The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1906)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 35 and Washington, when a series of six numbers were played in the former city and heard distinctly in the latter. One Elisha Gray was credited with that invention, but its development was not pushed to any extent. Professor CahiU's invention, however, is on an entirely rew principle. On rural telephone lines managers have frequently employed musical talent to entertain their subscribers during dull seasons. Through the courtesy of the Electrical World and Engineer we are enabled to reproduce several views of the Telharmonic system. GRAPHOPHONE IN VERSE. Owner of One of These Machines Grows Eloquent Over the Possibilities. E. D. Marsden, Mill Ash, Derby, Eng., writes interestingly of his recent effort to arrange a program for a small concert. He says: "In addition to the ordinary songs, etc., a selection of pieces was played on a sound-magnifying Columbia graphophone. The machine started its performance with a record which I had made for the occasion, supposed to be the graphophone's description of itself. This I had written in the form of a piece of poetry, and recited into my machine with all the eloquence I could muster. I do not profess to be a poet, but I managed to compose the following lines, which served my purpose in spite of their shortcomings: "In me a wondrous instrument behold. For though I only do what I am told, All music I can play! And such my skill That I can talk, or sing, or what you will. The different languages — I speak them all With joyous laughter or in solemn drawl. My voice is ever changeful — loud and strong — One moment ringing out in glorious song: And then you hear a tender, soft refrain That leaves you sad. But now I change again: With lovers' vows all passionate I cry, Or I can sing with dreamy lullaby. I'll sing you anything! Would you be gay? The merry music of the dance I'll play. No instrument's too difficult for me; In bands I play them all in harmony. Yes! Every sound I can command, and so I'm welcomed and beloved where'er I go. As king of entertainers I am known — The new Sound-Magnifying Graphophone. "This left room on the record for a short speech, somewhat as follows: 'Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me much pleasure to be here in to-night in order to contribute to j^our amusement. I shall do my best to entertain you.' The record was not very loud, but on the 'Magnophone' it was heard distinctly in every part of the room, a large one. For anyone who wishes to make use of the idea, I might say that any local references and jokes are particularly appreciated. It was amusing to watch the puzzled expression on the faces of some of the audience who did not understand how it was done. It is surprising how many people there are who have never realized that the talking machine can be made to say anything by having the record prepared beforehand." COIN-SLOT PHONOGEAPHS. A new catalogue of Edison Coin Slot Phonographs has just been mailed to jobbers, and copies will be mailed to dealers on request. It has not been mailed to the trade for the reason that no discounts are allowed on the three electric current types and dealers have no interest in their sale. _ The electric current types are the Windsor (battery current). Eclipse (direct current) and Acme (alternating current). The latter is an entirely new machine, and is the first alternating phonograph put out by this company. The Eclipse supersedes the Majestic, which has been discontinued. All of these types are sold singly at $65 each net and at $G0 each net in lots of ten or more machines. The Columbia Phonograph Co.'s branch store at 704 Walnut street, Des Moines, Iowa, under the capable management of Charles Moon, has developed until it is one of the leading exclusive talking machine stores in the State. NEW USE FOR PHONOGRAPH Used by Professor for Hearing and Criticising Sermons Delivered by Students. The Vienna correspondent of the Pall Mall Gazette records a new use for the phonograph by Professor Swoboda, of the Theological Faculty of the University. As head of the homiletical department, much of the professor's work consists in hearing and criticizing sermons delivered by students. In the course of his work the Professor found that certain faults and mistakes were constantly repeated, and all his efforts failed to eradicate them. It occurred to him that the phonograph might be of some assistance, and so he procured one. The students deliver their sermons into this machine, which repeats them with all their failings and errors. These are thus clearly demonstrated. Introduced at the beginning of the present half-year, the phonograph has more than answered the Professor's expectations. After a sermon has been taken in and repeated, the cylinders are "shaved" off for use again, and the students are thereby also assured that nobody will be able in later years to laugh over their maiden efforts. SMITH & NIXON BOOMING THINGS. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Cincinnati, O., July 9, 1906. Smith & Nixon made a big hit, with their advertisement in the Sunday papers of a Victor talking machine, to be had without putting down any money. There was a rush to get the machines and business has been booming ever since. The new talking machine department is located on the third floor, where people are thronging to buy, although the records are not yet all unpacked. The Edison phonograph will also be handled by this firm. H. Clemmer Smith has charge of the Smith & Nixon talking machine department. ATJGUSTIN OPENS IN FOND-DU-LAC. W. J. Augustin, formerly manager of the McGreal Bros, talking machine store in Fond-du-Lac, Wis., has purchased the stock and good will of that concern in that city, and will in the future conduct the business under the title of W. J. Augustin & Co. Mr. Augustin is thoroughly experienced in the talking machine business, having been connected with a Milwaukee house for a long time. ENTERPRISE NOTED IN NEW YORK. It is not every talking machine dealer in the smaller town who has his progressiveness noted in the great metropolitan dailies, and we therefore reproduce the following from the New York Evening Telegram of recent date: "great stunt of Sutton's. "For originality R. W. Sutton, of Addison, N. Y., is certainly the real thing. Saturday the people on the street were surprised to hear the sound of a full bi-ass band. The 'band,' however, came from the horn of a phonograph in Sutton's store. The horn was placed up at the top of the door, and was connected to the machine with a long hose." A GREETING FROM LONDON. We are in receipt of a very attractive postal from J. Walters, 103 Acacia road. Wood Green, London, W., England, a subscriber to The Talking Machine World, bearing upon its face a counterfeit of the sender sitting in a leafy bower with a handsome Edison machine as a companion. From his pleased and happy expression, it seems the company is most satisfying. SOCIALISTS PUBLICITY SCHEME. The Socialists of Toledo, O., have a new scheme to make themselves heard. Recently at the postoffice in that city they had a graphophone powerful enough to be heard for six blocks. It rendered Socialist songs and speeches. "It's the Easiest Thing in the World" to Sell Hohner Harmonicas ^"^^ Accordeons The Lyre Harmonica Assortment A Good Side-Line for Talking Machine Dealers Small Stock Little Capital Required Big Demand Big Profits Mr. Talking' Machine Deakler : You have the facilities, why not handle Harmonicas and Accordeons and make an extra profit? There's a demand for these goods everywhere and it will require but a small investment to get a share of the business. The Hohner Harmonicas have been on the market for half a century during which time they have satisfied the desires of the most critical. The name "Hohner" is now a household word amongst the harmonica and accordeon playing public, and the mere announcement of the fact that you have these goods for sale will be sufficient to bring you numerous inquiries for them. ANY JOBBER CAN SVPPLY YOV A Postal Will Bring You the Latest Catalogue M. HOHNER 475 Broadway, New York