The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1906)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 29 TIMELY TALKS ON TIMELY TOPICS. Dealers in all parts of the country are adding sheet music to their stock, and with profitable results. For the exploitation and effective demonstration of the music they have found the talking machine a valued assistant, and one far superior to the piano, or any musical instrument whether automatically or manually played. The voice is reproduced by the record in its correct vocal interpretation and phrasing and beauty of finish that is entirely beyond the function of any instrument. Besides, the dealer avoids the cost of a piano or the service of a "professor," items of no mean account in the aggregate. The success of this experiment is established in little time, the customer is delighted, sales follow as 0 matter of course, and. what is more to the point, the income of the store is increased. How many homes are blessed with the charms of music properly rendered and sung, through the medium of the talking macliine! This is a suggestion so pregnant with benefit to the dealer in connection with the sale of sheet music — that is, the selections reproduced on records — that it is self-recommendatory. A visitor to the works of the National Phonograph Co., at Orange, N. J., will see in the magnificent reference library — a quiet, restful place after looking over the hum and bustle of the great plant — one of the original Edison tin-foil phonographs, occupying a position of honor in an alcove by itself. There are said to be three of these historic instruments in existence, one of which is in the British Museum, London, England, that monumental collection of all that is interesting in the development of human endeavor. trade-mark as distinguished from the lines produced by established manufacturers who will make no other. It is a moot question whether the trade at large acquires any distinctive reputation for so-called enterprise by handling stencilled records. This, however, is a matter for each individual concerned to settle for himself, and The World merely directs attention to the subject as a current topic of discussion, on which much may be said on both sides. It has been suggested that the record manufacturers also pay tribute to T. P. O'Connor, M.P., whose valuable services in connection with the enactment of the new British copyright law the leading American music publishers desire to recognize in some manner during the distinguished statesman's sojourn in this country. The act specifically exempts talking machine records as copyright infringements, and as the amendment was introduced through the direct influence of the Gramophone & Typewriters. Ltd., of London, presumably it was accepted by the famous Irish member in order to remove all serious objections and expedite its passage. If this action may be regarded in the light of favoring the talking machine trade, why should not the record people participate in this function? But what would the music publishers say? There's the rub. No little talk is heard in the trade of "cutting out" the sale of "stencil" records; that is, those made bearing a dealer or a jobber's name or As an executive. W, E. Gilmore, president of the National Phonograph Co., Orange, N. J., is considered a figure in the trade approximating in importance the scientific standing and inventive genius of Thomas A. Edison himself. That is, those who have the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance or close business relations freely express this opinion. The old saying that a man ia seldom if ever a hero to his valet finds an exception in Mr. Gilmore, so to speak. In ad dition to his wonderful capacity for initiative and acute discernment in business acairs, as well as the energy and rapidity with which he disposes of matters coming before him for final sett.ement, Mr. Gilmore's personal interest in the welfare of his entire oflice staff, his generosity to his associates in time of storm and stress or misfortune are spoken by the recipients and those who have knowledge of his bounty as princely, and always unostentatious. When George Ilsen, of Cincinnati, in his remarks presenting the mammoth silver loving cup of the Edison jobbers to Mr. Gilmore, spoke of him as having "the largest heart in him of any man I ever met," the entire official corps of the National Co. applauded the sentiment vigorously,, for they declared these words struck the nail squarely on the head. When a subordinate is at fault he gets all that is coming to him at once, and there the matter is dropped, but the offender is quickly made to understand that the president bears him no malice — it is in line of business, and every one is expected to do his level best when on duty. The rewards for faithful and diligent work are also commensurately liberal. A promoter of parts, whose name, were it mentioned, might cause a few harsh comments to be made, though he is acknowledged a pretty bright chap, has a new scheme. He proposes a plan of centralizing business ty forming manufacturing companies with guaranteed orders. That is to^ say, talking machine stores should be established, at every available spot when a demand was apparent, a la the cigar trade. The high thinking: promoter either overlooks or ignores — after themanner of liii kind — such minor things as details, even not taking into account the vast difference in the lines and desirability of independence on the part of the dealer. This combination is to handle only the .aoods made by their own factory — whatever they might be — and to cut otit entirely the machines and records known the world over, and accept "stuff just as .good," "PERFECTLY SIMPLE-SIMPLY PERFECT" FOR RETAIL $1.2S THI^ IDEIAL. EDISON and COLOMBIA MACHINES " PARTICULARS "? N PATENTS APPLIED FOR 143 LIBERTY STREET ISI E: W YORK