Presto

PRESTO-TIMES
HOROWITZ THE PROPAGANDIST
The intense interest created by the piano
performances of Vladimir Horowitz in all the
cities where his recitals have been scheduled
undoubtedly is an evidence of the stimulated
favor for the piano. The interest is accom-
panied by urgent calls for tickets far in ad-
vance of the events, which in every case the
concert halls and agencies are unable to satis-
fy. The cheerful condition created by the re-
citals of the young wizard of the piano is a
convincing proof that well planned and ably
directed propaganda is sure of the desired re-
sults in the musical public.
The Horowitz recitals naturally direct
marked attention to the Steinway piano but
to the recital promoters the association of
great artist and great piano has a broader
purpose. The cause of piano music is served
by the artist's display of his abilities and a
natural sequence is an increased volume of
fine piano sales. Such a tremendous display of
piano music interest as that aroused by the
Horowitz recitals should naturally react to
the benefit of piano manufacturers, piano deal-
ers, piano teachers and schools of music.
One instance pointing to the potency of the
propaganda centered about the recitals sched-
uled for Horowitz occurred in Chicago last
week. Although the next Horowitz appear-
ance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
is not until December 14, Orchestra Hall was
completely sold for that date. In fact a con-
tinuous activity in the ticket office is the work
of returning late coming checks to their
senders.
December 8, 1928
THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AQO
(From Presto December 9, 1893.)
Tuesday was a bright day in Chicago. Everything
was pleasant, even the weather. Inquiry "over town"
Published Every Saturday at 417 South Dearborn
developed that E. W. Furbush had arrived. That is
Street, Chicago, Illinois.
the explanation given at Lyon, Potter Co.'s for the
change in the weather. Furbush warms things up
PRESTO P U B L I S H I N G CO., Publishers.
somewhat. He looked as if he were glad to pay
Editor
even a flying visit to Chicago.
F R A N K D. A B B O T T
- - - - - - - - -
(C. A. DANIELL—1904-1927.)
The Kimball grand piano is being heard in a great
J. FERGUS O'RYAN
- - - - -
Managing Editor
many concerts in Chicago and vicinity this season.
That startling pianist, Emil Liebling, who is in such
Telephones, Local and Long Distance, Harrison 0234.
Private Phones to all Departments. Cable Address (Com-
great demand for recitals, uses no other.
mercial Cable Co.'s Code), " P R E S T O , " Chicago.
Mr. E. S. Conway is, as everyone knows, a good,
Entered as second-class matter Jan. 29, 1896, at th*
staunch Republican, and it may surprise many to
Post Office, Chicago, 111., under Act of March 3, 1879.
learn that he wishes to see the Wilson Tariff Bill
become a law. Not because he admires it, but he
Subscription, $2 a year; 6 months, $1.25; Foreign, $4.
thinks the people should get just what they voted
Payable in advance. No extra charge in United States
possessions, Cuba and Mexico. Rates for advertising on
for, and they will know better next time.
application.
Presto knows of at least one great music house
Items of news and other matter are solicited and if of
that the commercial cyclone which has been sweep-
general interest to the music trade will be paid for at
ing over the country and which doesn't seem to be
space rates. Usually piano merchants or salesmen in the
smaller cities are the best occasional correspondents, and
"out of the woods" yet, hasn't effected to any degree.
their assistance is invited.
Fact; true as gospel, and right along this
concern : has been doing some of the most effective
Payment is not accepted for matter printed in the edi-
advertis ng that could possibly be set forth. Adver-
torial or news columns of Presto-Times.
tising that for many reasons has been effective in
Where half-tones are made the actual cost of produc-
tion will be charged if of commercial character or other
the extreme. This special advertising is also a strong
than strictly news interest.
argument in favor of making an impression at differ-
When electrotypes are sent for publication it is re-
ent and distinct times than when others are doing
quested that their subjects and senders be carefully indi-
cated.
the same thing.
Mr. William Strauch has returned to New York
Forms close at noon on Thursday. Late news matter
should be in not later than 11 o'clock on that day. Ad-
with his sweet young bride.
vertising copy should be in hand before Tuesday, 5 p. m.,
to insure preferred position. Full page display copy
One of the most conservative of the well known
should be in hand by Tuesday noon preceding publication
day. Want advertisements for current week, to insure
piano makers is of the opinion that the agitation of
classification, should be in by Wednesday noon.
the tariff question is the thing that is operating to
the greatest extent against the piano business.
Address all communications for the editorial or business
departments to PRESTO PUBLISHING CO., 417 South
The text of the Story & Clark award is being given
Dearborn Street. Chicago, III.
great prominence in English and continental music
and music trade papers. The remarkable strength of
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1928.
this award is conceded to be the just due of the Story
& Clark organs, and is proving a powerful lever in
the hands of their agents.
The last form of Presto-Times goes to press
Great question this of money and finance! The
at 11 a. m. Thursday. Any news transpiring
banks and savings vaults loaded down with currency
after that hour cannot be expected in the cur-
NEW STYLES IN YEAR BOOK
and all lines of business struggling to keep above
rent issue. Nothing received at the office that
As
a rule the customer for piano, phono- water.
is not strictly news of importance can have
The foreign World's Fair Commissioners are not
attention after 9 a. m. on Thursday. If they graph and radio today is keenly interested in
concern the interests of manufacturers or the outward form of his purchase, as well as at all backward in expressing their opinions of John
dealers such items will appear the week follow- its merits of construction. The name of the Boyd Thacher and state emphatically that he has
ing. Copy for advertising designed for the manufacturer assures him of the desired tonal broken his promises to them and run away. They
have entered a decisive protect against his treatment
current issue must reach the office not later
qualities and the character for endurance in of them.
'ban Wednesday noon of each week.
Mr. Charles F. Tretbar is sighly esteemed by the
the piano he considers most desirable, the title
of the phonograph suggests modern features great house of Steinway & Sons. His services have
been valuable and it is pleasant to note that they
which distinguish the new from the older are recognized at their full worth by the other mem-
NEW PRESTO BUYER'S GUIDE
types, and printed propaganda makes him bers. On the occasion of the celebration of his
The 1929 Edition
aware of the merits of the various radio re- twenty-fifth year with the house, they presented him
with a handsome gold watch and chain as a token of
The widely expressed interest of piano
ceiving sets, but it depends upon himself to their esteem.
dealers and salesmen in PRESTO BUYERS'
add to these his ideal of case beauty. And
Count Ludwig Cavalli made a flying trip from New
GUIDE, following 1 the announcement of prep-
never before have the refinements and elegan- York, a few days ago, going as far as St. Louis and—
aration of the new edition for 1929. is a trib-
cies of art entered so much into the construc- well, Cavalli always books orders.
ute to the usefulness of the book, owing 1 to the
Will L. Bush, of the Bush & Gerts Piano Co., just
tion of piano cases or cabinet.
dependable character of its statements. The
returned from an extensive trip of three weeks in
An alluring feature of the Year Book of Wisconsin and Michigan, confining his visits to nu-
attitude of the trade in expecting absolute
Presto-Times,
to be issued January 5, 1929, merous agencies already handling that popular piano.
correctness about the newer forms of grands,
will
be
the
array
of artistic pianos and cab- He reports that trade is quiet and dealers very cau-
playerpianos and reproducing pianos makes
tious in buying for holiday trade and stocks are lighter
the responsibilities attending 1 the preparation inets. As the demand for the finest in pianos, than ever before observed at this season of the year
of the new edition for 1929 greater than ever the display of the styles in the Year Book will
The Steinway piano will be used in all the con-
really represent the winners in piano presenta- certs of the Orpheus Club, Cincinnati.
before in thirty-two years of publication.
tions at this time and for the past year.
The new Knabe Hall at Cincinnati, built by the
The established considerations of tonal and
Nearly every piano manufacturer now in- Lavassor Piano Co., was opened recently with a fine
structural merit will govern statements in the
cludes period designs in his line. Some of concert.
new book. It is designed primarily for the
You hear but little complaint at the warerooms of
the makers are distinguished by the extent
use of retail merchants and their salesmen
Lyon, Potter & Co. regarding business. Steinway
of the Period models and truth to types is grands have been greatly in demand the past few
in the guidance of customers who may be in
pointed out as a feature to be proud of. The weeks.
doubt as to the merits of any particular piano
selection of the forms involved keen study of
which ma)- be drawn to their attention.
List of patents for inventions relating to Musical
the furniture of the various periods, the serv-
PRESTO BUYERS' GUIDE has been relied ices of the best designers and the most expert interests, bearing date of November 21, 1893. Re-
ported expressly for this paper by Louis Bagger &
upon by thousands of intelligent piano buyers carvers. The result is that the piano customer Co., Mechanical Experts and Solicitors of Patents,
and a large proportion of piano merchants of discriminating taste in the furnishing of a Washington, D. C. Examinations free.
Harp, G. B. Durkee, Chicago, 111.
employ it for reassuring their customers and house finds every phase of period history rep-
Musical Instrument, F. & R. A. Mann, Colchester,
sustaining just claims set forth by their sales- resented in the fine piano warerooms.
England.
men. Every statement in PRESTO BUYERS'
Musical Instrument, T. Dawkins, London, England.
GUIDE is sincere and estimates of the qual-
Machine for Swaging Wire for Musical Instru-
Some piano stores are places where you buy expe-
ments, F. Ramacciotti, New York, N. Y.
ities of the pianos, plaverpianos and reproduc- rien
Mice on the long-time credit plan.
Upright Piano, H. Ziegler, New York, N. Y.
ing pianos are based on the personal knowl-
String Frame for Upright Pianos, H. Ziegler, New
The
piano
dealer's
terr-torial
right
is
a
kind
of
little
edge of experts in the piano industry.
York, N. Y.
Monroe doctrine.
Stringing Pianos, C. S. Weber, San Jose, Cal.
The American Music Trade Weekly
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