MUSICAL
TIMES
PRESTO
Established
1881
Established
1884
THE AMERICAN MUSIC TRADE WEEKLY
10 Cents a Copy
CHICAGO, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1928
JESSE FRENCH &
SONS' RADIO SET
Important Announcement This Week from
New Castle, Ind., Industry Tells of Intro-
duction of a Radio Line Fulfilling All
the Requirements of the Tra.de.
The Jesse French &
Sons Piano Co., New
Castle, Ind., announces
its entry into the radio
manufacturing field, a
fact of undoubted im-
portance in the music
trade.
It prompts an
assurance that the new
manufacturing phase of
the company will he
operated with the same
thoroughness that dis-
tinguished the produc-
tion of fine pianos in the
great New Castle plant.
The technical and de-
signing departments of
Jesse French & Sons
Piano Co. have pro- THE MADRID CONSOLE,
duced a radio, after
months of research, which will make its official
how to the public on November 17. To all who
have seen and heard it this set is truly a revelation
because of its mechanical excellence and beauty of
design.
To find a circuit combining selectivity, truth of tone
reproduction and volume without distortion with
sturdy construction was the object of the research.
Only after a very careful investigation of the several
in popular u:;e was the circuit used selected. The
finished product certainly speaks well for the thor-
oughness with which many tests were conducted.
An Eight-Tube Set.
The Jesse French radio employs eight receiving and
amplifying tubes (with a rectifier tube in addition).
The frequency amplifier and detector comprises one
untuned and four tuned stages using two 171A, one
227 and five 226 tubes. The rectifier uses a 280 tube.
Push-pull amplification and an output transformer
are features. The set is self-contained with power
supply built in. All transformers, choke coils and
the condenser block are wax sealed as a protection
against moisture.
The single dial, which is illuminated, tunes the
radio. For the gaining of selectivity several broadly
tuned radio frequency stages rather than fewer
sharply tuned stages are used. The exceptionally
acute selection of the set is one of its strong features.
The location of the volume control between the
antenn<-e and the grid of the first tube prevents the
overloading of any part of the circuit when it is tuned.
The cutting down of the volume of a strong local
station is by a soft and loud switch which operates
in favor of improved control. The set has full elec-
tric operation (light socket) 60 cycle 110 volt A. C.
current.
Other Features.
The wiring of the set is through or in the base
and it is mounted on a heavy steel base which makes
it exceptionaly sturdy. The fact that all connections
are made in the base makes an unusually compact
and easily inspected mechanism. The buyer may
have a choice of either a dynamic speaker or mag-
netic; the dynamic, however, is slightly higher in
price.
The first offering in the cabinet style is to be the
Madrid Console. It is 48 inches high, 27 inches wide
and \6yj inches deep. The same finish as is given
• the world-famous Jesse French & Sons pianos—hi-
lited lacquer rubbed to a satin finish—is given to this
beautiful case which is strongly constructed and faced
with fancy walnut veneer.
The design of the Madrid Console was adapted
from the Spanish by the case design department of
the Jesse French & Sons Piano Company. The beau-
tiful design and excellent workmanship of their
musical instruments have made Jesse French & Sons
pianos famous for years, and the Jesse French
Radio certainly lives up to the traditions of its
makers. Within a very short time two other styles, a
Consolette and a table model, will be added to the
line. They will also be equipped with the same high
quality 8-tube set as the console model.
Music lovers will find that the Jesse French radio,
like the pianos bearing the same well-known name,
will fill a special place in their homes. Great technical
excellence and beauty of design are represented in
this last product at the lowest price compatible with
such quality. Radio dealers and experts who have
viewed the Madrid Console have given it their un-
qualified approval.
MOVE TO DISSOLVE
BUSINESS OF A. B. SMITH
Case in Common Pleas Court in Ohio Not a
Bankruptcy Case, But a Means to
Close Akron Business.
In a motion to dissolve the business of the A. B.
Smith Piano Co., Akron, Ohio, Rexford C. Hyre,
secretary of the Music Merchants' Association of
Ohio, has been appointed receiver. The company, of
which A. B. Smith is president, has been engaged in
the music goods trade for over forty years.
This is not a bankruptcy case, according to Mr.
Hyre. For some time Mr. Smith has been desirous
of ret'ring from active business while at the same
time his son has been desirous of continuing the
music business. A. B. Smith, Jr., has incorporated
his own business under the name of Allen B. Smith.
On October 22, 1928, A. B. Smith, who owns fifty-
one per cent of the stock of the A. B. Smith Piano
Corp., filed a petition in the court asking for a dis-
solution under receivership of the corporation, at
which time he presented a financial statement which
showed the company to be solvent as of June 30, 1928.
At Mr. Smith's suggestion Mr. Hyre was appointed
receiver.
W. E. GUYLEE ON GRAND JURY.
William E. Guylee, vice-president of The Cable
Company, Chicago, whose home is at 2515 Orrington
avenue, Evanston, is a member of the sixth and final
special grand jury to inquire into election crimes.
Joseph T. Ryerson, steel manufacturer, is foreman.
The jury was sworn in by Chief Justice John J. Sul-
livan of the Criminal Court. Special Prosecutor
Frank J. Loesch hobbled into court with the aid of
a cane, making his first court appearance since he
suffered a broken ankle four weeks ago. The an-
nounced purpose of this jury, which will be in direct
charge of Mr. Loesch, will be the investigation of the
political activities of the police prior to and at the
April primary.
NEW NAME CONTEST,
Selvi G. Carlson, proprietor of the Xorth Shore
Music Parlors in the McKillip Building on Central
avenue. Highland Park, 111., is seeking a new and
distinctive name for his popular store and has insti-
tuted a contest with that end in view. The reason for
changing the name is to clearly distinguish the store
from several others in similar line of business on the
north shore, and whose names also too nearly resem-
ble the one now in use for the local music store.
NEW GRINNELL BROS. BRANCH.
Lincoln Park, Mich., is to have a branch of the
largest music house in the state of Michigan, when
Grinne'l Bros, opens the new store at 1672 Fort
street, between Arlington and Warwick, this week.
This store will handle pianos, radios, a full line of
musical instruments, player rolls, records, Orthopho-
nic Victro'as, and other musical merchandise. Spe-
cials will be offered for opening week, it was an-
nounced. The Lincoln Park store will be under the
supervision of Paul Shaver, manager of the down
river district. Mr. Shaver has been connected with
the mus : cal business for the past 18 years.
The lama Novelty & Music Shop, 6305-07 South
Kedzie avenue, Chicago, is now owned by A. G.
Conners, one of the founders of the firm.
$2 The Yew
THE RECENT NEWS
IN INDIANAPOLIS
Pearson Piano Co. Celebrates Fifty-fifth Anni-
versary by Rousing Sale—New Starr
Grand Presented in Local Branch—
Other Items of Interest.
One of the special attractions this week in the
music industry of Indianapolis, is the fifty-fifth anni-
versary sale of the Pearson Piano Company. The
store has been beautifully decorated in the seasons
colors and hues, and an abundance of potted and
blooming plants. For the occasion one of the spa-
cious windows has been purposely decorated and the
place of honor is occupied by a Steinway & Sons'
grand piano finished in ebony, set in a black velvet
setting, with scarf and bench cushion in black bro-
cade, and cloth of silver. The window is attracting
an unusual amount of attention, and passerbys hesi-
tate and admire the beautiful instrument. One of the
real attractions is the founder himself, George C.
Pearson, who fifty-five years ago founded the insti-
stution, after visiting Indianapolis, and seeing its
opportunities. Mr. Pearson is still active and alert,
and when in the city can be found at the store, in
which he takes a keen interest.
New Starr Grand.
H. G. Hook, manager of the Starr Piano Company,
was wreathed in smiles the other day when he an-
nounced the arrival of the new style 40 grand piano.
Two of the instruments just arrived by truck from
Richmond, Ind., one in mahogany and the other in
walnut hilighted.. In discussing business with Mr.
Hook it was found that conditions were satisfactory
and Mr. Hook believes that business is governed by
the attitude of the manager.
"The whole force in any establishment is affected
by the attitude of the leader of the establishment.
Too many managers are affected too easily, and their
attitude has a very narrowing effect on the sales-
force. Selling pianos is hard, and can be made very
hard by the attitude of the manager himself. It is
better to think along the opposite line when business
is not so good, as thought has a great influence. En-
courage rather than discourage and hope for the
best," said Mr. Hook.
Sells Fine Ampico.
William Christena of the Christena-Teague Piano
Company reports the sale of one of the Mason &
Hamlin A. A. Florentine with the Ampico. This is
the most expensive piano the company has ever sold,
and was sold to a devout lover of the Mason & Ham-
lin piano. Mr. Christena says business is look'ntf
better, but it requires a lot of hard work to get it.
People who anticipate buying a high grade piano
don't make up their mind in \]\e minutes, and the
sales tactics that one must use in se'ling high grade
instruments are different from those used in selling
the lesser priced pianos.
Recent visitors in Indianapolis were F. M. Hood,
vice-president of the Schiller Piano Co., and C. A.
Whittier of the American Piano Company.
GERWIN SCHOOL FAVORS CHURCH.
The First Bohemian M. F. Church, 1'isk street and
19th place, Chicago, holds its 30-year anniversary
ce 1 ebration all of next week. On Thursday at 7:30
p. m. the Gerwin School of Music gives an artist
recital and concert gratis to the church. Both instru-
mental and vocal music is on the program.
SEEKING LINES FOR AUSTRALIA.
William Blogg. managing director of Amplion
(Australasia) Limited, the Australian branch of Gra-
ham Amplion, Ltd., of England, was a recent trade
visitor in New York city. Mr. Blogg made his head-
quarters at the executive offices of the Amplion Cor-
poration of America at 133 West Twenty-first street.
While here Mr. Blogg conferred with manufacturers
who are desirous of placing merchandise on the Aus-
tralian market on an agency basis. The Australian
executive remained in New York until October 27.
Ye Music Box Corp. is the name of a new music
store opened in Martinsville. Ind.
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