Presto
Issue: 1923 1920 - Page 5
May 12, 1923
PRESTO
of the industry and trade. And, in consequence, they have not made
strong appeals to the music dealers by whose special interest the
shows might be made to pay the exhibitors. This fact was illustrated
at the time of the last Coliseum music show in Chicago.
At that time, while most of the exhibitors made their consider-
able investments without profit, a few of them reaped direct rewards
by reason of some special plan for attracting the retail merchants. A
notable instance was that of the Packard Piano Co., which, under the
astute direction of Mr. A. S. Bond conducted an exclusive dealers'
plan which resulted in the actual sales of more than two hundred
pianos, involving the establishing of scores of new agencies for the
instruments from Fort Wayne, Indiana. That was substantial proof
that the expositions can be made to pay. But the average showman,
however expert in promoting the average entertainments of popular
kind, can not direct a musical instrument exposition to success.
The French plan seems to be a good one. As the invitation sug-
gests, it insures visitors against the distractions of great crowds, and
enables them to "examine and compare the articles in which they are
interested, without the embarrassment of noise and confusion." It is
notable, too, that the list of exhibitors includes no fewer than 101
names, many of them of world-wide fame, and embracing all branches
of the industry. The only one of American origin is that of the
Aeolian Company, which has also a French factory, thus making it
eligible to the plan of the exposition in Paris.
We have seen no report of the .operations of the various depart-
ments of the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce, but it is under-
stood that the income of that organization from the sale of stamps
has been very large. The stamps are sold to the manufacturers, to
be placed on pianos as they leave the factories. As a rule the dealers
find no fault with the stamps, only one of the large concerns having,
so far as we know, made any protest against their use.
* * *
The old Oslerism that a man should shuffle off at 60 is again
a topic of newspaper discussion. How many piano salesmen are
there that at 60 can outsell most of the youngsters, with both hands
tied behind them? First-class young piano salesmen—under 40, say
—are scarce. The 50 to 60-year-old youngsters are selling the pianos.
* * *
What would the older members of the piano trade have said
twenty years or more ago, had they been told that it would be pos-
sible to float bonds to the extent of four millions on a music house?
But the music business of today has grown into the million security
class.
* * *
A new popular baby grand is being promoted by the Story &
Clark Piano Co. It is the Tyler. A very good, common sense trade
name. And the piano is characteristically attractive, and of Story &
Clark thoroughness.
The crowded condition of the Drake has already forced some im-
portant industries to find display quarters at other hotels. The
SALES OF MIESSNER PIANO
GROW STEADILY IN VOLUME
Cheering Condition of Business of Miessner Piano
Co. Expressed in Words of President This Week.
"It is a pleasure to report that we are making prog-
ress steadily," said W. Otto Miessner, president of
the Miessner Piano Co., Milwaukee, Wis., this week.
The company is the maker of the Miessner, the
"Little Piano with the Big Tone," and the progress
alluded to by Mr. Miessner is the steady growth of
favor for the instrument by schools and homes and
other buyers.
"We do not even suggest any limitation in the uses
of the Miessner in impressing its character of little-
ness. Its very dimensions, three feet seven inches
high, four feet six inches wide and two feet in depth,
become suggestion to buy to a large percentage
among prospective piano buyers who realize the ad-
vantages of a small piano," continued Mr. Miessner.
Children love the Miessner because its small size
makes it so comfortable for practice. The keys lie
under the hands; the action, responsive to the slight-
est touch, does not tire tiny fingers.
"The advantages of the Miessner in the schoolroom
are obvious.
The teacher's greatest asset is the
power of personality. With a Miessner the teacher
can face the pupils directly across the top of the in-
strument while playing.
The teacher's personality
Waltham Piano Co., of Milwaukee, has show-room at the Drake,
but has also engaged a room at the Great Northern, and thus will
have two exhibits during the convention.
The Cable Company's advertising department found a new line
for last Sunday's newspaper display, and a good one. "The Gift That
Makes Fond Memories Last"—isn't that a suggestion to make people
want music? And new catch-lines are mighty hard to coin these days.
* * *
The playerpiano for the home will remain a power for music
love, and a medium of almost matchless entertainment. As a public
concert attraction it can not attract after the novelty wears off.
And it has about worn off.
* * *
Some of the strong men of the piano industry are deserting.
Mr. R. M. Lawrence has gone into finance—president of the Com-
mercial Security Co.,—and Mr. Paul Klugh has gone into radio. The
piano is the poorer for it.
It will be impossible to give any advance announcement of the
location of the various displays at the Drake. The rooms can not
be allotted until just before the convention opens. But it will be
easy enough to find your favorite pianos when you get here.
* * *
A sure sign of returning piano activity is seen in several new in-
dustries in this line. One of them is to have lodgment at Bluffton,
Ind., where the Settergren baby grand and enterprise is to be es-
tablished.
* * *
A descriptive circular explains that prizes aggregating $60,000
will be divided during the competitive high-school band tournament.
Quite a liberal contribution to the convention side show, whatever
the source.
* * *
Take advantage of the demand for small grands, which is now at
its height. If you don't know what particular grands may meet your
trade with profit to yourself, let us advise you.
* * *
Good thing that this year's convention was fixed for June in-
stead of the customary May. It snowed in Chicago on the anni-
versary of the meeting of two years ago.
* * *
New York piano factories are more active now than before in
years. The factories are busy and the promise is that the inspiring
condition will continue indefinitely.
* * *
If you haven't made your plans for next month, get busy now.
Less than three weeks to convention—June 4-7. It will pay you
to come.
* * *
There is marked activity in the pipe organ demand. Presto has
had three requests for advice in this branch of the business within
a week.
has full play. Then the Miessner solves the problem
of availability. It weighs only 375 pounds, about half
the weight of an old-fashioned upright. Two small
children can easily move it from room to room."
"It is easy to understand why we progress steadily.
A knowledge of the Miessner by school heads any-
where results in immediate inquiries which invariably
are followed by sales."
HONOR FOR R. W. LAWRENCE.
Richard W. Lawrence, president of the Music In-
dustries Chamber of Commerce, has been elected as
president of the Bankers-Commercial Security Co.,
Inc., New York, to succeed George G. Foster, who
has retired. Mr. Lawrence, who is one of the prin-
cipal stockholders in the company, began his new
duties on May 1. While retiring as president, Mr.
F"oster will retain active connection with the com-
pany as a member of the board of directors.
TRAFFIC VOLUME INCREASES
All seasonal records in traffic volume continue to
be smashed by railroads, the car service division of
the American Railway Association said this week,
announcing that during the week ending April 21 the
carriers actually loaded 957,743 cars with revenue
freight. This was 251,606 cars greater than the num-
ber loaded during the corresponding week of 1922
and 253,111 cars more than during the same week
of 1921.
FORMAL OPENING OF
NEW PORTLAND, ME., FIRM
The Miller & Hunt Company Receive Cordial Greet-
ings from Many Friends.
The Miller & Hunt Company, 21 and 23 Forest
avenue, Portland, Me., held its formal opening, and
Portland was cordially invited to inspect the beauti-
ful new stock of Chickering & Sons, Henry F. Miller,
Haines Bros., Janssen, Marshall & Wendell and other
pianos, Ampico reproducing pianos, Victor talking
machines and records and other musical merchandise.
The president of the new Portland firm is Ralph
W. E. Hunt, formerly director of Henry F. Miller &
Sons Piano Company, Boston, and manager of its
Portland house. Burton R. Miller, formerly presi-
dent, treasurer and director of Henry F. Miller &
Sons Piano Company, is treasurer of the Miller &
Hunt Company.
In honor of the Jonas Chickering Centennial a re-
cital on the Chickering piano by the world-renowned
pianist, Mme. Germainc Schnitzer, assisted by the
Ampico, was held in Frye Hall, Wednesday, May 9,
under the auspices of the Miller & Hunt Company.
Mortimer J. Reynolds, a partner with his brother
Stephen H. Reynolds in Reynold's Music Agency,
Milford, Mass., died recently while visiting Ber-
muda.
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/
PRESTO
of the industry and trade. And, in consequence, they have not made
strong appeals to the music dealers by whose special interest the
shows might be made to pay the exhibitors. This fact was illustrated
at the time of the last Coliseum music show in Chicago.
At that time, while most of the exhibitors made their consider-
able investments without profit, a few of them reaped direct rewards
by reason of some special plan for attracting the retail merchants. A
notable instance was that of the Packard Piano Co., which, under the
astute direction of Mr. A. S. Bond conducted an exclusive dealers'
plan which resulted in the actual sales of more than two hundred
pianos, involving the establishing of scores of new agencies for the
instruments from Fort Wayne, Indiana. That was substantial proof
that the expositions can be made to pay. But the average showman,
however expert in promoting the average entertainments of popular
kind, can not direct a musical instrument exposition to success.
The French plan seems to be a good one. As the invitation sug-
gests, it insures visitors against the distractions of great crowds, and
enables them to "examine and compare the articles in which they are
interested, without the embarrassment of noise and confusion." It is
notable, too, that the list of exhibitors includes no fewer than 101
names, many of them of world-wide fame, and embracing all branches
of the industry. The only one of American origin is that of the
Aeolian Company, which has also a French factory, thus making it
eligible to the plan of the exposition in Paris.
We have seen no report of the .operations of the various depart-
ments of the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce, but it is under-
stood that the income of that organization from the sale of stamps
has been very large. The stamps are sold to the manufacturers, to
be placed on pianos as they leave the factories. As a rule the dealers
find no fault with the stamps, only one of the large concerns having,
so far as we know, made any protest against their use.
* * *
The old Oslerism that a man should shuffle off at 60 is again
a topic of newspaper discussion. How many piano salesmen are
there that at 60 can outsell most of the youngsters, with both hands
tied behind them? First-class young piano salesmen—under 40, say
—are scarce. The 50 to 60-year-old youngsters are selling the pianos.
* * *
What would the older members of the piano trade have said
twenty years or more ago, had they been told that it would be pos-
sible to float bonds to the extent of four millions on a music house?
But the music business of today has grown into the million security
class.
* * *
A new popular baby grand is being promoted by the Story &
Clark Piano Co. It is the Tyler. A very good, common sense trade
name. And the piano is characteristically attractive, and of Story &
Clark thoroughness.
The crowded condition of the Drake has already forced some im-
portant industries to find display quarters at other hotels. The
SALES OF MIESSNER PIANO
GROW STEADILY IN VOLUME
Cheering Condition of Business of Miessner Piano
Co. Expressed in Words of President This Week.
"It is a pleasure to report that we are making prog-
ress steadily," said W. Otto Miessner, president of
the Miessner Piano Co., Milwaukee, Wis., this week.
The company is the maker of the Miessner, the
"Little Piano with the Big Tone," and the progress
alluded to by Mr. Miessner is the steady growth of
favor for the instrument by schools and homes and
other buyers.
"We do not even suggest any limitation in the uses
of the Miessner in impressing its character of little-
ness. Its very dimensions, three feet seven inches
high, four feet six inches wide and two feet in depth,
become suggestion to buy to a large percentage
among prospective piano buyers who realize the ad-
vantages of a small piano," continued Mr. Miessner.
Children love the Miessner because its small size
makes it so comfortable for practice. The keys lie
under the hands; the action, responsive to the slight-
est touch, does not tire tiny fingers.
"The advantages of the Miessner in the schoolroom
are obvious.
The teacher's greatest asset is the
power of personality. With a Miessner the teacher
can face the pupils directly across the top of the in-
strument while playing.
The teacher's personality
Waltham Piano Co., of Milwaukee, has show-room at the Drake,
but has also engaged a room at the Great Northern, and thus will
have two exhibits during the convention.
The Cable Company's advertising department found a new line
for last Sunday's newspaper display, and a good one. "The Gift That
Makes Fond Memories Last"—isn't that a suggestion to make people
want music? And new catch-lines are mighty hard to coin these days.
* * *
The playerpiano for the home will remain a power for music
love, and a medium of almost matchless entertainment. As a public
concert attraction it can not attract after the novelty wears off.
And it has about worn off.
* * *
Some of the strong men of the piano industry are deserting.
Mr. R. M. Lawrence has gone into finance—president of the Com-
mercial Security Co.,—and Mr. Paul Klugh has gone into radio. The
piano is the poorer for it.
It will be impossible to give any advance announcement of the
location of the various displays at the Drake. The rooms can not
be allotted until just before the convention opens. But it will be
easy enough to find your favorite pianos when you get here.
* * *
A sure sign of returning piano activity is seen in several new in-
dustries in this line. One of them is to have lodgment at Bluffton,
Ind., where the Settergren baby grand and enterprise is to be es-
tablished.
* * *
A descriptive circular explains that prizes aggregating $60,000
will be divided during the competitive high-school band tournament.
Quite a liberal contribution to the convention side show, whatever
the source.
* * *
Take advantage of the demand for small grands, which is now at
its height. If you don't know what particular grands may meet your
trade with profit to yourself, let us advise you.
* * *
Good thing that this year's convention was fixed for June in-
stead of the customary May. It snowed in Chicago on the anni-
versary of the meeting of two years ago.
* * *
New York piano factories are more active now than before in
years. The factories are busy and the promise is that the inspiring
condition will continue indefinitely.
* * *
If you haven't made your plans for next month, get busy now.
Less than three weeks to convention—June 4-7. It will pay you
to come.
* * *
There is marked activity in the pipe organ demand. Presto has
had three requests for advice in this branch of the business within
a week.
has full play. Then the Miessner solves the problem
of availability. It weighs only 375 pounds, about half
the weight of an old-fashioned upright. Two small
children can easily move it from room to room."
"It is easy to understand why we progress steadily.
A knowledge of the Miessner by school heads any-
where results in immediate inquiries which invariably
are followed by sales."
HONOR FOR R. W. LAWRENCE.
Richard W. Lawrence, president of the Music In-
dustries Chamber of Commerce, has been elected as
president of the Bankers-Commercial Security Co.,
Inc., New York, to succeed George G. Foster, who
has retired. Mr. Lawrence, who is one of the prin-
cipal stockholders in the company, began his new
duties on May 1. While retiring as president, Mr.
F"oster will retain active connection with the com-
pany as a member of the board of directors.
TRAFFIC VOLUME INCREASES
All seasonal records in traffic volume continue to
be smashed by railroads, the car service division of
the American Railway Association said this week,
announcing that during the week ending April 21 the
carriers actually loaded 957,743 cars with revenue
freight. This was 251,606 cars greater than the num-
ber loaded during the corresponding week of 1922
and 253,111 cars more than during the same week
of 1921.
FORMAL OPENING OF
NEW PORTLAND, ME., FIRM
The Miller & Hunt Company Receive Cordial Greet-
ings from Many Friends.
The Miller & Hunt Company, 21 and 23 Forest
avenue, Portland, Me., held its formal opening, and
Portland was cordially invited to inspect the beauti-
ful new stock of Chickering & Sons, Henry F. Miller,
Haines Bros., Janssen, Marshall & Wendell and other
pianos, Ampico reproducing pianos, Victor talking
machines and records and other musical merchandise.
The president of the new Portland firm is Ralph
W. E. Hunt, formerly director of Henry F. Miller &
Sons Piano Company, Boston, and manager of its
Portland house. Burton R. Miller, formerly presi-
dent, treasurer and director of Henry F. Miller &
Sons Piano Company, is treasurer of the Miller &
Hunt Company.
In honor of the Jonas Chickering Centennial a re-
cital on the Chickering piano by the world-renowned
pianist, Mme. Germainc Schnitzer, assisted by the
Ampico, was held in Frye Hall, Wednesday, May 9,
under the auspices of the Miller & Hunt Company.
Mortimer J. Reynolds, a partner with his brother
Stephen H. Reynolds in Reynold's Music Agency,
Milford, Mass., died recently while visiting Ber-
muda.
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/
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).