Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1928 2180

MUSICAL
TIMES
PRESTO
Established
1881
Established
1884
THE AMERICAN MUSIC TRADE WEEKLY
10 Cents a Copy
CHICAGO, SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1928
$2 The Year
INTEREST IN CONVENTION GROWS
Propaganda of the Music Industries' Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Music Merchants and Other
Bodies, Results in Manner Desired by Promoters
COOPERATION PLEA
VERY EFFECTIVE
Practical Estimate of Music Trade Conditions,
Suggesting the Necessity for a Shoulder-
to-Shoulder Stand by Merchants, Stimu-
lates Desire to Be at Commodore.
The necessity for organized co-operation in the
music business is the strong plea that is interesting
the music dealers in printed and verbal propaganda
for the annual convention. That argument, used so
effectively by Hermann Irion, C. J. Roberts, Delbert
L. Loomis and others, is having its effect in the
manner that the circumstances deserve.
Travelers for piano and other houses who do the
verbal alluring in such pleasantly effective way, report
that the appeal for co-operative assistance is getting
a response that is remarkable. Of course, as usual,
the allurements of the social features of the annual
convention in a city like New York are being arrayed,
and no one doubts their influences in determining the
actions of dealers, but it is surprising how much the
more serious plea aimed at the dealer's sense of duty
is having effect.
Co-operation Is Good Plea.
The topic of co-operation and its notable effect on
music trade conditions has never really been put for-
ward in the most effective way, according to one
observant music trade traveler. In fact, the functions
of the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce and
its relations to the various trade associations are
matters about which this traveler found woeful ignor-
ance among dealers. True, he said, they are dealers
whose trade pride has never been aroused. Such types
are common in the smaller towns where only one or
two dealers wait patiently for the knocking of Op-
portunity.
The nation-wide movements that direct attention to
music and musical instruments were made possible
only by co-operative action.
Music Week, music
contests, piano playing tournaments, school band con-
tests, which now evoke so much interest all through
the country, are the results of action by trade asso-
ciations and music fostering organizations acting in
a unified way. It is a very dull and unobservant
music dealer who fails to see the purposes of such
movements and he certainly lacks energy if he does
not profit from them in some way.
The injustices suffered by the music trade from
Treasury Department regulations and unfair tax leg-
islation are known to every music dealer, whether he
has suffered from them or not. And if he, the dealer,
is observant, he knows what the activities of the
Music Industries Chamber of Commerce and the
National Association of Music Merchants has done to
combat such injustces, to ameliorate impressive tax-
ing methods or to entirely remove them.
They Need Associations.
Music dealers of the somnolent type are the kind
that need the most membership in a trade associa-
tion. Any little disturbance to the even tenor of
their way; a more than usually prolonged period of
depression disheartens them in such a manner that
they lose the power of initiative and "just lay down
until the sheriff comes," as the observant traveler
puts it.
The feeling of mutual effort for betterment excites
a fighting spirit that stimulates the actions, generally,
of the dealer. The shoulder-to-shoulder attitude is
accompanied by the feeling of hopefulness, engen-
dered by the thought, "if there's anything wrong with
the music business, 'tis up to me to set it right."
That is how a lot of music merchants feel who wi'l
attend a music trade convention for the first time at
the Commodore Hotel, New York, the week of
June 4.
Merchandise Men's Banquet.
The Musical Merchandise Manufacturers' Associa-
tion (Eastern District) and the Associated Musical
Instrument Dealers of New York conducted a rous-
ing joint meeting recently at the Fifth Avenue Hotel,
24 Fifth Avenue, New York. The chief interest of
the meeting was the perfecting of plans for the
musical merchandise banquet and entertainment which
will be held at the Commodore Hotel, Tuesday, June
5, during the big convention. A remarkable array of
nationally-known talent has been engaged. Kenneth
Clark, the distinguished song leader of the National
Bureau for the Advancement of Music, will lead the
choral singing.
There will be no after-dinner speakers, but a
diversified program of music will stimulate the
merriment.
CONVENTION DATES
JUNE 4 TO 8.
At Hotel Commodore, New York, the following
music trade organizations will hold their annual meet-
ings on dates named:
Music Industries Chamber of Commerce.
National Piano Manufacturers' Association of
America.
National Association of Music Merchants.
Musical Supply Association.
National Piano Travelers' Association.
National Music Merchandise Association.
National Association of Band Instrument Manu-
facturers.
National Association of Musical Instrument and
Accessories Manufacturers.
Organ Builders' Association of America.
National Piano Technicians' Association.
J U N E 11 AND 13.
The National Association of Sheet Music Dealers,
at the Hotel McAlpin, New York.
JUNE 12.
On this date the National Association of Music
Publishers will hold its annual meeting and election.
AUGUST 13 TO 16.
National Association of Piano Tuners, Inc., at the
Hotel Statler, Cleveland, O. Annual convention and
election and important exhibition of piano, players,
reproducing pianos and supplies.
DINNER PLANS OF
PIANO TRAVELERS
Jack Bliss, Gordon Laughead and Albert
Behning Comprise Committee Determined
to Make Convention Event More
Notable Than Ever Before.
One of the enjoyable
social features of the
convention of the music
trade at the Hotel Com-
modore, New York, dur-
ing the week of June 4
will be the 23rd annual
dinner, of which Jack
Bliss has charge of ar-
rangements. The din-
ner and entertainment
will be given 6:30 p. m.
Monday evening, June 4,
at the National Repub-
lican Club on West 40th
street, between Fifth
and Sixth avenues, only
a few doors from con-
vention headquarters at
GOUDOX LA UO HEAD.
the Commodore.
Assisting Mr. Bliss on
the entertainment committee are Albert Behning and
Gordon Laughead, and the committee is going to try
and outdo any previous travelers' dinner.
Association History.
The National Piano Travelers' Association dates
back 22 years, when it was organized during the
music dealers' convention at Put-in-Bay under the
leadership of the late H. O. Fox. Good fellowship,
a kindliness towards others and pride in their pro-
fession built up this modest, but strong organization.
Down through the years the membership has steadily
remained at approximately 300.
The principal qualification for membership is that
the applicant wholesale pianos, music rolls or player
piano actions. These rules have never been changed
and likely never will be. No one can gain ad-
mittance to the piano travelers' dinner meetings
unless he is a qualified member or an honorary
member. Past presidents of the National Music
Merchants' Association are the only retail piano men
who are invited to the meetings, and they come as
honorary members. Many of the highest executives
in the piano industry value their travelers' member-
ship above all other club memberships and make it a
special point to attend the annual travelers' joyfest.
In later years the travelers have supported the
Music Industries Chamber of Commerce and the
National Council of Traveling Salesmen. However,
the real function of the club is to keep alive the good
fellowship and lively times of the "good old days."
Past Presidents.
The past presidents are: The late H. O. Fox,
Major W. S. Rich, O. W. Williams, W. E. Hall, A.
Dalrymple, the late Wm. Plaisted, Frank E. Edgar,
the late B. F. Owen, J. Harry Shale, Dan E. Fabyan,
Wm. J. Keely, John A. Krunme, Calvin T. Purdy,
Alex A. Mahan, Geo. W. Allen, Geo. 11. Bliss,
Wm. C. Heaton. Chas. J. Cunningham, Geo. E.
Mansfield, Matt J. Kennedy.
A man who has contributed much to the travelers
is the beloved Col. Edward S. Payson of Boston.
Two other men who have helped make the travelers
an enjoyable association are W. B. Williams and
Gust Ad. Anderson. For many years Albert Behning,
one of the most popular men known to the piano
trade, has served as the association secretary.
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-TIMES
MUSIC TRADE NOTES
FROM INDIANAPOLIS
May 12, 1928
HARDMAN "MODERNIQUE" MODELS
The entire line of "Modernique" pianos recently things which go toward making the home artistically
introduced by Hardman, Peck & Company have been comfortable.
Rapp & Lennox Announces Addition of M. received with enthusiastic interest by both the trade
Lee Simonson, the creator of the piano named "The
and public. Besides the remarkable attendance at
Death of a Simile," observed that "it has been the
Schulz and Charles Frederick Stein
the exhibition of these new pianos, held at the Fifth custom to cover up the piano case with any sort of
Pianos—Other News.
avenue showroom, it is estimated that the window
a drapery which we happened to have on hand,
Alfred Rapp of Rapp & Lennox has anounced two display has attracted the attention of some 11,000 thereby proving that we did not like the looks of the
instrument, but with these new pianos, it is possible
of the pianos he proposes to sell in the future, the M. people daily.
Schulz and the Charles Frederick Stein, both made
The private showing of the "Modernique" group, to have an instrument in the home which is not only
in Chicago. When questioned as to what other which formally opened the exhibition on the after- adequate for the musician, but, in addition, is a thing
makes the company would carry, Mr. Rapp said: noon of April 10, was attended by a number of well- of rare and exotic beauty."
"We expect to carry several other makes of instru- known musicians, decorators, artists, representatives
Edward Steichen, designer of the pianos "Lunar
ments, but are not quite ready to make any announce- of the press and the designers of the new pianos.
Moth" and "Vers Libre," said, "The designing and
ments at this time. We have been solicited by some
very old and reputable concerns, who have been
manufacturing pianos for many years, but we are
anxious to tie up with manufacturers who are making
a good popular priced piano.'
William Christena, president of the Christena-
Teague Piano Company, has returned to his desk
again after a few days' illness, suffering from in-
fluenza. The company are busy making arrange-
ments for a very large sale, which began last Tues-
day, and will try and clear the floors of all old
instruments in order to make room for a new stock.
Sales worthy of mention made by the company during
the past week were one of the Haines Bros, period
model, style Louis XV, in mahogany, and one of the
Chickering & Sons Ampicos in mahogany. Mr.
Christena reports the business of April very satisfac-
tory, with the outlook for the future very promising.
Carl Carpenter, who has been connected with the
music industry in this city for many years, and lately
manager of the Robertson's Music House, has been
made manager of the Wurlitzer House in Louis-
ville. Ky.
The Granada Theater, which is considered one of
the finest in this city and located in the residential
district, is equipped with one of the famous Wur-
litzer organs. One of the strange features about the
instrument is the housing of the pipes. These are
hidden in Spanish balconies that are draped with cloth
of gold, behind a wrought iron grille and out of sight
of the audience. The arrangement, however, does
not have any affect on the tone.
Brewer T. Clay, one of the sa'esmen at the Pearson
Piano Company, has gone to Miami, Fla., with the
Indianapolis Shrine.
Chas. Howe of the Apollo Grand Piano Co. is in
Indianapolis this week giving a special feature act ?t
the new Fountain Square theatre. Mr. Howe is using
the Apollo grand in fire cracker red finish which was
especially built for the act.
Ellis Lev}', noted violinist, gave a concert at the
Kirshbaum Community House on Sunday evening,
accompanied by the Steinway piano. The concert
was presented to a large audience in the auditorium.
DESIGN CREATED BY EDWARD STEICHEN FOR HARDMAN. PECK & CO. IT IS
Frank Davis, manager of the House of Baldwin, is THE MODERN PIANO
PAINTED IN BRILLIANT PROXIMITIES OF BLACK, RED AND GOLD LKAF.
spending some time in Chicago this week. Visitors
in Indianapolis this week were Fred Gennett of the Mr. Eugene A. Schmitt, vice-president of Hardman, manufacture of these pianos represents the linking of
Peck & Company, presided. There were several art and industry in a great step forward in modern
Starr Piano Company, George Schaffer of the Kurtz-
mann Piano Co. and Chas. Howe of the Apollo Piano speeches made by individuals prominent in the art progress."
and designing world, the keynote of the occasion—
Miss Helen Dryden. creator of two of the "Mod-
Co.
the importance of the "Modernique" contribution to ernique" • group called "Caprice" and "Simplicity,"
the cabinet design of the future—being sounded by warned of the danger of confusing modernism with
A Ion C. Bement, director of the Art Center of New the merely bizarre. "Modernistic furniture," said
York.
Miss Dryden, "should be able to stand any test ap-
Mr. Bement pointed out that the telephone and plied to the furniture of by-gone designing periods. It
the radiator were really examples of present day should be just as line in design and in craftsmanship.
It should be as restrained and honest as the furniture
Great Exhibition of Music Goods to Add to Attrac- American design, but yet they were usually carefully
of Sheraton or Hepplewhite. The bizarre, the pre-
concealed. These modern pianos, however, also truly
tiveness of Colorful Show.
representative of the feeling among American design- tentious and the absurd are in just as bad taste as
Reports from Los Angeles indicate that success is ers of today, will not have to be covered up as they they ever were and are most decidedly not a part of
true modernism."
assured for the First International Music Pageant are extremely beautiful additions to that group of
and Exposition, to be held there in the Ambassador
auditorium June 16 to 20, according to officials of the
Western Music Trades Association and the Southern East Indian architecture of vivid color, with two
California Music Trades Association, under whose sound-proof demonstration rooms. Brunswick-Balke-
sponsorship the event will be managed. Waldo T. Collender Co. has arranged for Egyptian effects, with
Tupper, managing director of numerous Los Angeles colorful awnings, a golden throne on which to display
trade shows, including the annual Los Angeles radio outstanding merchandise, two demonstration rooms,
Pianos and Phonographs Make Good Showing at
and a sentry pacing to and fro on battlements over-
show, has been appointed managing director.
Event Fostered by Chamber of Commerce.
Booths have been assigned to scores of nationally head.
known music, musical instrument and musical supply
Piano manufacturers and other musical instrument
houses, which include:
manufacturers of the Baltimore market are participat-
Victor Talking Machine Co., Brunswick-Balke-Col-
ing in the Baltimore Products W r eek, sponsored and
George
P.
Bent
surprised
his
Chicago
friends
this
lender Co., Estey Piano Corporation, Edison Phono- week by returning unannounced from Los Angeles. held under auspices of the Baltimore Association of
graph Co., C. G. Conn, Ltd., Ludwig & Ludwig, Ru- But it was an agreeable surprise and the meetings
Commerce for the purpose of making known better
dolph Wurlitzer Co., William L. Lange, Freid-Eise- with his many old friends were pleasurable ones. the diversification of products manufactured in that
man Radio Corporation, Lenardo Nunes, Tonk Manu- Mr. Bent has opened offices at Suite 1813, W, in the city. These manufacturers are displaying their in-
facturing Co., and the Hough Portable Phonograph
Palmer House, where he plans a busy period in com- struments in all of the leading retail establishments
Company.
pleting his book and getting it to press before the of the city.
In addition, leading Los Angeles music stores to opening of the conventions, June 4, at the Commodore
Among the manufacturers participating are the
hold exhibitions include: Birkel Music Co., Baxter- Hotel, New York. It is labor of love for him, but it
Charles M. Stieff Co., makers of Stieff and Shaw
Northrup Co., California Piano Supply Co., Fitzger- means incessant work at the drudgery of proof- pianos; The Win, Knabe Co., subsidiary of the
ald Music Co., Martin Music Co., Platt Music Co., reading and necessary changes as well as of looking
American Piano Co., and makers of the Knabe
Richardson's Inc., Harry F. Slater Mfg. Co., South- up data available in Chicago.
pianos; the Oriole Phonograph Co., makers of the
ern California Music Co., Starr Piano Co.
Oriole line of portable phonographs, the Brafco line
Booths are being built on a lavish scale. The Vic-
M. J. Pelletier has opened the musical instrument
of phonographs, and accessories comprising over 4500
tor Talking Machine Company has contracted for an business at Fort Kent, Maine.
individual items and Mel-o-Art player rolls.
SUCCESS ASSURED FOR
LOS ANGELES PAGEANT
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AT
BALTIMORE PRODUCTS FAIR
GEO. P. BENT IN CHICAGO
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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