The talking machine world (July-Dec 1918)

July IS, 1918 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 101 FROM OUR LONDON HEADQUARTERS — (Continued from page 100) ought to be down for a full debate before the largest possible meeting of traders. On the principle of free and open discussion much good might be expected from an introduction of these debatable questions, and it is a pity that they have not been included on the program. M. J. Ryalls is to propose what appears to be the only resolution of real practical value, to the effect that "the meeting petitions the Government to prohibit the import of all German pianos (we suggest the more generic term 'musical instruments' should be adopted — Editor) into the United Kingdom, or failing that to impose a tariff of not less than 50 per cent, on all musical instruments imported into this country from enemy sources." The Guardsman June-July Program A finely representative list typical of Guardsman quality is that for June-July issued by the Invicta Record Co., Ltd. An exceptionally wide and choice variety of vocal and instrumental records are itemized, there being no less than sixteen ten-inch double records, and eight twelve-inch. The ten-inch vocals comprise many of the latest hits by reputable artists, and of the instrumental numbers special mention should be made of selections I and II, "Bing Boys on Broadway," magnificently rendered by the Regiment Band of R. M. Scots Guards, which well-known organization is also responsible for other leading plays, as, for instance, "Pamela," and "Bubbly" selections. In addition the Scots Guards Band give some stirring reproductions of military marches. "My Task" and "The Old Times Are Coming Back Again" should prove a favorite record; it is by Miss Bessie Lawrence, a contralto of exceptional merit. Record No. 827 carries two sentimental items as violin solos by W. G. Cookee, with pianoforte accompaniment; while last among the ten-inch series but not least is a contribution by the Band of the Honorable Artillery Co., whose brilliant playing of "Sons of the Brave" and "Forward" marches is distinctly well recorded by the Guardsman people. The eight twelve-inch double records are of high quality, special attention having been given to both the artistic and manufacturing attributes. Let the titles and artists speak for themselves — "Casse Noisette," "Waltz of the Flowers, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," by the Band of H. M. Scots Guards; "Faust," ballet music, parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 on two double records magnificently rendered by J. H. Squire's Karsino Symphony Orchestra; the "Peu d'Amour" (sung in French), and the "Spanish Serenade"-"Lolita" (sung in Italian), by Signor Angelo Roselli, tenor; "La Traviata, Rigoletto"-"Questa O Quella," both sung in Italian by Signor Roselli; "The Lost Chord" and "The Better Land," by Miss Ethel Toms, contralto; and parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the "Fringes of the Fleet" (words — Rudyard Kipling; music1 — Sir Edward Elgar), sung by Frederick Taylor, baritone, with pianoforte accompaniment. From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the Guardsman record has reached a very high standard of quality, and I can commend these records to all oversea traders desirous of carrying a first-class British line of gramophone records. * Swiss Motors for America As may be generally known there are certain restrictions upon the quantity of goods that can be imported by this country. Gramophone firms are for this reason two-thirds short of the required quantity of motor supplies. I learn now that America will benefit by the exportation direct from Switzerland of large supplies of the excellent motors made by Messrs. Mermod Freres. The handling of this line has been entrusted to the Sterns Mfg. Co., 19 City road, London, E. C, who have secured the sole selling rights for the United States. In recent conversation with the writer the head of this concern, D. Sternburg, said : "We anticipate doing a large trade with this splendid line of high-grade motors, of which there are several models — single and double spring, and to this end have already opened up negotiations in the States. A central distributing depot will soon be established in New York, where we can take care of large orders on prompt dispatch. Owing to the number of ships in ballast that return to the States, no great difficulty is anticipated in the transit of large consignments, and we are now quoting accordingly on the strength of early delivery." Mermod Freres motors are favorably known among the British trade to be highly satisfactory. Fitted with worm and pinion-geared drive, they are silent and true running, precision made and throughout of excellent workmanship. Pending the establishment of the American office, inquiries should be addressed to the Sterns Mfg. Co. as above. An announcement to the American trade appears elsewhere in this issue. A Record Jump in Value Owing to the general scarcity of good gramophones, it is not perhaps surprising that values have gone up to an exceptional extent. Jake Graham, one of the largest dealers in Liverpool, cites a case in point. A No. 6 "His Master's Voice" model was advertised for sale recently at a local auction mart, which he had sold three and a half years ago at the usual figure, .8 guineas. It realized the startling price of 26 guineas, with an album of records! As Mr. Graham says: "I came away with my tail between my. legs, while 'the good old dog' cocked his head a little higher to know that he is held in such high esteem." Military Endorse Importance of Music Trade During the hearing of an appeal by the manager of G. Potter & Co., before the Aldershot Tribunal, a letter dated in September, 1916, was put in from the assistant military secretary, war office, that "The work carried out in supplying and maintaining instruments for army bands is of military importance." It was stated that if the appellant went the business would Soundboxes IF you are after a genuine offer of soundboxes, you'll do well to communicate with us immediately. We have tens of thousands of perfect soundboxes, fitted with the best quality mica. Confidently recommended for cheaper machines, absolutely reliable and give excellent reproduction. Price to clear $50 per gross, F. O. B. London. Orders for less than gross lots not accepted Wire "Knotaslept, London". W.H. Reynolds (1915) Ltd. 45, City Road, London, E. C. Write for new illustrated Complete Catalogue have to close, as the principal, Captain Potter, had been "out" since the beginning of the war. Three months' exemption was granted. "The Decca" on Active Service Barnett Samuel & Sons, Ltd., this city, have issued two attractive booklets containing several photographs of "the Decca" (the service portable gramophone) in actual use at the front. These splendid pictures depict as nothing else the mine of enjoyment which our war-worn soldiers obtain from a little music. It is good to see them around the Decca, their faces wreathed in smiles of boundless pleasure. Women in the Record Factories Apropos the replacement of men by female labor in our record and other factories, it is interesting to learn that 95 per cent, of the work in the "His Master's Voice" record-pressing departments is now performed by the fair sex. Of the men employed all are either over military age or have been rejected as unfit for service. Such a small percentage suggests that Hayes must be a very healthy place, or that the atmosphere of pressing rooms is not so unhealthy to work in as is generally thought. It speaks well for the supervision and arrangements of a modern factory where the first consideration, as practiced by this company, is to insure for the employes healthy surroundings and cleanly conditions. "His Master's Voice" by Bart Kennedy Under the above caption, the current issue of "The Voice" contains a most interesting and inspiring article by the well-known descriptive journalist and author, Bart Kennedy. It represents a fine eulogy of the gramophone on active (Continued on page 102) GUARDSMAN RECORDS REGISTERED 10 inch and 12 inch Lateral Cut We can ship you immediately, any quantity of Records : BANDS ORCHESTRAS INSTRUMENTAL SOLOS VOCAL SELECTION OF AMERICAN AIRS including, "Marching Through Georgia" — "Dixie" — "Arkansas Traveller" — "Red, White and Blue" — "Star Spangled Banner," etc., etc., Recorded by Full Regimental Band of H. M. SCOTS GUARDS. Get Ready Now for the Big Trade coming and have THE FINEST RECORDS of THE FINEST TITLES at THE FINEST PRICES Apply for Lists and Prices to INVICTA RECORD COMPANY, Ltd. TRADE MARK Cables: Duarrab, London 1 New Inn Yard, London, E. C, England