Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1925 2020

PRESTO
April 11, 1925.
CHRISTMAN
"The First Touch Tells"
The Famous
Studio Grand
GEORGE P. SHAFFER
NEW LESTER TRAVELER
Seven Progressive Middle West States in Field
of Popular Piano Traveler Handling Line
of Philadelphia Industry.
The Lester Piano Co., Philadelphia, has appointed
George P. Shaffer its traveling representative in an
important section of the middle west. Illinois, In-
diana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky and
Missouri are included in his interesting field of opera-
tions. Mr. Shaffer's headquarters will be in Fort
Wayne, Ind., where he has a home at 1030 Packard
avenue.
Both the Lester piano line and Mr. Shaffer have
hosts of friends in the states named, where the
(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.
\
AMERICAN PIANO EXPERT
LIKES LIFE IN PARIS
CHRISTMAN
Reproducing Grand
GEORGE P. SHAFFER.
growth of the Lester following is an assurance. The
pianos, players and reproducing pianos stand well
with the trade and the public. Dealers in that sec-
tion who handle the Lester line speak very warmly of
the merits of the instruments which are made upon
the most approved principles and possess improve-
ments of peculiar power in their appeal to both the
public and the trade.
R. A. BURKE TELLS OF
TORNADO EXPERIENCES
Popular Story & Clark Traveler Was at the
Morgan Music Co., Murphysboro, 111.,
When the Terrible Tornado Struck.
Equipped with
Action
Has 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.
CHRISTMAN
Players and Pianos
"The First Touch Tells"
IUg. U. S. Pmt. Off.
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St.
New York
the farmer's house, by motor, about 2 p. m., and
shortly afterwards a huge black cloud appeared on
the western horizon and seemed to be approaching
at a terrific rate. The farmer suggested that the
piano men stay until the storm was over, but the
salesman from the Morgan Music Co. insisted on
motoring back to Murphysboro, as there were no
salesmen in the store and he expected customers
Soon after their departure from the farmer's house
Mr. Burke observed the cloud becoming more com-
pact and assuming much the form of a top. The
travelers were convinced that it was a tornado and
that they were directly in its path. A turn was made
onto a side road, a few minutes before it approached,
but the automobile in which they were riding was
picked up and hurled several feet into a ditch. The
tornado was accompanied with a huge roar, with
house tops, trees, vehicles and other articles soaring
by in the air. The car was completely demolished,
but fortunately no injury was done to either Mr.
Burke or his companion. Both gentlemen walked to
Murphysboro and gave their services to the relief
organization, extracting bodies from the debris. One
of Mr. Burke's experiences was finding a little girl
under the roof of a house, which had been destroyed,
and she died before the piano man could reach the •/»•
doctor.
The turn of fate that put the Story & Clark trav-
eler in Murphysboro on March 18, and his heart-
breaking experiences with the unfortunate citizens of
that town, did not stop Mr. Burke from completing
his trip, which had been planned prior to his departure
from headquarters. He has made several business
trips this year, and this, he reports, was in a business
sense the most successful of all. New representatives
for the Story & Clark line was established and hun-
dreds of insturments were sold. The principal cities
of the states of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas,
Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota,
Wisconsin and Iowa were included in his itinerary.
R. A. Burke, general sales manager of the Story &
Clark Piano Co., 315 South Wabash avenue, Chi-
cago, returned late last week from a tour of the cen-
tral and northwest states, where he reports that con-
ditions in the piano trade are improving steadily.
Leaving Chicago about the middle of March, Mr.
Burke's first stop was at Indianapolis, after which he
proceeded to St. Louis and southern Illinois. He ar-
rived in Murphysboro, the center of the devastating
tornado, on the evening of the 17th, stopping at the
hotel and visiting the Morgan Music Co., which is
doing a thriving business with the Story & Clark
line in that locality.
The morning of the day the tornado struck the
Illinois city Mr. Burke was at leisure at the hotel,
waiting for a piano dealer to come in from Herrin,
111. The thought of purhasing some magazines and
returning to his room at the hotel occurred to Mr.
Burke about noon. But fortunately no magazines
could be found that he had not already read, so Mr.
Burke went to the store of the Morgan Music Co.
Had he remained at the hotel he would have been
killed, as the building was completely demolished
by the tornado an hour later. The fatalities in the
ruins of the hotel formed a tragic story in all news-
paper accounts of the catastrophe, few in the build-
ing escaping unhurt.
At the music store Mr. Burke was told that a
farmer prospect, about three miles from Murphys-
boro, was undecided whether to buy a Story & Clark
piano or a radio. Being from the company's head-
quarters, Mr. Burke proposed to accompany the local
salesman and help close the deal. They arrived at
Charles Stanley Writes Warmly of His Ex-
perience with Famed Piano Factory
of Gaveau in Paris.
There may be no danger that one of America's
favorite piano experts is falling so deeply in love
with La Belle France as to cause him to transfer his
allegiance to that country. Nevertheless, it is evi-
dent that "Charlie" Stanley, who left the Story &
Clark factory in Grand Haven for temporary sojourn
in the industry of Gaveau in Paris is enamored of the
French capital. For in a late letter to Presto Mr.
Stanley*writes as follows:
"Things at the factory move very smoothly, and
we are making real progress. I can hardly realize
that it is three months since I landed in France, and
I can assure you that the time has not hung heavy
on my hands. A great deal has been done and they
seem very appreciative of any efforts that have been
put forth on my part. This country has great possi-
bilities for modern machinery and American methods,
from what I can gather, and an effort should be made
on the part of our manufacturers to profit by the
opening.
"I am sure that I will be back home again by the
first of August, when I shall have completed my
work. Mrs. Stanley and my daughter will join me
about July first when we hope to see a little of the
country before passing into England and home."
A NOVEL WINDOW STRIP.
The Gulbransen Company, Chicago, has issued a
new window strip featuring its Grand piano which
dealers will feature simultaneously, tying-up with the
April 18th advertisement in the Saturday Evening
Post, invitin gtheir local people to come in and try
the Gulbransen. The window strip is rather unusual
in its treatment, is much higher class than the ordi-
nary and tells, in fine bold letters, of a "Special Show-
ing Gulbransen Grand—Coming In!"
The window strips are furnished with stickers to
Gulbransen dealers who have Grands in stock.
REMODELS NEW WAREROOMS.
Russell & Rigg, 1006 Chestnut avenue, Altoona,
Pa., is remodeling the store space recently acquired.
In the future the basement will be utilized for the
display and demonstration of phonographs and radio
sets. Access to the basement has been made possible
by a stairway from the first floor.
OPENS IN LANCASTER, O.
The Huston Music Company, Lancaster, Ohio, has
leased one of the rooms in the new Blosser building
and opened a fine, up-to-date store, this week, carry-
ing a general line of music goods.
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).
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PRESTO
WHERE DOUBTS ARE DISPELLED
Under This Head Presto Will Answer Any Question Pertaining to Pianos, or
Other Subjects of Direct Interest to the Trade and Musical Public
April 11, 1925.
WILLIAM L. BUSH BACK
FROM EXTENDED TRIP
Enthusiasm of Popular Piano Man Has No
Bounds and Helped in Bringing the
Desired Results.
which bore that name. It is, however, now best
known because of its association with the large piano
Will L. Bush returned to Chicago this week from
action and supply industry of Wood & Brooks Co.,
an extended trip in the interests of his new line of
Buffalo, N. Y. Mr. Wood was formerly of Boston,
pianos. He made a good many connections for the
Mass.
W. L. Bush pianos, the grand and the little upright
5. New York: There have been a good many
being especial favorites. The trip covered a part
Correction.—In a recent issue of the Presto the piano industries started under this name, the New
of the northwest, and southward into Missouri.
"Radcliffe" piano was asked for and reply was made York Piano Mfg. Co. having existed for several years,
but
just
now
there
is
no
such
industry.
Mr. Bush had intended to invade Texas in which
that the instrument was unknown. The Radcliffe
state he pioneered so long, and where his friends are
6. Stuyvesant: This name is conspicuous in the
is made by the Cable-Nelson Piano Co., of Chi-
everywhere. To a Presto representative he said that
cago and South Haven, Michigan. The name is regis- line of the Aeolian Co. of New York. It was for-
merly manufactured by the late Mr. Wheelock who
during his trip he visited dealers he had not seen in
tered and is controlled by the industry named.
later became prominent in the Aeolian Co.
from two to ten years, and that all of them seemed
7. Schumann & Son: A name that for a long time
glad to have him appear. He made a number of en-
WANTS PIPE ORGAN.
was used on commercial pianos made in the industry
thusiastic agencies for the W. L. Bush line and he
Geneva, Ohio, April 6, 1925.
of C. N. Byrne, New York. The industry is now
bubbles with enthusiasm.
Edito Presto: We are coming to you for infor- extinct, though we believe some pianos are still put
"I tell you," said Mr. Bush, "the good old piano
mation regarding pipe organs. We have a church forth under that name.
business is still in its prime! Can't tell me anything
which is in the market for an organ, and expects to
8. Schirmer: This is the name of an extensive
about any let-up in the demand or sale. I know bet-
pay $5,000 or $6,000 for the instrument selected.
sheet music publishing house and it has appeared on
ter! I took orders in nearly every place I visited, and
commercial
pianos
made
by
different
industries.
We would like to get calatogs and prices from a
I wouldn't change this piano game for the biggest
9. Beckwith: Instruments of this name have been
number of organ manufactures, with terms, etc.
other thing I know anything about. The W. L.
made for the mail order house of Sears-Roebuck,
J. T. P H I L L I P S .
Chicago. These instruments have come from differ-
Bush grand is going, and it will keep on going fast."
Fine organs of about the kind you seem to want ent industries.
10. A. W. Ladd & Co.: This is one of the very
are produced by Lyon & Healy, Chicago, W. W.
good, reliable popular or medium grand pianos that
Kimball Co., Chicago; the Aeolian Co., New York, old names in the piano industry. The house of Ladd
would wholesale for about $160 to $180. I know of
and many other industries. A very complete list was, we believe, in Philadelphia.
appears in PRESTO TRADE LISTS NO. 3, the
Weser Bros., Kelso, Biddle, Regal and Ricca.
11. Colonial: A few years ago an industry bearing
price of which is 25c.
this name was incorporated by H. Edgar French, of
G. O. J.
* * *
the Jesse French & Sons Piano Co., New Castle, Ind.
Any
of
the
large
houses
doing
a
retail
business
It was discontinued as a corporation but the Jesse
WANTS TRADE LISTS.
French & Sons Piano Co., still make Colonial pianos. will probably be able to furnish you with second-hand
Jacksonville, Fla., April 2, 1925.
12. Chas. Norris: A gentleman of this name was pianos. Such houses as Story & Clark Piano Co., 33
Editor Presto: Enclosed find P. O. money for 75c, conspicuous in the piano industry at Boston for a West 57th street, New York; P. A. Starck Piano Co.,
for which please send one copy each of numbers 1, good many years. The Norris & Hyde piano sprang 42nd near Sixth avenue, New York; American Piano
Co., 437 Fifth avenue, New York, or Jacob Bros. Co.,
from the same industry.
2 and 3, Presto Trade Lists.
The international pitch is as you understand, and it 543 West 39th street, New York. Most of the large
We also want a list of moving picture theaters of
employed by many regular tuners throughout this houses which conduct their own retail stores have
the United States; retail music dealers of the United is
occasion to take in a great many second hand pianos.
country.
In Chicago, Lyon & Healy, The Cable Co., and one
States. If you can supply us with this information
*
*
*
or two others, always have a large warehouse filled
kindly advise us what the lists will cost, and we will
WANTS
USED
PIANOS.
with second hand instruments which they are often
order promptly. If you can not supply us with this
willing to sell at remarkably low prices.
Loma Linda, Cal., April 3, 1925.
information, we would appreciate it, if you will kindly
About new pianos in the East such as you ask for,
Editor Presto: Will you kindly give me name and
tell us who can.
address of one or two companies on the east coast, it might be well to put the question to the American
MAXWELL MUSIC CO.
aside from Hill & Son, that wholesale used pianos. Piano Co., and also the Kohler Industries. Both of
We have no list of moving picture theaters or or- I mention Hill & Son because I already know about these great concerns have a number of factories and
many of them seem to produce the commercial class
chestra leaders, etc. There is a concern in Detroit them.
of instruments. Also we suggest that Jacob Bros.
called R. L. Polk & Co., 431 Howard street, which
Also give me the same information regarding com- Co., Henkelman Piano Mfg. Corp., and the Weydig
makes a business of putting together all such lists
when desired. Perhaps it may help you to address panies on the Atlantic seaboard that manufacture Piano Corpn. might have the kind of pianos you want.
as already quoted, or the Ross-Gould Mailing Lists,
St. Louis, Mo.
* * *
LISTS OF TRADE.
*
New Philadelphia, Ohio, April 7, 1925.
Editor Presto: Do you have a trade list of music
publishers and arrangers? If so, how much?
T E N N E N T S PIANO STORE.
The only list we have of arrangers and music pub-
lishers appears in PRESTO TRADE LISTS NO. 3,
which is a kind of "finding list" of all branches of the
music industry. It is certain you can find some good
arrangers there and also a lot of publishers.
We suggest also that C. A. Arthur, 5100 Bangor
Ave., Detroit, Mich., has become quite a favorite with
publishers for whom he arranges.
* * *
ABOUT PIANO NAMES.
Editor Presto: It has been some time since I sent
in any questions to your Doubts Dispelled Column.
Can you enlighten me about the following stencil
pianos; when and where were those made in past
years:
1, Schumann; 2, New England; 3, Daniel Morris;
4, Wood; 5, New York; 6, Stuyvesant; 7, Schumann
& Son; 8, Schirmer; 9, Beckwith; 10, A. W. Ladd &
Co.; 11, Colonial; 12, Chas. Norris.
Also: Is not "Standard" the international 435 A
used by the piano manufacturers?
O. W. MORAN.
We take the piano names in the order in which you
present them:
1. Schumann: This name is well established as that
of a high grade piano manufactured by the Schu-
mann Piano Co., Rockford, 111. It cannot in any
sense be termed a "stencil" piano.
2. New England: A good many years ago there
existed in Boston the New England Piano Co., at
the head of which was the late Thos. Scanlan who, in
his day, was one of the most ambitious of the com-
mercial manufacturers. The New England was a
very large factory and its instruments were put forth
The purchase of a Style 4 Lyon & Healy Grand, usual tonal beauty, and one that will withstand the
in great numbers, now extinct.
made
by Lyon & Healy, Chicago, by the Bollinger
continuous use given it by teachers and pupils.
3. Daniel Morris: Very many years ago a gen-
The accompanying cut shows the Lyon & Healy
tleman of this name established a factory in Boston Piano School of St. Louis is an interesting endorse-
ment of that instrument. Samuel Bollinger, director, grand in position in the studio of the Bollinger Piano
and made few instruments but very good ones.
4. Wood: This name is a familiar one in the music placed the Lyon & Healy piano in his studios after a School.
industry and at one time there was a small factory careful study of its merits as an instrument of un-
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 am
answer is not of general interest it will be mailed pro-
vided stamp is inclosed.
LYON & HEALY GRAND IN STUDIO
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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