The Edison phonograph monthly (Mar 1903-Feb 1904)

EDISON PHONOORAPH MONTHLY. CRITICISMS AND SUGGESTIONS WANTED. It is evident from the many letters we have received that the getting out of the Edison Phonograph Monthly is fully approved by the trade. We should, however, like something more than mere approval. We cannot believe that the Monthly has no shortcomings, and would Ike to have its readers point out what they are. It must fail to cover some points concerning the Phonograph business, and we would consider it a favor if such failures were brought to our attention. We also would be glad to have suggestions for making the Monthly more interesting to the trade. Criticisms and suggestions cannot fail to make the Monthly a more readable publication. ANENT THE PHONOGRAPH » CRANK." Referring to your invitation on the first page of the first number of the Edison Phonograph Monthly, I feel like .saying a few words in favor of the continuance of such a journal. When one buys a Phonograph, he immediately becomes more or less of a "crank" in relation thereto. He thinks he can improve it in various ways ; he thinks his own machine is better than that of his neighbors ; he experiments and breaks things ; he makes records of his dog and his cat and his grandmother. The braying of a jackass in the barn affords him infinite delight, because there is an opportunity to reproduce ; the sound of the chanticleer that wakes all the people in the neighborhood at 4 A. M., causing them to let go their hold on sleep and profanity, is, to the owner of the Phonograph, a veritable charm — another opportunity to reproduce. A funeral passes, headed by a band ; his wife wants to find out all about the departed, but he cares not who rides in the front vehicle; his only ambition is to poke his horn out of the window and "take" the dirge. If you call upon him, he talks nothing but Phonograph, and brings out his machine and holds you far into the night, practicing upon you with his collection of records. In other words, he is a crank of the first order, and until he gets over the disease he buys everything that comes along; only mention that it has to do with the Phonograph, and out comes his pocketbook. Now, it seems to me that this sort of people should be catered to. It is peculiar, but it is human nature, nevertheless, that people like to see things in print concerning the fad that has possession of them for the moment. They like to know what other people are doing, and to exploit their own ingenuity. These people, I say, ought to be looked after. They are going to spend all the money they have — that is a foregone conclusion when they start in. The disease has got to run its course, and it is only charity for the dealer to help the victim. The trade should have something to send to its retail customers every month, something broad, something bright, something breezy, something worth reading, and filled with hints to keep the "crank's" brain and hand busy. That is just what the trade wants, and it need not be very expensive. Books, circulars, catalogues — these can never take the place of a once-a-month, up-to-date little magazine. Moreover, if properly carried on, there would be a balance on the right side of the ledger at the close of the year, be the expense never so great. J. N. Kimball. 1358 Broadway, New York City. May 8, 1903. THE PHONOGRAPH WAY AHEAD. Anthony, Kan., May 9, 1903. I want to tell you that the Edison Phonograph, with the new moulded Records, are far ahead of the flat disk records. There are several of the disk machines here in stores. I took an Edison Phonograph and new Records and put them side by side with the disk machine. People who were in the habit of passing by on account of the buzzing and scratching of the disk, came in and they complimented the clearness and naturalness of tone of the Edison machines and Records, fjnce in a while you can get a pretty fair record on the disk machines, but you find that an owner of a disk machine has very few good records. When you hear them you hear a terrible scratching noise that spoils the record. That grating sound is not very musical to the ears. A merchant here owns a late-improved $50 disk machine. It is a loud affair and a few records that were considered good five weeks ago are now almost worthless. I have used new moulded Edison Records for a year, and they are as good and clear as when first bought. You can throw this in the waste basket, but I wanted to tell you my experience with the different machines. I think more of your new moulded Records each time I get a new lot. Wishing you success, C. F. LlTTLEPAGE. Any Dealer or Jobber selling Edison Records by card system, or otherwise, whereby the dozen price ($5.00) is allowed on sales of less than one dozen actually taken or paid for at one time, will be con = sidered a violator of Agreement, and liable to immediate suspension.