Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1925 2053

PRESTO
November 28, 1925.
WHERE DOUBTS ARE DISPELLED HELPS TO TUNERS
Under This Head Presto Will Answer Any Question Pertaining to Pianos, of
Other Subjects of Direct Interest to the Trade and Musical Public
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 moiled pro-
vided stamp is inclosed.
CALFSKIN DRUM HEADS.
Baltimore, Md., November 3, 1925.
Editor Presto: I would like to know whether there
are any manufacturers of calfskin banjo heads in
Chicago besides M. Zumer and the Liberty Rawhide
Company. Thank you in advance for the favor.
A. Q. A. W.
According to our best information, the largest
manufacturer of calfskin banjo heads in Chicago is
Ludwig & Ludwig, 1611 North Lincoln street.
* * *
PIANO ACTIONS.
Deerwood, Minn., November 12, 1925.
Editor Presto: Is there a piano action factory in
Chicago? If so, please, give me the address; and
can you also give me the address of the "Wesley
Nickle and Grose Action Co."?
A. E. BROOKS.
Chicago has one piano action industry—that of the
Piano & Organ Supply Co., 2100 North Racine ave-
nue—a fine concern. At Rockford, 111.—a short dis-
tance from Chicago—there is a large action factory
known as the Thayer Action Co.
The distinguished piano action industry of Wessell,
Nickel & Gross is at 457 West 45th street, New York
City.
J
*
*
*
REGINA MUSIC BOX.
Galliopolis, O., November 21, 1925.
Editor Presto: I would like to have the name and
address of the people who make the "Regina" music
box. Kindly give me any information you can on
this good old concern. They should be in the Presto
and get more business.
A. L. FITZ GERALD.
The Regina Music Box Co. was for many years
located at Rahway, N. J. We believe that the con-
cern discontinued manufacturing the fine music boxes
several years back and went into another line.
* * *
THE "WEILER" PIANO.
Milwaukee, November 8, 1925.
Editor Presto: We would like to get some parts
for the repairing of a Weiler playerpiano, and, as
the name Weiler is given in your Guide as one used
on a popular piano from a western factory, we ask
you to inform us what factory is using the name
Weiler on their instruments.
B. W. SELKE.
The Weiler piano was originally made by the late
B. F. Nysewander, who established the Weiler Piano
Co. at Indianapolis. Later Mr. Nysewander brought
his industry to Chicago, and some of his instruments
were manufactured by the E. P. Johnson Piano Co.,
Elgin, 111. In fact, Mr. Nysewander had instruments
made by several factories, but he produced very few
of them in any establishment of his own, so that it is
impossible to name the maker of the particular in-
strument to which you refer.
* * *
CASES AND PICKS.
Baltimore, Md., November 15, 1925.
Editor Presto: We desire to purchase in large
quantities all classes of picks for musical instruments.
We are especially desirous of locating the manufac-
turer of a ukulele pick made of celluloid of some
similar material, with felt cemented on each side.
We also desire to purchase felt cases for musical
instruments, and other styles of cases as well. Can
you give us a list of manufacturers of these goods?
GEO. H. BUCHHEIMER & SON.
We are sending you copy of Presto Trade Lists
No. 3, in which you will find a list of musical supplies,
of the kind you name. Among the most extensive
manufacturers of felt cases for musical instruments
and others are: Walter M. Gotsch Co., 430 South
Green street, Chicago; Paragon Case Co., Oregon,
III.
You will find quite a list of other manufacturers of
these cases in the booklet to which we have already
referred. One of the most extensive manufacturers
of ukulele picks of the kind you describe is the Chart
Music Pub. House, 136 West Lake street, Chicago.
* * *
THE ELLINGTON PIANO.
Sheffield, Ala., November 21, 1925.
Editor Presto: I have a couple of prospects for
Ellington pianos and they are also interested in a
Wing & Son.
I told them I would write you and see if you would
write them with reference to the two pianos, and then
let them decide for themselves.
If this isn't out of your line I would like for you
to write them and greatly oblige. Their names and
addresses are enclosed.
R. E. COBB.
It is against the principles of Presto to draw com-
parisons of the kind suggested. In this case we can
say, however, were we to advise your customers we
would say to them that the piano manufactured by
one of the associate industries of the Baldwin Piano
Co. is too thoroughly established to permit of ques-
tion. The Ellington has a reputation of long stand-
ing, and the House of Baldwin is far above discus-
sion with reference to the quality of their products
or the responsibility of the manufacturers either finan-
cially or commercially.
* * *
SIXTY-FIVE NOTE ROLLS.
Merrill, Wis., November 11, 1925.
Editor Presto: We wish to get some 65-note piano
rolls for a playerpiano. Can you tell me where I will
be able to get these.
F. L. MEAD.
We do not know of any industry making 65-note
player rolls. The Goldsmith Piano Co., of Colum-
bus, Ohio, made a feature of supplying rolls of that
nature, but we do know that they are still doing it.
The Capitol Music Roll Co., Chicago, makes 65-
note rolls for electric players.
* * *
SECOND-HAND PIANOS.
Dallas, Texas, November 17, 1925.
Editor Presto: You will please give me the name,
or names, of dealers or manufacturers in Chicago who
sell second-hand pianos in quantities. I am in the
market for a number of these instruments and would
appreciate this information.
G. H. JACKSON.
Two regular dealers in second-hand pianos in Chi-
cago are E. E. Blake, 1101 Harrison street, Oak Park,
111., and Charles H. Bartholomee, 339 South Wabash
avenue, Chicago.
As a rule such houses as The Cable Co., P. A.
Starck Piano Co., Story & Clark Piano Co., and, in
fact, any of the large ones usually have second-hands
which they will sell in quantities.
*
*
AND REPAIR MEN
A Weekly Series of Expert Articles on the
Methods and Mysteries of the Harmon-
izers, and Other Correction of
Playerpiano Difficulties.
TO REPAIR LEAKY MOTORS
Troubles of Practical Tuners, and Others, Are In-
vited for Discussion and Often Explanation
and Solution by Author.
By HENRY L. PELTIER.
Repairing Leaky Pneumatics on Motors and Oper-
ation of Same.
To detect a leak place reroll lever to position, hold
motor shaft with thumb and finger, at same time
pedaling somewhat hard. When the leaky pneumatic
comes into power you will hear air, or atmosphere,
rushing in through opening caused by worn corners
of cloth, which will cause a weak stroke of this unit.
Cut a piece of diaphragm leather, or rubberized silk
cloth (other thin rubberized cloth may be used, but
it must be thin), about the size of a half-dollar.
To Repair.
It is presumed that you have disconnected the
power arms from pneumatics to crank shaft, so that
you can more readily do the work properly.
Now, put glue on leather, or material you have, on
the edge of same, 3/16-inch wide; not all over patch,
•
CHURCH REED ORGANS.
Loma Linda, Calif., November 12, 1925.
Editor Presto: Will you kindly give me the names
of a few companies that make organs of good quality?
I am interested in a two-manual pedal bass organ
suitable for church purposes, not a pipe organ.
I would like something like the Estey Co. makes,
but this territory has been assigned to one of the
large companies in Los Angeles.
SALESMAN.
H. Hogans, of Geneva, 111., is engaged in the pro-
duction of reed organs for church use, in a small way.
We know nothing about the merits of his instru-
ments.
* * *
PIANO ACTION MACHINERY.
Chicago, November 13, 1925.
Editor Presto: We received an inquiry from Ger-
many concerning machinery for making piano actions.
We have a few firms in mind, but we do not know
whether they are still in business, and you could per-
haps advise us to whom we could refer these people.
M. N.
A few years ago the best known concern of that
kind was the Nilson Machine Co., Bridgeport, Conn.,
but we are not certain about the activities of that
house at this time.
At present a concern which seems to be in demand
as makers of piano action machinery is that of Redin
& Extrom, 1439 Railroad avenue, Rockford, 111.
* * *
AN OLD "LUBITZ" PIANO.
Waukesha, Wis., Nov. 2\, 1925.
Editor Presto: We have an old H. Lubitz upright
piano made in Berlin, Germany, No. 5277, in beauti-
ful walnut case, and would like to know if you can
give us information as to how old it is.
W. T. LYLE.
Were the instrument of American manufacture
the number would indicate that it had been made
within three years, at most, of the establishment of
its makers. But the German industries do not turn
out pianos so rapidly, so it is probable the piano in
your possession was produced in about the year 1800
to 1885; therefore, it is not really a very ancient
instrument.
The house of H. Lubitz was established in Berlin
in 1875. Whether it is still in existence or not we
are not absolutely certain though it was in existence
just before the great war. It was never a very large
industry and the Lubitz pianos never arrived at any
point of special distinction.
PLATE I.
because if you do you will soon have trouble again.
For, when putting glue all over patch and putting-
same on pneumatic corners, they will crack open at
bend in cloth.
Put on glue as per dotted lines shown at top of
pneumatic, Plate No. 1, No. 5A. Put glue on edges
only, leaving center piece to form itself to conditions
of the pneumatic cloth.
If there should only be one pneumatic cut through,
it would be folly to remove all connections to pneu-
matic. Don't put on a patch when pneumatic is partly
closed.
After you have put on the patches, and connected
up motor as it was, your patches will be sufficiently
dry for you to use motor.
Pneumatic Motor.
A motor operates as follows—see Plate One:
No. 1 is slide valve; No. 2 atmosphere port; No. 3,
pumping system or depression chamber; No. 4, pneu-
matic (power); No. 5-A, edge of patch.
Plate No. 1 shows power pneumatic in open posi-
tion; port No. 2 being open to atmosphere causes
equal pressure all around, causing pneumatic to re-
main in its constructed position.
Number 3 is exhaust port connected to depression,
or exhaust bellows system.
When motor is in movement, slide valve No. 1
moves down over port No. 2; pneumatic No. 4 in
meantime has come to wide open position, then valve
No. 1 starts to pass edge 2-A, and immediately starts
to open port 2 at 2-B, to connecting chamber under
valve No. 1, to exhaust No. 3.
Of course one-power pneumatic will not run satis-
factorily, but, nevertheless, will run if a flywheel is
connected thereto to carry crankshaft one-half circle,
so power would be active again.
In order to have a satisfactory power plant three
or more units are employed, causing power impulses
every third, fourth, fifth or sixth of a circle, being
transmitted to crankshaft. Motors are constructed of
three to ten units.
Next week, Compound Valve Motor. Later I will
show how an action was made without pneumatics.
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
November 28, 1925.
CHRISTMAN
"The First Touch Tells 9 '
Studio Grand
(only 5 ft. long)
This little Grand has no superior and it
presents the very qualities that win the
prospect and make the sale.
terested in forming an association. What time and.
place. When and where would you suggest that a
meeting be called? What men: Please suggest
names of logical leaders for an association in your
city, also list desirable members of the trade in good
standing to assist in forming an association.
This Is Biggest Schiller Season, Says Frank
Traveling commissioners: What manufacturers
and other representatives in your territory would as-
M. Hood, Who Is Just in from
sist in the work of organizing?
an Extensive trip.
What subjects: The national association wishes to
"Others may say business is poor, but, as for us, help in every way possible, to outline an organiza-.
we've got so many orders we don't know whether tion program, list subjects and provide speakers?.
we'll be able to fill them all or not, by the first of Please note the subjects which you consider of great-
the year," said Frank M. Hood, Schiller wholesale est local interest?
Speakers' Bureau: Who would you suggest of the
manager at Chicago, to a Presto representative on
music trade, from your own territory and elsewhere,
Monday.
"This is going to be the biggest year the Schiller whether dealers, manufacturers or travelers, whom
has ever had. All of our dealers are enthusiastic over you know can speak effectively on subjects bearing
the Schiller Grand—every one of them, without a on the welfare of the trade?
The "Questions" in the first paragraph need not be
single exception. Our Grands, therefore, are going
answered by members for the following listed city
big."
Mr. Hood has just returned to his offices in the and state associations now affiliated with the national
Republic Building, Chicago, from a trip which took association under the present limited plan of affilia-
him over the best parts of the Central West. Fort tion: Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Oregon, Michigan, South-
Wayne, Indiana, was one of the many cities he vis- ern California, Charleston (W. Va.), Cleveland,
ited on his tours. He thinks Fort Wayne has a great Dallas, Denver, Pittsburgh, New York (city) and
future. Its growth has been amazing for several Talking Machine and Radio Men, Inc., of New York,
years past, but it is taking on a new impetus now New Jersey and Connecticut.
as an airplane port. In other words, it is now on
the air-map, like Toledo, Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago,
and Omaha.
To be ultra-modern nowadays, a city must have
an airport; it must be a piano market; it must have
automobile service stations, and radio broadcasting
towers; it must get its hurry-up letters from the sky.
Twelve Months Just Closing Have Proved the
Fort Wayne is just such a city as that.
Best in the History of Famous New
Mr. Hood says conditions generally are good; a
few dull cities, here and there, of course, but not like
York Industry.
other fall seasons. If there are dull towns, Mr. Hood
One of the large piano industries which will close
admits, it is the fault of the business men in them,
a great year, in the volume of its business, is The
rather than of location or other externals.
Aeolian Company, of New York. A Presto represen-
tative was told this week that this month The Aeolian
Company has experienced not only the largest No-
vember business in its career, but that past eleven
months have constituted the most prosperous period
since the house was organized.
It is expected that The Aeolian Company will be
President Weisert of National Association prepared to make some important announcements
early in the New Year—surprises which will give evi-
Asks Present Individual Members to Sub-
dence of the unparalleled progress of the fine old in-
mit Facts on Association Activities.
dustry. The new plans will mark still further steps
in advance of the already gigantic record of past
The first actual step toward putting into operation achievements.
the plan of promotion adopted by the Executive
The trade press has presented particulars of a num-
Board of the National Association of Music Mer- ber of the prospective advances of The Aeolian Com-
chants last month was taken this week in the mailing pany, and there are more to come—and some very
of a questionnaire form stating the objectives, methods important ones.
and service work which the plan contemplates.
The "Questions and Answers" section of the form,
to be filled in by the present individual members of
the national association, almost entirely bears on the
value of local associations with the prospect of form-
ing new ones.
A letter from President Henry E. Weisert to the
members of the association invites their close co- Because There Is a Difference Between the
operation in submitting facts as to local association
Piano Salesman and the General Goods
personnel and activities, also suggestions by the
or Ordinary Salesman.
Speakers' Bureau which the national association will
establish. The purpose of the questionnaire is to se-
There is no line in which personality counts for
cure working data and organize the Speakers' Bureau more than in selling pianos at retail. Of course a
to increase local association activity.
man without strong personality does not get very far
From this beginning the National Association of in any line of endeavor nowadays, nor never did; but,
Music Merchants will develop a method of delegate as Presto has often "risen to remark," the qualifica-
representation from state associations for the conduct tions of the real piano salesman are peculiar, "which
of its own affairs. The present affiliated associations same we are free to maintain."
have been asked to send delegates to the mid-winter
The Story & Clark Piano Company, in its Story
executive meetings in January to determine the Book for November "maintains" this gesture as fol-
most practical method of representation. This will lows:
begin the gradual transition of the National Associa-
"It is well to remember there is a considerable dif-
tion structure from its present plan of individual ference in between the relations of the piano salesman
memberships only, to the ultimate form of state asso- to his customer than is the case with the ordinary
salesman. A person making an ordinary purchase
ciation representation.
merchandise even though it runs into considerable
Meantime the individual membership status will be of
money, such as clothing, carries away no distinct
strengthened in those states not organized or affili- recollection of the salesman. There is a good reason
ated, vising these memberships as a nucleus for the for this. The purchaser feels that his general knowl-
development of affiliated associations.
edge of what he wants, of the price he wants to pay,
The "Questions and Answers" form invites infor- and the quality he should get, is as good as the sales-
mation on the following points: Your present asso- man's.
"They meet on equal footing. There is no fidu-
ciation name, with officers, president, secretary, etc.;
association workers, names and addresses of local in- ciary relation established. With the piano purchaser
is different. He has no definite ideas as to quality
terested leaders in association affairs, city, state or it
or values. He depends upon the salesman for advice
national, and whose work has impressed you.
and assistance in making the selection. The result
Results—Is your association doing good work? For is, he comes to have a very definite impression of the
the benefit of other local association workers else- personality of the salesman from whom he makes his
where, what benefits have you noted in the way of purchase. He knows the name of the salesman, and
good fellowship, promotion of music co-operative if the salesman has been courteous and helpful, he
advertising; newspaper co-operation, exchange of has a friendly feeling for him, that the salesman can
credit information or business helps, co-operation on cash in on, if he is alert to his possibilities.
"These facts make the personality of the piano
delivery problems, closing hours, etc.; legislative mat- salesman
larger factor than in general mer-
ters, state or ohterwise; or any feature of local asso- chandising a much
and therefore the greater need for the
ciation value which appeals to you? What sugges- house to play on that personality for its own benefit."
tions have you for your association as to subjects and
activities?
The civic organizations of Rensselaer, Ind., are
If no association, please state whether you are in- sponsoring a new boys' band.
DEALERS ALL LIKE
SCHILLER GRANDS
GREAT YEAR WITH
THE AEOLIAN COMPANY
MUSIC MERCHANTS SEEK
ORGANIZATION DATA
Reproducing Grand
Equipped with
THI
MASTERS
FINGERS
ON
YOUR
PIANO
A marvel of tone and expressive
interpretation of all classes of com-
position, reproducing perfectly the
performances of the world's great-
est pianists.
CHRISTMAN
Grands, Players and Uprights
command the admiration of
the best class of music lovers.
"The Fint Touch Tells"
Reg. U. S. Pat. Off.
Chrishnan Piano Co.
597 East 137th St.
New York
PERSONALITY COUNTS
IN PIANO SELLING
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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