Presto Buyers' Guide
Analyzes and Classifies
All American P i a n o s
and in Detail Tells of
Their Makers.
PRESTO
E.tabu,h*d is84. THE AMERICAN MUSIC TRADE WEEKLY
Presto Trade Lists
Three Uniform B o o k -
lets, the Only Complete
Directories of the Music
Industries.
to c*nt. : $2.00 « rear
CHICAGO, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1923
higher standards of living, and for higher educa-
tion among the masses.
4. Because of its instrumentality in elevating the
standards of musical merchandising; because of its
untiring effort to lead those who have heretofore re-
garded the piano as an instrument to further their
profits through its sale at any price that may be Fate of Kelly-Stephens and Merritt Bills to Be
In Reply to Query by Secretary Kennedy, deemed expedient, to understand that there is a dig-
Introduced in House at Early Date of
nity, a solidity, and respectability in the music trades
Dealers Long Associated With Body Re-
Keen Interest to Music Trade.
which should lead them to strive toward the main-
call Original Motives for Joining and
tenance of those ideals which have brought our busi-
ness up to the standard it has attained.
State Them.
FAVOR FOR MEASURES
Here are four reasons why I joined the National
Association. The other forty-six are just as perti-
nent, and could be as briefly stated. To me, the A Large Number of National Associations and Many
man who is not affiliated with the National Associa-
Prominent Individuals Squarely Behind Both
tion is a man who, perhaps without knowledge of this
Proposed Measures.
E. H. Droop, John W. Boothe, George R. Hughes fact, is depriving himself of benefits of the greatest
possible importance.—George R. Hughes.
and E. Paul Hamilton Speak From Experiences
Among the measures of interest to the piano in-
of Salutary Effects of Membership.
dustry and trade which will be introduced in the
WHY JOHN W. BOOTHE JOINED.
session of Congress which opened last week is the
"I joined it for the good it would do me and the bill sponsored by Representative Merritt and what is
A number of men of the music trade have reduced firm I represent. By good, I mean the help that known as the Kelly-Stephens bill, relating to price
to writing their reasons for joining the National Asso- the spirit of co-operation among the musical indus- maintenance.
ciation of Music Merchants. In interesting addresses tries in general is bound to give one who himself
The Merritt bill, which is entitled, "A Bill to Pre-
to local, state and national organizations these gen- takes an interest in its proceedings and has at heart, vent Discrimination in Prices, to Provide for Public-
tlemen have frequently voiced similar views. Know- the best traditions of the music business. It is my ity of Prices and to Protect Good Will," provides
ing the activity of the men in promoting the asso- belief that the incentive to join such an organization that the manufacturer of a trade-marked or branded
ciation spirit it is safe to say that their spoken and should be more than the mere wish to be a member, article may, for the purpose of preventing discrimina-
written words have been potent in increasing the because I consider that there are certain obligations tion and protecting his good will, mark his product
membership of trade bodies and in augmenting the which we owe such an association on account of the with an established uniform retail price, and may by
association enthusiasm wherever directed.
great good we get out of it, if it is our desire to do contract with his vendee prescribe uniform prices and
Here is what E. H. Droop, Washington, D. C, so.—John W. Boothe.
manners of settlement to all purchasers in like cir-
John W. Boothe, Los Angeles, George R. Hughes,
cumstances, at which the different qualities and quan-
E. PAUL HAMILTON AN ENTHUSIAST.
San Francisco, and E. Paul Hamilton, Baltimore,
tities of each article covered by such contract may
write in reply to the query by Matt J. Kennedy, sec-
Because I knew it would help me to understand my be resold.
retary of the National Association of Music Mer- business better, because I thought it was the duty of
The bill applies only to articles manufactured and
chants:
every individual connected with the music industry to sold in interstate commerce. In order to conform to
belong to the National Association of Music Mer- already existing legislation directed against monopo-
E. H. DROOP'S REASONS.
chants, for in unity lies strength, and because I know lies, the bill provides that the vendor of the article
1. Because I firmly believed in the value and power it is good to meet the other fellow.
shall not have any monopoly or control of the mar-
of organization for personal and mutual good and
I joined because I thought that all problems could ket for articles belonging to the same general class as
benefit.
be easier dealt with by a body of men with common his product; and that he shall not be a party to any
2. Because I felt that mind, usefulness and activity interests than by an individual. I joined the Asso- agreement, combination or understanding with any
could and would be broadened and enlarged through ciation because I know that the exchange of experi- competitor in the production, manufacture or sale in
contact with men from all sections of the Country; ences and ideas must be helpful to me.
interstate commerce of any merchandise in the same
acquaintances and friendships thus formed frequently
I take great pleasure in testifying that I have general class.
prove to be valuable factors of helpfulness.
A further provision which is of interest to all man-
learned a great deal, that I have benefited a great
3. Because I was convinced that the suggestions deal by joining the National Association of Music ufacturers who desire to maintain uniform resale
and efforts of circle of men possessing practical Merchants and that I am very proud to be a member, prices for their articles is that, if the purchaser shall
idealism as applied to our industry, would have a and look forward to the ever-growing influence of in good faith be unable to sell such goods at the pub-
wholesome influence in the improvement of condi- the National Association of Music Merchants on the lished price, he shall first offer them back to the
tions in our trade; would have a tendency to elevate music industry of this country.—E. Paul Hamilton, seller at the purchase price before he may resell them
at less than the established uniform resell price.
its standards and rescue it from many of the "evils" Baltimore.
in which it was floundering.
The present state of legislative and Court decisions
on
this vital subject leaves much to be desired in the
4. Because I needed and wanted an outlet among
PLANS FOR MUSIC WEEK.
way of clarification, and some of the most important
men of my own calling for thoughts and plans, which
The National Bureau for the Advancement of Mu- aspects of the question have never been passed upon
from personal experience I knew would prove of
value to my fellow-merchant if consistently and ear- sic is actively at work on plans for National Music have been inferentially decided in such a way as to
Week in May, 1924, and has been successful in per- leave them still open to conjecture.
nestly applied.
suading several important cities, among which may
A large number of trade bodies are giving their
5. Because I liked the social features of the Con- be mentioned Denver and Los Angeles, to hold their active
support to both the Kelly-Stephens and Mer-
ventions, and enjoyed the close touch with "the other next year's observances simultaneously with the na- ritt Bills.
The music industry is squarely behind
fellow"; because I sought exchange of ideas, real- tional event. Philadelphia, although unable to change them, the National
Association of Music Merchants
izing that I would profit thereby.
its plan for 1924, has promised to make its 1925 Music having repeatedly gone on record as approving the
6. In short, I joined the Association because it Week coincident with the national celebration.
bills and urging its members to do their utmost to
offered opportunities for self-development and im-
secure their passage. The directors of the Music
provement; for clearer vision and a consequent firmer
Industries Chamber of Commerce have also endorsed
grasp on my own business problems; for relaxation
WILL BRINKERHOFF PRESIDENT.
the principles embodied in these important pieces of
and enjoyment of its delightful social features—and
Will T. Brinkerhoff, of the Brinkerhoff Piano Com- legislation. The matter is of vital importance to
last—because I felt that through conscientious thought pany,
is the newly elected president of the Republic every member in every branch of the industry.
and work, coupled with sincere effort, I also might Merchants'
The following individuals and bodies have ex-
of the Republic Building,
be found helpful in measure to some of my "brothers- Chicago, for Association
the year 1923-1924. Mr. Brinkerhoff pressed favor for standard-price legislation: The
in-arms."—E. H. Droop.
has been a tenant of the Republic for 16 years and is Federal Trade Commission, Herbert C. Hoover, Sec-
well known in the piano trade from coast to coast. retary of Commerce, The Chamber of Commerce of
With characteristic energy and enthusiasm, he is the United States, The American Fair Trade League,
GEORGE R. HUGHES IS DEFINITE.
busy formulating plans for a year of greater activity Organizations of Manufacturers and Distributors,
1. That I might come in contact with the biggest for the association.
Organizations of Retailers and Consumers, The Na-
and best men of the trade; that I might by affilia-
tional Association of Music Merchants, The Music
tion occasionally, get through this contact, the ideas
Industries Chamber of Commerce.
and ideals that dominate the leaders of the musical
DEATH OF HENRY ACKERMAN.
industry.
Henry Ackerman, Sr., president and founder of the CELEBRATES IN WILLIAMSPORT, PA.
2. Because the Association stands for better mer- Henry Ackerman Piano Co., Marion, O., who died re-
M. H. Housel & Co., Williamsport, Pa., occupied
chandising, for the uplift of the craft (by which I cently at the age of seventy-five, was well and favor- its remodeled store last week and formal ceremonies
mean the musical merchant) to a standard which it ably known over a wide area of which Marion was marked the event. A new limestone front has been
has always merited and deserved.
the center. Mr. Ackerman was born in Germany, constructed and large display windows are notable
3. Because it stands for the betterment of the na- where he was a music teacher, a profession he fol- features of the building. In addition to well ap-
tion musically, and when I say musically, I mean lowed for a while after coming to this country. It pointed music departments the firm has a fully
morally as well; because music makes for better was his association with music in Marion which equipped repair shop. A very lively holiday busi-
ness is reported by the company.
citizenship, for more contentment in the home, for prompted him to establish a music business.
WHY PROMINENT
MEN JOIN N.A.M.M.
CONGRESS TO CONSIDER
PRICE MAINTENANCE
ALL ARE ENTHUSIASTS
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