Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1924 1967

PRESTO
We have no desire to create a monopoly, nor could
we realize such an ambition should we be so inspired.
We feel that it is our duty to justify our existence
by a policy of trade welfare rather than a strictly
competitive one.
In ray opinion, the only reason for cheap rolls is
high priced ones—one is the antithesis of the other.
Believes That Prevailing Competitive Condi- If the trade is given a product that is even more than
a compromise between the other two extremes, i. e.,
tions Do Not Conduce to the Good
a roll that combines all of the elements of the other
of Industry or Trade.
two grades, I contend that it provides the ideal solu-
tion to the problem.
Sincerely yours,
"KEEPING FAITH'
ARTHUR A. F R I E S T E D T ,
President.
Following
is
the
announcement
to
which
Mr. Frie-
Announces Uniform Price for Playerpiano Ammu-
stcdt refers, and which bears the heading, "Keeping
nition, Beginning This Month, and Tells
Faith:"
Why Policy Is Adopted.
U. S. Word Rolls now cost no more than the best
phonograph records—their price was reduced to 75c
The larger manufacturers of music rolls say that on April 1st. Neither musical excellence, workman-
quality, quantity nor materials will be affected.
there is to be no "war" in that line of industry. They ship,
We will not cheapen our product. On the contrary,
seem to agree that, while conditions may conduce to we shall do our utmost to improve its character and
needlessly fierce competition, it is, as always, a ques- lower the price to whatever extent increased volume
tion of the "survival of the fittest." And the music may dictate.
roll industries that are established, and permanently
It is a pleasant duty to express our appreciation of
fixed by the character of their products, and the fame the vastly increased popularity of U. S. Rolls in terms
of the names they bear, can have no concern as to that provide a substantial saving and enable player
what their competitors are doing to create business owners to get greater enjoyment from their player-
piano investments.
for the smaller concerns.
When U. S. Word Rolls were reduced during June,
And this condition lends special interest to the 1922, from $1.25 to $1.00, we pledged to improve their
following communication from President Arthur F. quality and reduce their price still more, when the
Friestcdt, of the U. S. Music Co., introducing a new volume was sufficient to justify it. Even though the
proposition in prices for the products of the industry trade may have forgotten this, we have not. We are
of which he is at the head. As a matter of general striving to do more than produce the finest roll that
trade interest, the announcement to which Mr. Frie- skill, money and eighteen years of specialization can
stedt draws attention is presented in full, following accomplish. We are not satisfied to provide incom-
parable quality at an unprecedented price. We want
the gentleman's letter, which is as follows:
most of all to have this industry realize that we are a
Editor Presto: I wish you would publish the constructive institution, whose only policy is trade
accompanying announcement verbatim, as it is a frank welfare.
and conscientious expression of the creed of this
We are not swayed by competitive conditions, we
institution and marks another step in the constructive have no axes to grind, nor do ulterior motives deter-
course which we have invariably pursued for trade mine our policies. The largest and most profitable
welfare. We are again putting into commercial ap- business in our history not only enables us to make
plication our firm belief in the axiom. "If you would this reduction, but inspires it of our own free will, in
receive, you must give."
the spirit of trade cooperation.
U. S. Rolls are not obtainable in a variety of grades
There is nothing mischievous or destructive in our
policy, which has been formulated to help the player or with different label disguises. The few pennies dif-
ference between the cheapest and the best may mean
industry sell more players through providing it with
an unquestionably high grade product at an unpre- thousands in dollars to your player trade. You won't
cedented price. The prevailing competitive condi- have to apologize when you sell U. S. Rolls or give
tions in the player roll trade are of little or no benefit them with players. You can enjoy the feeling of
to the industry. The atmosphere needs clearing; security and capitalize the fact that—U. S. ROLLS
there should be fewer manufacturers who, with a SELL PLAYERS.
ARTHUR A. F R I E S T E D T ,
larger volume should follow our leadership and pro-
President.
vide the trade with a high grade roll at a fair price,
through the medium of which they will render con-
P. S. The U. S. Exchange Plan and special allow-
structive assistance to the player industry and thus ances made for rolls given with players will be discon-
help themselves.
tinued on March 31st, 1924.
April 5, 1924.
U. S. MUSIC ROLL HEAD
DISCUSSES CONDITIONS
Cincinnati Factories of The Baldwin Piano Company
SUCCESS
is assured the dealer who takes advantage of
THE BALDWIN
CO-OPERATION P U N
which offers every opportunity to represent
under the most favorable conditions a com-
plete line of high grade pianos, players and
reproducers.
F*r tnjorm*,lon itrtlt
$albtotn JMano Company
Incorporated
CHICAGO
ST. LOOTS
DALLAS
CINCINNATI
INDIANAPOLIS
LOUISVILLE
N«W YOKE
DBNYBK
8 A N FRANCISCO
The Heppe. Marcellus and Edouard Jules Piano
manufactured by the
HEPPE PIANO COMPANY
are the only pianos In the world with
Three Sounding Boards.
Patented In the United States, Grrat BrltalOt
Prance, Germany and Canada.
Liberal arrangements to responsible agents onlf.
Main Office, 1117 Chestnut St.
PHILADELPHIA. PA. -
FACTORY SUGGESTS HARMONY
Some
time
back
Presto
published
a
series of articles de-
scriptive of the Ameri-
can piano factories the
managements of which
prove by the beauty of
their surroundings that
there exists an appre-
ciation of the fact that
beauty to the eye is so
akin to beauty of the
ear as' to present in-
spiration to the work-
ers who toil there. Some
of the illustrations of
piano factories . were
really beautiful. They
were made directly from
photographs, and so
were accurate in what
they told of the har-
mony that prevailed,
not only within the
brick walls, but also
that lends the air of re-
finement to the sur-
roundings.
FACTORY OP PACKARD PIANO COMPANY.
With this article is a -
photographic reproduc-
atmosphere of music. It is easy to imagine that, in
tion of the factory of the Packard Piano Company, at
Fort Wayne, Indiana. It is the home of the instru- the season in which the photograph was taken, the
sounds that issue from the factory's open windows
ments which long ago became familiar by the slogan
stir the birds, that hover about the flowers beneath,
of President Albert S. Bond, of the Packard indus-
to louder song.
try, which -declared that, "if there is no harmony in
Without doubt, Mr. Bond's idea that pleasant sur-
the factory-, there will be none in the piano."
roundings and harmonious working conditions, con-
The great factory is, if possible, more impressive
duce to contentment and better results than could be
in fact than in the picture, but the point just now is
possible amid disorder and commonplace. The Pack-
to show the cultivation by which every foot of ground
ard itself, still more, presents proof of the correctness
in the "front yard" of the industry is made to blossom
of Mr. Bond's principle, and if there is anywhere a
in the time of flowers and nature's pride. Whether
more attractive industrial home than that of the Pack-
by accident or not, the thoroughfare which runs by
ard, as here shown, Presto would like a photograph
the side of the Packard plant is called "Organ" street,
and everything witHin sight or sound suggests the of it.
-
i 1
Grand Piano
One of the old, reli-
able m a k e s . For
terms and territory
write.
Lester Piano Co.
1306 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia
M ^
When in doubt refer to
PRESTO BUYERS GUIDE
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/
April 5, 1924.
WHERE DOUBTS ARE DISPELLED
IT IS A FACT
That SEEBURG ELECTRIC
PIANOS can always be
relied upon.
IT IS A FACT
that SEEBURG ELECTRIC
PIANOS are dependable.
IT IS A FACT
that SEEBURG ELECTRIC
PIANOS are durable.
Under This Head Presto Will Answer Any Question Pertaining to Pianos, or
Other Subjects of Direct Interest to the Trade and Musical Public
Inquiries must bear the signature and address of
writer in order to receive attention. Answers thought
to be of general trade interest will be published. If an
mnswer is not of general interest it will be mailed pro-
vided stamp is inclosed.
DANQUARD SCHOOL—A CORRECTION.
New York, March 27, 1924.
Editor Presto: An article appeared in the Presto
of March 15th under "Where Doubts Are Dispelled,"
and we wish to correct one statement therein—i. e.,
that the American School of Vibration was not in
any way connected with the Danquard Player Action
School; also the American School of Vibration has
been out of business the last four or five years.
We wish this corrected for the reason it gives the
trade an idea we teach tuning, where the Danquard
Player Action School is strictly for foot-power
players and reproducing pianos.
Very truly yours,
DANQUARD PLAYER ACTION SCHOOL.
M. L. Cheek, Instructor.
*
IT IS A FACT
that SEEBURG ELECTRIC
PIANOS when sold on in-
stallments bring back the
money quicker than any
other piano sale.
IT IS A FACT
that SEEBURG ELECTRIC
PIANOS are real pianos,
built to stand the hard
usage a c o i n - o p e r a t e d
piano gets.
IT IS A FACT
that your stock is incom-
plete without SEEBURG
ELECTRICS.
IT IS A FACT
that you ought to write
to-day for catalogue and
particulars.
Doit!
J. P. SEEBURG
PIANO CO.
CHICAGO
J
PRESTO
ILLINOIS
•
*
SMITH & NIXON STOCK.
Cincinnati, March 26, 1924.
Editor Presto: I hold $20,000 of the preferred
stock of the old Smith & Nixon Co. Can you inform
me what arrangement has been made for this stock
in the settlement of the affairs?
JOHN ZENZ.
It is our understanding that the company which
you name is now out of existence. There have been
several concerns bearing similar names, and there is,
we believe, a Smith & Nixon piano house on Fourth
street of your city at the present time. It is con-
ducted by Mr. Henry Crawford, who was at one
time president of the old Smith & Nixon Co. and he
probably can give you any information.
The last Smith & Nixon Corporation was organized
some years back to take over the Morrison-Waters
Piano Co., of Cincinnati. That concern failed, and
Mr. Simon, who had control of it, came to Chicago
and failed also here. The material assets of the com-
pany were purchased by A. Goldsmith, a well-known
piano manufacturer of this city, who, of course, has
no liability in the matters of the old Smith & Nixon
Co. or its stock.
* * *
EXHAUST CALLIOPES.
Okmulgee, Okla., March 17, 1924.
Editor Presto: We will appreciate any informa-
tion that you may furnish us as to where we can
purchase an "Exhaust Calliope" to be used on the
exhaust of a car.
J. C. BAKER.
The only manufacturer we know of at present who
might be interested in making an "Exhaust Calliope"
is C Kitching, of 2255 West Ninety-first street,
Chicago.
Mr. Kitching is a very busy man, as he works alone
in a small shop. But he is suggested because he
makes bells, xylophones and musical attachments for
instruments used by special-act men and women on
the stage. We advise you to write to him.
* * *
CHURCH ORGANS.
Marshall, Mo., March 24, 1924.
"Editor Presto: Will you please give me the names
of organ manufacturers who make an organ suitable
to be used in chants in a Catholic church?
CLAYCOMB MUSIC HOUSE.
Any organ would serve the purpose which you inti-
mate, but the question would be the size of the in-
strument.
We assume that you would want a pipe organ, and
would suggest that any of the following industries
could furnish you with what you seem to want:
The Aeolian Co., 29 W. 42nd street, New York;
Bennett Organ Co., Rock Island. 111.; Estey Organ
Co., Brattleboro, Vt.; W. W. Kimball Co., 300 S.
Wabash avenue, Chicago; Schuelke Organ Co.. 522
16th street. Milwaukee, Wis.; Wclte-Mignon Corp.,
667 Fifth avenue, New York.
Of course there are a great many more in the same
line of work, but we suggest that you write any of
the ones
we have named. Should you think that a
large 1 reed organ would serve the purpose we will be
glad to give you further addresses.
EXPORTER OF REEDS.
Paris, France, March 12, 1924.
Editor Presto: I am dealer and exporter of reeds
for saxophone, clarinet and oboe, and I would like
to have a list of addresses of retail dealers in musical
merchandise in the U. S. A. and Canada, if possible.
I require this list for circulating, offering my reeds,
therefore I cannot use a list of addresses that would
contain names of piano dealers who deal in nothing
but pianos, or addresses of music stores that carry
nothing but music.
VICTOR OLIVER.
We know of no special list of performers, or
dealers, who might be interested only in reeds for the
various instruments. We publish a booklet contain-
ing a list of retail music dealers, but that, as you
suggest, probably scatters too much to be of service.
There is a concern in St. Louis, Mo., called Ross-
Gould Mailing Lists, which makes a business of com-
piling special lists and perhaps that house may be
able to meet your requirements.
* * *
ETCHED MUSIC PLATES.
Indianapolis, March 28, 1924.
Editor Presto: Tell me of a firm who could, and
would, make a zinc-etching, photo-engraving or some-
thing of that kind, that works on the ordinary job
press—made from the printed, or lithographed copies
that I have of my songs.
Kindly inform me on these points, and "hook me
up" with the company who does such work.
JACK RANDALL.
(Author of "Fair Flag of Liberty" and 100 others,
still crying in the wilderness for Liberty!)
You can have any engraving concern etch the plate
from either manuscript or printed copy for a com-
paratively small sum. There must be engraving
houses in Indianapolis, for yours is a publishing city.
We suggest you take a copy of the song to engravers
and they will give you a rate. It will be so much
per square inch. In this city we have engraving of
that kind done by the National Engraving Co., 525
S. Dearborn St.
* * *
PHONOGRAPH. LISTS.
Cleveland, Ohio, March 17, 1924.
Editor Presto: Kindly advise if you have a com-
plete list of Edison retail dealers all over the United
States, and if so what does it total and what is the
cost?
We would like the same information regarding the
phonograph repair men and repair shops.
If you haven't these lists, please tell us where we
can procure them.
THE DIAPHRAGM COMPANY.
H. Cooley.
We have no complete list of the Edison dealers.
We published the Phonograph Directory & Guide
several years ago, but so many changes have taken
place in the phonograph field that it is not now
reliable. We suggest that the Ross-Gould Co., of
St. Louis, may have a later list.
ALL GOOD PIANOS.
Lumberton, N. C, March 26, 1924.
Editor Presto: I want to know if the Stieff piano
and Shaw piano are the same grade instruments. If
not, which is the best?
Is the Hackley piano as good as the Stieff piano?
A. S. PITMAN.
The Stieff and Shaw pianos are manufactured by
the same industry; that of Chas. M. Stieff, Inc., Bal-
timore, Md. The Shaw piano was formerly made by
an industry which bore that name, at Erie, Pa., and
was later purchased by the Baltimore manufacturer.
Both are well-made instruments and responsible. It
is the understanding that the Stieff is a somewhat
better instrument than the Shaw.
It is our opinion that the Hackley piano would
class about with the Baltimore piano. It is certain
that the instrument manufactured at Muskegon, Mich.,
is a thoroughly good one and may be purchased with
absolute security, receiving full value for the price
asked.
You will find all the instruments about which you
ask classified in PRESTO BUYERS' GUIDE of
1924.
* * *
PIANO PAPER BUYERS.
St. Louis, Mo., March 28, 1924.
Editor Presto: Kindly tell trs who buys piano
paper, or chattel mortgages representing the balance
due on any piano sale.
We do quite a good-sized pia.no business and want
to obtain the above information. Kindly give Chi-
cago or St. Louis houses.
M. FREED.
One of the active dealers in piano paper at this
time is Jas. T. Bristol, Kimball Hall Bldg., Chicago.
We know of no piano paper dealer in St. Louis.
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/

Download Page 6: PDF File | Image

Download Page 7 PDF File | Image

Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).

Pro Tip: You can flip pages on the issue easily by using the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard.