Music Trade Review
Issue: 1916 Vol. 62 N. 10 - Page 4
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
REVIEW
PUBLISHED BY THE ESTATE OF EDWARD LYMAN BILL
(C. L. BILL, Executrix.)
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
J. RAYMOND BILL, Associate Editor
Business Manager
AUGUST J. TIMPE
Executive and Reportorial Staff:
B. BBITTAIN WILSON,
A. J. NICKLIN,
CARLETON CHACE,
W M . B. W H I T E ,
BOSTOIf O V F I C B t
'
L. M. ROBINSON,
WILSON D. BUSH,
GLAD HENDERSON,
L. E. BOWERS.
CHICAGO O F F l C B l
K. P. VAK HAKUKOEN, Consumers' Building,
LONDON, BfTGUNDt 1 Gresham Buildings, Basinghall St., E. C.
MBWS SDRVICB IS SUPPLIED WBEKI-Y BT OUR CORRBSPOIfDKlfTS
LOCATED IIT T I 8 LHADIH* CITIES THROUGHOUT A M R I C A .
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.
S U B S C R I P T I O N (including pottage), United States and Mexico, $t.00 per year;
Canada, $I.S0; all other countries, $4.00.
A D V B R T I S B H B N T S , f».6O per inch, single column, per insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts, a special discount is allowed. Advertising pages, $110.00.
H U H l ' l T A f l U B S , in other than currency forms, should be made payable to the Estate of
Edward Lyman Bill.
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all q.n«s-
PlavoP
anil
• l a j C l - PianA
n a i l U
TV<*hnff*al f l p n a p f m o n t c
bating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos are
leciuiitai uepanmeuis.
J e a i t w i t h , w i n b e f o u n d i n anot her
section of this
paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concerning
vhich will be cheerfully given upon request.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prig
Paris Exposition, 1900 Silver Medal.. .Charleston Exposition, 1908
Diploma.... Pan-American Exposition, l»01 Gold Medal
St. Louis Exposition, l»04
Gold Medal. .Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1005.
Mmm DXBTAvos rauraovBS—anrrons fits*—BMS XADZIIOV UQ.
ConnaotlBg' All Departments
Cabl* addMtisji "21bUl, Haw Tort."
NEW
YORK, MARCH 4 , 1 9 1 6 .
EDITORIAL
F
The Review has fought for many years against the cancer of
the prize puzzle contest, and it, in company with the host of legiti-
mate dealers throughout the entire country, will rejoice exceedingly
if the Federal authorities can succeed in eliminating, or even re-
ducing, the activity of those men who make use o*f this shoddy
method of doing business, which is decidedly inimical to the wel-
fare and progress of the entire piano industry.
N the automobile sections of the newspapers last week there
appeared long and eulogistic stories regarding the decision of
the manufacturers of a certain make of automobile to sell their
machines on a system of preferred payments for the benefit of those
who desired to own one of the cars, but hesitated to put all the
money out at once. The new deal is not of direct interest to the
piano trade, except in the matter of comparison of terms. The
automobile people base their claims of generosity on the fact that
upon payment of about half the purchase price, with suitable addi-
tional charges for interest and insurance, the purchaser may finish
paying for the machine at the rate of $75 monthly for eight months.
In the piano trade, as a rule, a down payment of half the purchase
price and the winding up of the account in eight months, would be
considered as practically cash.
I
N a statement issued recently, Louis F. Geissler, general mana-
ger of the Victor Talking Machine Co., Camden, N. J., gives
some figures which tell of the enormous business transacted by
that corporation during 1915. lie said:
"We are thankful for an increase in our business over any
preceding year of 38^2 per cent., and that increase, on an already
large business, is indeed remarkable. Our investments during
1915 in factory extensions, buildings and machinery, amounted to
$2,650,000, and those contemplated for 1916 will total a very large
sum. Our capacity is*.being steadily and healthfully increased.
However, it is our purpose, by advertising and other energetic
methods, to keep the demand as far ahead of the supply in the
future as has been the case in the past. Upon thought, dealers
must agree that however annoying this condition has at times
been, it is a most desirable one and we shall be fortunate to per-
petuate it."
After complimenting the dealers on the energetic presentation
of their wares, he remarked: "The business outlook for T916 is
glowing with promise; our country was never before, and, on ac-
count of world conditions, mav never again be in so prosperous a
money-making condition for the merchant as it will be during this
year." Optimism that is built on a sound foundation.
I
OLLOWING the arrest last week of two piano salesmen in
Dayton, O., charged with using the mails to defraud, comes
the statement, based on rather good authority, that this arrest is the
opening- move in a nation-wide campaign which the Federal authori-
ties will conduct against piano men who use the mails to promote
alleged schemes of this kind. The salesmen who were arrested last
SALESMAN is "one who sells, satisfies both employer and
week advertised extensively in the daily press, offering prize certifi-
customer, justly serving the interests of both, using initiative
cates for the best solutions to a simple puzzle—in short, the old and and originality constantly to increase sales without misrepresenta-
threadbare puzzle scheme was worked with all its trimmings.
tion or losing customers by selling something not wanted. A good
If the Federal authorities, ever vigilant to guard the public
salesman will study to acquire knowledge concerning the goods and
against illegitimate schemes, can put a damper on the puzzle con-
their merits. Also, to cultivate a pleasing, magnetic, dependable
test, as applied to the selling of pianos, it will achieve a distinct
personality that will inspire and hold confidence." This is the defi-
victory for cleaner business and a better moral tone throughout the
nition of a salesman which won a prize recently in competition in
entire trade. Honestly made pianos are possessed of sufficient in-
the Sales Managers' Association of Los Angeles.
trinsic merit to warrant a demand for them being created along
honorable publicity lines without resorting to free offers, puzzle
ANY of the high grade piano manufacturers are in line and
contests, or other Baxter street methods of doing business.
others are constantly swinging into line, publishing the fig-
A piano, though an absolute necessity to a well-balanced home
ures broadcast at which their instruments mav be purchased at
life, is nevertheless regarded by the average man as being more or
retail. If vear by year the number of men who believe that this
less of a luxury. The pride of possession has often created a de- policv is the real key to the one-price question will demonstrate
mand for a piano, where otherwise no desire for one would have
their belief, by adopting it, it will be presumed that their action will
existed. Anything which serves to cheapen a piano in the mind of
influence others so that after a while the trade will swing around to
the public is not only detrimental to the piano business as a whole,
one price, and that the price fixed by the manufacturer.
but is also a direct slap at the dignity, the stability and the high
artistic standing of the trade and the instrument as well.
EPORTS of business conditions reaching The Review from
Legitimate piano dealers, selling standard instruments at cor-
widely separated sections of the country indicate that the
rect prices, are rendering a distinct service to their community in
steady improvement in business which set in during the closing
affording it the means for uplifting its mental, moral and even
months of last vear continues uninterruptedly. Dealers who have
spiritual atmosphere. Good music and good living are conco-
started active sales campaigns are being well rewarded, and this is
mitant. The vast majority of piano dealers are doing business in
having its effect in the way orders are reaching manufacturers for
a legitimate way, and they should fight unceasingly for the elimi-
instruments.
nation of that small, but troublesome, percentage of dealers who
Several dealers report to The Review that their sales of straight
indulge in sensational sales methods, and offer the eternal lure of
pianos are fainincr nn nscendnncv as compared with plavers, with
"something for nothing," as a substitute for honest values and
an increased demand for grand pinnos of the various sizes. The
decent methods of doing business.
demand for the latter instruments is due, of course, to the fact that
A
M
R
THE
MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
REVIEW
PUBLISHED BY THE ESTATE OF EDWARD LYMAN BILL
(C. L. BILL, Executrix.)
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
J. RAYMOND BILL, Associate Editor
Business Manager
AUGUST J. TIMPE
Executive and Reportorial Staff:
B. BBITTAIN WILSON,
A. J. NICKLIN,
CARLETON CHACE,
W M . B. W H I T E ,
BOSTOIf O V F I C B t
'
L. M. ROBINSON,
WILSON D. BUSH,
GLAD HENDERSON,
L. E. BOWERS.
CHICAGO O F F l C B l
K. P. VAK HAKUKOEN, Consumers' Building,
LONDON, BfTGUNDt 1 Gresham Buildings, Basinghall St., E. C.
MBWS SDRVICB IS SUPPLIED WBEKI-Y BT OUR CORRBSPOIfDKlfTS
LOCATED IIT T I 8 LHADIH* CITIES THROUGHOUT A M R I C A .
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.
S U B S C R I P T I O N (including pottage), United States and Mexico, $t.00 per year;
Canada, $I.S0; all other countries, $4.00.
A D V B R T I S B H B N T S , f».6O per inch, single column, per insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts, a special discount is allowed. Advertising pages, $110.00.
H U H l ' l T A f l U B S , in other than currency forms, should be made payable to the Estate of
Edward Lyman Bill.
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all q.n«s-
PlavoP
anil
• l a j C l - PianA
n a i l U
TV<*hnff*al f l p n a p f m o n t c
bating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos are
leciuiitai uepanmeuis.
J e a i t w i t h , w i n b e f o u n d i n anot her
section of this
paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concerning
vhich will be cheerfully given upon request.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prig
Paris Exposition, 1900 Silver Medal.. .Charleston Exposition, 1908
Diploma.... Pan-American Exposition, l»01 Gold Medal
St. Louis Exposition, l»04
Gold Medal. .Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1005.
Mmm DXBTAvos rauraovBS—anrrons fits*—BMS XADZIIOV UQ.
ConnaotlBg' All Departments
Cabl* addMtisji "21bUl, Haw Tort."
NEW
YORK, MARCH 4 , 1 9 1 6 .
EDITORIAL
F
The Review has fought for many years against the cancer of
the prize puzzle contest, and it, in company with the host of legiti-
mate dealers throughout the entire country, will rejoice exceedingly
if the Federal authorities can succeed in eliminating, or even re-
ducing, the activity of those men who make use o*f this shoddy
method of doing business, which is decidedly inimical to the wel-
fare and progress of the entire piano industry.
N the automobile sections of the newspapers last week there
appeared long and eulogistic stories regarding the decision of
the manufacturers of a certain make of automobile to sell their
machines on a system of preferred payments for the benefit of those
who desired to own one of the cars, but hesitated to put all the
money out at once. The new deal is not of direct interest to the
piano trade, except in the matter of comparison of terms. The
automobile people base their claims of generosity on the fact that
upon payment of about half the purchase price, with suitable addi-
tional charges for interest and insurance, the purchaser may finish
paying for the machine at the rate of $75 monthly for eight months.
In the piano trade, as a rule, a down payment of half the purchase
price and the winding up of the account in eight months, would be
considered as practically cash.
I
N a statement issued recently, Louis F. Geissler, general mana-
ger of the Victor Talking Machine Co., Camden, N. J., gives
some figures which tell of the enormous business transacted by
that corporation during 1915. lie said:
"We are thankful for an increase in our business over any
preceding year of 38^2 per cent., and that increase, on an already
large business, is indeed remarkable. Our investments during
1915 in factory extensions, buildings and machinery, amounted to
$2,650,000, and those contemplated for 1916 will total a very large
sum. Our capacity is*.being steadily and healthfully increased.
However, it is our purpose, by advertising and other energetic
methods, to keep the demand as far ahead of the supply in the
future as has been the case in the past. Upon thought, dealers
must agree that however annoying this condition has at times
been, it is a most desirable one and we shall be fortunate to per-
petuate it."
After complimenting the dealers on the energetic presentation
of their wares, he remarked: "The business outlook for T916 is
glowing with promise; our country was never before, and, on ac-
count of world conditions, mav never again be in so prosperous a
money-making condition for the merchant as it will be during this
year." Optimism that is built on a sound foundation.
I
OLLOWING the arrest last week of two piano salesmen in
Dayton, O., charged with using the mails to defraud, comes
the statement, based on rather good authority, that this arrest is the
opening- move in a nation-wide campaign which the Federal authori-
ties will conduct against piano men who use the mails to promote
alleged schemes of this kind. The salesmen who were arrested last
SALESMAN is "one who sells, satisfies both employer and
week advertised extensively in the daily press, offering prize certifi-
customer, justly serving the interests of both, using initiative
cates for the best solutions to a simple puzzle—in short, the old and and originality constantly to increase sales without misrepresenta-
threadbare puzzle scheme was worked with all its trimmings.
tion or losing customers by selling something not wanted. A good
If the Federal authorities, ever vigilant to guard the public
salesman will study to acquire knowledge concerning the goods and
against illegitimate schemes, can put a damper on the puzzle con-
their merits. Also, to cultivate a pleasing, magnetic, dependable
test, as applied to the selling of pianos, it will achieve a distinct
personality that will inspire and hold confidence." This is the defi-
victory for cleaner business and a better moral tone throughout the
nition of a salesman which won a prize recently in competition in
entire trade. Honestly made pianos are possessed of sufficient in-
the Sales Managers' Association of Los Angeles.
trinsic merit to warrant a demand for them being created along
honorable publicity lines without resorting to free offers, puzzle
ANY of the high grade piano manufacturers are in line and
contests, or other Baxter street methods of doing business.
others are constantly swinging into line, publishing the fig-
A piano, though an absolute necessity to a well-balanced home
ures broadcast at which their instruments mav be purchased at
life, is nevertheless regarded by the average man as being more or
retail. If vear by year the number of men who believe that this
less of a luxury. The pride of possession has often created a de- policv is the real key to the one-price question will demonstrate
mand for a piano, where otherwise no desire for one would have
their belief, by adopting it, it will be presumed that their action will
existed. Anything which serves to cheapen a piano in the mind of
influence others so that after a while the trade will swing around to
the public is not only detrimental to the piano business as a whole,
one price, and that the price fixed by the manufacturer.
but is also a direct slap at the dignity, the stability and the high
artistic standing of the trade and the instrument as well.
EPORTS of business conditions reaching The Review from
Legitimate piano dealers, selling standard instruments at cor-
widely separated sections of the country indicate that the
rect prices, are rendering a distinct service to their community in
steady improvement in business which set in during the closing
affording it the means for uplifting its mental, moral and even
months of last vear continues uninterruptedly. Dealers who have
spiritual atmosphere. Good music and good living are conco-
started active sales campaigns are being well rewarded, and this is
mitant. The vast majority of piano dealers are doing business in
having its effect in the way orders are reaching manufacturers for
a legitimate way, and they should fight unceasingly for the elimi-
instruments.
nation of that small, but troublesome, percentage of dealers who
Several dealers report to The Review that their sales of straight
indulge in sensational sales methods, and offer the eternal lure of
pianos are fainincr nn nscendnncv as compared with plavers, with
"something for nothing," as a substitute for honest values and
an increased demand for grand pinnos of the various sizes. The
decent methods of doing business.
demand for the latter instruments is due, of course, to the fact that
A
M
R
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).