Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1928 2186

June 23, 1928
PRESTO-TIMES
The American Music Trade Weekly
Published Every Saturday at 417 South Dearborn
Street, Chicago, Illinois.
PRESTO P U B L I S H I N G CO., Publishers.
Editor
F R A N K D. A B B O T T
- - - - - - - -
( C A. DANIELL—1904-1927.)
Managing Editor
J. FERGUS O'RYAN
Telephones, Local and Long Distance, Harrison 0234.
Private Phones to all Departments. Cable Address (Com-
mercial Cable Co.'s Code), " P R E S T O , " Chicago.
Entered as second-class matter Jan. 29, 1896, at the
Post Office, Chicago, 111., under Act of March 3, 1879.
Subscription, $2 a year; 6 months, $1.25; Foreign, $4.
Payable in advance. No extra charge in United States
possessions, Cuba and Mexico. Rates for advertising on
application.
Items of news and other matter are solicited and if of
general interest to the music trade will be paid for at
space rates. Usually piano merchants or salesmen in the
smaller cities are the best occasional correspondents, and
their assistance is invited.
Payment is not accepted for matter printed in the edi-
torial or news columns of Presto-Times.
Where half-tones are rnade the actual cost of produc-
tion will be charged if of commercial character or other
than strictly news interest.
When electrotypes are sent for publication it is re-
quested that their subjects and senders be carefully indi-
cated.
Forms close at noon on Thursday. Late news matter
should be in not later than 11 o'clock on that day. Ad-
vertising copy should be in hand before Tuesday, 5 p. m.,
to insure preferred position. Full page display copy
should be in hand by Tuesday noon preceding publication
day. Want advertisements for current week, to insure
classification, should be in by Wednesday noon.
Address all communications for the editorial or business
departments to PRESTO PUBLISHING CO., 417 South
Dearborn Street, Chicago, III.
sible by the instinctive musical taste of the
youth of Chicago, a fact pointed out in his
happy introductory address by Mr. Chas. E.
Byrne, who said his belief is that it required
incentive and opportunity to realize the values
of taste. More piano sales should result from
the musical activities of the tournament made
possible by the enterprise of the public-
spirited Herald and Examiner and the trade
ambition and loyalty of the Chicago Piano and
Organ Association, collectively and indi-
viduallv.
A MUSIC PUBLISHER'S VIEW
Three agencies that are building up the
standard of music and music education are the
motion pictures, the church and the school, in
the opinion of Mr. Harold Flainmer, the New
York sheet music publisher. But the influ-
ences of radio in that respect, are not so satis-
factory, he told the convention of Music Pub-
lishers' Association last week.
The ambition of theater owners to provide
fine organs and orchestras made up of compe-
tent players obviously is of the greatest ad-
vantage in making the public, familiar with
high class music; the scheme of music studies
in the schools undeniably is creative of the
desire for better music and the ambition to
excel
in making music in some form, he said.
SATURDAY. JUNE 23, 1928.
The effects of radio provide a great detri-
The last form of Presto-Times goes to press ment to the sheet music business, in Mr. Flam-
at 11 a. m. Thursday. Any news transpiring mer's opinion. Indiscriminating broadcasting
after that hour cannot be expected in the cur- makes music too cheap. Radio discourages
rent issue. Nothing received at the office that the custom of concert tours of artists who per-
is not strictly news of importance can have form for potential buyers of sheet music.
attention after 9 a. m. on Thursday. If they
concern the interests of manufacturers or Radio only diverts music into the ear of those
dealers such items will appear the week follow- who are satisfied merely to listen. Mr. Flam-
ing. Copy for advertising designed for the mer closed with the alarming view that "radio
current issue must reach the office not later and similar devices will soon bring about the
survival of the fittest among artists and musi-
sians."
It is undeniable that radio is a great force
CHICAGO'S PIANO CONTEST
in
the realm of music today. Uncounted mil-
Nearly three thousand men, women and
lions
listen in, whatever may be. the effect on
musically appreciative children filled the great
individuals.
But there must be many who are
ballroom of the Palmer House, Chicago, on
urged
to
do
more
than listen to music played
Monday night of this week to hear the finals
by
others.
An
increase
of musical taste in the
in the Second Annual Chicago Children's Piano
masses
naturally
should
result in greater evi-
Playing Tournament. It was a delightful
dences
of
desire
to
play
something.
A leading
climax to the piano promotion activities
music
critic
recently
stated
his
opinion
that
sponsored by the Chicago Herald and Exam-
musical
appreciation
has
made
more
progress
iner and firms and individuals in the piano in-
dustry. The assemblage marked the intense in the last ten years than it made in the pre-
interest in the efforts of six thousand boys ceding twenty and that it has made greater
and girls attending public, parochial and pri- strides in the last five years than in the pre-
vate schools who had entered the contest, the ceding ten years. The fact should be conducive
finals in which showed such a high degree of to musical instrument and sheet music buying.
piano playing ability.
British music dealers were given grievous
The manner in which the public evinced in-
cause for complaint in the defeat recently in
terest in. the tournament naturally expressed
the House of Commons of the Hire-Purchase
a revived attention to the piano as the ideal
Bill. So that the landlord may still enter a
musical instrument for self-expression in the
house and distrain and sell property which lie-
home. For several months, people in every
longs to neither the tenant nor himself, and
block in Chicago and its suburbs have been
music dealers must still suffer from an obvious
concerned in the praiseworthy efforts of some
boy or girl to qualify as a winner in prelim- legislative injustice.
* * *
inary tests and eventually in the finals. No-
Piano promotion plans now appear in the
body doubts that such an emotion in the pub-
music trade in various forms and different de-
lic mind will be productive of the effects de-
grees of potency, but nearly all effect the end
sired by tournament promoters. Every boy
for which they were created. Promotion plans,
and girl who. by improvement in playing, made
national in their scope, launched by the Na-
an effort to win, was a potent cause of emula-
tional Piano Manufacturers' Association, are
tion in other boys and girls. To create such a
producing effects in the attitude of the public
spirit is the aim of all promoters of piano
which are heartening to the dealers who co-
study and frankly of all those who would in-
operate with them.
crease piano sales. The desire in the public
* * *
to buy pianos is in equal ratio to the ambition
Mr. A. G. Gulbransen's frank analysis of the
of the people to play them.
piano business in this issue has an enlighten-
The unqualified success of the tournament
ing quality that is filled with suggestions. And
which closed on Monday night was made pos-
the most arousing thought is the necessity for
the piano dealer and piano salesman "to get
down to real work." Mr. Gulbransen draws a
comparison between the piano business and
other newer businesses in the manner of solv-
ing selling problems and shows how the for-
mer requires similar energy and planning as
the latter.
'WAY BACK IN PRESTO
(From Presto, June 26, 1890.)
We regret to note the death of the mother of Mr.
Peter Duffy, president of the Schubert Piano Com-
pany, which occurred in New York Saturday night,
May 31.
We understand from an authentic source that Chas.
M. Stieff & Co., of Baltimore, are preparing to mate-
rially extend the sale of the Stieff piano to the trade
to a greater extent than heretofore. The Stieff is one
of the most complete and best arranged piano factories
in this country and capable of a large output. Messrs.
Stieff & Co. have, we understand, recently put two
new traveling men on the road.
An elegant floral card souvenir with diamond set-
ting is received at this office from the Chicago branch
of the estate of Albert Weber, 248 Wabash avenue.
Manager Dederick is a bright man for the Weber
interests in Chicago.
Of Boston's home-made piano-fortes, none are bet-
ter taken care of there than is the Everett. An order
has been given for one of the largest style Everetts,
finished with nickel plate trimmings on front and back
corners of the case as well as the hinges. The in-
strument is built for L. J. Harris, for the Harris
Patent Palatial Car, Jeannette, now being built at
Springfield, Mass.
The Mason & Hamlin Organ and Piano Company,
Boston, has a trio of magnificent salesrooms and
offices. Boston stands first of this trio in point of
beauty, elegance and location; but as between New
York and Chicago, the preference in convenience, gen-
eral arrangement, etc., must be left to the individual
taste of he who would express his opinion.
The Mason & Hamlin Grand piano is now in the
field and it will be well heard from. It will play
an important part in the future pianoforte history of
this country. This is a prediction, but it is based
upon axiomatic principles of development.
IN N E W YORK.
Pease Piano Co.—Activity noticeable.
Braumuller Co.—Well settled in new factory at 543
West 43rd street.
E. Gabler & Bro.—New six-story addition to fac-
tory completed.
Conover Bros.—A gradual expansion of business
certain.
Decker & Sons.—New factory in Harlem a beauty.
Dolge, Alfred.—Mr. Dolge considers his duty to
his business interests of greater importance at the
present time than a seat in Congress, to which
might be added: "Mr. Dolge being a man who exerts
a strong influence he may be able to do as much
good outside as within legislative halls."
Dunham Piano Co.—Gaining, slow and sure, as
usual.
Gemunder, Aug.—Making several violins for artists.
Smith, Freeborn G.—Much interested over the
newly formed Washburne Piano Co., of which he is
the president.
Peek & Son—Appearances bright and brilliant.
Wheelock, Wm. E. & Co.—Equilibrium of trade
very good.
Weser Bros.—Are now fairly under way in the new
buildings leased for factory premises.
Tonk, Wm. & Bro.—Will put in additional ma-
chinery for manufacturing the Herrberger-Schwander
piano actions in New York.
Mathushek & Son.—New life; much better pros-
pects.
Kroeger & Sons.—The demand for Kroeger
agencies is buoyant and several important ones have
of late been made.
Mehlin, Paul G. & Sons.—Busier than ever before.
Paul G. Mehlin enthusiastic over the Minneapolis
plant.
Behning & Son.—The Tom Thumb miniature baby
grand piano made by Mr. Behning has brought in
many letters, asking for photographic views, descrip-
tions, etc.
Behr Bros. & Co.—Receive many congratulations on
their fine concert grand just from the factory. Mr.
Henry Behr is enthusiastic over his lease of property
for new warerooms at 81 Fifth avenue.
Schubert Piano Co.—Their extensive contracts
with large music house keep the factory busy.
Harrington, E. G. & Co.—Trade quite satisfactory.
The "hired man" sends in more orders than the house
can fill until he is taken off the road, in order to
catch up.
Connor, Francis.—Mr. Connor is ready to give out
a contract for the erection of his new piano factory
in Harlem.
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/
[ ' R E S T O-T I M E S
June 23, 1928
A LOOK AHEAD IN
THE PIANO BUSINESS
THINGS SAID OR SUGGESTED
proving it by throwing bouquets at himself at all
hours of the day. He wore a path on the rug to the
Frank M. Hood, vice-president and sales man- chief's desk to hand himself encomiums on his wis-
ager for the Schiller Piano Co., Oregon, 111., sees dom and festoons, chaplets and brilliant floral pieces
his name printed in the trade papers so often that of conversation on his industry.
the sight of the magic combination of letters occa-
The other young man just kept pegging away at the
sionally loses its thrill and fails to pleasantly react
task of the moment or the day. Seemingly he was
on his disposition. It might just as well be the name more worried about solving his business problems
of a vice-presidential candidate of the Anti-Cigarette without bothering the department head than in direct-
party for all he cares.
ing attention to the fact that he could do so.
Then something happens to make him sit up and
As the days passed the floral young man noticed
take notice; something retributive to humble his that it was to the pegger that the chief turned when
proud spirit, like spelling his name wrong, a flagrancy he desired a pointer or when he had some particular
committed by a linotyper for Presto-Times in last instructions to give. Then he made another mistake
week's paper.
and interlarded his own praises with deft knocks at
The Hood humbling agent clicked out on his ma- his associate assistant. By his showing the pegger
chine that "F. M. Heed, vice-president of the Schiller was unreliable and lazy, whereas he himself was a rock
Piano Co., was a visitor to Indianapolis." The read- of dependability and for industry had the busy bee
ers inferred that Mr. Hood was presenting the same looking like a loafer, or words to that effect.
face with a different moniker to Edgar Daab, man-
It was at this point that the talkative boy got what
ager, and other wideawake piano men of the Pearson
was coming to him and he got it good and proper.
Piano Co. In short, leading a double ilfe in the pleas- The department head didn't rise up in his wrath and
ant Hoosier city. Tut! tut!! Also pish! tush!! The dramatically swat him. His voice did not rise above
inference is unthinkable!
his habitually low tones, but his message was loud in
No one can blame him for sensing a plot by its enlightenment. The words withered the bouquets
the music trade papers to ruffle his usual good nature. and scattered the bright rosebuds of self-praise and,
An Eastern paper during convention time styled him
ashamed, the young chap returned to his desk.
"proprietor of the Schiller Piano Co.," a mistake in
He was more thoughtful than resentful in the days
identity, naturally annoying to a man who enjoys so that followed and the period of his usefulness to the
much trade paper publicity. It read like news, so house really began from that day. The house has
a flock of reporters for the other trade papers hot- grown and with it the importance of the department,
footed to the Schiller exhibit to, ask President Edgar
of which he is now its chief.
B. Jones, "how come?"
The other one. Why, he kept pegging away, keep-
"The scoop is complete and includes me. First
ing his mouth closed and letting his work tell his
:
I heard of it," sa d Mr. Jones. '"Get Frank on the story. His name? He may not like it mentioned,
long distance in Chicago and congratulate him, add- but you will find it high up on the list of officers and
ing the suggestion to grow a chin whisker to qualify at the councils and directors' meetings he is still
as the goat."
sparing of his words. But, though few, it is re-
marked that they are the ones that guide policies.
* * *
* * *
BIOGRAPHY WITHOUT NAME ,
For one piano man who attended the radio con- THE QUALIFIED VIEW
vention and show at the Stevens Hotel, Chicago, last
Laurence E. McMackiu, manager of the McMackin
week the most interesting experience was listening to
Piano Service, Des Moines, Iowa, is aware that a lot
some piano talk among a group occupying chairs in of old pianos have no excuse for a continued existence
the rotunda. One of the group, an official of a promi- but the unconvincing claim of antiquity. But lie has
nent New York piano house, told a bit of biography the sensible professional attitude expressed by him
in which the moral was so obvious it stuck out in this week:
black type in his discourse.
"We believe in junking a lot of pianos, but there are
When he entered upon his duties as head of a a lot of good old pianos that should be worked over
department some years ago, he said, coming from an- and sold to those who cannot afford a high priced in-
other house, he found that his principal aids were two strument.
young men who had begun as office boys in the place.
"There is a lesson, too, in the action of several
They had reached the position in which he found Indianapolis piano dealers who recently had made over
them by the happy processes of succession. Of course a number of used pianos and sent them to the schools
the new department head was at once desirous of
of Brown County, Ind., as aids to musical culture.
gauging the abilities of the two young men in ques- The amazing statement of the teachers there was that
tion.
many of the children in the remote section saw a
He was spared a big wait, however, by one of them. piano for the first time when the donated used pianos
This one plainly feared his chief would not discover
reached the schools. Therein is a suggestion for
how very wise and smart he was, so he set about
dealers elsewhere."
Those Who Engage in It Should Realize That
It Has a Number of New Features Requir-
ing Different Attitude of Salesman
to Public.
SIGNS OF COME=BACK
TOO MUCH IS ENOUGH
An Unmistakeable One Is the Revival of Interest in
the Piano Made Plainer by the Increase in the
Number of Piano Pupils Everywhere.
By A. (;. GULBRANSEN,
President, Gulbranscn Co., Chicago.
Many questions relating to the problems of the
retail piano merchants are put to me by dealers who
feel that the contact of the Gulbransen Company
with its 1,500 merchant representatives should have
found an answer to each and every problem. Nat-
urally, the answers that I give them are merely an
expression of my own opinion and I try, as far as
possible, to keep from making predictions. It is too
great a responsibility to have a merchant map out a
course of business conduct in his own community on
the basis of my deductions in a broad, national way.
I have not made the statement that bottom has
been reached in the piano business, nor can it be pre-
dicted that the lowest point has been touched now.
It does seem that there are some very encouraging
signs pointing to the improvement of the piano busi-
ness. Granted that the general conditions in the
country will continue on an even keel, the piano busi-
ness should show a slow and steady improvement.
The retail piano business of today and of the future
is for men of courage. A number have dropped and
are dropping out of the race. It has proved too
strenuous for some of them. They have not had the
courage nor the versatility nor the resources to carry
them through.
Greater Convention Interest.
It is common knowledge that the meetings of the
National Association of Music Merchants at the
convention in New York were better attended than
in many years. It is well known that the men were
more attentive, that they really tried to get business
help from their attendance at the convention. This
is merely a reflection of the sirrit of the men who
remain in the business today. This is said without
discounting the wonderful work of the present ad-
ministration of the merchants' association in develop-
ing a worth-while program of talks. No matter how
good the program is, men will not sit in a meeting
unless they are interested, and their interest was
greater at New York than it has been in years.
The men in the retail piano business must realize
that they are in a new business. They must realize
that the methods that so many merchants have been
going along on are not swift enough, not productive
enough for the present age.
Retail piano selling has been too easy. Merchants
and salesmen have made their money too easy.
Other more modern commodities, household special-
ties that have been developed in recent years have re-
quired very careful working out of sales plans and
(Continued on page 11)
BOWEN PIANO LOADER HELPS SALESMEN
Outside Salesmen must be equipped so as to "shew the goods." The season for country piano selling is approaching. Help your sales-
men by furnishing them with the New Bowen Piano Loader, which serves as a wareroom far from the store. It is the only safe
delivery system for dealers, either in city or country. It costs little. Write for particulars.
BOWEN PIANO LOADER CO.,
Winston-Salem, N. C.
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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