The talking machine world (Jan-June 1928)

70 The Talking Machine World, New York, February, 1928 Increased Demand for All Lines Reported by the Trade in the Baltimore Territory Columbia Business More Than Satisfactory, Says William H. Swartz, Vice-President of the Columbia Wholesalers, Inc.— Brunswick Record Sales Gain— C. F. Shaw Promoted Baltimore, Md., February 8. — Columbia business in this territory has been more than satisfactory, according to a statement by William H. Swartz, vice-president of Columbia Wholesalers, Inc., who says: "The new Columbia-Kolster model 900 has created a real sensation in this section. By playing this machine in the doorway dealers have greatly increased their record business. One dealer sold over ISO of a $1.25 record, which he continually broadcast with this machine. Dealers elsewhere are demonstrating this machine at every possible public gathering and sales are piling in as a result. M. Budacz & Sons, located in the eastern section of Baltimore, and whose trade is chiefly a working class of people, sold fourteen of these $475 Columbia machines within six weeks, just as a result of making demonstrations at dances, balls and concerts. "Completed and adjusted figures for the year just past showed that Columbia Wholesalers, Inc., enjoyed a most spectacular increase in Columbia business over any previous year in their history. Final figures bring to light that the Columbia dealers in Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia and part of North Carolina sold well over one million dollars' worth more Columbia phonographs and records than they did in the big year of 1926, which had set the previous sales record. "This fine increase was equally distributed between both machines and records, although machine shortage the last part of the year permitted total record business to slightly exceed the year's machine sales. "Columbia dealers are elated both over their fine business and also over the bonuses many of them are drawing down under Columbia's bonus plan. It is interesting to see how many dealers in small towns qualified for bonuses, several merchants in towns of less than 1,000 population earning bonuses whereas some dealers in big cities missed out. The ability of the dealer himself, his aggressiveness and consistent efforts seem to have been the big factor rather than either size of town or condition of local business. "A great business stimulant was, of course, the 'Two Black Crows.' Dealers in this section have made a killing on these records. Heavy advertising has sold not only tremendous quantities of these particular records but thousands of other dance and song hits as well. Record sales in Baltimore and Washington were further aided by the personal appearances of Moran and Mack, who were the stars of the Vanities. "Dealers' advertising on Columbia has been most spectacular not only in Baltimore but all over the territory, and on both machines and records. It is interesting to note that in the Baltimore papers, for instance, there was more advertising on Columbia records in December alone than on any other line for the whole year of 1927. Dealers inserted full page after full page, getting one or more page ads in every one of the nine local papers, including the race and foreign papers. Brunswick record business continues to increase in this territory. Sales were greatly augmented by the special release of a comedy dialogue by William LeMaire and John Swor entitled, "Sweet William and Bad Bill in New York." Dealers are manifesting great interest in the new Brunswick Panatrope-Radiola 17-8. The first carload of these instruments was sold before its arrival in Baltimore. The appearance during the month of several Brunswick artists had the effect of greatly increasing sales of their records. Nick Lucas appeared in Washington, but unfortunately had to cancel his Baltimore engagement, due to a severe cold. Charles F. Shaw, formerly district manager of the local branch, was recently appointed branch manager of the Brunswick headquarters in Boston. Before leaving he was presented with a handsome candelabra, the gift of the local branch employes. Harry M. Wagner has been appointed sales representative of the branch's record department. The radio section of the May Co., large department store, which formerly was operated by the R. B. Rose Co., is now under the direct supervision of the May officials, who have Another Break for Columbia Dealers Not every month gives the Columbia dealers a "Two Black Crows" record, the demand for which swamps their stores with insistent customers. But month in and month out, the Columbia Phonograph Company supplies its dealers with merchandise that builds steadily increasing consumer demand. Such is the special release of Hawaiian Columbia New Process Records. These records are real business getters. An attractive folder tells the story to your patrons. Ask us about it. ColumkiaYVliole L.L.Andrews ~ Wm.H. Swartz * Exclusively Wholesale 205 W Camden St., Baltimore, Md. salersj] r 1C. added the Victor line, and are featuring Radiolas, Atwater Kent and Zenith receivers. William Braiterman, of the Braiterman-Fedder Co., reports that the Brafco catalog was so well received by dealers that a second edition is necessary and it is now being prepared. This catalog is sent upon request only. Mr. Braiterman states that Oriole portables and Mel-OArt player rolls are continuing in big demand. Columbia Releases First Wagner Festival Records Columbia Phonograph Co. Issues Masterworks Set No. 79, Consisting of Eleven Double Discs of Music of Famous Bayreuth Festival The long-awaited Columbia records of the Bayreuth Wagner Festival, the first records made in the Festival's history, are now an ac Siegfried Wagner complished fact. Eleven double discs, forming Columbia's Masterworks Set No. 79, just released, constitute an achievement in the phonograph industry of a distinction beyond any factional pride, and of credit to the entire trade. The Bayreuth Wagner Festival was founded m 1876 by Richard Wagner himself, at Bayreuth, Bavaria, to give performances of his own works under the most nearly ideal conditions he could devise. He built there his own auditonum, and directed the performances which since his death have continued under his son S.egfned. At these performances, which have occurred now twenty-five times during Summer periods, the world's best players and singers have felt honored to be asked to assist. Columbia's contract with Siegfried Wagner for exclusive recording of the Wagner Festival over a term of years is internationally regarded as the biggest feat in phonograph-record history. The cost of rights for Columbia's exclusive recording of the Wagner Festival is given as 10,000 pounds, sterling. This is considered such an epoch-making event that Columbia is placing a special newspaper campaign, directed not only toward the enthusiastic Wagnerites, but also toward the larger audience of music lovers who can hear .an authenic introduction to the Masterworks of Wagner through these Bayreuth recordings. Prizes for Thos. A. Edison Thomas A. Edison has become the champion cocoanut grower of Florida. At a personal exhib!t at the South Florida Fair held last week in Tampa he was rewarded two first prizes, one for the best cocoanut in the State, and one for the largest cluster. Mr. Edison, whose Winter home is at Fort Myers, is keenly interested in fruit and plant culture, thanks to pointers received from the late Luther Burbank. Hackett Featured on Radio Charles Hackett, tenor of the Chicago Civic Opera Co., was the featured artist in the Atwater Kent Hour on Sunday, February 12. He was assisted by Nanette Guilford, of the Metropolitan Opera Co., and the Atwater Kent Orchestra, under the leadership of Robert Hood Bowers.