Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1924 1968

Presto Buyers' Guide
Analyzes and Classifies
All American P i a n o s
and in Detail Tells of
Their Makers.
PRESTO
E.tabii,hed JSS4. THE AMERICAN MUSIC TRADE WEEKLY
Presto Trade Lists
Three Uniform B o o k -
lets, the Only Complete
Directories of the Music
Industries.
to Cent.,- ti.oo a Yea,
CHICAGO, SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1924
WHAT'S WRONG WITH
PLAYER ROLL TRADE?
Things Seem to Be Stirring in the Industry
That Keeps the Playerpiano Moving
Forward Rapidly.
Without player rolls there would be no use for
playerpianos. That is a statement beyond risk of
dispute. It is a rule that works both ways, of course,
for without players there would be no use for rolls.
But since there are players and rolls, it is of the ut-
most importance that people who own players buy
rolls, and that rolls be made the prime inducement
for people to buy players. Following is a letter which
is being sent to every dealer who has sold United
States music rolls. Mr. Friestedt, president of that
industry, is a keen writer, with ideas. What he says
must interest every dealer:
Chicago, April 12, 1924.
What's wrong with the player and roll trade? In-
ability to realize that players are bought to play rolls;
that player owners don't have to buy rolls; that silent
players neither use rolls nor advertise players; that
if dealers do not sell more rolls they not only will sell
less players but have more repossessions. It's a clear
case against rolls. It's the dealer's duty to create a
desire for and maintain interest in players.
What's wrong with player rolls? Extremes in
prices and quality. The only reason for cheap rolls
is high-priced ones. One is the antithesis of the
other.
What's our remedy? We expressed it on April 1st
by reducing U. S. Word Rolls from $1.00 to 75c,
without sacrificing their quality, and providing a
better product than sold for $1.25 two years before.
U. S. Word Rolls now combine all of the desirable
elements of the other extremes. They simplify player
roll merchandising.
Why didn't we bring out a line of cheap rolls in-
stead of reducing U. S. Word Rolls to 75c. For the
following honest reasons: Pledge made in June, 1922,
when $1.25 U. S. Word Rolls were reduced to $1.00,
to lower price still more and improve their quality,
when volume justified it. Our conscience prevented
us from offering two extremes at widely different
wholesale prices, knowing that it costs but a few
cents more to provide the highest grade with a
volume production. Cheap rolls are not profitable
for dealers on account of cut price competition;
neither have they the respect of the trade nor the
player owner. Embarking in the manufacturing of
cheap rolls would only intensify competition m this
class and not give constructive help to the player
industry.
Consider the economic and constructive effect upon
the player and roll industry of selling two U. S.
Word Rolls for $1.50 as against one roll at $1.25.
U. S. Rolls provide dealer protection and promote the
best interests of the player trade. Don't allow your
desire for the maximum profit per roll to sacrifice the
player industry. Remember, "If you would receive,
you r must give."
W e've ripped the roof off the roll industry, so you
may peek inside and be disillusioned. Give us the
patronage that a constructive policy merits and you'll
learn that it pays to sell U. S. rolls.
ARTHUR A. FRIESTEDT,
*
President.
PACKARD IN KANSAS
HOLDS HOLIDAY
Third Annual Meeting of Dealers in the Sun-
flower State Discuss Trade and Recite
Progress of the Instruments from
Fort Wayne, Ind.
ALEXIS MAHAN'S ADDRESS
Fine Illustration of Enthusiasm at Salina Proves the
Advantages of the Plan of State Dealers' Gather-
ings as Promoted by A. S. Bond.
The third annual meeting of Packard dealers in
Kansas was held at Salina late last month. The event
was of special interest, not only to all who attended,
but in a large sense to the trade in general. It is a
very unique and useful custom of the Packard Piano
NEW HOUSTON STORE.
Carl Moritz and Isabel Harding have opened an
exclusive sheet music shop at 922 Texas avenue (op-
posite Rice Hotel), Houston, Texas. The new shop
will be known as the Harmony Shop. Both Mr.
Moritz and Miss Harding are well known in Hous-
ton, having been connected with the sheet music de-
partment of the W. C. Munn Company for a number
of months.
NEW BALTIMORE MANAGER.
James R. Hodge has taken charge of the sales force
of the J. H. Williams Co. store on North Charles
street, Baltimore, Md., where he succeeded Leon C.
Steele. Mr. Hodge was formerly with the old Knabe
Warerooms, Inc.
TRADE PAPER TALKS
6—QUANTITY AND QUALITY CIRCU-
LATION COMPARED.
A trade paper may circulate five thousand
copies among members of the trade who have
no intimate interest in the subjects discussed
by the publication. That circulation is wasted.
It is probably as "free" as it is useless.
Another trade paper may circulate fewer
copies among an eager, ambitious class of mer-
chants and salesmen, and bring larger results
to both its advertisers and the paper itself. It's
a case of quality vs. quantity circulation. Ten
copies of a paper cast aside because without
value, or the respect of the men to whom it is
sent uncalled, are not nearly so good to an ad-
vertiser as one copy of a trade paper that is
paid for and read from cover to cover, because
what it has to say—and what the advertisers
have to say—is just what the reader wants and
is glad to buy and pay for.
"Circulation" is a word that is spelled the
same wherever you find it. But it doesn't al-
ways mean the same thing. The circulation of
the "Saturday Evening Post" makes millions
for its publishers. The same circulation would
bankrupt all of the trade papers at once be-
fore they had gone to press. A circulation
that appeals to the general public is of little
value to the average advertiser in a piano trade
paper. He wants to get the attention of the
men who sell pianos to the people. He is not
much concerned in the retailing of a single
piano now and then. His only use for a great
circulation would be that it might draw the
retail buyers to the stores of his representa-
tives. To do that effectively and thoroughly
would demand a larger investment in printer's
ink than is represented in the total assets of
the average piano factory.
Does that seem strange? Can it, as a state-
ment of fact, be offensive? We do not think
so. It may serve as a warning, for no broad-
cast investment of a piano maker of less than
$500,000 can do as much in actual piano selling
as one-fifth the same sum invested in forceful
intelligent trade paper campaigns. Many of
the piano manufacturers know this as the re-
sult of experience. They have found that in-
vestments of from $25,000 to three times that
amount in general or "broadcast" advertising
have produced too small an interest return to
justify its continuation. And yet no one will
question that all advertising is good—but some
is better.
The trade paper must possess the confidence
of the advertisers and the respectful interests
of the dealers—and the small dealers, at that.
To illustrate:
A few weeks ago a large piano industry ar-
ranged with Presto to mail 6,000 copies of the
paper—in addition to its regular list—for a
period of six weeks. No doubt similar special
ALEXIS MAI1AN.
Co. to hold these get-together meetings, where the
dealers in a state and the manufacturers' representa-
tives have the opportunity to become acquainted and
to receive the stimulation of an exchange of ideas and
plans of sale.
A. A. Buenning, general representative of the Pack-
ard Piano Co., who travels throughout the Centra.'
West, was in charge of the Salina meeting. His ac-
(Continued on page 7.)
orders are received by other trade papers. Of
that we are not informed. It is told only to
present proof—easily verified—of Presto's cir-
culation and influence.
We are not deeply concerned in what other
trade papers are doing. We are interested in
what the advertisers are doing. And while
this is the last chapter upon the subject at
this time, we ntfay return to it, should occasion
seem to demand. .
No trade paper in the line of music has a
larger or a better reading than Presto, the
American Music Trade Weekly, and we stand
ready to prove it to any and all who have the
right to know.
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
BIG ADVERTISING
CONTEST FOR 1924
Trade Service Bureau of Music Industries
Chamber of Commerce Sends Invitations to
Possible Competitors in Retail Trade and
Encloses Rules.
GREAT CONVENTION EVENT
Two Silver Trophies and Twenty-Two Certificates to
Be Awarded for Best Newspaper Display Printed
Within Specified Time.
Invitations to active members of the National As-
sociation of Music Merchants to submit entries in
competition for the 1923 Retail Advertising Exhibit
which will be a feature at convention headquarters in
the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, New York City, the first
week in June, were mailed out this week by the Trade
Service Bureau of the Music Industries Chamber of
Commerce.
Service Bulletin No. 26, accompanied by the "Rules
and Regulations" of the exhibit, has the following no-
tice of entries:
"You are invited to submit twelve or more news-
paper advertisements which you ran during the year
ending March 31st, 1924, in competition for the 1924
Retail Advertising Exhibit to be shown at the head-
quarters of the National Music Industries Convention
in the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City the
first week in June.
"The ads must be mailed not later than May 1st to
allow for judging by the Committee on Awards dur-
ing May.
"'Two silver trophies and twenty-two certificates of
award will be issued to qualified entries at the con-
vention."
The necessary information for possible contestants
is contained in the following:
Rules and Regulations.
1. The exhibit will be confined to newspaper adver-
tising which appeared during the year ending March
31, 1924. 2. All clippings must be mailed to the Trade
Service Bureau, Music Industries Chamber of Com-
merce, 105 West 40th street, New York City, not later
than May 1, 1924. 3. Only the advertising of firms
represented by active membership in the National
Association of Music Merchants at the time of the
announcement of the exhibit will be eligible.
4. Not less than twelve advertisements will be con-
sidered as an entry. They may be consecutive series,
or selections from the entire year's advertising. As
many may be submitted as desired. Please clip neatly
and mail flat, without mounting or binding, and avoid
folding as far as possible. 5. The judges reserve the
right to include other advertising of the advertiser
than that submitted.
Standards of Awards.
1. Sales Appeal—creating interest, desire and action.
2. Prestige Value—commanding confidence and good
will. 3. Attractiveness—attention value, illustrations,
language and typography. 4. Truthfulness—freedom
from exaggerated price claims or quality comparisons
—fairness to competitors. 5. Individuality—evidence
of originality and ingenuity in illustrations and copy,
personality, persistence and continuity of character
in expressing retail service.
. Awards to 22 Winners.
Twenty-two awards will be made to advertisers in
the following divisions: Class A—Silver trophy to
QUALITY
in Name and in Fact
TONE, MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION,
WORKMANSHIP, DESIGN—all in ac-
cord with the broadest experience—are
the elements which give character to
Bush & Lane Products.
the winning independent music merchant. Class B—
Silver trophy to the winning group store organiza-
tion or factory wareroom.
Ten Honor Award certificates in each case will be
issued to those advertisers whose entries stand next
highest in the opinion of the judges.
Mail your entry by May 1, 1924, to Trade Service Warren Whitney Made Vice-President and J. H.
Williams Re-elected President at Recent Election.
Bureau, Music Industries Chamber of Commerce, 105
West Fortieth street, New York City.
The return of Warren C. Whitney to the United
Piano Corporation, Norwalk, Ohio, was marked at
the annual meeting in New York last week by his
election to the office of vice-president. At the annual
meeting of the stockholders of the United Piano Cor-
poration, officers were chosen for the A. B. Chase
Massed Piano Concert, Music Week to Be Repeated Piano Co. and the Emerson Piano Co. The officers
for the Lindeman & Sons division will be elected in
at Children's Matinee.
May.
Facts regarding the growth of the movement to
James H. Williams was re-elected president and
teach musical appreciation in the schools were re- J. Harry Shale, vice-president and treasurer of the
lated at the Monday noon luncheon last week of the United Piano Corporation. In addition to Mr. Whit-
Dallas Music Industries Association, by Miss Mar- ney C. B. Gardiner and Charles McConville were
garet Streeter of Camden, N. J., of the Victor Talk- elected vice-presidents. C. B. Kielholtz is secretary.
ing Machine Company's educational department.
The following comprises the board of directors:
Miss Streeter said that Dallas is and has been one Messrs. Williams, Shale, Whitney, Gardiner, Jackson,
of the leaders in this line, paying high compliments Normand and Hall.
to Miss Sudie L. Williams, supervisor of music in the
The following were elected officers of the A. B.
public schools. Dallas was almost the only city Chase Piano Co.: Warren C. Whitney, president and
where the schools were really ready for the first secretary; James H. Williams, vice-president, and
music memory contest, Miss Streeter declared.
J. Harry Shale, treasurer.
It was decided to look further into the proposition
The following officers of the Emerson Piano Co.
of giving a matinee performance for children by the were re-elected: James H. Williams, president; J.
ten artists who are to appear in the massed piano Harry Shale, vice-president and treasurer; Warren C.
concert on Wednesday night of music week.
Whitney, secretary, and Charles McConville, vice-
president.
FIRST OFFICERS RETURN TO
UNITED PIANO CORPORATION
DALLAS MUSIC INDUSTRIES
ASSOCIATION MEETS
MUSIC DEALERS SAY
TRADE CONDITIONS IMPROVE
Merchants Encountered in Chicago Last Week Say
Interest in Pianos Is Increasing.
Among the trade visitors to Chicago last week were,
Arthur P. Griggs, Davenport, Iowa; G. W. French,
Ionia, Mich.; C. H. Lane, Eureka, Kansas., and R. A.
Maypole, manager of the Artonium Piano Co., De-
troit, Mich.
All these gentlemen are progressive dealers and are
accustomed to doing big things in a big way in the
trade. The object of their yisit to Chicago was to
replenish their stocks and make arrangements with
manufacturers for deliveries at intervals.
Mr. Griggs, the Davenport dealer, said that far-
mers visiting his store usually make inquiry about
prices on playerpianos and reproducing pianos, and
that he expected a good rural trade now that roads are
becoming passable. Many farmers with automobiles
and radios are beginning to realize the importance of
having a piano or playerpiano in the home.
A DEAL IN DES MOINES.
J. M. McNamara, who has been acting as general
manager of Chase & West, Inc., music merchants at
312 Eighth street, Des Moines, la., has purchased a
controling interest in the firm, according to a recent
announcement of Mr. McNamara. The deal will in-
volve about $250,000, and control will not be given
over until some time in June. Alterations involving
an expenditure of about $9,000 were started recently
and about 2,000 square feet of floor space will be
assured in the store.
AT LYON & HEALY WHOLESALE.
Among the visitors to the wholesale department
of Lyon & Healy, Chicago" this week were the fol-
lowing out-of-town buyers: Luebtow Music Co.,
Milwaukee, Wis.; Miss Lillian Luebtow of Milwau-
kee, Wis.; Ellison Music Company, French Lick,
Ind.; Mr. Kuelman of Antioch, 111.; Mr. Savate,
Minneapolis, Minn.; Roy Bucker, Marshfield, Wis.,
and Sam Latin, Cleveland, Ohio.
PROSPEROUS CALIFORNIA FIRM.
BUSH & LANE CECIUAN PLAYER PIANOS
Adolphe Winters, the Richmond, Cal., music dealer,
has completed and occupied a new building, which is
located at Eleventh and McDonald streets. It also
houses a florist shop operated by Mr. Winters and in-
cludes a commodious concert hall used both for dem-
onstration purposes and for local musical affairs. A
generous amount of window display space for show-
ing Baldwin pianos, Victor talking machines and the
other lines handled by Mr. Winters is a feature of the
new structure.
BUSH & LANE PIANO CO.
Holland, Mich.
J. H. Burnett, representing the Baldwin piano
opened a store last week in Pine Bluff, Ark.
Schumann
PIANOS and PLAYER PIANOS
GRANDS and UPRIGHTS
Have no superiors in appearance, tone
power or other essentials of strictly
leaders in the trade.
Warning to Infringers
This Trade Mark Is caat
In the plate and also ap-
pears upon the fall board
of all genuine Schumann
Pianos, and all infringers
will be prosecuted. Beware
of imitations such as Schu-
mann & Company. Schu-
mann & Son, and also
Shuman, as all atencll
shops, dealers and users of
pianos bearing: a name in
imitation of the name
Schumann with the inten-
tion of deceiving- the public
will be prosecuted to the
fullest extent of the law.
EXPANDS IN TACOMA.
The new store of the Silvers Piano Co., at the
northeast corner of Thirteenth and Broadway,
Tacoma, Wash., was occupied April 1. The quarters
include two stores, which have been thrown together
as one ,and the firm also occupies the second story.
The interior has been designed most tastefully, and
an entire new front installed. Among the features of
the establishment are sixteen private music studios
on the second floor and a ladies' reading and writing
room on the mezzanine.
BUSH&LANE PIANOS
take high place, therefore, in any com-
parison of high grade pianos because of
the individuality of character which dis-
tinguishes them in all essentials of merit
and value.
April 12, 1924.
New Catalogue on Request.
Schumann Piano Co.
W. N. VAN MATRE, President
Rockford, III.
ESTABLISHED 1854
THE
BRADBURY PIANO
FOR ITS
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
FOR ITS
INESTIMABLE AGENCY VALUE
THE CHOICE OF
Representative Dealers the World Over
Now Produced in Several
New Models
WRITE FOR TERRITORY
Factory
Leominster,
Matt.
Executive Offices
138th St. and Walton Ave.
New York
Division W. P. HAINES & CO., Inc.
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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