Phonograph Monthly Review, Vol. 1, No. 4 (1927-01)

The Phonograph Monthly Review 173 Correspondence The Editor does not accept any responsibility jor opinions expressed by correspondents. No notice will be taken oj un- signed letters, but only initials or a pseudonym will be printed if the writer so desires. Contributions of general interest to our readers are welcome. They should be brief and written on one side of the paper only. Address all letters, to CORRESPONDENCE COLUMN, Editorial Department, The Phonograph Review, 64 Hyde Park Avenue, Boston, Mass. Editor, Phonograph Monthly Review: I have recently received through the courtesy of one of my American friends a copy of the November issue of your periodical. As a constant reader of “The Gramophone” since its inauguration some five years ago and an experimenter with instruments and gramophone apparatus of long standing, I find this newcomer to the field of considerable interest. Your variety and vigor are most stimulating and truly ex- pressive of the American spirit. Please enroll me as a sub- scriber beginning with the first issue; I shall forward my cheque on receipt of the bill. A little letter in your Open Forum signed V. F. caught my attention at once. It and the reports of the growth of the Gramophone Society Movement, modelled, I presume, some- what after the British fashion, prompt me to write in a few words which may be of considerable value to you. Before bringing up the subject I have in mind, which is rather an unpleasant one, let me first congratulate you on such articles as that by Mr. Shilkret and the one dealing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I have followed Mr. Shilkret’s British popular issues with interest; now his recordings are doubly valuable that I learn a little about the man in person. Articles on orchestras fascinate me always, particularly when they deal with an organization of the history and repute of that of Boston. Having heard from my friend in the States that you are one of the founders of the Gramophone Society Movement there, I beg to take the liberty of offering some unsolicited advice on the subject referred to before. As human nature is much the same all over the world, you will soon no doubt be having the same unpleasant experiences that we have met with so often here in Great Britain. Those with the dealers have been usually successfully overcome. I observe that Mr. V. F. cleverly points out their worst faults. These can be remedied in the course of time, however, but the other problem demands severer treatment. To come directly to the point, I wish to warn you against a certain type of person, often in the forefront of the Gramophone Movement, who is nothing less than a dead weight, yes, a veritable parasite, on the efforts and endeavors of the sincere workers. Before the societies were formed, this sort of person confined himself to meddlesome letters to the companies asking for this and that and the other thing and making all kinds of preposterous demands. All this of course hurting those other people who had intelligent and reasonable requests to make. With the societies, these busybodies rushed eagerly in to seize <every advantage that it was possible for them to get. As far as dues were concerned they were non est, but if a dis- count could be obtained, a record borrowed, or something received for no effort expended, these persons were very much in evidence. A society often has considerable expendi- ture: the rental of a meeting place, the printing of invita- tions, and a small compensation to the Honorable Secretary. This necessitates the active support of all the members. In a community I know of two societies which have been forced to discontinue their meetings on this very account of non- support from the members. There often are advantages to be gained, but the workers and not the drones should enjoy them. May I most strongly advise you to eject immediately any one of these drones from your societies. If this is not done he will contaminate the whole group as well as being a dead weight and a draw- back to the efforts of the others. Strenuous treatment is most necessary. Such persons, however little their activities in the right direction are most energetic in the wrong one. Senseless asking of childish questions, constant nagging over unim- portant details, eternal fuss and commotion over non- essentials, these are all one ever receives from such people. You will pardon me that I express myself with such spirit, but I have suffered in common with my friends so much in the past, have been hindered and annoyed so continuously, that I canot restrain my felings. One person in particular with whom I have been thrown in contact well exemplifies this breed of parasites. This person’s approach was only welcomed by anybody when the celebrated game of “Beaver” was quite the thing. He attended the meetings of the society but paid no dues and obstructed in every way possible the business 'discussions with pettifogging interruptions of the most bothersome nature. He is constantly bothering the companies and the societies with insane gramophonic appar- atus of his own (presumably) device. He ingratiates himself with the dealers, takes on records on approval, demands dis- counts and rebates, but never pays out a shilling that possibly can be avoided. He is incessant and untiring in his demands for such and such impractical recordings, but when good things are issued, he complains of the excessive cost. I dislike to take a personal example like this, but I wish to illustrate my point. Perhaps it is hardly necessary. Surely by this time you have had similar unfortunate experiences with persons like the one referred to. I feel it my duty to warn you against them, as they are a positive menace to the Gramophone Movement, particularly in its youth. Admit only sincere workers if you wish to progress! I never could have believed that America was such a musical nation as to make the progress that your publication evidences. I hope to see you continue your success and take this occasion to assist you with this warning. You may per- haps deem me unduly irrascible, but when you have had your taste of the experiences we pioneers have had here in Great Britain, you will come to think differently. And I may confidently predict that time will not be long. Assuring you of my best wishes for your endeavors, I beg to remain, Cordially yours, L. Harry Terhune. Leeds, England. Editor, Phonograph Monthly Review: Thank you for the back numbers of my subscription which reached me today. As I wished to make some clippings for reference from the December issue I am inclosing stamps for another copy in order that I may keep my files intact. Can you not publish an article on needles and sound boxes? I have experimented a little with different needles but without success. What gives the maximum volume, the sweetest tone, and at the same time, the least record wear? Perhaps enthusiasts of greater experience than mine can tell me their opinions. Advice in regard to the use of semi-permanent needles is particularly requested. I find articles of technical value written in simple, under- standable language of special interest. The article by. the Experts of The Western Electric Company in the first issue was unusually fine, the very best thing of its sort that I have ever read. There is no question but that we who use the phonograph so much should know the best and most scientific way of using it. Advice on the care and handling of records and information on the methods of recording and the physical characteristics of the disks themselves are always of interest and worth. The suggestions and ideas of various enthusiasts and col- lectors which are printed in your correspondence columns seem to me a fine beginning for a real “Exchange” of help and opinions. Those among us who have learned the most and are the most ingenious in originating new methods and the like are to be thanked for passing on their findings and ideas to the rest. Franklin Rock wood Londell. New Orleans, La.