Presto

April 2, 1927.
PRESTO-TIMES
stir up the prospects, as they were in the habit
of doing before the business seemed so easy
that little energy was required to create suc-
The American Music Trade Weekly
cess, there would be greater activity in the
Published Every Saturday at 417 South Dearborn factories, less waste of opportunity in the re-
tail stores, and a better feeling generally
Street, Chicago, Illinois.
throughout the entire trade. The spirit of
C. A. DANIELL and FRANK D. ABBOTT - - Editor*
sanguinity and enthusiasm is worth more in a
Telephones, Local and Long Distance, Harrison 234
Private Phones to all Departments. Cable Address (Com-
piano
store than a score of clerks who stand
mercial Cable Co.'s Code), "PRESTO," Chicago.
around
and wait for customers so deep in
Entered as second-class matter Jan. 29, 1896, at tjie
Post Office. Chicago. Ilfinois. under Act of March 3, 1879.
doubt that they seldom come.
Subscription, $2 * yjar; 6 months, $1; Foreign, 94.
We sincerely believe that if every piano
Payable in advance. No extra charge In United States
possessions. Cuba and Mexico. Rates for advertising on
store in this country would put a ban upon
application.
discussion of both the weather and the cause
Items of news and other matter are solicited and if of "dull times," the volume of piano sales
of general interest to the music trade will be paid for
at space rates. Usually piano merchants or salesmen would jump to more than double within two
in the smaller cities are the best occasional covre- weeks' time. If every piano man could rid
spondents, and their assistance is invited.
himself of the notion that the trade is not
Payment is not accepted for matter printed in the brisk, and act as if things could scarcely be
editorial or news columns of Presto-Times.
better, denying all talk to the contrary, the
Where half-tones are made the actual cost of pro-
complaints
would silence themselves and those
duction will be charged if of commercial character,
who actually seem to relish cloudland would
or other than strictly news interest.
When electrotypes are sent for publication it is get out into the sun, the factories would be
requested that their subjects and senders be carefully
soon taxed to their utmost. Why not give the
indicated.
thought a trial. Talk the business up, not
Forms close at noon every Thursday. News mat- down.
ter should be in not later than eleven o'clock on the
same day. Advertising copy should be in hand before
Tuesday, five p. m., to insure preferred position. Full
page display copy should be in hand by Monday noon
preceding publication day. Want ad vs. for current
week, to insure classification, must not be later than
Wednesday noon.
MALE PIANO PROSPECTS
everywhere, to get busy and stimulate their communi-
ties after the manner of Mr. Frank Bayley, of Detroit.
Whatever the slogan, it must mean simply "sell more
pianos."
* * *
The old-time stigma of the "stencil" has almost
been obliterated. Traveling salesmen in the piano
trade say that they find it difficult any longer to
interest dealers in an instrument on the basis of its
being "cheap." The piano buying public has grown
Merchants of Seattle, Wash., have been trying to
discover what quality comes first in salesmen and
other employes. The research disclosed that the rare
old virtue, honestly, ranks first. In the piano busi-
ness it has always been so—not?
* * *
The piano playing contest is becoming contagious.
A dozen cities, or more, have signified the intension
to promote piano contests after the Detroit and Chi-
cago plans. Much more activity in the piano stores
will be one of the results.
WHAT WE WERE DOING
And Saying When the Trade
Was Young
35 YEARS AGO IN THE TRADE
(From Presto, March 31, 1892.)
On Saturday evening last Walt Whitman, "the
good, gray poet," peacefully and painlessly sank into
his last long sleep. He paid his respects to the grim
destroyer with a perfect readiness, and closed up a
long, noble and pure life with a calm mind and an
unflinching heart.
It will be remembered that the New York Piano
Makers' Association in adopting the standard tuning
fork appointed as sole distributing agents of the
Association for the sale of these forks Alfred Dolge,
and Richard Ranft. The Association does not recog-
nize as legitimate any other tuning forks than those
having the official trade-mark stamped on them.
Within our Gates: DeVolney Everett (E. G. Har-
rington & Co.), New York.—Edward Ambuhl (Chick-
ering & Sons), Boston,—Chas. T. Sisson (Farrand &
Votey Organ Co.), Detroit.—Bagley & Obeirrich, La
Porte, Ind., J. T. Cook (Cook Piano Co.), Lawrence-
burg, Ind.—Mr. Greenup (Greenup Music Co.),
Louisville, Ky.—C. M. Harger, Dubuque, la.
On Friday night, in New York, a farewell dinner
was given Ignace Jan Paderewski, the famous pianist,
by the gentlemen connected with the house of Stein-
way & Sons. Those present were Paderewski, Wil-
liam Steinway, Hon. Carl Schurz, William Mertins,
Charles 11. Steinway, Fred T. Steinway, George A.
Steinway, H. Ziegler, Hugo Goerlitz, Nahum Stetson,
Charles F. Tretbar, and Louis Von Bernuth.
Many people have fine appreciation, but
don't
know it. A great many people have
Aridrfpp all communications for the editorial or business
departments to PRESTO PUBLISHING CO., 417 South
musical taste, but are not aware of it, accord-
Dearborn Street, Chicago, III.
ing to Dr. Sigmund Spaeth, the well known
lecturer and author of books on music. A great
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1927.
many men should get over the idea that they
The last form of Presto-Times goes to press have to be highbrow to enjoy music.
"1 proved the fallacy of that theory recent-
at 11 a. m. Thursday. Any news transpiring
after that hour cannot be expected in the cur- ly," said Dr. Spaeth, "when a man said to me:
rent issue. Nothing received at the office that 'That may be true, but I am a lowbrow. Give
is not strictly news of importance can have me Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here, or We
attention after 9 a. m. on Thursday. If they
concern the interests of manufacturers or Won't Go Home 'Til Morning'." That is often
dealers such items will appear the week follow- true, but it won't pass, as Dr. Speath seems
ing. Copy for advertising designed for the to imply that all or even most men are built
current issue must reach the office not later that way musically.
than Wednesday noon of each week.
Nevertheless, Dr. Spaeth told the lowbrow
in the case that he was showing excellent
IT'S UP TO YOU
taste. That the "Hail, Hail" came from a spir-
It isn't the fault of the public, nor any lack ited chorus in "Pirates of Penzance" by Sir
25 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
of public interest that causes complaint by the Arthur Sullivan, and the latter was taken from
(From Presto, April 3, 1902.)
piano dealers. Usually it is the lack of the a fine old French song. Perhaps local music
George G. Foster, of the Foster-Armstrong-Martin-
right kind of selling capacity. And the lack of dealers might find opportunities for mission- Haines combination, Rochester, N. Y., recently re-
turned from a short visit to Cuba, and is reported to
selling capacity is due to the need of stimulat- ary work and eventually more piano sales be in fine physical trim for the spring campaign.
On Thursday afternoon last a special business
ing energy in the piano stores. If this were among their male acquaintances and by a more
meeting of the Chicago Piano & Organ Association
not true, how could we account for some re- thorough canvass for prospects in the stores was held at the Wellington Hotel, Chicago. There
tailers declaring that trade is good, with a and offices of their cities and towns. Usually was a large attendance of members. The chair was
by President George P. Bent.
bright outlook for more while others, even in the families are ready to talk piano any time occupied
The Chicago P. & O. Association passed a reso-
the same locations, are ready to say that there save in the heat of the harvesting. Dr. Spaeth lution that the matter of placarding goods in windows
the product of manufacturers other than the regular
is no business at all ? And how is it that some with "music in their souls.'"
line that the dealer is handling, should be discon-
tinued, and we would also recommend that placards
manufacturers display signs of enterprise and
Mr. A. G. Gulbransen is determined to obliterate be not used at all. It is not a dignified way, in our
progress while others sit back and kick at the
the ancient notion that pianos "last a lifetime." The judgment, to advertise even the line of goods regu-
weather?
father of that idea, in the industry and trade, was larly handled by the dealer.
The piano business was always a work re- the late Calvin Whitney, of Norwalk, Ohio. He has
LITTLE MORE PEP.
follo.wers, but the theory of perpetuity in pianos
quiring tireless effort. It was never a busi- a has few been
exploded by experience, and the limitless You've a beautiful store in a beautiful town,
ness that permitted the retailer to anticipate warranty has now passed from the face of the earth
Your stock is complete and attractive,
You've goods of distinction and even renown,
a rush of orders or a steady stream of pros- forever.
The neighborhood merchants are active;
* * *
pects at any particular period. From the very
And yet there is something that's holding you back
A picture gallery of new H. C. Bay Company
And keeping you often downhearted,
iirst piano sale, it has been a case of impress- piano
styles appears in this issue of Presto-Times. It's something within you, I'll say, that you lack-
ing upon the people the need of music in the The variety and beauty of the display suggests un-
A little more pep and you've started!
home, and special inducement, terms, and edu- usual ambition and enterprise. It has been very sel-
that so large a variety of period and art designs A little more pep and your motor will hum,
cational opportunities have never been less dom
A little more pep in the gearing,
has been presented by any American industry.
With plenty of gas and the power will come
than half the means to success.
* * *
That stops all the stalling and queering;
Men are becoming the piano players. The old- Success
One of the most potent causes of dull times
is the purpose of all of us here,
fashioned
notion
that
music
belonged
to
the
girls
is
And those who attain it must hustle,
in the piano trade is the habit of passing along dying out. And, according to observers, the player-
definite aim and defying all fear,
the cry of poor business. Even in times of piano and the radio have worked wonders in destroy- With
Determined to win in the tussle.
great prosperity, the endless chain of discon- ing the silly proposition. Men have always been the
The slowboy who wabbles along far behind
tent and disintegrating cry of poor trade will great composers and the greater pianists.
Can never outflank the procession,
* * *
work disaster in any special line of business.
It begins to look as if the cities that promote music It's speed that decides it for motion and mind,
And settles the right of possession;
And piano selling is a special line.
by means of the piano tournaments will do most of
The slothful and weary may slumber and rest,
the
business
in
years
ahead.
Detroit
started
it,
Chi-
Content with the bygone beginning,
If the retail piano dealers will turn about
cago is working on it, and a dozen other large cen-
more pep would mean progress and zest-
and stimulate their salesmen to get out and ters are getting ready. It's up to the local dealers, A A little
little more pep and the winning.
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