICE.
The M. Schulz Piano Co., Chicago, is making ef-
forts to keep up its superior service to the dealers,
under the heavy strain of orders which have been
coming in. Although the supply of workmen has
been low, the work at the factory has been speeded
up, an official of the company stated. The trying
labor situation is very unfortunate, coming at the
time that the piano business is so rushing.
NEW. GRINNELL STORE.
The new building for the Pontiac, Mich., branch of
Grinnell Bros., Detroit, is now in course of construc-
tion. It will cost upwards of $100,000 and will be
the last word in retail music house construction. The
company now operates thirty stores in the state of
Michigan alone and every store is a prosperous unit
in a great retail business.
PACIFIC ORDERS GOOD.
Conditions on the Pacific coast are now at a higher
stage than they have been for several years, is the
word brought by R. K. Maynard, Pacific representa-
tive of the M. Schulz Piano Co., Chicago, who spent
several days in the Chicago office last week. From
the list of orders brought in by Mr. Maynard, one
judges that he has excellent foundation for his as-
sertion.
ANOTHER PETITION
FILED AGAINST EILERS
Six Creditors of Oregon Eilers Music House
Take Action in Federal Court in Port-
land and Ask Receiver.
The Oregon Eilers Music House again came into
the limelight when, November 15 the doors of the
firm were closed by the sheriff of Multnomah county
who served a writ of attachment filed in the circuit
court by certain creditors. Following this, six credi-
tors on Saturday, November 18, in the federal court
filed a petition of involuntary bankruptcy contending
that the firm "is insolvent and should be taken over
by the federal court immediately to insure the maxi-
mum, returns to all creditors."
The creditors who filed in the federal court, did so
through Sidney Teiser, attorney of Portland, and
the amount of their claims are as follows: A. J.
Stasny Music company of New York, $100.53; Otto
Zimmerman & Son of Ohio, $65.05; M. Welte & Sons
of New York, $50; Bosworth & Co. of New York,
$85.03; Sidney H. Horner, $106.57, and the Crown
Music Company of New York, $148.08.
They alleged that the firm of which Hy J. Eilers
is president committed an act of bankruptcy August
20, 1922, at which time it placed two creditors on
the preferred list by returning to them four pianos
when payment was demanded. "The alleged preferred
creditors are given as E. F. Wood Music House and
Chappel Harms company."
T h t judicial troubles of Eilers has been churning
for several years and started when the Eilers Music
House became involved in bankruptcy proceedings.
Eilers was charged in the federal court with trans-
ferring the assets of the Eilers Music House to its
successor the Oregon Eilers Music House. This
affair was finally settled to the satisfaction of
Federal Judge Bean, but not until he had compelled
Eilers to produce duplicates of certain records, but
not until Eilers was technically in jail, in charge of
a United States marshal.
The court will probably order an investigation of
the petition by Referee A. M. Cannon, if it is not
contested in court. The petitioning creditors in
order to protect their interests secured the appoint-
ment of a receiver, S. J. Bishoff under $2,000 bond.
J. L. SWEENY A VISITOR.
J. L. Sweeny, of the Sweeny Music store of Fond
du Lac, Wis., made a brief call on wholesalers in
Chicago last week. The orders left by Mr. Sweeny
indicate that Fond du Lac is having as great a pick
up in business as is being noticed in other parts of
the country.
BOOM IN GERMAN PIANOS.
German manufacturers of pianos at the present
time are booked for a considerable period in the
future, and the piano companies are sold out for the
next five months, according to a report from Vice
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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