The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1906)

1 THE TALKING MACfflNE WORLD. 31 though not bearing the names and trade-marks of concerns which have become household words. The schemer further contended the present manufacturers were getting it all, while the jobber and dealer were a negligible quantity, therefore their interests should be consolidated and co-operation supersede prevailing methods. When this tale, with oratorical embellishments, was recited to several officials of a prominent talking machine manufacturing company, they exploded with laughter, and promptly advised the narrator to let go of his comet, come back to earth and cease having pipe dreams. A scarf or cover manufacturer made up a sample line of what he considered very appropriate and handsome designs for record cabinets. They were submitted to the jobbers, but the enterprising originator received no encouragement, let alone orders. It was conceded that a scarf may be a suitable adornment for a piano, but that record cabinets of the highest grade should not have any of their beauty of line or iinish concealed by a cover. Besides, the disc cabinets have the machine mounted on top, and a scarf, they hold, would be altogether out of the question. Perhaps this opinion may change with time, and then the cover manufacturer will have his innings. Walter P. Phillips, editor of the Columbia Phonograph Co.'s "Columbia Record," and manager of their advertising department as well, an experienced newspaper man, has become a partial convert to the alleged spelling reform idea. He now w-rites "fotograf" and "telegraf," but fails to be consistent ty not spelling it "fonograf," "grafofone" or "diafram." It must be remembered, however, that great reforms, like large bodies, move slowly. The two-for-one exchange proposition that was effective from October 1 to 6, inclusive, will return to the National Phonograph Co., whose explanatory circulars to jobbers and dealers were distributed under date of September 25, approximately a million "surplus, cut-out and defective Edison standard (not grand opera or concert) records." This is the rough estimate made by C. H. Wilson, general sales manager of the company, and before the last returns had been tabulated. At the same time Mr. Wilson ventured that possibly he may be a half million out of the way in his reckoning. The trade have until December 1 to file orders for new records in compliance witu the basis of exchange, and as it has been figured that the individual orders of jobbers 'range from 12,000 to 30,000 monthly, they are enabled to have a "clean bill of health" and not buy any more stock thereby than in the ordinary course of business. The company's offer has certainly been most liberal and comes at a time of year when a clearing out of stock is most appreciated. The trade generally have taken advantage of the proposition, one of the most notable events during the past month. A scarcity of men equipped with a thorough knowledge of the talking machine business and possessing executive ability, also, is a matter of complaint. That is to say, men who can work out the details of a general policy in the sales department. It must be admitted persons of this standard are not to be had for the asking; in many instances they are developed or grow, as one pleases to phrase it. The lightweights, with amplifying horns of large dimensions that are constantly kept going at full blast, are only too plentiful, but are a costly extravagance of any establishment. TRADE NOTES FROM THE TWIN CITIES COMPETITION THAT IS DISLIKED. Leading Manufacturers of Horns Find Fault With Parties Turning Out Inferior Goods and Selling Them to Dealers Instead of Through the Regular Channels. During the past month several of the leading manufacturers of horns have complained to us of a competition which is working a great injury, not to them especially, but to the retail dealers throughout the country. This has been brought about through the action of a number of individuals — former employes of horn factories — who are manufacturing horns in a very small way in their homes, and then offering them to dealers at ridiculously low prices. Not, however, lower than they are worth, for they are made of the cheapest material, decorated in a most inartistic way, with the lacquer and paint coming off after very short use. In addition to this, the horns do not fit the machine. They rattle badly, because of their being put together in a slip-shod manner. One of these horns sold by a dealer never fails to engender hard feelings between him and the purchaser, for not only does the latter fail to buy another horn from the same man, but he refuses to purchase anything else, as he has lest confidence in him. The parties manufacturing the horns complained of have a perfect right to enter this business. No one can deny them the opportunity of entering the battlefield of trade; but they must fight fairly. Indeed, they will do well to adopt the policy followed by all reputable manufacturers in this trade, namely, selling to the jobbing trade only, and making an article that will afford satisfaction to the jobber and dealer handling them. While this method of selling to dealers above referred to is to be condemned, yet the dealers who invest in these cheap devices are not deserving of sympathy, because they have been willing to sacrifice in many instances their good name for the extra profit inducement held out. The proper handling of horns affords the jobber and dealer a fair return, and it rests with them to preserve this satisfactory condition of affairs by buying only the best on the market. The Zenith Music Co., a new concern at 6 East Superior street, Duluth, Minn., carry a full line of Edison phonographs, Victor talking machines with an extensive stock of records, supplies, etc. The Fall Trade Has Opened With Much Greater Activity Than a Year Ago. 1^ I 1 (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Minneapolis and St. Paul, Oct. 9, 1906. The fall trade has opened up with much greater activity than a year ago, and the dealers all look for a largely increased business from now on to the holidays. "The outlook is certainly a very encouraging one," said L. H. Lucker, president of the Minnesota Phonograph Co. "We are adding new agencies throughout the State right along, and supplies of a good grade are being ordered. We have a constantly increasing demand for Victor goods. The Edison trade keeps up steady, and two carlots of Edison goods were received last week." W. A. Lucker, in charge of the Minneapolis branch of the same firm, reported a splendid trade during September, and several prospective sales in sight of the Victrola machine, only two samples of which have been received. W. J. Dyer & Bro. are in splendid shape to take care of their talking machine trade this fall. As stated some time ago, the entire five stories of the building they occupy were remodeled during the summer months, and the talking machine department was removed from the fourth to the ground floor, and is now equipped with separate rooms for testing the various machines. Results for September, it was reported, were better than a year ago, the demand for records being much larger, while the demand for both the Edison and Victor machines was for the more expensive kind. T. C. Hough, who has two stores in Minneapolis and one in St. Paul, exploiting Edison and Zonophone machines, reports a bigger September than last year. He anticipates a big fall trade. J. W. Wheeler, manager of the Columbia Phonograph Co. in Minneapolis, also reports an increase in September over a year ago. The machine trade, he says, is of the better grade. C. W. Long, in charge of the St. Paul branch, also reports excellent results last month. A. M. Magoon, in charge of the Victor department for the New England Furniture Co., said: "We had a splendid demand for records all through the summer, but in machines the sale has just opened up, and is of such satisfactory proportions that the outlook for the balance of the year is exceptionally encouraging. We have had a larger demand for the Victrola than we can supply." J. Jones, manager of Donaldson's talking machine department, reported a satisfactory September, the results being much better than during summer months. Here all lines are represented— the Columbia, Edison, Victor, Zonophone and Reginaphone. George Ornstein, representing the Victor Co., was a visitor in the Twin Cities last week. B. Feinberg, of the Western Supply Co., was also a caller on the trade during the week. 1 THE THOiMPSON MODIFIER m i I I I I PERFEICTION AT LAST A Mcsdifier That Really Modifies Softens the tone, eliminates the metallic sound, takes all the "scratch" out and makes the reproduction of voice or instrument as soft, smooth and harmonious as the original. THE THOMPSON MODIFIER is entirely new and different from anything on the market. The best machine in the world is improved by its use — the poorest sounds well with its help. Made pear shape, it fits any size or shaped horn and can be used with any machine on the market. MADE OF BRASS. NICKEL PLATED, PRICE, Sl.OO i THE GRARHORHONTE IVIODIEIER CO w . 2TO SXAXE STREET, CHICAGO. 1 1 I 1 I 1