Phonograph Monthly Review, Vol. 4, No. 6 (1930-03)

192 The Phonograph Monthly Review March, 193^ acoustically correct horn, etc., and when use is made of good needles, it is possible to obtain purer tone qualities and a sharper degree of definition than by any other me- dium. The merit of simplicity makes the acoustical instru- ment ideal for portable and small models, for children, vacationing, and the like. The tone purity and splendid definition (in properly equipped larger models) appeals to the musical purist and student, the chamber music or lieder connoisseur, people of more delicate and discriminating musical sensibilities than the average. On the other hand, the electrically amplifying instrument is more flexible, commanding a greater range of volume and also the means of controlling it exactly. For large rooms and auditoriums, it is of course the only choice, but many prefer it even for smaller rooms on account of the em- phasized bass tone, the greater dynamic range, and the more realistic effects obtainable particularly with symphonic or large ensemble recordings. The convenience of a com- bined radio appeals to many, for today radio and phono- graph are inseparably bound together. There is no more rivalry between them than between newspapers and books or magazines. They complement each other, one acting journalistically to catch the news and music of the day in full flight, the other permanently recording musical litera- ture. The complete phonophile will equip himself with both types, the acoustical instrument for study and enjoyment of great works by himself or with one or two friends; the electrical instrument for highly realistic effects, phono- graphic concerts, dances, and radio receptions. The ever- age person who must limit his choice to one type or the other, must chooose the one which fits his particular indi- vidual tastes. Again the problem is simple, if one makes absolutely sure in one’s own mind exactly what qualities are to be demand- ed of the phonograph. Recapitulation To many of our readers this informal article may seem elementary and ridiculously simple. The conclusions are of course those which every reasonable person would ar- rive at on examining the phonographic situation. But the indefatigable discussion of these very points throughout the entire phono-musical press, the almost innumerable in- quiries we receive for advice on the choice of an instrument, plainly indicate that the average record buyer has no clear comprehension of what factors must be taken into account in purchasing a phonograph. He is on the fence in truth, and unless he wishes to jump blindly or to remain on his perch indefinitely, he can escape from his predicament only by determining for himself what the best instrument is for him and why. Once the proper type is decided upon, careful trial at home will enable him to judge whether or not any particular make and model lives up to his require- ments. Briefly summarizing our argument: 1. There is no generally best or ideal phonograph. The “best instrument” is the one best suited to suit the owner’s particular taste and requirements. 2. Every standard make is dependable and guaranteed to live up to its specifications. 3. No instrument can be fairly and accurately tested ex- cept at home under the same conditions as will affect its regular use. 4. The use of films (or some similar method) in record- ing will eventually come into practicable use, but not in the immediate or. near future. Instruments employing films will not be within the reach of persons of average means for many years. 5. The present instruments and disk records will not be rendered obsolete by the introduction of any new inven- tions. Present investment in them may be made in perfect safety. 6. Sound box and pick up types complement rather than rival each other. A choice between them depends entirely on individual requirements. The acoustical instrument is simpler, less expensive, and at its best superior in tonal purity and definition. The electrical machine is more flex- ible, capable of greater volume and realism superior in de- monstration effectiveness, unsurpassed for large rooms and audiences, and conveniently available with radio com- binations. Whatever instrument is chosen, it can appear at its best only when it is properly adjusted and cared for. With the amplifying instruments in particular, it is imperative that it is properly adjusted on installation by one of the company’s technicians, and that later adjust-, ' ments or repairs are attempted only by an expert. The readers of The Phonograph Monthly Review do no* need to hear the praises of phonography and recorded mu- sic hymned anew. But are they in constant fear that their cherished libraries will suddenly be rendered obsolete? Are they “on the fence” in regard to the purchase of a new ma- chine? Thoughtful consideration of the points we have indicated cannot fail to point the way to a wholly satis- factory solution of their problems. Phonographic Echoes SPECHT’S COLLEGE DATES Paul Specht and His Orchestra, exclusive Columbia re- cording artists, are playing New England college dates at present, under the management of the New England offices of the Majestic Radio Corporation. On February 7th he entertained at the Dartmouth Winter Carnival, and on February 22nd he played for the Senior Prom of Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology. Specht’s latest Columbia record couples “Keepin’ Myself for You” and “The Harbor of My Heart,” from “Hit the Deck.” In the latter selection he creates more of his horn- pipe effects which were an outstanding hit in his record of “My Annapolis,” a year ago. RCA-VICTOR EXPANSION PROGRAM An expansion program involving the expenditure of more than seven and a half millions during 1930 is to be under- taken at once by the RCA Victor Company, according to a statement by Edward E. Shumaker, president of the Com- pany, in an interview today. More than five and a half millions of this sum will be spent for the construction of a new building, and mechanical equipment including ma- chine tools, small tools, conveyors and other important items. The new building is to be used for the manufacture of radio parts, for radio assembly and shipping. In addition to this, over two million dollars worth of equipment! is! being brought to Camden from the General Electric and West- inghouse Plants for use in radio production in the RCA Victor Plant. Combined with the appropriation of $3,- 820,000, which was authorized last year and which is still being expended, the RCA Victor Company by the end of 1930 will have made an outlay of $11,420,000 for plant expansion and development. Mr. Shumaker pointed out that since the unification of Victor with RCA and with the radio manufacturing organi- zations of General Electric and Westinghouse, the need for expansion of the RCA Victor plant has been acute. It has been decided that not only Victor Radio, Electrolas and Records, but also RCA Radiolas—which formerly were manufactured in Westinghouse and General Electric plants —will now be produced in the Camden plant of the RCA Victor Company. This plan demands immediate addition of space and equipment and will make Camden the radio manufacturing center of the United States. “The great expenditures authorized by the RCA Victor Company,” said Mr. Shumaker, “are significant of the confidence in radio’s future entertained by the financial and industrial leaders who are directing the destines of the RCA Victor Company. They are a part of the purpose of the Company to bring to the American public the finest and most advanced radio and phoongraphic products at prices made possible by enormous demand and production.