The Front Cover Picture
I I
PRESTO
MOMENT OF
SUSPENSE"
MUSIC
NUMBER
2294
This cover is exceedingly colorful and appro-
priate at this time because the whole world is in
a moment of suspense. It is also fitting because
music plays such a great role in the powerful
drama of life. In this present day music can ren-
der us individually and socially a great service.
We are indebted to The Gilbert Paper Company
of Menasha, Wisconsin, for their cooperation in
connection with this picture.
FOUNDED 1879
JULY, 1940
UonOenticn vssue
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
FEATURES
AMERICA MUST LEAD
PAGE
The whole world is in turmoil. Millions of
people are fearful. Americans must keep their
heads clear and their tempers cool. We must do
a lot of thinking and at the same time control our
emotions. In this connection let me emphasize the
fine "Messages" on page 7 by Messrs. R. C. Rolf-
ing; F. A. Holtz; and M. H. Berlin. I regret that
lack of space made it impossible to publish Mr.
Berlin's letter in its entirety. Let me also call
your attention to the splendid article entitled,
"The Impending Crisis" by William Howard
Beasley on page 6. I consider this a real master-
piece and worthy to be read thoughtfully by us
all. It breathes that true spirit of American ideal-
ism that has inspired our best Americans and
created America's greatness.
If America remains united we will have a
storehouse of men and goods with which to help
rebuild the battered world. In that way America
can lead the world back to sanity and goodwill.
No group can be of more service in this task than
those who strive thru music to create "The Joy
of Living."
J. Bradford Pengelly
4
The Impending Crisis
By Wm. Howard Beasley, Pres. NAMM
6
Messages from National Leaders
Messrs. Rolfing, Berlin, Holtz
8
10
The Fascinating History of Musical Instruments. . 14
By J. Bradford Pengelly
Joe Balliet—Ninety-two Years Young
By J. Percival Davies
18
Mahogany—A Master Cabinet Wood
By George N. Lamb
20
DEPARTMENTS
Music Dealers Who Are Doing Things
18
Manufacturers Point the Way
22
Records, Radios, Television
26
Edited by Prentis Montgomery
News & Notes from Here, There and Everywhere 30
Who Is Who In Music
Edited by Branch Worth
FRANK D. ABBOTT
Editor and Publisher
Editor Emeritus
332 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Telephone Harrison 0234
America Must Lead
By The Editor
A Great Convention Will Welcome You
Whatever may be the military outcome of the
titanic struggles abroad the results socially and
economically are going to shake the very founda-
tions of the present order. "The Four Horsemen"
will ride the earth again. Men everywhere will
need the last drop of vitality and courage.
J. BRADFORD PENGELLY,
TIMES
THE LEADING MAGAZINE OF THE MUSIC ARTS & TRADES
32
WALTER C. ELLY
Eastern Representative
1728 Grand Central Terminal
New York, N. Y.
Published monthly by J. Bradford Pengelly, 332 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Entered February 7,
1939, as second-class matter at the Post Office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3, 1879. Price
25 cents. Yearly subscription 1.50—foreign $2.50. Six month subscriptions 75 cents. Advertising rates on
application. Copyright by Presto Music Times, Chicago, Illinois, 1940.
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/