Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1927 2133

PRESTO-TIMES
MERITS OF THE
CARRYING CHARGE
June 18, 1927.
of doing business and restore to the dealer a fair
margin of profit between sales and operating ex-
pense. There is no question in my mind but that it
will be generally adopted. The pressure of condi-
tions alone will bring it about. The carrying charge,
however, is not offered as a panacea for the troubles
which confront the music merchant today, and before Many Important Incidents in Milwaukee Con-
(Continued from page 5.)
inviting a general discussion of this most important
duce to Directing Attention of Prospect on
parts of the country. It is possible, however, for subject from the floor, I cannot refrain from mention-
Commodities Offered by Music Houses.
dealers in the different states to use contracts much ing several other constructive steps that in my judg-
ment must be taken in order that the music industry,
more nearly uniform than is now the case.
The Kreiter Piano Company at 310 West Water
and more particularly perhaps the piano industry,
The Antique Contract.
street, Milwaukee, Wis., has secured the service of
may
be
revitalized
so
as
to
meet
changed
industrial
I hope I will not be misunderstood when I say
J. M. Waterbury, the "human pianola," to attempt to
that too many contracts in use by music merchants and social conditions.
play 72 hours continuously in the company's display
today have been drawn wholly by lawyers and, more-
There is one more most important element in this window, thus breaking the world's record of 66
over, in many cases by the lawyer of the present situation and one that I believe has not received the hours, 8 minutes, 32 seconds which he established at
dealer's father or grandfather. The law and bus- attention that it deserves. This country is today Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Waterbury is 61 years old, but
iness practice have both changed in forty years, but enormously wealthy. To create a desire for a prod- despite his age, possesses endurance unequaled by
no change has been made in many of the retail con- uct is to sell it, but people are demanding staple men half his age. He was married last year, and
tracts. The greater portion of the contracts that merchandise in new and different form. A few years his wife will be with him at intervals to give him
come in to my company from all parts of the United ago they were content to have all of their auto- attention while he is playing.
States contain protection against eventualities that mobiles painted black. Now the automobile industry
The Kreiter piano which is used in the test will
are so remote that any business man would be glad is obliged to supply its merchandise in all colors and be sold to the highest bidder, regardless of the size
to assume them as an ordinary business risk, and shades, so that men can select a car even as they of the bid, at the end of the test. Also as a special
the wording is unnecessarily formal and in many select their neckties.
offering during the event, the company is offering a
cases repetitious. The contract should be simple,
$135 Kohler & Campbell upright piano to be dis-
Suggests
Revolution.
understandable writing that will create a minimum
counted 1 cent for every minute that Mr. Waterbury
amount of sales resistance when presented to the
I know of no group of manufacturers who have plays.
customer for signature.
been so persistent in turning out the same old con-
The Chickering warerooms, Milwaukee, Wis., a
I think it would help us to an understanding of the ventional designs as the piano manufacturers. Stung subsidiary of the Music Art Corporation, is staging
benefits afforded by the carrying charge if we were by recent criticism, some of them have recently an- a "mark your own price sale" in connection with
to briefly refer to the reasons that have contributed nounced their intention of turning out more period the removal from their present location at 425 Wis-
•to the interest of the music merchant in this im- designs. This is but the merest step in the right consin avenue to the Music Arts building at 447
portant subject. It is not over ten years ago that direction. Simply because a grand piano has been
Broadway. The company expects to move into the
many of our clients were selling on the installment made for years in a certain design, well adapted per- new building by July 1, and there is much of the
plan at the same price that they were selling for cash, haps to the shape of the string plate, is no reason
stock that they would like to sell before they move
and without interest added on the deferred balance. at all why it should continue to be so made for the so that it would not be necessary to transfer such a
Some of the hardest sessions I ever had in years next century. Grands can be made square, rec- great amount.
gone by have been with merchants who obstinately tangular, even octagon in shape; decorated on all
Among the Milwaukee piano men who atended the
refused to charge interest even though their opera- sides so as to present a pleasing appearance from national music trade convention at Chicago were
every
angle.
The
whole
appearance
of
the
product,
tions showed that they were not making money and
Hugh M. Holmes, vice-president of the Bradford
their condition from year to year was going from both uprights and grands, can be radically changed
without the slightest injury to the tone quality of the Piano Co ; O. R. Stiehm, secretary of the Edmund
bad to worse.
Gram Music House; F. F. Planner and Eric Hafsoos
Today most of the music dealers are charging the instrument. The public demands something new, of the Flanner-Hafsoos Music House; Adam Schroe-
something
different,
and
the
piano
industry
must
customer interest on the deferred balance and now
der, manager of the piano department at Gimbels,
the most successful retail merchants that I know are supply it or give place to others. Where would the and W. Otto Miessner of the Miessner Piano Co.
automobile
manufacturer
be
today
who
had
continued
satisfied that they have got to go further and ask
Edmund Gram, president of the Edmund Gram
the customer to pay a carrying charge that repre- to manufacture the body designs of three or four Music House, Milwaukee, left for Europe recently,
sents the approximate cost of installment merchan- years ago? People will buy something different where he will spend several months.
dising. The principal reason for this change in the simply because it is different, and the piano manu-
The H. A. Jaeger Piano Co., located in Oconomo-
attitude of the music merchant is the increased com- facturer today who has the vision to turn out a prod- woc, Wis., is putting a $3,500 addition to its music
uct
wholly
and
radically
new
and
pleasing
in
appear-
petition for the installment dollar. Ten or fifteen
store. This store has grown much during the past
years ago he had little competition outside of his ance will attract thousands upon thousands of buyers year, and it was found that added space was neces-
own field. Today he has it on every hand and in who demand the latest and most up-to-date mer- sary. The addition will be one story high and be
the automobile industry, which is marketing a product chandise.
built of brick.
that the average customer does not retain for more
I have complete confidence that an aroused piano
The Blandin Phonograph Company of Racine,
than twelve to eighteen months beyond the period industry will work out its own salvation. The talk- Wis., recently filed a petition of bankruptcy, listing
of the installment payments, he has a competitor that ing machine has justified itself and is back to sta\\
the liabilities at $67,658 and the assets at $22,589.
is seeking the installment dollar of the same customer and band and stringed instruments will always be
year after year and decade after decade. This con- with us even though jazz will pass. The music in-
Mr. Spangler, head of the Spangler Music House,
dition has very naturally increased the sales expense, dustry will enduce as long as the human race, and
the collection expense and the advertising expense the importance of the carrying charge is that it will Harrisburg, Penna., took occasion to visit relatives
of producing the same volume of business for the enable the music merchant to earn the fair profit to at Glen Ellyn, Chicago's suburb, during his stay at
Chicago convention week.
music merchant.
which he is justly entitled.
To Offset Expenses.
The general adoption of the carrying charge by the
PIANO MAN FROM SEATTLE.
music merchants of the country will in large measure,
if not entirely, help to offset this increased expense
That indefatigable hustler and enthusiast from Spo-
kane, Wash., R. R. Oslund was in Chicago to attend
the convention. He comes east so frequently that he
Manufacturers oi
is almost a commuter. And Mr. Oslund always fills
several carloads of pianos for shipment to reach Spo-
kane about the time he gets back there himself—
usually in a new motor. This time it will be a Willys-
Knight from Toledo. Mr. Oslund says trade is so
good that he really doesn't care to have it any bet-
Factory and Wareroom*
ter, and the store at 1216 Broadway is one of Spo-
kane's bright spots.
TRADE NEWS FROM THE
STATE OF WISCONSIN
Becker Bros.
HIGH GRADE PIANOS
and PLAYER PIANOS
767-769 Tenth Avenue, New York
DINNER TO CELEBRATE CONTEST.
JESSE FRENCH & SONS
"Mate Homes Happy "
ftaWPlauers &G_.
Write for Catalog
Castle. Indiana.
To celebrate the success of the Annual Greater
Chicago Children's Piano Playing Contest and to
honor those to whom honor is due, the supervising
committee has sent out invitations to attend a dinner
to be given next Monday evening, the 20th inst., at
the Chicago Athletic Club. The dinner at 6 p. m. is
strictly informal. The invitations are signed by
Peter F. Meyer, executive secretary of the recent
Piano Playing Tournament and to whom is due a
very important share of the success of the tourna-
ment and its culmination in the great finals concert
at the Stevens Hotel last week.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
No person claiming to be connected with
Presto-Times as solicitor, correspondent or
otherwise is authorized to collect or receive
money on our account.
(Signed)
PRESTO PUBLISHING COMPANY.
The LEADING LINE
WEAVER PIANOS
arand«. Uprights and Player*
Finest and most artistic
piano in design, tone and
construction that can be
made.
YORK PIANOS
Uprights ar>4 Player Piano*
A high grade piano of great
value and with charming tone quality.
Livingston Pianos— Uprights and Player Piano*
A popular piano at a popular price.
Orer 70.000 instrument* made by thU company era ring-
ing their own praises in ell part* of the civilised world.
Write for catalogue* and state on what term* yon would
like to deal, and we will make yon a proposition ii yoa er*
located in open territory.
WEAVER PIANO CO.. Inc.
Fietory: TORK. PA.
Established U7t
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/
June 18, 1927.
PRESTO-TI M ES
CONVENTION WAS A
RESEARCH LABORATORY
•the Babson's Statistical Organization, of which I am
a highly pleased subscriber, for firing my mind to
write this letter after I read their June 7th letter, "To
Advertise—Do Something."
Its Comprehensive Activities Should Power-
fully and Quickly React on the Processes
of Advertising and Selling Pianos.
WESTERN ELECTRIC LEADERS
POPULAR WITH THE TRADE
By E. A. K I E S E L H O R S T .
President, the Kieselhorst Piano Co., St. Louis.
The twenty-sixth annual convention of the National
Association of Music Merchants was in effect a re-
search laboratory. The products of every manufac-
turer displayed in Hotel Stevens and the various re-
tail piano stores of Chicago were the best they could
make for the money, although I am sure they will
strive to improve their product.
Our greatest problem is to find ways—new ways
if possible—to use pianos, thereby increasing sales.
Just as the imaginations and emotions of human
minds the world over were fired by the carefully
planned, thoroughly studied epoch making flight of
our outstanding St. Louisan, Col. Chas. A. Lindbergh,
the minds of piano manufacturers and retailers have
been "het up" to the point that we now realize that
the Miessner Melody Way and similar splendid plans
is and are the real solution of the present and future
prosperity of this industry and the great cause of
music in general.
This research laboratory clearly shows us the value
of the tried and true old way—and new way to use
our product—pianos—the basic musical instrument of
the home.
The best kind of advertising is to do something
worth while. Such advertising is comparatively in-
expensive and produces the best results. It promises
results that can be secured. It is practical, educa-
tional work that can be "cashed in on" by all con-
cerned.
Just as soon as the piano trade turns face about,
ceases bait, fake, misleading advertising, selling
methods, etc., and invests its best thought, time and
money featuring these very simple, extremely effective
lessons for young and old alike, our rate of progress
and prosperity, happiness will be increased immensely.
This open letter to the piano trade, written as a
member of the National Piano Merchants' Associa-
tion, is my thanks to the officers, members and con-
tributors for the excellence and value of their efforts
to make the twenty-sixth annual convention such an
outstanding, successful conference.
Furthermore and important, my thanks also go to
Derby Automatic a Proven Profit Maker and Music
Merchants Realize Its Possibilities.
DECKER
mJ
EST. 1856
& SON
Grand, Upright
and
Welte-Mignon
(Licensee)
Reproducing
(Electric)
Pianos and Players
of Recognized
Artistic Character
Made by a Decker Since 1856
699-703 East 135th Street
New York
The Heppf, Marcellus and Edouaid Jules Piano
manufactured by the
HEPPE PIANO COMPANY
are the only pianos in the world with
Three Sounding Boards.
Patented in the United States, Great Britain,
France, Germany and Canada.
Liberal arrangements to responsible agents only.
Main Office, 1117 Chestnut St:
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
LATE TRADE NEWS
FROM INDIANAPOLIS
Interesting Items Tell of Activities in Music
Goods Featuring and Selling in Lively
Indiana City.
The Wilking Music Company, Indianapolis, has
just received two of the new style Wurlitzer period
models in the Spinnette and the Clavichord. The in-
The Western Electric Piano Company. 832-850 struments are exact reproductions of the early styles
Blackhawk street, Chicago, manufacturers of high- and possess many new and attractive features. An-
grade automatic pianos, reports that its line of auto- other feature of the week is the Treasure Chest, which
matic instruments is moving in the most satisfactory is being extensively advertised by the Wilking com-
manner. A. F. Larsen, president, when interviewed pany. The Wurlitzer Treasure Chest is being dis-
by a Presto-Times representative last week, said: played in the leading theater lobbies and featured in
"Our trade was in fine shape before the convention the local newspapers.
and the big number of orders received from visiting
The contest of the Jesse French & Sons Co. is
dealers will keep us busy for some time to come."
meeting with unusual success and up to date the com-
The "Derby Winner," which provides a minia- pany has 500 points to its credit.
ture horse race, is in demand in small hotels and
There has been rumors to the effect that the L. S.
amusement centers of all kinds. Its sporting aspect
Ayers Company, of Indianapolis, one of the largest
in connection with automatic piano music is a clever department stores there would open a piano depart-
combination, and in view of this attraction it has ment and feature the Mason & Hamlin piano as a
unlimited profit making possibilities.
leader. After an investigation was made to ascertain
Other instruments of the regular line that are the truth of the story and secure details it was learned
popular are the Styles "A" and "G," "Selectra" and that the company has no such intention at this time,
the Mascot model, the latter being one of the small- although it operates a large talking machine depart-
est automatics in the field, but its compactness is ment and sheet music section.
only for space conservation, as its performance easily
Harry Wert. manager of the Pearson Piano Com-
equals that of much larger instruments.
pany, reports the present sale of the company adver-
tised as the annual unloading sale meeting with good
success. John Pearson is preparing to leave the city
for a period of several months on his usual summer
vacation.
Mr. Tratoe. representing the Aeolian Company,
New York, spent a day in Indianapolis recently. He
Seattle, Wash., Music Dealer Advertises Special was formerly sales manager of Sherman, Clay & Co..
Event in His Characteristically Original Way.
in San Francisco.
Alfred Rapp. of the Rapp & Lennox Piano Com-
The Royal Court of Music, operated by Count
George Hay Du Barry in Seattle, Wash., is holding pany, has returned to his desk after several weeks of
a "Ministers' Discount Sale" The half-page ad in suffering with rheumatism.
the newspapers is illustrated with a drawing of the
store interior with a flock of clerics eagerly making
selections of music goods. Pianos are in plain view
marked "sold."
"Spend a happy moment here," is the printed ad-
vice. "Visit my warerooms, walk among aisles and Enthusiastic Sponsoring Assures Success of the Event
aisles of great pianos until you find the one you want
in Which the First Prize is a Grand Piano.
for home. It is cheerfully given to you on free trial;
remember, no sales talk urges you, no high-powered
Sponsored and encouraged by piano dealers, music
salesmen are employed here where visitors are wel- merchants in general, music and school teachers, city
come and the throne chair of the Royal Court of
and state officials, numerous children are enrolling in
France may be found. Clergymen will bring their the Greater Baltimore Piano Playing Contest, which
friends, our employes will bring theirs, and many will be conducted by the Baltimore Music Trades
readers of this favorite newspaper of ours will be Association. Interest is running high, and it is be-
along. Realize what you have lacked if your home is lieved that the results accruing from the contest will
without a piano; think of what I offer you tonight be most gratifying.
and it will fairly take you off your feet to come along.
A grand piano valued at $1,500 will be awarded to
"It is the custom of railroads and many stores to
give to their employes and clergymen a discount on the child in the Senior High School Division winning
their tickets or their purchases, and for a few days top honors. The winner will be given the privilege
we are going to give those who directly come to our of selecting any popular make of piano offered in the
store to shop from this very one particular ad every contest. The winner of the Intermediate Grade con-
advantage we give to clergymen and our own test will receive an $800 piano and the winner of the
Elementary Division a $400 instrument. These in-
employes."
struments will be placed on display at various music
stores in the city. As all the leading music and piano
dealers of Baltimore are interested in and sponsoring
as well as backing the contest, all popular makes ot
pianos will be included.
In addition to the capital prizes, diamond, gold and
Company Which Operated Successful Store on 63rd silver rings will be awarded to the children who
score the next highest points, while every entrant
Street Has Fine Warerooms on Ashland Avenue.
will receive an enrollment pin and oxidized silver
Formal opening of the Rud. H. Schoeppe Piano button.
Pianos which will be offered as prizes to winners
Company store at 3148 West 63rd street, took place
recently. Mr. Schoeppe announced that the store will in the Children's Piano Playing Contest to be staged
be under his personal supervision. He attained great under the auspices of the Baltimore Music Trades
success with his store at 6319 South Ashland avenue. Association are on display at the Chas. M. Stieff Com-
pany store. 315 North Howard street, the Chickering
In January, Mr. Ackerman, who was manager of
the 63rd street store, took it over under his owner- warerooms. 3C9 North Charles street, and the other
ship and operated it until last week, when Mr. piano stores participating and endorsing the event.
Schoeppe took control.
Albert Ritchie. Governor of Maryland, and Wil-
Mr. Schoeppe had the store redecorated for the liam Broeniug, mayor of Baltimore, in endorsing the
formal opening, and it presented a bright, new ap- contest, said that nothing will serve better to arouse
pearance. The stock of the store is complete in interest in music, particularly in the piano, than this
every respect with radios, pianos and other musical contest.
instruments.
The sponsors of the event report a continued in-
crease in the number of participants The enroll-
ment indicates that every boy and girl who can play
MARION, IND., STORE SOLD.
the piano will be a contestant.
The Marion Piano Company, Marion, Ind., has been
purchased by J. S. McClurg from Saul Karantz, who
GULBRANSEN BUS SERVICE.
was the owner and manager for many years Mr.
McClurg has been in the piano business for a long
During convention week the Gulbransen Company
period and is well adapted to carry on the business. maintained a de luxe bus transportation service be-
tween the Stevens Hotel and its factory. Huge ban-
Howard, Farwell & Co., St. Paul, Minn., has se- ners reading "Gulbransen Piano Special" indicated to
cured a lease on a building at Fifth and Cedar street, the man in the street that something of particular
piano interest was going on.
to which the company will move about July 15.
COUNT DU BARRY HOLDS
MINISTERS' DISCOUNT SALE
INTEREST GROWS IN
BALTIMORE CONTEST
RUD. H. SCHOEPPE PIANO CO.
HOLDS FORMAL OPENING
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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