September, 1931
PRESTO-TIMES
THINGS SAID O R SUGGESTED
OPEN FORUM ]
SUGGESTIONS ON CONDITIONS
Every daily newspaper in the United States has
inside pages that are filled with such flat reading mat-
ter that the reader hurries over them as quickly as he
can in order to get those parts of the paper into
the waste basket without delay. Filled with plati-
tudes that are not even good mirage, for a mirage is
the reflection of reality.
A New York friend of Presto-Times who, without
being hypercritical, is critical of causes that have led
up to the present depressed trade conditions, sends
along two paragraphs, followed by his own sly com-
ments. He refers to these paragraphs as No. 1 and
No. 2.
It was well for Calvin Coolidge to point out in
the New York Tribune some time ago that the age-
old laws of "supply and demand," "action and re-
action," as well as "cause and effect" were still in
force. No legislative action intended to reshape them
and artificially changed economic conditions will long
avail. Fundamental laws cannot be definitely altered.
Edison once remarked to the effect that everything
would be all right if people start buying. People
will start buying to a large extent when employment
conditions have sufficiently improved, and employment
will improve when production has lagged to the level
of consumption to draw out the manpower. Thus,
wheels of progress will again turn with a merry whirl
and bring happiness to the greatest number.
I N T E R E S T I N G LETTER ON
"STRAIGHT" MUSIC BUSINESS
The president of one of the largest music houses in
the middle west and one that holds a leading posi-
tion in the trade, writes an interesting letter to Presto-
Times concerning the stand of his establishment in
Jthe matter of adding various lines of sales to the
general music store.
| This correspondent says: "This old store, like
Presto-Times, is still fighting for clean business and
legitimate music business, and we do not intend to
take on refrigerators, washing machines or hickory
lawn chairs. We are selling musical goods only and
are going to fight it out on these lines."
OBSOLESCENCE: NO. 2.
Here is a negative factor that has done much to
stimulate infant industries. Changes and improve-
ments are made so often and attractively compelling
that by the time instalment payments are finished on
an article of necessity or luxury, it is replaced by im-
Stands Pat on Line of Goods
preved models. Unfortunately, in many cases old j
models are then valued at only a fraction of the orig-
"A prominent traveling man was in to see us not
inal price. Obsolescence thus becomes a vehicle of
so long ago; the time was about 5:30 p. m. We were
fast disappearing values, and more wealth must be seated out in the store and it was getting a little
produced to replace with up-to-the-minute conveni- dark and we were turning the lights on. After the
ences. Some day the ultimate may be reached in lights came on, he looked all around and remarked,
style, quality and service ability of an article of utility* 'Well, sir, this is something I rarely ever see any
or luxury and only then will obsolescence cease to more.' I asked him what he had reference to and
mow down the value for which the purchaser has he replied: 'A complete store of nothing but musical
paid the full price.
goods.' "
"The above," says this friend, "is from a recent
"The piano and small musical goods have become
Chamber of Commerce outpouring. No. 1 is just such a part of our very nature that we can't get away
ordinary blah, a statement of the self-evident, which from it, and we are not going to even think of it.
seems to be about all that some people are capable of
We are selling pianos! Yes, sir! In fact, we are
assimilating. No. 2 seems to start the thinking mus- selling almost as many pianos as we do radios and
cles into operation. It suggests some more of the we cannot help but feel and think that, if every dealer
platitudes, but I refrain. But it is a pathetic fact would take the time and use common sense in show-
that a four-foot 6-inch upright p'ano. no matter how ing the public the real necessity of having pianos in
good its condition, is unsalable, but a 3-foot 8-inch their homes, as we do, factories would soon be work-
upright can be sold, no matter how rotten its tone ing full time and the good old Presto-Times would
capacity. W T hich is just too bad."
soon take on more avordupois and eventually become
as corpulent as it was a few years back. The homes
of our country are really wanting the piano back, but
A GEMUNDER ANNOUNCEMENT
A PACKARD ANNOUNCEMENT
the Frigidairewashingmachineiceboxdealers, with a
August Gemunder & Son, violin makers, 119 West piano store sign over their door have about lest the
Following notice is being sent to the trade from
42nd street, New York, in a recent announcement to 'spirit,' that's all!"
the Packard Piano Co., Fort Wayne, Ind.:
the trade say:
\
"ANNOUNCEMENT
Compliments Presto-Times
"Following our recent readjustment we are carry-
"We are pleased to announce that the receiver made
This correspondent then pays a pretty compliment
the initial distribution of thirty per cent (30%) to the ing on as formerly, under the management of Mr.
creditors of the Packard Piano Co. on July 28, 1931. Oscar A. Gemunder, president, who has been con- to Presto-Times by saying that a recent classified
The receiver is still operating the plant and is anti- nected with the company for over forty years. Mr. want notice in Presto-Times brought several replies,
cipating a good business this fall. He also hopes to Gemunder is known as an outstanding authority on six of which seem to have the proper "punch," and
make further distributions from time to time.
old violins and violin making and is now the sole no doubt will enable us to connect up satisfactorily
"With every good wish and kindest regards.
maker of the world-renowned 'Gemunder Art' violins with one out of the six. "The good old Presto-
Times," the writer says, "has been a welcome visitor
"Cordially yours,
and 'cellos."
in our office since 1910 and we have always thor-
"PAUL E. GALLMEIER,
oughly enjoyed reading it. It has kept us in touch
"In Charge of Accounts."
The very beautiful Krakauer grand piano which with general conditions of the piano and music in-
DECREASES CAPITAL STOCK
adorns the main porlor of the Evanston Y. M. C. A. dustry, as well as being educational in providing us
with new thoughts and ideas in the conducting of
The Williams Piano & Organ Co., 203 North Wa- is greatly appreciated by musicians, amateurs and our own business.
bash avenue, Chicago, has decreased its capital stock musical people who generally appreciate pianos of
"We hope that your good work will continue and
from 1,000 shares non-par value to 200 shares non-par great merit. The Krakauer piano has made an en-
viable reputation in many public places like this.
be appreciated, as it should be."
value.
When in need of music rolls, or advice about them write to the experts who make the
CLARK ORCHESTRA ROLLS
for all standard 65-note rewind electric pianos and automatic pianos of all makes and
descriptions. Rolls for Goinolas and Orchestrions. Also Calliopes and Galliaphones.
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DE KALB, ILL.
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