Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1925 2013

February 21, 1925.
PRESTO
CHRISTMAN
"The First Touch Tells
CHRISTMAN
Reproducing Grand
Is an instrument which presents Spe-
cial Advantages for any Dealer or
Salesman. It is a marvel of expressive
interpretation of all classes of compo-
sition, reproducing perfectly the per-
formances of the world's greatest
pianists.
The Famous
Studio Grand
(only 5 ft. long)
Remains the foremost of all the dainty
little pianos for Parlor and Music
Room. It has no superior in tone
quality, power or beauty of design.
CHRISTMAN
Players and Pianos
"The First Touch Tells"
Rat. U. 8. Pat. OS.
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St.
New York
BETTER COLLECTIONS
IN THE PIANO TRADE
probably in March, on dates later to be set by the
commission. It is quite probable that the results of
the investigation will not manifest themselves in the
shape of new freight rates before next fall.
Auditor for Weaver Piano Co., Inc., Sets
Example of How It Can Be Done,
Which Others May Follow.
LATE FACTS GATHERED
IN THE MUSIC TRADE
One of the most important parts of the piano busi-
ness is to follow collections energetically and result-
fully. There are many dealers who over-emphasize
the importance of selling and who neglect collecting.
Collecting on piano paper is just as much an art as
salesmanship, and salesmanship can be just as much
used in it as it can in making the sale of the piano in
the first place.
One of the best evidences of this is seen in a ver-
batim report from M. J. Martin, one of the auditors
of the Weaver Piano Co., Inc., of York, Pa. Mr.
Martin has been with the organization named for
about five years. Previous to that he was Deputy
Collector of Internal Revenue in the York County
District. He has applied himself intelligently and
energetically to the problem of collecting the most
possible money out of installment paper in the short-
est possible time, and the report which Presto is per-
mitted to present shows why he has been successful.
Mr. Martin's report tells the story clearly and re-
quires no further elucidation. Here it is:
Gaffney, S. C, February 11, 1925.
The matter of getting money out of Negro School
Teachers in the South has always been more of a
Chinese puzzle to me. However, I think Weaver
and the writer worked out the puzzle in a case to-
day. I shall tell you how we did it, briefly.
Ada Dawkins had taught since November 26, 1924,
and had $80 due her. Before calling on her, we went
to the County Superintendent for vouchers. We de-
livered the vouchers and helped her fill them out.
Our next move was to hunt up two trustees, and one
of them signed the vouchers without any argument.
The other said Ada simply started to teach on her
own hook and had taught three weeks before they
knew anything about it, and he wanted to be shown
before he signed.
I told Mr. Philips I was informed that it was a
hard matter to get good Negro teachers, and he
agreed this was true. Next, 1 told him Weaver and
the writer had visited Ada's school and that, in addi-
tion to having perfect order, it seemed to us she was
fully competent to teach that school. Result, he
signed the vouchers and wanted us to take dinner
with him, which, of course, we did not do. When
we arrived in Gaffney, the County Superintendent
had left for the day, but Gossett [the local dealer]
said he would call him in the morning and have him
approve the vouchers. Gossett nearly died laughing
when I told him this story.
Mrs. Dawkins said she simply must have $24 to
live on until she received her February pay, so we
agreed to take out $56 and apply it on her account
and send her a check for $24.
What the trade needs, if anything, is a better policy
and more determined effort in the collection depart-
ment. It is absolutely essential to the retail piano
dealer's success, to his credit, and to the progress of
his sources of supplies, that collections be made and
made steadily and surely. More intelligent efforts
along this line, with more of the ingenuity and stick-
to-it-ive-ness of such men as the Weaver auditor
whose report appears above, will make a change in
the complexion of the entire piano business. And it
must be done, if the attainments of the past in this
line of trade are to be duplicated in the future. The
Weaver incident should be a stimulation to hundreds
of dealers and their collectors throughout the country.
Brief Items of Activities in the Business Collected
in Many States.
CLASS FREIGHT RATES UNDER
FEDERAL INVESTIGATION
Interstate Commerce Commission Looks Into Sched-
ules in Eastern Territory.
Class rates on freight in eastern territory is being
investigated by the Interstate Commerce Commission
and the process will include every manufactured
product subject to class rates, with a view to deter-
mining whether any rates now in effect are dis-
criminatory or prejudicial. The roads will submit
proposed changes, but counsel declares they are with-
out any information as to the effect of such changes
upon revenues, and time for study of the situation is
asked over a stated period so that any defects mani-
festing themselves may later be corrected. The rail-
roads are anxious to meet the shippers and the public
in a co-operative spirit, counsel for the carriers de-
clared, offering the shippers the use of any data they
might have relative to the present situation, the
whole purpose of the study being to provide a proper
rate structure which will not only afford shippers the
cheapest facilities possible, but will enabble the car-
riers to locate on a firm financial foundation.
The entire month of February possibly will be
given over to the direct testimony of railroad men,
the shippers' side of the question being presented
The newly erected Hotel Del Monte, Del Monte,
Calif., has been furnished pianos by the Watsonvillei
branch of Sherman, Clay & Co.
Arthur S. Winter, a member of the firm of F. A.
Winter & Son, music dealers, Altooona, Pa., is chair-
man of the $10,000 financial drive launched by the
Altoona Boy Scout Council.
Jacob Doll & Sons, New York, has purchased the
building at 146 Newark avenue, Jersey City, N. J., in
which the Jacob Doll & Sons' retail piano store has
been located for close to twenty years.
Full interest in the Hook Bros.' Piano Co., Beloit,
Wis., has been purchased by John Hook, who will
operate the business under the name of Hook's Music
Store.
C. H. Bealer, of Lacona, la., has just purchased
the local music store of W. G. Whitely, Corydon, la.
An Estey organ was installed in the Baptist Church,
Janesville, Wis., recently.
The Crockett Music Co., Crockett, Cal., of which
R. A. McMillan is manager, recently moved into a
new store. This concern handles the lines of Sher-
man, Clay & Co , San Francisco.
George Frederickson, president and general man-
ager of the Frederickson-Kroh Music Co., Oklahoma
City, Okla., was recently re-elected president of the
Oklahoma Club.
A novelty in publicity was recently used by the
Vallejo, Cal., branch of Sherman, Clay & Co., San
Francisco, which featured a cross word puzzle con-
test in which many words were used suggestive of
the musical goods handled by the store.
The artists of the Schmidt Music Co. assisted the
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Davenport, Iowa, Lodge
No. 235 in a concert held recently at the Eagles'
Auditorium, Davenport.
SUCCESSFUL TERRE HAUTE HOUSE.
Jensen Brothers, of Terre Haute, Ind., say that
they mark their biggest step forward from the time
they added the Knabe and Ampico re-enacting pianos
to their stock. A few years later the Gulbransen
playerpiano was added to the stock and this popular
instrument has proven a valuable asset to the busi-
ness. A little more than a year ago the firm secured
the exclusive agency for the C. G. Conn band and
orchestra instruments. At the present time the Jen-
sen Brothers' Brunswick shop is operating two stores
—one at 527 Wabash avenue and the other at Twelve
Points in the bank building at the corner of La-
fayette and Maple avenues, Terre Haute.
TO REMODEL UTAH STORE.
The phonograph and radio departments in the
store of the Daynes-Beebe Music Co., Salt Lake City,
Utah, have been consolidated, and the merged depart-
ments provided with suitable space on the main floor
when remodeling plans have been carried out. The
plans include allotment of space for the general office
of the company on the mezzanine floor, where it
would be more convenient for customers.
CHANGE IN CLARKSBURG, W. VA.
The Henry Piano Co., of 777 West Pike street, was
recently incorporated and will act as the successor to
the piano business formerly conducted by Denver J.
Henry. The new concern will continue at the old
address. The incorporators are O. A. Fretwell, presi-
dent; Daniel J. Henry, vice-president; Harry G. Fret-
well, secretary. Denver J. Henry will continue as
manager.
MANAGER FOR TEXAS FIRM.
W. J. Young has been made general manager of
the Hall Music Co, Abilene, Tex., which has just
been incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000.
The incorporators are Emmett Hall, Emon Hall and
Mrs. Ozia Hall.
TOO BAD FOR WORDS.
"Can you direct me to the best hotel in this town?"
asked the young piano traveler, who, after watching
the train depart, had set his satchel upon the station
platform.
"I can," replied Frank M. Hood, who was waiting
for a train going the other way; "but I hate to do it."
"Why?"
"Because you will think after you've seen it that
I'm a liar."
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
NEWS OF TRADE
IN SAN FRANCISCO
Spring Activities in State of California Gen-
erally Promise to Be Rewarded by an
Extent of Sales Exceeding Perform-
ances of Previous Years.
sales of pianos, players and reproducing pianos and
remains unresponsive to the inducements of the rep-
resentatives of the radio receiving sets. The firm
which began its activities upstairs at the same number
has augmented its ability to interest the buyers of
pianos of the finer kinds and reproducing pianos, and
purposes continuing as an exclusive piano house.
Charles Mauzy, manager of the phonograph and
radio departments of the Emporium, San Francisco,
is making plans for providing assistance to com-
petitors in the forthcoming music memory contest.
Mr. Mauzy performed a like service for the boys and
girls competing in the event last year, with consider-
able advertising and financial profit for his depart-
ment. Free recitals in the Concert Hall of the Em-
porium will include phonograph record numbers that
will be highly instructive to the listening students.
February 21, 1925.
PERCY TONK ON THE
PIANO'S SAVING GRACE
Commenting on Statements by W. Otto
Miessner, Maker of the Famous Tonk-
benches Commends Strongly.
All live piano men have read the admirable articles
by W. Otto Miessner, of Milwaukee, and manufac-
turer of the "Little Pianos With the Big Tone." Mr.
Miessner is a noted teacher and composer of music
who has made a specialty of school music. What
Mr. Tonk says in the February issue of Tonk
Topics is equally interesting, and is as follows:
Expansion and Improvements in Many Places Show
I wish every reader who has not already done so,
Hopeful and Active Feeling in Music
would read the article "Piano Lessons in Schools,"
Trade.
which appears in the January 10th issue of "Presto."
During the eighteenth convention and market week
It is an absolute and deplorable fact that the pro-
duction of pianos and playerpianos has not kept pace
of the San Francisco Furniture Exchange held in
the Furniture Exchange Building, San Francisco, a
Great Instrument, Under the Expert Fingers of with the increased population.
I do not agree with Mr. Otto Miessner, the author,
great number of furniture dealers carrying music
Charles Courboin, Proved Its Power.
entirely, when he states that we have become a na-
goods visited the offices and show rooms of the Starr
Piano Co., located iii the same building. Close to a
There is nothing surprising to members of the tion of passive listeners instead of active participants
thousand dealers from eleven western states, Canada trade and profession that the W. W. Kimball Com- in the enjoyment of music.
The musical instrument people have been putting
and Mexico, visited the Starr display rooms and
pany is producing pipe organs of such power and across
a campaign of increased interest in musical in-
many left good orders for Starr pianos, players and
multitudinous musical effects as to challenge any of struments.
.„-
Starr phonographs.
the most famous from the eastern industries. Not
Perhaps you have noticed that there are bands in"
even Boston has presented a finer specimen of the practically all the high schools nowadays. That didn't
The choice of the big furniture building at 180 New
Montgomery street by the Starr Piano Co. has re- oldest of music producing instruments in history than just happen. Have you seen the advertisements to
sulted in a great expansion of Starr trade to progres- the new Kimball organ which was dedicated on Tues- boys in the "Boy Scout Magazine," "American Boy,"
etc., about musical instruments?
day evening of this week.
sive furniture houses with a music section. Apart
from the big crowds of furniture men visiting the
Kimball Hall was well filled by a representative
When the children come to Dad and want some-
building during the annual market week in January, audience of critical people when Charles Courboin, a thing they generally get it.
Mr. Miessner's idea is a good one and may be
the trade in numbers visited the great display place
distinguished player from France, made his appear-
at all times throughout the year. The fact proves
ance. He at once proved his skill as an interpreter the salvation of the piano manufacturing business,
an excellent opportunity for J. W. Steinkemp, man- of the class of compositions best suited to test and for while the dealer may have an established busi-
ness in selling pianos, he has also phonographs and
. ager of the Starr Piano Co., in San Francisco.
prove the varied combinations and mechanical mar- radios that he can turn to in case it becomes too
Starr Is Featured.
vels of a great organ. And he found at his fingers' hard to create an interest in pianos, but the manu-
control an instrument capable of the effects possible facturer of pianos has his factory equipped for that
The H. Hauschildt Music Co., San Francisco, is
to a great organ only. It was a revealing perform- production entirely. It is he that will lose his entire
now spiritedly featuring the line of pianos of the
ance and the shades of coloring and degrees of musi- investment if the piano business wanes and dies,
Starr Piano Co. While awaiting the preparation of
cal storm and calm were enough to convince hearers and it is he who must figure out the way to create
permanent quarters in Oakland, the suburb across the
that Chicago has the source of production of the King interest.
bay, the company is showing the Starr line in a
There is no better way than through the child.
of Instruments as well as of the instruments of strings
temporary store.
What parent, if they have the means at all to buy
for
which
its
wealth
of
industries
has
become
famous.
The enlargement of the floor space in the piano
an instrument, can withstand the demand or the de-
department of Sherman, Clay & Co., San Francisco,
The new Kimball Hall organ is a fine one, and it
sire of the child when they find that they have
is one of the most cheering proofs of the improve-
will attract even greater attention to the famous learned to play an instrument at school.
The article is so good that we wish that we could
ment of the piano business of the house. During the
Wabash avenue music center than before.
publish it in Tonk Topics. At any rate we shall
recent months the necessities for additional show
certainly have more to say on the subject in our
room space had become more insistent with the ap-
JESSE FRENCH IMPROVES.
future numbers.
proach of spring. The space formerly occupied by
Jesse French, Sr., head of Jesse French & Sons
Competition between the many distractions of the
the "headquarters division now in the Mission street
Piano Co., of New Castle, Ind., who has been quite present day has had its effect on the piano industry
building, is being remodeled into spacious piano
ill for many weeks past is reported as well along and we who are in the business or associated with
rooms and the sixth and eighth floors are also being
toward a complete recovery. He is able to walk out it should awaken to the fact. The saving grace of
changed in the room allotment for the display of
each day. No member of the piano industry stands the piano is that it is fundamental and an absolute
The piano will live and continue to give
pianos and players.
higher in the esteem of the world of music and Mr. necessity.
happiness to the human race for many generations
French
is
always
a
personality
of
interest
among
Organ Business Expands.
to come, but why let the business lag?
piano men. Usually rugged and energetic, no doubt
"Learn to play the piano while you are young and
William D. Wood, manager of the organ depart-
Mr. French will quickly return again to that happy everybody will love you when you get old."—That
ment of Sherman, Clay & Co., San Francisco, is mak-
condition.
thought thoroughly impressed on the consciousness
ing big plans to enlarge the scope of the organ busi-
of parents will work wonders, help to spread it. Get
ness. He sees a bigger business in organs for the-
busy now and see what can be done to have piano
REICHARDT STORE TO RE-OPEN.
aters, churches, colleges and public buildings as well
lessons made a part of every child's education.
President
Oscar
Weissenborn
of
the
Reichardt
as for residences. Besides the Foto Player and
Piano
company,
6421-23
So.
Halsted
street,
Chicago,
Robert Morton organ the company is representative
MASON & HAMLIN FOR CLUB.
of the Aeolian Duo-Art pipe organs in California, which was badly damaged by fire a short time back,
says he has placed his orders for a fine new stock
A Mason & Hamlin Grand piano, style "AA," was
Oregon and Washington.
of pianos, phonographs, records and radios and will recently sold to the Wauwatosa Woman's Club by
Featuring Pianos.
reopen with a flourish in a very short time. The the J. B. Bradford Co., Milwaukee, Wis. The instru-
building was badly damaged but is being put into ment will be placed in the beautiful new club build-
The Gibson, McConnell Co., 315 Sutter street, San
better shape than before.
ing which will be opened and dedicated March 1.
Francisco, continues to confine its energies to the
CHEERING INCIDENTS
OPENING OF THE NEW
KIMBALL HALL ORGAN
THE BOWEN LOADER
makes of the Ford Roadster the Ideal piano truck,—most Convenient, most Economical and most Efficient.—Goes anywhere, over any
kind of roads, and distance makes no difference.
It will greatly assist any energetic Salesman, City or Country, but is indispensable for successful country work.
It's the best outfit for making collections and repossessions.
Our latest model is fool-proof and indestructible, and the price has been reduced to $95.00 including an extra good water-proof
moving cover. Satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded.
BOWEN PIANO LOADER CO.,
Winston-Salem, N. C.
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 5: PDF File | Image

Download Page 6 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.