The talking machine world (Jan-June 1925)

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June 15, 1925 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 115 rom 0Wi Oo REPUBLIC BLDG., 209 SOUTH STATE ST TELEPHONE WABASH 5242 LEONARD P CANTY Summer in Middle West Finds Portables Selling in a Most Satisfactory Manner Sudden Change to Mid-Summer Weather Responsible for Large Demand for Portable Instruments of All Kinds — Record and Radio Situation Good for This Time of Year — Trade News of Month Chicago, III., June 10. — The change two weeks ago from inclement weather to mid-Summer temperature brought an encouraging spurt in one phase of the talking machine business, namely, in the sale of portable phonographs. While the vacation period is really ten days or two weeks distant, dealers in this section report that there has been a consistent demand for the small machines. Window displays in practically every talking machine shop are devoted almost exclusively to portables and the dealer finds that lie is being repaid for his advertising efforts. The demand for records has, in general, been spotty, although the total sales figures for May and the first ten days in June will doubtless compare favorably with those of preceding months. The visits of several of the leading orchestras to this and other cities in the Middle West have caused an increase in demand for selections made by those particular organizations, and for dance records generally. The retail sales figures for straight phonographs and radio combination models still continue to indicate a fair business. Manufacturers during the past two weeks, however, have received many encouraging forecasts as to Fall business prospects from their dealers, and, furthermore, the retailers are in most cases substantiating their statements with orders slated for Fall delivery. All in all, it would appear that the Middle West bids fair to recover from the present slight business depression in the early Fall. Manufacturers, jobbers and dealers are shaping their sales plans accordingly, mapping out advertising campaigns to start earlier than in past years and grooming their sales organizations for effective work in the early Fall months. The radio industry, which has been undergoing a process of readjustment during the past six months, is rapidly approaching a plane of stabilization, due to the efforts of those organizations and executives who are bending their every effort to make the radio business steady, safe and profitable. New models, showing a greater degree of refinement in cabinet design, are being placed upon the market, advertising, and sales programs are being launched, and the present situation seems to prophesy an early and encouraging Fall and Winter business season. Vincennes Co. Introduces Radeluxe The Vincennes Phonograph Co., of Vincennes, Ind., announced to the trade a few days ago a new cabinet which is designated as the Rivoli Radeluxe. The new Vincennes product, which is a combined phonograph and radio cabinet of the highboy type, is constructed to accommodate any of the standard radio receiving sets. It is 2>2l/2 inches wide, and the height of the radio compartment is 10^4 inches. The main feature of the cabinet is the patented horn, which allows the operator to switch from the radio to the phonograph by lowering a lever, which works in the grill covering the horn. The phonograph is above the receiving set, and on both sides of the phonograph are compartments for record albums, hence the operation of either phonograph or radio set can be accomplished very easily, and the shift from one to the other can be made without the operator rising from his seat. The unit is of distinctive design, finished in two-tone brown mahogany, with hand inlay work on the doors. The woodwork is of heavy five-ply construction throughout. Battery compartments in the rear of the cabinet accommodate both "A" and "B" batteries. In addition to the new Rivoli Radeluxe, the Vincennes Phonograph Co. is placing on the market two radio cabinets at a very popular price. Attractive Vitanola Billboards Attractive posters, suitable for billboard use, were placed in the hands of dealers a few weeks ago by the Vitanola Talking Machine Co., this city. The body of the poster is in yellow, trimmed with a red border, and the illustration of the phonograph appears in its natural walnut tone. The copy is designed to attract dance lovers, as it shows several young couples dancing, and carries the slogan "Dancing parties anytime, wherever there is a Vitanola." Ample space is allowed at the bottom of the poster for the dealer's imprint. A sample was submitted to each dealer, and he was given the privilege of ordering more at less than actual cost. The dealer is required to pay for only a small portion of the billboard rental cost, the majority being paid for by the Vitanola Talking Machine Co. M. C. Schiff Visits Boston and New York M. C. Schiff, president of the Vitanola Talking Machine Co., 666 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, spent the first week of June in Boston and New York. During his Eastern trip Mr. Schiff closed several important deals which, he slates, give every indication that the talking machine industry is still one of considerable consequence, and that business in the phonograph field is far from being at a low ebb. Mr. Schiff, as is announced elsewhere in this issue, was elected president of the Phonograph Manufacturers' National Association at the May 19 meeting of that organization. Install Permanent Okeh Record Laboratory A permanent recording laboratory was installed by the Consolidated Talking Machine Co., on the fourth floor of its headquarters at 229 W. Washington boulevard, Chicago, during the third week in May. C. L. Hibbard, recording engineer from the Okeh laboratories, New York City, spent several days in Chicago installing the equipment and making the first recordings. Peter Decker, assistant to Mr. Hibbard, also spent a week in the new laboratory and then departed for Kansas City where he made a public recording of the Royal Syncopators dance orchestra in the Royal Theatre. In the past, it has been necessary to transport from New York and install here a considerable amount of equipment in order to make Okeh records. The new laboratory will do away with this unnecessary labor and will effect a great saving in time. According to an announcement made by E. A Fearn, president of the Consolidated Talking Machine Co., a number of foreign language favorites were recorded during the first week. Among them were selections by Vaclov Albrecht, tenor, Mme. Mary Burger and Brousek's orchestra. The Louisville Jug Band, a unique organization of colored artists, also recorded several numbers. Ted Lewis Band on Final Lap Ted Lewis, and his band, Columbia record artists, are in Chicago at the present time, completing the last lap of their twenty weeks' tour of the United States. Lewis' engagement started at the Palace Theatre, the leading variety house of this city, on May 25, and will end on {Continued on page 116) Kimball Style X Tudor One uf many beautiful models Phonographs and Pianos The fact that Kimball Phonographs carry a name prestige is worthy every dealer's careful consideration. More than fifty years in building right merchandise means that the name Kimball stands for quality and durability and therefore ready selling. There is ample variety in Console and Upright Phonographs. — The Best at the Price Ask about agency franchise, territory and terms. W. W. KIMBALL CO. Established 1857 306 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago Makers of Kimball Pbonographs, Pianos, Reproducing Pianos, Players, Pipe Organs, Music Rolls. Distributors Columbia Records and Welte-Mignon (Licensee) Reproducing Rolls.