The talking machine world (Jan-June 1928)

^« (2^» III \^| ^ILX^ REPUBLIC BL0G.,209SOUTf1 STATE ST TELEPHONE WABASH 5242 LEONARD F. CANTY Middle West Music-Radio Dealers Report Healthy Trade Condition Slight Falling-off in Sales Causes No Apprehension — Record Sales Continue Consistently Good — Portable Phonograph Makers Start Campaigns Chicago, III., March 9. — The opening of the Spring season finds the Middle West musicradio trade as a whole in a healthy condition. While sales in both phonographs and radioreceiving apparatus have slackened somewhat, the decrease has not been sharp enough to excite apprehension or fear of a slump in any quarter. Talking machine record sales are continuing along an even keel, and are proving, as they have in the past few years, to be a steady and profitable source of revenue. The trade within the next few months will witness a move which was attempted, without any great degree of success, about four or five years ago, namely, a large increase in the production of phonograph-radio combination instruments. In 1927 several of these instruments made their appearance and during the next few months the new combination products now being developed in manufacturers' laboratories will be placed on the market. In 1923 and 1924 radio-receiving sets were crude instruments compared to those of the present day, and likewise talking machines have approached a high state of perfection since that time both in mechanical and electrical reproduction. Electrically recorded records have further helped to solve the problem and the prophecy that the ultimate musical reproducing instrument in the home would be a combination of radio broadcast and recorded music seems to be approaching fulfillment. These products, of course, will find their best avenues of distribution through the music-radio trade and the instruments themselves will furnish the dealer with greater sales possibilities. The portable phonograph manufacturers are entering the Spring season with products possessing even further refinements in finish, equipment, greater volume and purer tone quality. The portable instrument, as well as the portable radio receiver, has found its rightful place in the dealer's establishment and the outdoor season ahead is expected to bring greater volume of sales in both types of instrument than in any past season. Jack Kapp Looking for Recording Talent Jack Kapp, head of the Vocalion division of the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co., Chicago, has been on an extended tour of the South and East for the purpose of securing new recording talent. Mr. Kapp, on previous tours, has unearthed many "finds," and he promises that there will be something startling on Vocalion records within the next few months. RMA Hears Talk on Cross Licensing At the monthly luncheon meeting of the Radio Manufacturers' Association, held February 16, at the Bismarck Hotel in Chicago, C. C. Hanch, who has been retained by the RMA as counsel, spoke on the subject, "Benefits of Cross Licensing in the Radio Industry." Mr. Hanch outlined the progress which has been made in the automotive field through cross licensing and stated that the same steps could be taken in the radio field, with resultant benefits to all members in the industry. Arthur Haugh, past president of the RMA, presided at the meeting and among the other speakers who addressed the gathering were Harold J. Wrape, president of the Federated Radio Trade Association, who thanked the RMA for its co-operation and help. Otto N. Frankfort commented on the F. R. T. A. convention held in Milwaukee a few days previous and prophesied that the F. R. T. A. would be an important factor in the industry. Mr. Frankfort stated that the radio industry now ranked sixteenth in the United States and was well able to conduct its own affairs without aid or interference from another industry. A. J. Carter, chairman of the Patent Interchange Committee, stated that his group had prepared a cross licensing agreement which (Continued on page 92) KIMBALL Phonographs Look Qood to Dealers Read What They Say: MINNEAPOLIS: "Really is marvelous. Beautiful lone; so much volume: rich cabinet. Each sale makes a new friend." SHAW, MISSISSIPPI: "Greatest value on American market today. We have tried them all. A good profit getter hacked up by a house of character.'' KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE: "Much pleased. Yon will hear from us frequently with orders." WACO, TEXAS: "Finest tone quality ive have ever heard.' NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: "Tone wonderfully clear and loud. Predict large sale for these new phonographs." MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: "No trouble beating competition with your new phonograph." JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI: "Most wonderful phonograph I have ever seen. A walk-over to put them on market." Style 275 Walnut THE KIMBALL PHONOGRAPH "The best in music whenever you want it" Write or wire for particulars W. W. KIMBALL COMPANY Established 1857 306 So. Wabash Ave. Kimball Bldg., Chicago 91