Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1924 1992

September 27, 1924.
MAKE "HIT" SALES QUICKLY
Valuable Suggestions How to Keep Down the
Stock Alluringly Up-to-Date Given
by Manager.
Once in a while a customer comes to the music
counter and naively remarks that he or she wants "to
buy some sheet music.|" It is as often a woman—
from whose sex one expects definiteness—as a man
that shyly makes such a statement. The professional
musician and musical person of either sex know their
requirements and waste, no words in stating them.
The timid people who "want to buy some music" are
usually agreeable agents for somebody else, said a
sheet music department manager this week.
The men who shyly express the desire to purchase
music are invariably young, and the experienced
sa'esman or saleswoman intuitively understands the
circumstances and can make suggestions without
much preliminary inquiry. The young man coming
on such a quest has a best girl who plays the piano
and probably sings as well. That's easy. He will
know what he wants when he sees it. In ninety-nine
times out of a hundred he wants the popular things
you can sing or dance to.
You know he wants a fox-trot, blue or ballad or
maybe a waltz, but you feel he will become embar-
rassed if you quiz him as to his particular fancies.
The quickest and easiest way is to direct him to the
layout of popular productions. That is full of sug-
gestions. Coming perhaps for one piece he eagerly
picks half a dozen surprises for the dearest girl in
the world.
The equally shy woman who states the indefinite
wants is usually the mother of a budding musical
genius or an admiring aunt. They know that the
best kind of encouragement for the musical daughter
or niece is more music of the kind the girl likes.
Directing them to the layout may also serve in this
case, but mother and aunt are not so quick to make a
choice as the young man. But the customers, can be
served and satisfied after a few intelligent inquiries
as to what the musical young lady specially favors.
The hypothetical instances are only cited as argu-
ments for the layout of popular music which should
confront every visitor to the sheet music department.
It is a good rule to show the kind of music that is
selling. Don't waste the valuable space on the coun-
ters with "dead" music. By "dead" is meant the num-
bers that have had their day and been declared has-
beens by the waning of popularity. When people are
looking for hits show the hits which have only a
brief period of popularity and will soon enough be on
the dead list. If people want a particular old thing
they will ask for it.
The main thing for the sheet music dealer to do is
to keep the stock down but up-to-date. You can
keep it down by selling the numbers when the de-
25
P R E S T O
mand is spontaneous and good; you can keep it up-
to-date by keenly watching for the new hits. The
alert manager can anticipate popularity for a num-
ber and be in at the earliest killing in sales. We
never cut prices on old numbers here, said the man-
ager in conclusion, because we never allow music to
get old. Of course popular music is meant. There
are standards that never get old.
FAST TRAVELING POPULARS.
How fast does a popular song travel is a question
raised by Ashton Stevens, music critic of the Chicago
Herald and Examiner when he said in a recent article,
"I wonder how many popular tunes go round the
world—all the way round?" He followed the query
with a continuation of incidents to show how one pop
went round. "I went west with a new tune some
time ago but it was ahead of me all the way. It
greeted us at banquets and sometimes it met us at
the station."
HEARST SONGS
ON ALL DANCE RECORDS
" HEARD EV£Rmff£Jt£ »
BEN FRANKLIN'S SONGS.
Songs written by Benjamin Franklin are favorites
on the social programs of printers' societies. No Old-'
Time Printers' reunion in Chicago takes place with-
out one or more songs of the great American states-
man and philosopher being sung. The far-reaching
influence of Franklin's career is shown in a prospec-
tus of the Franklin Society. As to music, it men-
HEARST SONGS
COMBWE L O W IBICES
WITH H I G H SALESVALUE
JUST like Fmdjn^Money
- VOGUE FOR VICTOR HERBERT
Orchestral Numbers by the Late Composer Find
Sale in Music Stores.
The increasing popularity of compositions by the
late Victor Herbert is almost parallel with the in-
creased popularity of the compositions sung by
Caruso after that great tenor's death. While the
music by Victor Herbert has always had a great
appeal to the American public, there seems to be
today a more insistent and continuous demand in
sheet music and phonograph records for his com-
positions.
Two of Victor Herbert's most popular composi-
tions for orchestra are "Panamericana" and "Badi-
nage." The former is a descriptive piece in which
the Indian, Negro and Spanish elements are deftly
presented and interwoven. "Badinage" is one of
those light and graceful concert selections for which
the composer is justly famous. These two composi-
tions are also available in Brunswick records.
HEARSTSQNGS
Put the EARN iiflunibver
Big Profits Repeated ManyTimtt
. " " " 3 y p d r " •. r • " • ; . •. •
tions his invention of the armonica, or glassy-chord,
an instrument based on musical glasses, now obso-
lete but popular in its day, and his writing of popular
songs of his time. It says further of Franklin: "Be-
ing many men in one, he could shift with ease from
war to chess, from administrative work to the play-
ing of violin, harp or guitar."
MUSICAL "BILLY SUNDAY."
Charles D. Isaacson, of New York, who has be-
come known as "the Billy Sunday of the opera," has
come to Chicago to fill the "common people" with
the desire for better music. He proposes to show
the western people who have never understood the
classical music just what it is and its reason for
being. And he will try to show lovers of "Mama
Loves Papa" why there is something more beautiful
in the chorals of "Parsifal."
PUBLISHES BANJO MUSIC.
A new music book for the tenor banjo has been
published by Ralph Eliaser, manager for the H. C.
Hanson Music House, San Francisco. The title of
the book is "Jaz-ar-monie," and it treats of chord
construction and fingering. Next month Mr. Eliaser
will publish another book for the four-string banjo in
C notation. By following his system the banjo part
for any popular piece can be written in a short time.
"CALLING" THE COMPOSER.
An English paper tells some good stories of Sir
Arthur Sullivan and one of which, though admittedly
not new, is worth repeating: "Standing one night at
the back of the dress circle, he commenced in a con-
templative fashion to hum the melody of a song that
was being rendered on the stage. 'Look here,' de-
clared a sensitive old gentleman, 'I've paid my money
to hear Sullivan's music—not yours.' "
COHAN WRITES HISTORY.
George Cohan, playwright, actor, manager and
song writer, has taken to literature of the humorous
order. He has become a regular contributor to the
syndicated press and his "stuff" is good. What Mr.
Cohan could tell about song writing and publishing
would—probably will—make a rich chapter in his
reminiscenses. His "Over There" made him a small
fortune even before he sold the copyright for $25,000.
"COZY HOME" SELLS WELL.
The Will Wright Music Co., of Cincinnati, seems
to have made a "hit" of its song, "A Cozy Home
for Two." The song first appeared early this month
and last week an order for 100 copies was re-
ceived from W. M. McCall, of Ketchikan, Alaska.
The lyric should make a hit in the cold country,
and, in fact, anywhere else.
A TIMELY WARNING.
Sound advice of the Music Publishers' Association
is as follows: "Thousands of amateur song writers
are victimized each year by fake music publishers,
whose output does not reach any market and has no
chance of success. Before signing an order or for-
warding money, make sure of your publisher."
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/
September 27, 1924.
PRESTO
THE PRESTO'S WANT ADVS.
R E T A I L STORE O P P O R T U N I T Y .
Here is an opportunity for a live music and piano man to
secure one of the oldest retail stores in the State of
Illinois. A beautiful, thriving city; trade established.
Owner will sell outright or will take partner with very
moderate capital. This is an opportunity. Address
Retail Store, Box 3, care Presto, 417 So. Dearborn St.,
Chicago.
MAIL FOR "E. F. G."
There are letters in Presto office for the adver-
tiser who in his classified adv. stated that a
"manufacturer with Denver connection"
wanted salesmen. Will he send in his pres-
ent address.
SALESMAN WANTS POSITION.
Piano Salesman wants position with reliable house
for permanent connection. Have 20 years' expe-
rience. I am a good closer, have my own car
and willing to go anywhere. Address N. Helt,
3501 Brooklyn St., Detroit, Mich.
SALES M A N A G E R W A N T S C H A N G E .
Salesman with ability and experience as manager, sales-
manager, floor man, wishes to make a change and
leave Chicago, conscientious worker, good closer, not
afraid of competition and can handle men, wants to
connect permanently, with reliable house. Address
M, Box 10, Presto office, 417 S. Dearborn St., Chicago.
ACTION MAN W A N T S LOCATION.
A thorough player and piano action and general shop
man desires a suitable location. Equipped with m a -
chinery and tools to do economical work. Address
Shop Man, Box 9, Presto office, 417 So. Dearborn St.,
Chicago.
SALESMEN W A N T E D .
W A N T E D — T w o live wire piano, player and reproducing
piano salesmen. Must be man who can close and
not afraid of work. This means real money to you if
you are the right man. The Baldwin Piano Co., 18
N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, Ind.
TRAVELER WANTS CHANGE.
SALESMAN W A N T E D .
We have an opening for an energetic salesman, one who
is not afraid to work long hours, and who is looking
for a permanent position on a good salary and com-
mission basis. Must be a good closer and be able to
take charge of a canvassing crew. Splendid oppor-
tunity for the right man. Write Kreiter Piano Co.,
310-312 W . Water St., Milwaukee, Wis., attention Mr.
H. G. Kreiter.
Wholesale traveler, who has had extensive experience
and good western and middle west trade, desires to
make a change from his present position and to
engage with another piano manufacturing house. A d -
dress "Wholesaler," care of PRESTO, Chicago.
GOOD BUSINESS O P P O R T U N I T Y .
An opportunity to take over an exclusive piano store in
the middle west in a growing city of 15,000. Doing a
big piano and phonograph business as well as small
goods. Very little capital necessary. A real propo-
sition to right party. Must act quickly. Address
"Exclusive," Box 8, PRESTO Office, 417 S. Dearborn
St., Chicago.
SUPERINTENDENT WANTED.
Wanted—Factory superintendent with some years' expe-
rience in piano building. Must be a practical man
able to furnish good references. Reply stating age
and full particulars.
Confidential. Box 3, care
PRESTO, 417 So. Dearborn St., Chicago.
CLEVER AND USEFUL.
The "Standard Player Monthly," house organ of
the Standard Pneumatic Action Co., New York, is
worth while to any tuner, repairer or salesman. It
is brightly edited and contains a readable variety of
comics—pictures as well as paragraphs—and a good
deal of practical instruction. And here's a bit of its
wisdom, as pointed as sensible: "Be good to your-
self and to your business—Advertise."
FIRE IN HOLLYWOOD STORE.
In the serious fire in the store of the Platt Music
Co., 6614 Hollywood boulevard, Hollywood, Cal., re-
cently, the instruments damaged included seven up-
right pianos, five baby grands and a number of
phonographs. The loss is estimated at nearly $5,000,
and is in the main protected by insurance.
HIGH GRADE
Folding Organs
School Organs
SALESMAN W A N T E D
S A L E S M A N W A N T S POSITION.
Wanted—By a well established phonograph manufactur-
ing company, a reliable piano salesman who is a l - An experienced salesman now employed wishes to make
a
change.
Has been a success as manager, salesman
ready calling on the music trade, to take on our line
and floor man. Can handle men. A good closer.
of phonographs as a side line. No samples to carry.
Not
afraid
of work and long hours. Want a per-
Commission basis only. State territory you are now
manent connection where there will be a future. A d -
covering, and all particulars. Address Side Line, Box
dress
Closer,
Box 7, Presto office, 417 So. Dearborn
11, rPesto Office, 417 So. Dearborn St., Chicago.
St., Chicago.
TO E X P E R I E N C E D PIANO M E N , A T T E N T I O N .
S P L E N D I D O P P O R T U N I T Y FOR PIANO S A L E S M A N
I have an option on a complete piano manufacturing
with dealer long established in Western North D a -
plant, one of the best known trade marks, of over
kota. A territory with bumper crops offering w o n -
forty years' record, scales, patterns, cauls, case de-
derful possibilities for sales. A real opening for a
signs, for four sizes of grand pianos, from 4 ft. 8'/2,
producer looking for permanent position.
Liberal
to 8 f t . 10. Complete. Modern machinery. Capacity
compensation.
Address Western, Box 7, Presto
4,000 per annum.
Centrally located.
Propose to
Office, 417 So. Dearborn St., Chicago.
make grands almost exclusively.
Have scales and
patterns for upright and players, also expression and,,
TRAVELER WANTED.
reproducing pianos both for grands and uprights.
I have $200,000.00 capital and want two or three ex-
One of the best known Chicago piano industries has an
perienced piano men t o put in $100,000 more to take
opening for a live traveling salesman. Several good
7% preferred cumulative stock, and also common
states to cover for instruments that have a reputa-
stock in ratio of 1 share to 2 of preferred. Must act
tion and sell easily. Address, giving reference and
quick.
Address Experience, Box 7, Presto Office,
where now or recently employed, "Opening," Box 11,
417 So. Dearborn St., Chicago.
PRESTO O F F I C E , 417 So. Dearborn St., Chicago.
THE KOHLER INDUSTRIES
of NEW YORK
AFFILIATED
COMPANIES
i
Practice Keyboards
Dealers' Attention Solicited
A. L. WHITE MFG. CO.
215 Englewood Ave., CHICAGO, ILL.
The Only
Completely
Equipped
School in the
United States
Twenty-Third Year of Successful
Operation — 20,000 Graduates
Every branch taught, including Repairing,
Regulating and Voicing—All Player Actions,
with Demonstrating Specimens to work with.
Diplomas awarded and positions secured. Pri-
vate and class instructions. Both sexes.
School all year. Catalogs on request
POLK'S TUNING SCHOOL
Manufacturing for the trade
Upright and Grand Pianos
Player Pianos
Reproducing Pianos
Auto De Luxe Player A&ions
Standard Player A&ions
Art De Luxe Reproducing Actions
Parts and Accessories
4
WILLIAMS''
WnXABD B. POWEIX, President
VALPARAISO, IND.
PIANOS
The policy of the Williams House is and always
has been to depend upon excellence of produot
instead of alluring price. Such a polioy does not
attraet bargain hunters. It does, however, win the
hearty approval and support of a very desirable
and substantial patronage.
t
WIIIIAiTC Makers of William. Piano.,
TTILLIftlWO Epworth Piano, and Organ.
Wholesale Chicago Office and Service "Departments
San Francisco Office
462 Vhelan building
Mailing Lists
KOHLER INDUSTRIES
1222 KIMBALL B U I L D I N G
CHICAGO
Will help y o u increase s l *
Sena for FREE catalog giving counts and prices on
thousands of classified names of your best pros-
pective customers-National, State and .Local—in-
dividuals, Professions, Business Concerns.
I
Guaranteed
L^i
'each
STULTZ & BAUER
B. K. SETTERGREN CO.
Grand—Upright—Player Pianos
HIGH GRADE SMALL GRANDS
A WORLD'S CHOICE PIANO
S38-340 East 31st Street
-
-
NEW YORK
Exclusive Manufacturer* o/
35 Year*' Experience in Piano Building
BLUFFTON, IND.
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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