Presto

Issue: 1937 2283

Nov.-Dec, 1937
P R E S T 0-T I M E S
PRESTO-TIME
THE AMERICAN MUSIC TRADES JOURNAL
ISSUED THE
FIFTEENTH OF
PUBLICATION MONTH
I ' R A N K D. ABBOTT
Editor
Telephones, Local and Long Distance, Harrison 0234.
Private Phones to all Departments. Cable Address (Com-
mercial Cable Co.'s Code), "PRESTO," Chicago.
Entered as second-class matter April 9. 1932, at the
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Subscription, $1X0 a year; 6 months, 60 cents; foreign,
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tising on application.
PRESTO PUBLISHING CO.
Publishers
417 So. Dearborn St.
Chicago, 111.
At the convention of Ohio State music deal-
ers held at Dayton, when Mr. Grossman urged
the elimination of the flat tariff of $1.25 on all
violins, which is now an additional tax to the
ad valorem tariff of 35 per cent, he said that
this flat tariff was preventing; the import of
stringed instruments. To this Mr. Otto B.
Heaton of Columbus replied, reminding" Mr.
Grossman that the National Association of
Music Merchants was responsible for the flat
tariff of $1.25 put on violins in order to keep
the cheap Japanese products out of the
country.
* * *
The Wurlitzer mats and electrotypes for the
use of Wurlitzer dealers are having- an ex-
tended distribution. The Winter Piano Co.,
New Philadelphia, Ohio, uses one of these.
"An Inspired Design," in the center of a news-
paper page which gives wide publicity in that
locality to the new Wurlitzer Symetrical
Grand.
* * *
The new Story & Clark Spinets, 36 inches
high, with case designed by the eminent Ever-
ett Worthington of Park avenue. New York,
and Mr. Joseph Klepac, accoustical engineer
and superintendent of the Story & Clark fac-
tor)-, which were introduced and enthusiastic-
ally received at the music trade convention
exhibit in New York last July, have continued
:
n marked favor in the trade and become a
prime favorite and remarkable seller by Storv
& Clark dealers.
* * *
Anyone who, per chance, had a copy of the
illustrated magazine, "Vogue," and would turn
to the center pages of that magazine for
August would see a beautiful illustration of
three dancing girls with Patti, the beloved
daughter of Otto B. Heaton, proprietor of
Heaton's Music Store. Columbus, Ohio, in the
center of the trio. The exhibition Hustrated
bv these three dancers took i>1ace at the St.
Regis Viennese Roof in New York.
Information has been received bv Steinwav
& Sons from Europe that Professor Edward
Weiss has been appointed head of the piano
department of the famous old Klindworth-
Scharwenka Conservatory in Berlin. Profes-
sor Weiss, who has concerned extensively,
and has made several tours in the United
States, is a devoted friend of the Seinway
(Continued to page 8)
TOO GOOD TO BE ADVANCED
A change was contemplated in the management of an important manu-
facturing- concern of the music industry. In this organization was a man who
had made remarkable headway in increasing the business of the company and
the output of its factory. The president of the company in seeking- a new
manager asked of a piano man of wide experience and acquaintanceship who
would he recommend or suggest to take the place of the intended retiring man-
ager. His reply was that the best man for the job would be the salesman, now
a division manager, who had made such a great record in his department;
"but," said the advisor, "you cannot afford to let him leave his present position
with you. Not until his ability can be replaced can you afford to let him go."
So the general manager remained in charge of the business and the sales
manager under him keeps on increasing the factory output.
*
*
*

The 5,707 unfilled orders for pianos for the month of September repre-
sent an increase in unfilled orders over last year of 31.37 per cent and over
the year 1935 of 113.27 per cent. Not a month this year has the output fallen
1 ehind the previous month.
A settlement and agreement to stop false and misleading representations
in advertising certain radio sets has been entered into with the Federal Trade
Commission by some of the concerns interested. The companies referred to
agreed to discontinue using the word, "world-wide or all-wave" either alone
or with the word "Not Just Foreign."
*
*
*

Often an attractive window display, whether of pianos, musical merchandise,
holiday and seasonable attractions or what-not brings one into the store, some-
times to look at a musical instrument or, perhaps, to get more information on a
new spinet-type or new style console. At any rate a prospective customer has been
brought to the store and it is up to the dealer to "handle" the prospect in the right
way to get results.
Some rather "far fetched" ideas in window display advertising are taking"
shape this season in the form of window and store attractions; some of them
"home made" material, originating and put together by the dealer, himself. An un-
usually excellent lot of material furnished by manufacturers and jobbers is novel
and varied.
Great houses know the value of window and store attractive advertising. It
has been estimated that the big Lyon & Healy show window at the corner of
Jackson and Wabash, Chicago, giving two extensive views from the two streets,
is worth not less than $50 a day to them, the year 'round.
* * * *
All signs, everything in sight at least, indicate that the flourishing condi-
tion of the music trades and industries pointed out by Mr. L. P. Bull, presi-
dent of the National Piano Manufacturers Association, when he was inter-
viewed by an official during the music trade convention last summer, is to con-
tinue with us many months.
In piano production most of the factories of this industry are rapidly get-
ting "full up" and some have reached the overflow stage, where the manage-
ment is confronted with the proposition, shall it be more factory space or
slow down on production, which? This all lines up pretty closely with one of
the statements made by Mr. Bull in his reply to the interviewer's inquiry: "Is
it true that the piano manufacturers of this country are experiencing greatly
increased business?" The reply being:"Yes, the increase of interest in the
piano has been sensational; America is buying pianos, and buying them faster
than we manufacturers can produce them. Piano production the first six
months of this year was 33 per cent greater than for the similar period in
1936. The increase this year will probably be approximately 480 per cent over
1932."
The condition is also in close alignment with the establishment of a branch
factory recently at La Porte, Tnd., by Winter & Company to provide for the
increased output of the business, "found necessary due to the demand of deal-
ers for our products," says an official of Winter & Company.
Note the statement of Gulbransen Company made a few days ago that their
September business was the largest month's business in a decade; that I'aid-
win is far ahead of last year, and that a similar condition at the Ilardman,
Peck & Co. factories. New York, prevails.
The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company's gain in piano production has been steady
month after month through this year, showing not onlv a gain in output but
a greater increase over its own record than the piano manufacturing industry
at large over its own business.
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).
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PRESTO-TIMES
(Continued from pacjc 7)
Nov.-Dec, 1937
Fay and his bride, the former Anna Duffy. To
his associates and intimate acquaintances it
was : "Happy Days, Reggie."
* * *
Mrs. Scarritt, the maternal grandmother, has
continued to reside at Kansas City since the
death of Mr. Scarritt some years ago. All
friends wish happy days for this latest story
A brief bit of memoranda from Mathushek.
about the progressive Story family.
While citizens of St. Charles, 111., and local
N. Y., says: "My brother C. A. is on short
A touch of romance surrounds the days of
vacation; Mr. Gettell had to make a trip im- newspapers of that place have bemoaned the the beginning of the W. W. Kimball Com-
mediately after a piano tuners' conference. C. discontinuance of the Cable piano factory, pany; the starting of Mr. Kimball's career in
A. J. is busy and I am trying to keep things erstwhile leading industry of that outer sub- the music business. As soon as he got a start
in shape while they are away." Nice to have urb of Chicago, it should be borne in mind by selling the few pianos which had come to
that what is St. Charles' loss is, to some pro- him in a trade, he began to look into the piano
ones hands full like this.
portionate degree, the gain of Oregon, home- business as a permanent avocation. He once
* * *
town community and home of the Schiller said that he had concluded to give piano sell-
Authority has been granted by the Federal piano.
ing a tryout, anyway, adding that he had
Trade Commission to the popular music pub-
* * *
found the "piano selling people a rather lika-
lishing industry for a conference in Washing-
Will L. Bush, whom everybody in the piano ble lot of men."
ton to establish a general trade practice for
Tony Anguera, who he engaged to tune,
this industry. At latest advices the date of trade knows either personally or by reputa-
tion, recently made a trip to California and repair and "show off pianos," posted Mr.
this conference had not been determined.
Colorado in which states he is vitally inter- Kimball on various intricacies about pianos
* * *
Some of the trade papers have been printing ested in mining properties which now show and organs and the music business in gen-
a good deal about an injunction secured at signs of profitable activity. "Billy's" ambi- eral and Tony in return got a lot of sound
Indianapolis, Ind., by the Wilking Music Com- tion to see the Bush Temple building at advice from Mr. Kimball. From this begin-
pany of that city restraining Mr. Thos. M. North Clark street and Chicago avenue, Chi- ning Mr. Kimball advanced rapidly in the
Riddick, a former salesman for Wilking, from cago, made again a great center, may come business he had chosen to follow.
selling pianos or engaging in the piano busi- to pass.
* * *
ness in the State of Indiana. The case was,
Christmas: Baldwin
Mr. W. H. Bowles, Eastern Representative
strictly speaking, a local controversy between
the Wilking Music Co. and Mr. Riddick. who of the Story & Clark Piano Company, has been
The two expressive words which form the
had been in the employ of Wilking for about very successful in booking orders for the Story heading over these complimentary lines;
two years when, for various and certain rea- & Clark Dynamic Spinet and has opened a whether the construction of the caption be
sons, he quit his job with Wilking and to all considerable number of new dealers to carry "Christmas: Baldwin" or "Baldwin: Christ-
appearances broke the contract entered into the entire Story & Clark line. Vice-President mas," they signify much in music here in
by himself and the Wilking Company on De- Mr. L. F. Bull, in a recent visit with Mr. America, and much in giving us the means
cember 24, 1935. The break occurred in Sep- Bowles, was very favorably impressed with within our own abilities of self eniovment
tember last year, Mr. Riddick leaving the em- that gentleman's activities in furthering Story and pleasure to those we love, through that
ploy of Wilking.
& Clark sales in his territory.
marvelous instrument capable of transmitting
The Wilking Company soon filed suit in the
* * *
everything written in music; every bar.
Superior court of Marion County to compel
Mr. C. D. Bond, in an address at the Piano ohrase, note that man has empioved to express
Riddick to comply with the contract which Tuners' Convention at Pittsburgh, brought out himself in music: the nerfected pianoforte.
he had refused to live up to, and the contro- a happy thought in his statement that "the
One will not imagine a gift more anpro-
versy waxed warm.
trade is beginning to realize that they are not priate for the season of cheer nor more whole-
The injunction suit was in different stages selling pianos but that they are selling the some the year 'round than the piano. If thi^
during all this time. The defendants tried to means of producing music and in order to editor were seeking a piano aeencv instead of
have it thrown out of court on the ground that make sales the producing of music has to be working alone- the humble path that has been
it was a unilateral contract and thus not en- made easy and pleasant and available."
laid out for him, he would feel proud and ricb
forceable in the State of Indiana. This was
* * *
at Christmas time if a Baldwin franchise had
overruled by the judge and a-fter other at-
The radio advertising salesman unquestion- been allotted him.
tempts, all strenuously opposed by the plain-
ably
is the greatest of all who sell advertising
tiff, the case went to trial July 7th and lasted
F. BUESCHER PASSES AWAY
eight days. It was a bitterly contested fight and, it would seem also, that he is unexceeded
The
death
is announced of Ferd. Buescher, long
and brought into the limelight various names in huge advertising contracts in any line of time band instrument
manufacturer, at his home in
of the music trade fraternity; one or two from advertising activity.
Elkhart, Ind., where he has resided since leaving
the Pearson music house, one from the Luth-
* * *
Goshen, Ind., his birthplace, when a young boy. At
mer-Kegg piano house, and shipments of
"Proud dad and proud granddad. The little the age of 15 he started work in C. G. Conn's band
pianos from the Jesse French Corporation tot's name is Peter Scarritt Story; the parents instrument shop. He started his own business in 1894
were referred to.
are Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Story and the proud and in 1903 he formed the Buescher Band Instrument
The case brought to the surface a good deal paternal grandparents are F. F. Story, presi- Co. Mr. Buescher retired from active business about
of ill-will, being of such a nature as to bring- dent Story & Clark Piano Co.. and Mrs. Story. eight years ago.
out marked contrasts between parties inter-
ested as well as the ones directly involved.
This has, of course, brought about a more or
less nasty feeling, one toward the other. Mr.
Riddick left Indianapolis, and located in Ohio,
where he was given a Baldwin agency and
Is out with a unique pamphlet-ette, entitled, "There's
where he will probably remain until the ex-
Gold in Them Thar Hills," the sequel to which as
piration of the injunction about two and one-
shown later is,
half years hence when he will be able to again
"The Hills are before you; the gold is there; but
enter the piano selling field in Indiana and. as
the Hills have to be worked—every one of them—
the report goes, "get even with some one."
regularly and consistently, if their wealth of gold is
Presto-Times suggestion on the Riddick-
to be uncovered."
Wilking injunction matter is "enough said,"
At the first hill is the signboard: "Golden rewards
but should any of our readers desire further
for the Baldwin Salesman who will dig vigorously."
information about the case we will furnish it,
Then along the way are such inquiries as. contacting with various interests, these .mbjects:
as far as our information goes, which is prac-
"Music Teacher Contacts; do you see a definite number of music teachers each day?"
tically from beginning to end. We can also
"Make your store the musical center in your community. . . ."
supply copies of the complaint and the court
"Contact with key musicians. . . ."
injunction order if desired.
"The
Baldwin in Public Appearances. . . . "
* # #
"Famous
artists' appearances. . . ."
The newspaper dispatches which came from
"Contacts
with music schools and conservatories. . . ."
De Kalb, 111., some weeks ago, bearing the cap-
Other topics are suggested and appropriate queries made. After each caption is an inquiry suitable to the
tion. "Confirmed Bachelor Bows to Dan
subject indicated in the captions.
Cupid," being an announcement of the mar-
The booklet makes a beautiful as well as unique setting of Baldwin attributes and in the hands of Bald-
riage of Mr. E. O. Fay. advertising manager
win Box
dealers
as they carry out the precepts formed by the queries and suggestions great aid will be given them
of The Rudolph
Wurlitzer
Company,
was
fol- - The Musical
Enhanced content
© 2008-2009
and presented
by MBSI
Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
in
conducting
their
and Music
carrying
on Association
an attractive
place of business.
All
Rights
Reserved.
Digitized
from
the
archives
of
the
MBSI
with
support
from
NAMM
- The business
International
Products
(www.namm.org).
lowed by showers of congratulations to Mr.
piano as are other members of the Klindworth-
Scharwenka School.
Gold for Going After It
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