The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

12 THE TALKING MACfflNE WORLD. CALL FOR H1GH=GRADE INSTRUMENTS In Indianapolis, Better Still, Cash Sales Are the Rule — Decided Betterment Noticeable During Past Four Weeks — What Leading Dealers Report Through the World Correspondent— Nickelodean Trade Is Active. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Indianapolis. Ind., Feb. 3. 1908. The chief feature in the talking machine trade at present seems to be the tendency of the dealers to push high class instruments — machines wliich sell at from $150 to $500. Nearly all dealers are showing some of the high-priced instruments and several report sales in this line. This is a branch of the trade which has not been pushed very hard previously to this time, and it is believed there is a good field for it in Indianapolis, and its vicinity. Heretofore a talking machine instrument which sold for $100 has been regarded as a high-priced machine among the Indianapolis patrons. The Columbia Phonograph Co. are showing for the first time here a new symphony machine, type BQ. This machine eliminates the horn and is built very much after the style of a piano. The tone of the instrument is unusually fine and in general appearance and finish it is a work of art.' :\Iany patrons of the company have admired it. The Kipp-Link Co., who handle Edison and Victor machines, are displaying the Auxetophone and the Victrola. The company sold several Victrolas last month. The Victrolas sell at $200. The Auxetophone sells at $500. The Auxetophone was used here recently in an entertainment given at Caleb Mills Hall for the benefit of the new Methodist Hospital, and the entertainment was a marked success. The entertainment was given bj' N. J. Corey, a musical lecturer, organist and pianist. Leading Methodist ministers of the city pushed the work of ticket selling for the entertainment. As the voices of great singers were reproduced with the Auxetophone their portraits were shown. This plan made a decided hit. Charles Craig, of the Indiana Phonograph Co., says retail business for 1907 was fully as good as that of the previous year. The wholesale business was only about sixty-two per cent, of that of the previous year. Mr. Craig has noticed an improvement in business during the last month. He now has in stock 65,000 records. The Indiana company handle Edison machines. Joseph Joiner, dealer in pianos, who handles Victor machines, says he is having a nice talking machine business. He sells "red seal" records and finds a good demand for them. The Columbia Phonograph Co. are moving to their new location at 27 North Pennsylvania street, just across the street from the present location at 48 North Pennsylvania street. The new store-room is much more attractive than tne old. The most striking feature is a large glass front which shows the displays from all directions, the store having a corner location. Thomas Devine, manager of the Columbia store, is very enthusiastic over the new location. When the rooms are fully fitted out he believes he will have as bright and attractive a talking machine store as there is in the country. The Columbia Co. have received their new style cylinder graphophone which is built on the aluminum tone arm idea. These have proved good sellers. Of the new style cylinder machines, type B.O. is especially attractive and seems to give great promise of becoming a popular favorite. The new plan of the Columbia Co. of putting out the best records all of the time instead of presenting a great number of records at a specified time each month is meeting with favor here. It is liked by the patrons as well as by the store managers. George W. Lyle, vice-president and general manager of the Columbia Co., was in Indianapolis last week. From here he went to Chicago and thence to New York. Mr. Lyle believes that 1908 will be a very satisfactory year in the talking machine business. The Edison machine, gold-plated "triumph" art case is proving a good seller for the Kipp-Link Co. This machine sells at $175. The case is made of mahogany. The company will push this line, both in Indianapolis and out in the state. E. G. Sutherland, who owns the Bijou and the Bijou Dream five-cent theaters, will start a new five-cent theater in the room on North Pennsylvania street, which is being vacated by the Columbia Phonograph Co. Mr. Sutherland is having some trouble in finding a name for his new place and for the last week has given to all patrons of his two theaters blank cards with the request that they suggest a name for the new place. He has received hundreds of suggestions so far. There seems to be a general desire to have the new place called the Columbia in honor of the Columbia Phonograph Co. The person or persons who suggest the name that is finally selected will receive a life pass or passes to the new theater. All of the five-cent theaters and penny arcades in Indianapolis are having a fairly good business. The convention of the United Mine ■Workers is drawing some patronage and in addition to this the weather has been bright and warm and good for this class of business. One of the best stands in the city is that of the :Manhattan Theatre on West Washington St. So desirable is this plan that the managers of the theater are now having a contention with the owners of the building in regard to the lease. It is desired to lease the room to another company and the stock company which owns the Manhattan is loath to give up its location. STOOD THE TEST OF ENDURING FAME. I think that Thomas A. Edison, inventor of the phonograph, is the greatest man in the world, because he has endured fame for a longer period than any other great man. and this fact proves my contention. He has thrown light, love, and laughter into remote and isolated parts of the path, thereby promoting knowledge, grace of mind, soul, and heart in all the people of the world; thus he has induced and promoted harmony, which is the key to the millennium day. — John J. Daggett. North Carolina. The Ption-Arm Attachment (PATENT PENDING) For Edison Standard, Home and Triumph ] DO/^XT/^/^T) A DUC ' Columbia B. K., B. E. and B. F. \ T I1U1> UvjrvAl lliJ When ordering state for what machine wanted. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Owing to a very large purchase of raw material and the installing of new and improved machinery in our factory we are able to make a substantial reduction in price. On and after February 15, 1908, the Retail Price will be $6.00 LIBERAL DISCOUNT TO THE JOBBING TRADE Orders and inquiries are coming in from all over ilic world. These are referred to the nearest jobber hantlling the goods. Are }'oi/ getting your share ? If you never handled the attachment, put in an order no7i' and be ready to take advantage of our advertising. We also make HORN STANDS AND HORN CRANES and c|uote liberal discounts to the jcibbers. CHICAGO STAND CO. RUFUS T. BRADY. Mgr. 86 E. LaRe St. CHICAGO, ILL., U. S. A.