26
P R E S T O
Ben Bornstein, Ager, Yellen & Bornstein, New York;
J. M. Priaulx, Charles H. Ditson Co., New York; E.
T. Paull, E. T. Paull Music Co, New York; W. A.
Walling, Evans Music Co., New York and Boston;
R. L. Huntzinger, R. L. Huntzinger, New York; T.
J. Donlan, National Association of Sheet Music Deal-
ers, New York; Joseph M. Skilton, G. Schirmer, Inc.,
New York City; Theodore Presser, Theodore Presser
Co., Philadelphia; W. Kretschner, Carl Fischer, New
York.
The statement of the Federal Trade Commission is
as follows:
The purpose of the meeting and the powers of the
Commission were explained by Commissioner Van
Fleet after which the discussion proceeded. A brief
summary of the facts developed is as follows: It ap-
pears that for many years it has been the practice of
the publishers to print sheet music at prices approxi-
mately one-third higher than the actual retail selling
price. The practice arose from the custom of grant-
ing to music teachers a discount, usually one-third,
from the price printed on the publication, which was
to compensate teachers for their time in selecting the
music, etc. After awhile teachers had their pupils re-
quest the discount and in a few years the public
were getting the same discount, so that today the
actual retail price of much of the music sold is sub-
stantially less than the printed price on the publica-
tion. As one of the publishers expressed it, "the
printing of a price on music from which to figure a
discount is out of date and no longer serves any use-
ful purpose, and no doubt opens up a way to the un-
scrupulous to charge a higher price to unsuspecting
persons, than is contemplated by the publisher." It
appears that the elimination of this practice has been
the subject of discussion by the industry for some
time. The music dealers and popular music publish-
ers present also favored the discontinuance of the
practice.
After discussing the subject and the details inci-
dental to making a change in the practice, the pub-
lishers of standard sheet music unanimously adopted
the following resolution: "We believe the proper
way of marking prices on music is to use the price at
which it is expected the music will sell for at retail
under conditions of normal competition."
The Federal Trade Commission approves the reso-
lution as set out above, and believes that it expresses
the views of the entire industry. The trade has been
requested to fix a date at which the change shall be
put in operation.
NEW YORK'S SONG PLUOGER
They Spring from Tin Pan Alley, But Other Cities
Know Them Also.
The professional song plugger is a type almost en-
tirely indigenous to Manhattan, writes O. O. Mclntyre
in the Chicago Post. Their success lies in ability to
put over a song and consequently they must have
that intangible something known as personality.
The large majority of vaudeville song artists come
from Tin Pan Alley's army of song pluggers. They
seem to be amazingly sophisticated and you think of
them as having been born and raised in the din of the
Roaring Forties.
However, the only one I know was raised on a
scrubby hillside farm patch in West Virginia. He
has been in New York but a few years, and is a
leader of the pack. His early life was spent in a
fog cabin. His parents had nothing save two acres
of ground, a sick cow and a sour well. He was grad-
uated into the song-plugging business from a fresh-
water college glee club.
Somehow the song plugger is one you cannot,
imagine as having hoed corn and split rails. His
career goes with clean white collar, calcium lights and
the cafe carousal. Yet a music publisher to whom I
phoned for information about them tells me among
all he knows not one was city born.
C. D. ISAACSON RETURNS.
Charles D. Isaacson, New York concert promoter
and writer on musical matters, has just returned from
a trip to the Pacific Coast, where he spoke to more
than a hundred audiences. Mr. Isaacson directed his
talks to the large audiences on grand opera chiefly,
but told of his work in New York City.
February 2, 1924.
THE PRESTO'S WANT ADVS.
STOCK K E E P E R W A N T E D .
SALESMAN—TUNER.
Young man in small player factory and office who knows
What dealer wants the services of a piano salesman who
player material and stock keeping, accurate and
has been successful In selling the rural as well as
quick. One with ability to advance. Tell us in con-
urban trade? His sales experience has extended over
fidence where you have worked, age, experience and
several months and is underbuilt by five years of
wages wanted. Address "Stock Keeper," Box 9,
successful independent tuning. This man Is under
PRESTO Office, 417 S. Dearborn St., Chicago.
twenty-five years and ran answer to any require-
ments you may wish to bring forth. What do you
offer to him? He can use his own car if necessary.
STOCK OF GOODS FOR SALE.
Write to him, addressing "Worker," Box 14, PRES-
Owing to the recent death of my brother and former
TO, 417 S. Dearborn St., Chicago.
partner, am offering our stock of musical goods for
sale at a sacrifice. Stock consists of pianos, talking
SALESMAN W A N T E D .
machines and small goods. Will invoice from $3,000
to $4,000. Will consider any reasonable offer. Own
S A L E S M A N W A N T E D — L i v e , hustling, thoroughly ex-
store building, one of the finest in the city. Rent
perienced piano salesman for one of our branch stores
reasonable. If interested, address J. E. Giles, Admin-
In one of the best cities in central Illinois. Mason &
istrator, Quincy, III.
Hamlln and Conover reproducing pianos, uprights and
grands. Victor and Brunswick talking machines. A
great opportunity for a salesman who is ambitious
S H E E T MUSIC MANAGER.
and energetic. Address " E . F. N.," care of Cable
WANTED—Experienced sheet music and small goods
Piano Co., 301 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago.
manager, capable of taking complete charge of well-
established department in leading music store of large
Southern city. Must be able to buy, sell and make
PLAYER EXPERT W A N T E D .
profit. Apply promptly if interested. Address Post
A large retail house wants a repair and service man, one
Office Box No. 172, Chicago, III.
who thoroughly understands the repairing of all
makes of player-pianos, electric pianos and reproduc-
ing pianos. Applicant must be a straightforward
BUSINESS O P P O R T U N I T Y .
man.
Married man preferred, who has held a steady
WANTED—Polish piano salesman with some capital to
position heretofore. He must understand finishing,
become partner in well established business. State
tuning
and all details of a retail piano house repair
reference and experience. Big opportunity. Address
work. Address, stating salary wanted, "Service," Box
"Wilkes," Box 2, PRESTO Office, 417 S. Dearborn
3,
PRESTO
Office, 417 S. Dearborn St., Chicago.
St. Chicago.
RETAIL MANAGER WANTED.
SALES MANAGER WANTED—Leading music store of
large and flourishing southern cify offers a splendid
opportunity to experienced and capable head sales-
man and sales manager. Must be a strong man and
ambitious in order to measure up to possibilities of
position. Address "Southern," care of PRESTO Pub-
lishing Co., Chicago.
FACTORY B O O K K E E P E R W A N T E D .
One of the largest piano industries wants a first-class
bookkeeper and accountant. One with understanding
of the piano business preferred. Apply at once, ad-
dressing "Bookkeeper," care PRESTO, 417 S. Dear-
born St., Chicago.
BUSINESS O P P O R T U N I T Y .
Want wideawake partner in general music store in best
spot In sunny California; $5,000 needed, not to buy
a half interest, but to double the capital. Business
been going about two years and making money. This
is a rare chance for the right party. Address J. F.
Graber, 204 E. Main St., Visalia, Calif.
TRAVELER WANTED.
A Chicago piano manufacturer, long established, wants a
first-class salesman—one who has had the experience
and can actually do business with a fine line of In-
struments sold at attractive prices. Address "Attrac-
tive," Box 6, PRESTO Office, 417 S. Dearborn St.,
Chicago.
TUNER A N D PLAYER MAN.
Piano store wants tuner and player man qualified to take
charge of large shop as manager. Good pay to the
right man. Address C. E. Lucore, Statler Hotel, Buf-
falo, N. Y .
SALESMANAGER W A N T E D .
Salesmanager wanted to handle an entire sales organiza-
tion of a growing piano concern In Detroit, Mich.
Must be a piano sales producer and able to handle
men and build up the force. State experience and
compensation required, also references, in your first
application. Address "Producer," Box 11, PRESTO
Office, 417 S. Dearborn St., Chicago.
SALESMAN W A N T E D .
T R A V E L E R W A N T S POSITION.
Piano floor salesman wanted for excellent position In
largest and most beautiful piano store in Northwest.
Wholesale piano traveler of 35 years' experience is open
Permanent position with good salary and bonus.
for position. Best of references.
Prefer states of
Must be first-class salesman In every respect. All
New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. Address
replies strictly confidential. Address E. R. Mlhm, 800
H. V., care of PRESTO, 417 So. Dearborn St., Chi-
Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, Minn.
cago.
W H O W A N T S GOOD CLOSER?
Who wants good closer and all around salesman? First
class salesman, 20 years in the piano business. Able
to create business and close it on short contracts.
Good mixer. Would like position with house which
would appreciate successful work and loyalty. W i d -
ower, 46 years old. Address E. M. Combs, 2250 Camp-
bell Park, Chicago, III.
PIANO S A L E S M A N W A N T E D .
Must have experience in handling canvassers. All our
men make big money. Call for an Interview. See Mr.
Newman, The Smith Piano Co., 214 S. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, III.
JAZZ FOR HEALTH.
"Jazz" music is commended by bulletin of the Chi-
cago Board of Health because "it produces an ex-
hilarating effect and has also the advantage of induc-
ing physical exercise in dancing." The radio as a
factor in developing health and contentment receives
a recommendation from the city health department,
which says: "Through the music broadcast on radio
programs the nerves are soothed," the bulletin points
out, "and irritation is allayed and a sense of peace
and contentment is promoted. The radio," it is fur-
ther asserted, "gives the tired business man and all
classes of individuals something to think about; it
strengthens the family tie, promotes culture and in-
duces a thirst for knowledge."
A FEW NOTES.
E. O. Spitzner, the Portland, Ore., violinist, com-
poser and teacher, who won the third prize in the
composition contest of the Chicago Daily News is a
charter member of the Oregon Composers' Society.
Perry Bradford, the colored song writer, has filed
a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, giving liabilities
at $7,600 and assets at $5,070.
FOR S A L E — G E N E R A L MUSIC STORE.
Located in the garden spot of the South; established ten
years; usual annual business $50,000. Stock consists
of pianos, players, phonographs of nationally adver-
tised lines. 50% of all sales are spot cash. Address
"C. L. D.," care PRESTO, Chicago.
USED PIANO BARGAINS.
Twenty used pianos which have not yet passed through
our repair shop offered at low prices to dealers. Prices
range from $25 to $50, all woods included. Special
price for carload lots. Address reply to " E . F. N.,"
care Cable Piano Co., Chicago.
PHONOGRAPH S A L E S M A N .
Phonograpn salesman wanted.
Real opportunity for
salesman who can produce results. Must live on south
side of city. Apply 1004 W. 79th St., Chicago. Phone
Vincennes 9383.
WHO WANTS TRAVELER?
Traveler who has sold pianos for several years, whole-
sale, wishes to make connection with a first-class
house as traveling representative. Best of references
furnished. Address "Representative," Box 17, PRES-
TO Office, 417 S. Dearborn St., Chicago.
SALESMAN'S O P P O R T U N I T Y .
Retail piano salesman in large western city. One who
can handle department with several men under him.
Fine warerooms and fine line of Instruments. Good
opportunity for man who is willing to work and pro-
duce results. Give age, experience and salary wanted.
Address "Results," Box 15, PRESTO Office, 417 S.
Dearborn St., Chicago.
AN OPPORTUNITY.
One of the greatest opportunities ever offered to any In-
dividual or firm, to purchase an established music
business in one of the best business sections of Mil-
waukee. Have valuable lease. Can be purchased for
less than invoice, on account of owner Investing In
manufacturing
business.
Address, "Opportunity,"
Box 16, Presto Office, 417 So. Dearborn Street,
Chicago.
GOOD CLOSERS W A N T E D .
I want three piano men who want to make big money,
but they must be good closers. We have a big fine
store, in a fine large city. Knabe, Ampico, Fischer,
Franklin, also other well-known pianos. Right kind
of man can make big money. Write me for particu-
lars. Address Clarence Lucore, Statler Hotel, Buf-
falo, N. Y.
STARR PIANOS
STARR PHONOGRAPHS
GENNETT RECORDS
Represent the Maximum Attainment in
Musical Worth
Branches and Distributors Everywhere
The Starr Piano Company
Established 1892
Richmond, Indiana
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