Presto
Issue: 1924 1976 - Page 5
PRESTO
June 7, 1924.
CHRISTMAN
"The First Touch Tells"
CHAMBER MEMBERS
FIRST TO APPEAR
Lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria Enlivened
by the Presence of Well Known Officials
and Directors of Music Industries
Chamber of Commerce.
THE NEXT PRESIDENT?
Possibility of Western Man for Head of the Joint
Body Topic of Informal Talks in
Headquarters Hotel.
CHRISTMAN
Reproducing Grand
The very highest type of piano attainment
is exemplified in this remarkable instru-
ment. It is as perfect in operation, repro-
duction and in volume of tone, and as
reliable in every detail of construction, as
skill and flawless materials can create.
CHRISTMAN
Studio Grand
Some of the Greatest Pianists have pro-
nounced this instrument the peer of any
produced. It is powerful and yet it is but
five feet long. It is a veritable "little giant"
among pianos, and its artistic qualities
command attention in any dealers' ware-
room.
No ambitious Piano Merchant can
be sure that he has the best, most
profitable and satisfactory Line until
he has examined the Christman and
compared with whatever competitor
may be winning local trade.
INQUIRIES INVITED
te
The First Touch Tells"
Reg. U S. Pat. Off.
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St.
New York
The convention business of the Music Industries
Chamber of Commerce was performed at various
times during the convention week, at the noonday
luncheons, in the new meeting rooms for Chamber
directors at the new home at 45 West 45th street.
In the latter place the formal presentation of com-
mittee and officers' reports were presented and other
business of Chamber character performed. The elec-
tion of officers took place on Friday on board the
boat carrying delegates up the Hudson to West
Point, and occurred too late to print in this issue. A
notice to the editors of trade papers dated May 27
said there would be no annual report for publication
from the president, Richard W. Lawrence. Instead
lie issued a brochure that fulfilled that purpose.
H. C. Dickinson Named.
Much informal Chamber talk gave animation to
Sunday in the lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria. In the
groups were many prominent members of the joint
body. The president, R. W. Lawrence; the vice-
president, Ralph L. Freeman; the treasurer, F. B. T.
Hollenberg, and the secretary, Alfred L. Smith, and
Geo. W. Pound were there and enough of directors
from the various associations to form numerous
quorums all over the lobby.
In case Mr. Lawrence resigned the presidency the
possible successor named was H. C. Dickinson, vice-
president of the Baldwin Co., Cincinnati. In the
informal gatherings previous to the first Chamber
meeting Mr. Dickinson was urged to take the office
of president. But Mr. Dickinson demurred and con-
tinued in that attitude, arguing that a New York
man should fill the office, inasmuch as the Chamber
offices are in New York. An important event on
Sunday was the dinner to his associates in the execu-
tive of the Chamber by Mr. Lawrence.
New York's Welcome.
Police Commissioner Enright welcomed the dele-
gates on behalf of the mayor, and Lewis E. Pierson,
president of the Merchants' Association of New York
City, extended the welcome of the business men at the
first noonday luncheon on Monday. Richard W.
Lawrence, president of the Music Industries Cham-
ber of Commerce, presided at the luncheon and the
opening session.
In his remarks Mr. Lawrence spoke of the great
meeting at this luncheon which made memorable the
first session of Chamber business in the convention
of 1924 session. He pointed out the growth of the
Chamber and wondered what is to be done to meet
the new and urgent requirements, suggesting that two
meetings a year be held to accommodate new devel-
opments. Mr. Lawrence told what the Chamber had
accomplished under his leadership. For this report he
offered a brochure, as the best report he could make.
Secretary's Report.
The annual report of the secretary and general
manager, Albert L. Smith, of the Music Industries
Chamber of Commerce was a review of activities
since last convention. These he explained were car-
ried on through its various bureaus, in annual reports
making a part of Mr. Smith's report. Together
they constitute an almost complete record in detail
of the accomplishments for the year. In addition
there is the most important activity of all, namely,
the legislative work in connection with the pending
internal revenue bill. The report said:
''The exemption of musical instruments from the
jewelry tax is important not alone because of band
instruments, but also because of the danger of the
application of this tax to many other types of instru-
ments using gold, silver or ivory in their construc-
tion. Local collectors have repeatedly attempted to
impose this tax on phonographs with gold plated
tone arms. The Chamber has been in almost con-
stant communication and conference with the Internal
Revenue Bureau for the past six months on this mat-
ter. Pending a final decision the Bureau advised
collectors not to levy this tax on phonographs."
The Export Bureau.
"The activities of the Export Bureau during the
past year have been along the customary lines of
tlie issuing of regular bulletins to users of the service
transmitting export figures for pianos and phono-
graphs, also special bulletins from tiine to time on
any subject of interest or importance to members of
the Chamber who are engaged in export trade. The
Bureau's credit service on foreign dealers has been
extensively used and now has nearly 400 reports on
file," was the comprehensive sentence in the report
opening that shows the purposes of the Bureau.
Beach Barrett is manager and the Advisory Com-
mittee to the Bureau during the year has consisted
of J. B. Schwartz, chairman; F. P. Bassett, Alvaro
S. F. Chaves, Miss Lucy Goldsmith and Walter
Stevens.
Better Business Bureau.
The merchandising work of the Better Business
Bureau has continued along the lines of previous
years and is believed to have retarded a tendency
toward dishonest and unwise methods under threat-
ening business conditions," said C. L. Derres, secre-
tary of the Better Business Bureau in his report.
The "bait" of low price advertising, unbelievable
reductions and comparative valuations, misleading
terms, and to some extent, "gyp" dealing, were espe-
cially noticeable in the cases handled. Mention may
also be made of the controversies in the reproducing
piano field which frequently threaten serious renewal;
an unfortunate sales effort mentioning a "Piano
Makers' Strike," and the misuse of the membership
list of the National Association of Music Merchants
by an Arkansas member in connection with an oil
scheme.
The Better Business Bureau gave attention during
the year to 136 new matters, of which 65 related to
the song swindle and 71 to music merchandising, as
against 170 last year when the listing of more than
100 names of song sharks swelled the total. The
attention given to old cases carried over from the
previous year and from month to month during the
past year made an average of 36 matters a month
given attention.
J. R. REED PRESIDENT
OF TEXAS ASSOCIATION
Austin Man Successfully Urges Claim of H's City
for Next Convention Location.
J. R. Reed, of Austin, was elected president of the
Texas Music Merchants' Association at the annual
convention in Galveston last week and Mr. Reed's
persuasive powers urged a majority of the members
to select Austin as the annual meeting place next
year. The following places were submitted to the
convention as desirable gathering places in 1925 by
members who had the best reason for considering
them so: San Antonio, Brownsville, Beaumont, Fort
Worth, Dallas, Texarkana, Paris, Pittsburgh, Hous-
ton, and Port Arthur. The debate showed what a
great number of available and desirable places for
convention purposes the Lone Star State possesses.
T. J. York of Texarkana, was elected vice-presi-
dent, Lester Burchfield, Dallas, second vice-president,
E. E. Hall, Abilene, third vice-president, and W. B.
Callaway, Houston, secretary-treasurer.
The new board of directors comprises J. O. Elliott,
San Antonio; W. W. Humphries, Dallas; A. T.
Byers, San Antonio; O. V. Ray, Amarillo, and
Geoi"ge H. Beasley, Texarkana.
The importance of radio in the commodities han-
dled by the music merchant was presented by several
speakers. Will L. Cary, representing the Radio Cor-
poration of America, said the logical handlers of radio
are the music dealers and that eventually they will
control the retailing of sets and accessories. At the
annual banquet at the Hotel Galvez, J. T. Fitzgerald
was the guest of honor.
THE BELLECLAIRE GOLF GAME.
The Music Industries Chamber of Commerce Golf
Tournament was held at the Belleclaire Golf Club,
Bayside, Long Island, on Thursday. The follow-
ing committee had charge of the arrangements:
Arthur L. Wessell, chairman; Hary J. Sohmer, Her-
bert W. Hill, Theodore Cassabeer, R. O. Ainslee,
Kenneth W. Curtis and W. H. Alfring. In the morn-
ing a qualifying round of the first nine holes played
determined selection of foursomes for the afternoon
competition, the results of which were received by
Presto too late for this issue.
PREMIER IN BOSTON.
The line of grand pianos of the Premier Grand
Piano Corporation, 510-532 West 23rd street, New
York, manufacturers of baby grands exclusively, has
been added to the presentation of Charles S. Norris,
Tremont street, Boston, Mass. Judging by the im-
portance and magnitude of the selling activities of
Mr. Norris, his company will add an especially power-
ful sales stimulus to the popular Premier in Boston
and vicinity.
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/
June 7, 1924.
CHRISTMAN
"The First Touch Tells"
CHAMBER MEMBERS
FIRST TO APPEAR
Lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria Enlivened
by the Presence of Well Known Officials
and Directors of Music Industries
Chamber of Commerce.
THE NEXT PRESIDENT?
Possibility of Western Man for Head of the Joint
Body Topic of Informal Talks in
Headquarters Hotel.
CHRISTMAN
Reproducing Grand
The very highest type of piano attainment
is exemplified in this remarkable instru-
ment. It is as perfect in operation, repro-
duction and in volume of tone, and as
reliable in every detail of construction, as
skill and flawless materials can create.
CHRISTMAN
Studio Grand
Some of the Greatest Pianists have pro-
nounced this instrument the peer of any
produced. It is powerful and yet it is but
five feet long. It is a veritable "little giant"
among pianos, and its artistic qualities
command attention in any dealers' ware-
room.
No ambitious Piano Merchant can
be sure that he has the best, most
profitable and satisfactory Line until
he has examined the Christman and
compared with whatever competitor
may be winning local trade.
INQUIRIES INVITED
te
The First Touch Tells"
Reg. U S. Pat. Off.
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St.
New York
The convention business of the Music Industries
Chamber of Commerce was performed at various
times during the convention week, at the noonday
luncheons, in the new meeting rooms for Chamber
directors at the new home at 45 West 45th street.
In the latter place the formal presentation of com-
mittee and officers' reports were presented and other
business of Chamber character performed. The elec-
tion of officers took place on Friday on board the
boat carrying delegates up the Hudson to West
Point, and occurred too late to print in this issue. A
notice to the editors of trade papers dated May 27
said there would be no annual report for publication
from the president, Richard W. Lawrence. Instead
lie issued a brochure that fulfilled that purpose.
H. C. Dickinson Named.
Much informal Chamber talk gave animation to
Sunday in the lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria. In the
groups were many prominent members of the joint
body. The president, R. W. Lawrence; the vice-
president, Ralph L. Freeman; the treasurer, F. B. T.
Hollenberg, and the secretary, Alfred L. Smith, and
Geo. W. Pound were there and enough of directors
from the various associations to form numerous
quorums all over the lobby.
In case Mr. Lawrence resigned the presidency the
possible successor named was H. C. Dickinson, vice-
president of the Baldwin Co., Cincinnati. In the
informal gatherings previous to the first Chamber
meeting Mr. Dickinson was urged to take the office
of president. But Mr. Dickinson demurred and con-
tinued in that attitude, arguing that a New York
man should fill the office, inasmuch as the Chamber
offices are in New York. An important event on
Sunday was the dinner to his associates in the execu-
tive of the Chamber by Mr. Lawrence.
New York's Welcome.
Police Commissioner Enright welcomed the dele-
gates on behalf of the mayor, and Lewis E. Pierson,
president of the Merchants' Association of New York
City, extended the welcome of the business men at the
first noonday luncheon on Monday. Richard W.
Lawrence, president of the Music Industries Cham-
ber of Commerce, presided at the luncheon and the
opening session.
In his remarks Mr. Lawrence spoke of the great
meeting at this luncheon which made memorable the
first session of Chamber business in the convention
of 1924 session. He pointed out the growth of the
Chamber and wondered what is to be done to meet
the new and urgent requirements, suggesting that two
meetings a year be held to accommodate new devel-
opments. Mr. Lawrence told what the Chamber had
accomplished under his leadership. For this report he
offered a brochure, as the best report he could make.
Secretary's Report.
The annual report of the secretary and general
manager, Albert L. Smith, of the Music Industries
Chamber of Commerce was a review of activities
since last convention. These he explained were car-
ried on through its various bureaus, in annual reports
making a part of Mr. Smith's report. Together
they constitute an almost complete record in detail
of the accomplishments for the year. In addition
there is the most important activity of all, namely,
the legislative work in connection with the pending
internal revenue bill. The report said:
''The exemption of musical instruments from the
jewelry tax is important not alone because of band
instruments, but also because of the danger of the
application of this tax to many other types of instru-
ments using gold, silver or ivory in their construc-
tion. Local collectors have repeatedly attempted to
impose this tax on phonographs with gold plated
tone arms. The Chamber has been in almost con-
stant communication and conference with the Internal
Revenue Bureau for the past six months on this mat-
ter. Pending a final decision the Bureau advised
collectors not to levy this tax on phonographs."
The Export Bureau.
"The activities of the Export Bureau during the
past year have been along the customary lines of
tlie issuing of regular bulletins to users of the service
transmitting export figures for pianos and phono-
graphs, also special bulletins from tiine to time on
any subject of interest or importance to members of
the Chamber who are engaged in export trade. The
Bureau's credit service on foreign dealers has been
extensively used and now has nearly 400 reports on
file," was the comprehensive sentence in the report
opening that shows the purposes of the Bureau.
Beach Barrett is manager and the Advisory Com-
mittee to the Bureau during the year has consisted
of J. B. Schwartz, chairman; F. P. Bassett, Alvaro
S. F. Chaves, Miss Lucy Goldsmith and Walter
Stevens.
Better Business Bureau.
The merchandising work of the Better Business
Bureau has continued along the lines of previous
years and is believed to have retarded a tendency
toward dishonest and unwise methods under threat-
ening business conditions," said C. L. Derres, secre-
tary of the Better Business Bureau in his report.
The "bait" of low price advertising, unbelievable
reductions and comparative valuations, misleading
terms, and to some extent, "gyp" dealing, were espe-
cially noticeable in the cases handled. Mention may
also be made of the controversies in the reproducing
piano field which frequently threaten serious renewal;
an unfortunate sales effort mentioning a "Piano
Makers' Strike," and the misuse of the membership
list of the National Association of Music Merchants
by an Arkansas member in connection with an oil
scheme.
The Better Business Bureau gave attention during
the year to 136 new matters, of which 65 related to
the song swindle and 71 to music merchandising, as
against 170 last year when the listing of more than
100 names of song sharks swelled the total. The
attention given to old cases carried over from the
previous year and from month to month during the
past year made an average of 36 matters a month
given attention.
J. R. REED PRESIDENT
OF TEXAS ASSOCIATION
Austin Man Successfully Urges Claim of H's City
for Next Convention Location.
J. R. Reed, of Austin, was elected president of the
Texas Music Merchants' Association at the annual
convention in Galveston last week and Mr. Reed's
persuasive powers urged a majority of the members
to select Austin as the annual meeting place next
year. The following places were submitted to the
convention as desirable gathering places in 1925 by
members who had the best reason for considering
them so: San Antonio, Brownsville, Beaumont, Fort
Worth, Dallas, Texarkana, Paris, Pittsburgh, Hous-
ton, and Port Arthur. The debate showed what a
great number of available and desirable places for
convention purposes the Lone Star State possesses.
T. J. York of Texarkana, was elected vice-presi-
dent, Lester Burchfield, Dallas, second vice-president,
E. E. Hall, Abilene, third vice-president, and W. B.
Callaway, Houston, secretary-treasurer.
The new board of directors comprises J. O. Elliott,
San Antonio; W. W. Humphries, Dallas; A. T.
Byers, San Antonio; O. V. Ray, Amarillo, and
Geoi"ge H. Beasley, Texarkana.
The importance of radio in the commodities han-
dled by the music merchant was presented by several
speakers. Will L. Cary, representing the Radio Cor-
poration of America, said the logical handlers of radio
are the music dealers and that eventually they will
control the retailing of sets and accessories. At the
annual banquet at the Hotel Galvez, J. T. Fitzgerald
was the guest of honor.
THE BELLECLAIRE GOLF GAME.
The Music Industries Chamber of Commerce Golf
Tournament was held at the Belleclaire Golf Club,
Bayside, Long Island, on Thursday. The follow-
ing committee had charge of the arrangements:
Arthur L. Wessell, chairman; Hary J. Sohmer, Her-
bert W. Hill, Theodore Cassabeer, R. O. Ainslee,
Kenneth W. Curtis and W. H. Alfring. In the morn-
ing a qualifying round of the first nine holes played
determined selection of foursomes for the afternoon
competition, the results of which were received by
Presto too late for this issue.
PREMIER IN BOSTON.
The line of grand pianos of the Premier Grand
Piano Corporation, 510-532 West 23rd street, New
York, manufacturers of baby grands exclusively, has
been added to the presentation of Charles S. Norris,
Tremont street, Boston, Mass. Judging by the im-
portance and magnitude of the selling activities of
Mr. Norris, his company will add an especially power-
ful sales stimulus to the popular Premier in Boston
and vicinity.
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).