Presto

PRESTO
June 13, 1925.
J. R. STEWART'S TALK
Retiring President of National Association of
Musical Instrument and Accessories Man-
ufacturers' Association Gives Sound
Advice to Members in Convention.
The National Association of Musical Instrument
and Accessories Manufacturers' Association held its
annual convention at the Drake Hotel, Chicago, on
Tuesday of this week with further sessions at 9:30
a. m. and 2 p. m. on Wednesday. President J. R.
Stewart presiding, opened the proceedings by reading
his annual report, which was enlightening and en-
couraging.
"Our industry has in many ways been made an
auxiliary to the so-called regular music trade. We
want to spare no effort to make it an essential and so
assist in the creating of that merchandise that will
be, beyond any doubt, a leading and lasting factor
in the musical world," said Mr. Stewart.
In his annual report the president said in part:
President's Report.
Our activities should include plans to foster the
advancement of music through the schools to the
home. Many channels are offered to accomplish
this and, one through the medium of co-operation
with play ground supervisors, another through spon-
soring orchestras in the schools, and there are many
other avenues which will be discussed in some of our
regular sessions. A concerted action in conjunction
with the National Musical Merchandise Association
or with the Band Instrument Manufacturers' Asso-
ciation or with the other interested divisions of the
Chamber might be advantageously worked out and
this phase of our work will be discussed as time and
place will permit.
As stated at our Cleveland meeting it is unfair for
any manufacturer to copy the exact design of another
and then offer that article at prices which will in-
terfere with the legitimate profits of the originator
of that particular design.
A phase of our industry of vital interest to each
one of us, to be taken up by a committee composed
of men who are considered experts in their respective
lines, is that of standardizing our products. It is
not the purpose of this committee to recommend
any drastic change in present day instruments but
such changes as will be suggested is intended for the
furthering of the industry's best interests.
Question of Costs.
No business is permanently successful without
proper regard for costs. Profit is that for which we
all strive. Success is like a black eye—you have to
fight to get it. The right kind of competition is an
essential to real advancement and real growth is
accomplished only by degrees. The most important
factor in these varying degrees is the element of cost.
We have a committee to report upon certain stan-
dardizing of costing data which we hope will assist
us all in making for a clean cut open competition.
One factor very important in the costing of our
manufactured product is the instruction we give to
our foremen. This part of our working organiza-
tion is the medium of contact between executive and
employee. Their ability to impart your instructions
is directly dependent on the knowledge of your busi-
ness that your foremen have. Your foremen must be
considered in all your planning and arranging of your
product since he must impart your final instructions
to the worker.
Improving Practices.
Certain importing practices now -used are cause
for some serious thought. Domestic competition
offers no insurmountable handicap but foreign com-
petition being based on different ideals, not only of
labor but of material as well, gives us a phase not so
easily handled. It is true this form of competition
will always be with us but it should be so controlled
that it is not destructive to our own industry. It is
claimed that unfair methods are employed to import
musical merchandise. This is a matter requiring
very careful investigation.
In all our discussions please let us adopt a per-
fectly frank attitude and should any one have a sug-
gestion for the betterment of any phase of our in-
dustry bring it before us. That which will benefit
one will benefit another. Tn many ways our general
business has had a slight letup but if we refrain
from becoming panicstricken and adhere to quality
merchandise merchandised on sound business prin-
ciples, keeping in mind "That T if we do our business
on the level we will in this w ay assist business to-
ward the upgrade."
In conclusion let me repeat that successful work-
ing together means confidence in our co-workers.
Remember we are all human and it is said "To err is
human," so if we want to forget the other fellow's
faults just remember our own. As was said at
FAIRBANKS
PIAN0 PLATES
29
CLEO STRINGS AT DRAKE
Dealers at Convention Strongly Impressed by Merit
of Product aid Methods of Counter Display.
The display of Cleo strings made by S. Simon, 8106
Chappell avenue, Chicago, at the Drake Hotel this week-
made a great many new customers for the admirable
product. The counter cases containing the assortment
of violin, 'cello and double bass wound strings in the
exhibit were familiar things to Cleo customers and a
source of suggestion to dealers seeing the useful con-
tainers for the first time.
The advantages of the counter cases used by S. Simon
and provided for Cleo dealers were obvious to all vis-
itors to the exhibit and the testimonials as to the merits
of the strings were set forth in the printed matter.
The claim for superior quality is made by the makers
and a guarantee for thirty days after the strings are
sold is an alluring feature of the selling methods of
the company.
T H E BUESCHER BOOK MARK.
A cut-out of a saxophone printed in two colors, is
a handsome bit of publicity provided by the Buescher
Band Instrument Co., Elkhart, Ind. It is designed
for a book mark to be distributed by dealers. This is
printed on the reverse side: "Buescher True-Tone
Band Instruments and Saxophones. Write for Cata-
logue. Buescher Band Instrument Co., address 23
Buescher Block, Elkhart, Ind.
LYON & HEALY WINDOWS.
Lyon & Healy, Inc., used the store at Wabash
avenue and Jackson boulevard for display purposes
and also occupied Room 327 in the Drake Hotel. The
entire wholesale floor of the Lyon & Healy store
was given over to display purposes, where a com-
plete line of the company's products was exhibited.
Cleveland in all our discussions let us place the gen-
eral good of the industry ahead of any personal or
selfish benefits, guiding ourselves with this one
thought. Thinking only of yourself, others cheerfully
forget you.
DEALERS and TUNERS!
Keys Recovered and Rebushed
THE FAIRBANKS CO., Springfield, Ohio
"SUPERIOR" PIANO PLATES
All work is done by expert workmen
and modern machinery and you are
assured of correct spacing which is so
important. When keys are replaced they
will appear exactly as when the instru-
ment left the factory.
PRICES FOR PYRALIN IVORY
52 heads and tails
$8.00
52 fronts
2.50
88 keys rehashed
4.00
Express or Parcel Post to
FRIELD MILLER & CO.
3767 N. Illinois Street
Manufactured
SUPERIOR FOUNDRY CO.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
HOW TO S E N D
Remove from frame, number plainly near Capstan,
wrap or bos securely, and ship Parcel Poat or Express.
by
Cleveland, Ohio
Please do not remove the old ivories as
there is danger of the wood being broken.
Ivories will be returned if desired.
PERFECTION
Benches and Cabinets
The line that sells on sight and satisfies always
—35—
Nationally Priced
Size 14x30, in all finishes
Full size Bench 15x36
Packed two benches in one crate.
Send for catalog and price list
$6.00
7.50
PERFECTION PIANO BENCH MFG. COMPANY
1514-1520 Blue Island Ave.
Chicago. 111.
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