May-June, 1933
PRESTO-TIMES
Not long ago reports were in circulation reflecting
Manufacturers who succeed to old established businesses must give serious considera-
on the financial and economic condition of an interna-
tion to sustaining the qualities and the reputation of the pianos they acquire. It is a matter tionally famed piano manufacturing house of Europe.
Items appeared in the daily press and a few got into
of vital importance to them that the piano they acquire shall be kept up to the standard of
music trade literature.
quality and the reputation not lessened nor t h e intrinsic quality impaired.
Some of these stories were early brought to the
These requirements are of prime importance to them as producers; to the trade at large attention of a great American rival, likewise of inter-
as onlookers and to dealers and agencies in particular who have handled the goods for years national and world-wide renown; but here the sundry
reports and hearsay gossip fell on deaf ears. Bearers
and some of them for generations.
were told that reports like these are to be deplored
There are always expressions of opinion p/o and con concerning such and such a successor and should not be circulated. That "publishing them
to such and such a piano much of which opinion is drastic criticism rather than mere comment. would serve no good purpose."
Some time ago a four-page circular was brought to the attention of Presto-Times giving
When the Secretary of the Treasury, W. S. Woodin,
suggestion that it be reprinted. The contents of this folder stressed the proposition that who is a noted composer of musx, took office, some
piano manufacturers in taking over honored names—pianos that had been long and honorably of his friends who know that he has written many
good things, suggested that a ceremonial march by
established—were in duty bound to hold to the quality of the instrument as it had come to Mr. Woodin be played at a certain function given in
them and not to allow depreciation in workmanship, reputation and musical perfection. The Washington in the inaugural days, but our modest
Secretary tabooed this, notwithstanding the musicians
story of this circular was a quasi-criticism of manufacturers in general who had succeeded themselves
said that Mr. Woodin's music was high
great piano names, implying that most of such pianos today were not of the high quality class. However, within the past few weeks the Marine
Band has given an entire program made up of Mr.
they were when made by the original manufacturers.
Woodin's compositions, both vocal and instrumental.
At the present time there comes from certain sources a like criticism ; implications that
piano manufacturers who have taken over great piano names do not hold fast to the quality
Mr. Myron Callahan has joined the forces of the
Wurlitzer Company store at Ashland, Ky., as general
and reputation which had been gained by the original makers.
sales manager. Mr. Callahan has long been a resi-
Stories of this kind are unfair to manufacturers generally and they are a rather dan- dent of Ashland and has many friends.
gerous method of censure, for intended for on'.y a few, they involve many names in a gen-
eral implication in doubt of their faith to carry on by precept and example the reputation
formerly gained.
This suggestion of depreciating quality and piano name value is peculiarly applicable where
entire change of ownership occurs ; where the persons who originally established the business
are out of the picture. Many old established names are involved. Such names as: Brambach,
Julius Bauer, Behr Bros., Bush & Gerts, A. B. Chase, Apollo, Estey, Everett, Emerson, J. &
C. Fischer, Hazelton Bros., Lindeman, Ludwig, Geo. Steck, Strich & Zeidler, Weber, even
of
Chickering, Knabe and Mason & Hamlin might be included in this list, and there are many
more of lesser importance.
HARDMAN-
91 YEARS
An occasional correspondent, well known in the trade and often quoted in these columns,
says that ''a new generation of piano traveling representatives who know something about
pianos and their place in the scheme of things" will help to increase sales; men who do not
expect the "cow to come up and be milked."
This correspondent further says that a Tenth Avenue, New York, piano manufacturer
has the right idea when he says that there are still many people with brains to know that
the piano is absolutely necessary in a home and that the neglect of the instrument does not
seem to lie with the people in general, but more with the people engaged in the piano business.
With these conditions prevailing traveling salesmen and dealers alike must "get a hunch"
on themselves if they are going to keep up with the times and the activities in many lines of
commerce and industry.
A VALUABLE AGENCY FRANCHISE
In these days of economic stress, and distress, too,
buyers of almost everything are alert to get "every
ounce" their money will bring, a rule that applies
to the rich as well as the poor and one that comes
home to the piano dealer with special force, for it
behooves him, more particularly than in any other
lines of industry to satisfy his customer.
The Hardman piano has long been known as an
artistic product at a consistent price. Hardman deal-
ers are able to meet every requirement demanded by
the discriminating purchaser—the one who requires
good value for his investment. Therefore, it is safe
to say that a Hardman agency is an enviable fran-
chise, and some exceedingly desirable territory, some
of it in important metropolitan areas is now open.
THE BALDWIN IS STILL HER FAVORITE
A lady of culture and of great musical talent, whose
home is in Chicago and who has been a teacher in a
department of literature and languages at Mt. Hol-
yoke College, Mt. Holyoke, Mass., recently came to
Chicago for a visit and expresses great praise for the
style W Baldwin grand, which has been her choice
for some years.
Another staunch friend of the Baldwin, Professor
George Mulfinger, well known pianist and teacher at
the Syracuse, N. Y., University, is an enthusiastic
member of the society of Baldwin "piano fans."
EDITION OF
Absolute Reliability
Manufactured by
HARDMAN, PECK & CO.
433 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, N. Y.
APOLLO-
An Apollo grand piano justly
carries with it a sincere pride of
ownership and will bring a lifetime
of both musical and decorative
enjoyment.
Some Valuable Territory Open Can
Now Be Secured
ADDRESS
APOLLO PIANO COMPANY
DE KALB, ILL
1933
PRESTO BUYERS' GUIDE
Contains Full Lists with Concise Classification and Description of all
American Pianos, Players and Reproducing Pianos, with Sketches of
Manufacturers. Essential to All Salesmen. Price 50cents, postpaid.
NO PIANO DEALER OR PROSPECT CAN AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT IT
PRESTO PUBLISHING CO.,
417 S. Dearborn St., CHICAGO
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