Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1924 2001

November 29, 1924.
PRESTO
CHRISTMAN
"The First Touch Tells
9 y
HOLIDAY BUSINESS
HAS STARTED WELL
Efforts of Dealers to Stimulate Sales Is Every-
where in Evidence and Reports to
Presto Give Assurances of
Excellent Results.
ACTIVITY WIDESPREAD
No State Has Advantage of the Others in the Hope-
ful Quest of the Christmas Buyers of
the Goods.
(only 5 ft. long)
In All the List of Fine, Small Grands
There Is None That Stands
Higher Than
The Famous
Studio Grand
This dainty little instrument is pre-
ferred by many of the foremost piano
houses and by its remarkable beauty
of design and tone quality it remains
the favorite w i t h discriminating
customers.
CHRISTMAN
Reproducing Grand
the most satisfactory both in imme-
diate profits and in building more
business.
Many More Dealers Have
Arranged to Start the New
Year with the Entire Line of
CHRISTMAN
Players and Pianos
"The First Touch Tells"
Ret- U S. Pat Off
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St.
New York
Musical instrument sales have taken a decided spurt
all over the country. Music dealers feel that sales
have been aided rather than checked by the public
interest in radio broadcasting which they say has
given thousands of people an interest in and a knowl-
edge of music which they never had before. The in-
clination of some music dealers to blame a natural
dullness in the piano department to the distractions
of radio is not so marked, and prominent music trade
merchants who had held contrary beliefs now see
their jus'.ification in the returned liveliness in the
piano department.
There are twenty-two shopping days before
Christmas, and music merchants everywhere seem
determined to make every one of them count. They
expect to do an enormous business during the holiday
season. The Christmas savings clubs will distribute
a larger sum by a good many millions than ever be-
fore, and the Christmas piano clubs will help to dis-
tribute a greater number of pianos than has been
sold by this means for several years. Employment
is general. Wages are at a high level, the farmers
have money.
Cash Not Lacking.
Cash is not lacking, but what merchants, including
those of the music trade, need to give the initial
stimulus to buying, is cold weather. The first things
the dry goods and clothing and millinery merchants
look at each morning are the thermometer and the
weather forecast, but they" are going ahead with their
efforts to sell goods nevertheless.
The music trade is advertising in a generous way
in all sections of the country. It is the same in Ore-
gon as it is in Texas and the advertising efforts in
New York state are as lively as those of California.
Now that election is over the music industry as a
whole can look forward to an increased volume of
sales due to reflection from prosperity in other lines
and increased farmers' buying power and the increas-
ing desire of persons 1o increase their musical joys.
The Middle West.
Milwaukee, Wis., is typical of the middle-west in
spiritedly resuming activities more or less interrupted
by the election, and the distractions of the weeks
preceding it. The keynote was struck by the Mil-
waukee Association of Commerce which on Nov. 15
inaugurated a "Do Your Christmas Shopping Early"
campaign. The pace was set by an active music
house, the Kesselman-O'Driscoll Co., which helped
out the scheme with a series of window displays
highly stimulative to the musical instrument buying
idea.
A reward for the action of the Kesselman-O'Dris-
coll Co. is the lively playerpiano business which Leo
Munroe, the sales manager, attributes to the firm's
part in the "Do Your Christmas Shopping Early"
campaign. In addition to the actual sales, the pros-
pects for a big holiday business in playerpianos and
straight pianos are very encouraging.
Provides New Record.
There is no doubt about the extent of the holiday
business in pianos, players and reproducing pianos
in the mind of Leslie C. Parker, president and man-
ager of the Carberry-Parker Co., Milwaukee, that
November will provide a record in the sale of repro-
ducing pianos. A considerable impetus to sales and
stimulation in the interesting fine instruments of the
reproducing kind was the appearance of Phillip
Gordon, at the Carberry-Parker Co., following his
publicity concert for the Ampico at the Layton Art
Gallery.
In Kansas City.
The special sales in Kansas City music houses
which ushered in November have nearly all been
concluded and the serious business of impressing the
public with the importance of pianos and other
musical instruments on the Christmas buyers, now
demands the energies of the sales manager.
At the Starr Piano Co.'s store in Kansas City,
Mo., nothing remains to do in the business of the
recent lively special :-ale but to make some delayed
deliveries. A nice fresh Christmas stock occupies
the floor and the manager is planning suitable decora-
tions to impart the seasonable atmosphere. The small
grand line is being featured in response to a marked
interest in that type of piano by the public. The
Starr "Minum," the smallest in the line, has been a
great favorite in sales this fall and promises to be a
big seller for the holiday trade.
The J. W. Jenkins Sons' Music Co., in Kansas City,
Mo., which also has terminated a special sale, is em-
ploying the well known Jenkins energy to achieve big
piano player and reproducing piano sales for Christ-
mas. The clever advertising of the company has the
desirable Christmas flavor and the pianos are allur-
ingly associated with the observation of the festive
occasion.
Busy in Toledo, O.
In Toledo, O., an exhibit of the Goosman Piano
Co. is, in a way, an event to excite the Christmas
buying prompting in the public. Apart from the sea-
sonable feature, the display is a noteworthy presen-
tation of the grand piano. The Goosman Piano Co.
being in the business in Toledo for thirty-five years,
is competent to judge the inclinations of the piano
buyers, so that the show of grands may be considered
a good suggestion of the trend of piano buyers' de-
sires.
A very pleasing feature of the sales at this time,
noted by the Cable Piano Co., Toledo, is the number
of purchases of the higher-priced instruments. It
is considered an anticipation of the Christmas busi-
ness in which the better grades are the most sought.
But it may be only i brisk response to the bright
advertising of the company in which the fine piano
is commended to the attention of the Christmas gift
giver.
SUMMERS MUSIC HOUSE OPENS
BRANCH IN ASHLAND, KY.
Six Stores Now Represent Line of Progressive Firm
Established Fifty-Four Years Ago.
The seventh store of the Summers Piano House
with headquarters at Chillicothe, O., was opened last
week in Ashland, Ky. Carl Summers is owner of
the company. The new branch will be in charge of
H. O. Lewis. The Summers Piano House is an old
firm, having been in business some fifty-four years,
and its entry into Ashland is the result of an inves-
tigation into the opportunities offered in that city for
its particular line of business. Mr. Summers stated
that Ashland "looks good" to him and that he ex-
pects great developments in that city.
In an announcement in the newspapers, the firm
said: "We wish to announce to the music loving
people of Ashland and vicinity that we have just
opened a complete music store at 630 East Win-
chester avenue, between Twenty-first and Twenty-
second streets, handling a high-grade line of pianos,
players, reproducing pianos, grands, small musical
instruments, records, rolls, and sheet music. We in-
vite you to come and see our wonderful display.
You are always welcome. The company has stores
at Portsmouth, Chillicothe, Jackson, Wellston, Mc-
Arthur and Washington, C. H., Ohio."
SCHULZ CO. EXPECTS
BIG HOLIDAY BUSINESS
Upward Trend of the Wholesale Trade Causes Much
Optimism at Headquarters in Chicago.
The wholesale department of the M. Schulz Co.,
711 Milwaukee avenue, Chicago, has been getting
busier every day as the holidays approach and dealers
everywhere are starling their holiday sales cam-
paign. Reports from dealers relative to the future
aspect of the piano trade have been responsible for
the optimism prevalent at the M. Schulz Co.'s offices
and factory. Along with these reports came con-
vincing orders which exemplifies aggressiveness of
the M. Schulz representatives.
The M. Schulz factory is in fine shape and will be
able to supply the requirements of the busy season.
The steady producing capacity has been maintained
throughout the fall season and has given excellent
service in supplying dealers with their wants when
most needed. A fact that the M. Schulz Company
wishes to stress upon its dealers is that production is
never rushed, regardless of the magnitude of orders
received. Each instrument is of the same careful
construction and the tone has the same qualities
which are features of the wide line. The production
facilities have made this possible and this fact is
appreciated by established representatives of the
Chicago firm.
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
HEAD OF A SUCCESSFUL
SMALL GRAND INDUSTRY
The Man Who Has Made the "Settergren"
Pianos of a Kind to Prove Winners
and a Characteristic Incident.
Within a few years ? new name has become promi-
nent among pianos ror which a demand has been
stimulated. And the stimulation has been of the right
kind—attractive designs and case work, and really
fine quality of tone and performance. The name is
Settergren, and today the B. K. Settergren Com-
on the part of a Presto representative. It shows
furthermore the conscientious care which marks the
treatment of customers by the B. K. Settergren Co.
Recently a Presto representative was shown sev-
eral letters of very warm commendation of the Set-
tergren pianos. There was no thought of publica-
tion of what the dealers had written. But the trade
paper man saw an opportunity to help other dealers
while also aiding the Bluffton industry, and so copied
some of the complimentary statements from the orig-
inal letters. Then he printed those extracts, with the
names of their writers.
Promptly there came a letter of protest from
Blufftou. The publication of the extracts was con-
sidered a breach of confidence, and Mr. Settergren
gave the paper a fine "call down." It only shows
that the dealers are safe in the hands of the industry
of which B. K. Settergren is the head. Presto only
hopes that it may not arouse any further ire by re-
producing Mr. Settergren's portrait in this connection.
DEMAND FOR SALESMEN
STILL UNSATISFIED
One of the Progressive Retail Houses in a Fine Illi-
nois City Asks Why.
Where are all the competent piano salesmen? Are
they all holding down positions that satisfy them,
and is none of them idle or looking for something
good?
The questions are asked by a rapidly growing piano
house in one of the best little cities in Illinois—
Galesburg. In that pretty city, the Francis Piano
Co. has developed a large business, within a few
years. E. A. Francis is an experienced piano man
who knows the requirements of the business. He
also knows his "territory" and has "leads" for any
good salesmen, enough to insure success for a worker.
The line of the Galesburg house includes some of
the "best sellers," and among them are the Packard
and the Gulbransen. It is reported that more pianos
are shipped to the Francis Piano Co. than to all
other dealers in the city of Galesburg combined.
So here's the opportunity for a good piano sales-
man—the Galesburg house wants him.
B. K. SETTERGREN.
pany, of Bluffton, Indiana, holds an enviable place
with the trade and music loving public.
B. K. Settergren is, in the best sense, a practical
piano manufacturer. He has been an energetic
worker in several very prominent factories. He has
been factory manager of some of the most progres-
sive in the west, and his experiences have fitted him
for the control of the ambitious and fast growing in-
dustry which he established and of which he is the
head. Mr. Settergren has been associated with piano
factories in several cities, but the greater part of his
time has been devoted to the development of instru-
ments produced in Chicago and the city of his pres-
ent enterprise.
Settergren grands have become familiar in the
trade. The dealers have found the little pianos from
Bluffton of the "selling kind." Better still, they have
given such general satisfaction that repeat orders are
the rule, and the progress of the factory has been
almost phenomenal. Today some of the foremost
piano houses commend the Settergren highly, and
this fact recently brought about an unconscious error
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES OF
THE CONTINENTAL PIANO CO.
Among Other Things the Boston Industry Has Es-
tablished a Salesman's Training School.
Geo. H. Hill, production manager of The Conti-
nental Piano Co., is at the Boston offices for a few
days.
Last week a salesman's training school was opened
at the Boston store of The Henry F. Miller Stores
Co. This school will be under the direction of A. C.
Clausen, sales promotion manager.
Roger W. Brown, of The Continental Piano Co.,
is on a trip through New York and Pennsylvania in
the interests of the wholesale department.
John Aaron, one of the successful salesmen at the
Smith Piano Div. Store of The Henry F. Miller
Stores Co. at Milwaukee, announces the arrival of a
nine-pound baby girl.
November 29, 1924.
STANDARD PNEUMATIC ACTION
HAS VERY BUSY SEASON
Since Presidential Election Time Orders Have In-
creased to an Almost Unprecedented Degree.
That the optimistic views of the officials of the
Standard Pneumatic Action Company in regard to
after-election business were founded on logical rea-
soning is evidenced by the present activities of that
concern. Orders that were for a time suspended
have now come pouring in, and the factory is hum-
ming in its effort to fake care of its customers and
fill orders on time.
Export business, this company reports, is constant-
ly improving, many of-its player actions—besides
those shipped abroad direct—being installed in
United States made playerpianos for shipment abroad.
In spite of the fact that this has been an "off" year
in the music industry generally, the Standard Com-
pany has been kept busy and the close of 1924 prom-
ises to bring the sales output for the year very close
to that of 1923.
W. A. Mennie, who is now directing the affairs of
this go-ahead company, is very optimistic as to future
business conditions, and anticipates plenty of busi-
ness for months \o come.
SAN FRANCISCO CONTEST.
Prizes and school trophies are being offered for
the successful competitors in the Music Memory Con-
test scheduled for May 17 to 23, 1915. A Victrola
and thirty records will go to the school team making
the best score. Speaking of the part of the dealer
and piano owner's part in the Music Memory Con-
test the prospectus says, in part: "If you have a
piano, playerpiano, Victrola, phonograph or any musi-
cal instrument at home, play these selections—if you
can't play, get your parents or friends to play them.
Any music store downtown or in the neighborhood
will be glad to play them for you without obligation
to purchase. Forty thousand copies of the prospectus
announcing the Music Memory Contest have been
sent out to the public schools of the city and 8,000
copies to the city's parochial schools. .
.
G. McGill has opened a new music store in 1112
Parade street, Erie, Pa.
Jtt& Onduring'
TH1
fflardman
NEW PHILADELPHIA BRANCH.
The Story & Clark Piano Co., Philadelphia, has
just completed the installation of a complete holiday
stock of the Story & Clark instruments in its newly
opened branch at Allegheny avenue and Kensington
street in the Kensington district of Philadelphia.
The new store is under the direction of General Man-
ager Jules Kohnheim, while directly under the man-
agement of William Ackley, formerly of the sales
organization. In the central city store a roll depart-
ment with the Q R S line has been installed. Man-
ager Kohnheim says the holiday sales of Story &
Clark pianos and reproducers and players are most
satisfactorv so far.
PREMIER GRAND HONORED.
GRAND PIANO
58 Inches Long
The best exponent of the present Baby Grand Age.
Ija tone — ita tinea — its restricted space requirement and
attractive price—
MAKE IT THE PREMIER AGENCY
Get full details of this valuable selling franchise NOW.
Premier Grand Piano Corporation
Largest Institution in the World Building
Pianos Exclusively
WALTER C- HEPPERLA
Pr*i'J«nt
JUSTUS HATTEMEK
V«M-Pr«*n)«at
510-532 West/3rd Street
NEW YORK
Grand
The Premier Baby Grand, made by the Premier
Grand Piano Corp., New York, was a conspicuous
feature of the American Educational Conference and
Exposition, held in the Ninth Regiment Armory,
New York City, during the week ending November
22. The Premier model A was displayed on the stage
with gold lettering on the side of the instrument, and
models R and A shown in the special Premier ex-
hibit during the conference. This was America's first
educational exposition, covering all branches of edu-
cational activities in public and private schools and
colleges, and a full display of methods of visual in-
struction in music is given prominence.
The Yardman dZine
is a complete line
It comprises a range of artisti-
cally w o r t h y instruments to
please practically every purse:
The Hardman, official piano of
the Metropolitan Opera House;
the Harrington and the Hensel
Pianos in which is found that in-
builtdurabilitythatcharacterizes
all Hardman-made instruments;
the wonderful Hardman Repro-
ducing Piano; the Hardman
Autotone (the perfect player-
piano); and the popular Playo-
tone.
Jiardmanpeck&Co.
Roemmelle Brothers will hold the formal opening
of their newest music store at 9525 Jamaica avenue,
Woodhaven, N. Y., next week.
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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