The talking machine world (Aug-Dec 1919)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD December 15, 1919 INTRODUCE "ACTUELLE" CLASSIQUE Pathe Freres Phonograph Co. Producing Three Models Which Cover Three Interesting Periods in Design — Win High Praise from Experts The Pathe Freres Phonograph Co., of Brooklyn, N. Y., announces the advent of the "Actuelle ■ Model "M" Classique" in three models. The great popularity of the Pathe "Actuelle" has stimulated a demand Model "O" for this high class instrument in period design. In response to this demand, the "Actuelle Class Model "E," ique" was produced. Model "M, " as shown in the accompanying illustration, is of the early Georgian period, an adaption from carefully selected specimens of that lavish period of beautiful English furniture. Model "O, " in walnut in the William and Mary period, gives the effect of a chest on a table-form base, and model "E" is an oak court cupboard of the Tudor period, an adaption from authentic examples of the Tudor times. In all of these three models the skilful matching of veneers, the fine carvings and the excellent workmanship is notable and matches the best examples produced by the master artisans of other days. TO HANDLE ENGINEERING WORK N. Kurman to Take Important Post With Mutual Talking Machine Co. and Allied Concerns on January 1 — Weil-Known in This Trade Wm. Phillips, president of the Mutual TalkingMachine Co., the Supreme Phone Parts Co. and the Manhattan Phone Parts Co. has announced that beginning with the first of the year, N. Kurman, well known in the trade as an authority on tone and vibration, will be connected with these three companies, in charge of their engineering departments. Mr. Kurman has experimented with, and invented, a diaphragm which is claimed to be as good if not better than mica. It is expected that the new diaphragm which shortly will be used by all three companies. The Supreme Phono. Parts Co., is planning to place on the market a new tone arm of particularly high quality. A new sound box with aluminum frame will also make its appearance in the near future. ENLARGES BRUNSWICK SHOP John Jensen, proprietor of the Brunswick Music Shop, Terre Haute, Ind., has enlarged the basement of his store and has made it into a large display room for the demonstration of talking machines and pianos. New soundproof booths have been built and in them the Brunswick machine and Emerson record are shown. J. Henry Ling, who handles the Columbia line in Detroit, Mich., is the inventor of a device for repeating records which is automatically operated. 175 VICTOR CO. SECURES NEW TENOR Edward Johnson Engaged to Make Records for That Company — An American Singer Who Has Had a Most Interesting Career The tenor sensation of the year 1919 is Edward Johnson, who returns to American shores after a series of triumphs in o^her lands. He is singing this season with the Chicago Opera Company, and he has been engaged to make records for the Victor Talking Machine Co. His first stage appearance and his first recordings have together placed him among the great tenors of the new century. Mr. Johnson was born in Canada, of Welsh-Irish parentage, but spent his boyhood in New York. He was a natural singer, beginning with church choirs and after a time appearing in light opera. He went abroad with a number of American students, including among them Herbert Witherspooi* and Janet Spencer, put in some hard work in Paris and later went to Florence where he studied under Vincenzo Lombardi. In 1912, he made his operatic debut' in Padua under the stage name of Edoardo di Giovanni. He did not, however, content himself with the works of one period or of one school, for he created not only the role of "Parsifal" at La Seala in Milan, under Antone Fuchs, but scored a big success in a French opera, when he made the first successful Italian presentation of Pelleas at the Costanzi theatre in Rome. In early 1919 he created Montemezzi 's "La Nave, " at La Scala. He was chosen by Puccini for the first presentations of his triad of short operas, ' ' II Tabarro, ' ' Gianni Schicchi, " and " Suor Angelica." Meanwhile, he had been to South America, where he sang in Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Rio de Janeiro. In 1917, he was in Spain. In early 1919 he sang in concert in Italy with Toscanini. In the present year he came to the United States and began a two years' contract with the Chicago Opera Company. Recognition was immediate. He followed by making some superb Victor records. Despite his modest claims that his voice is of the romantic and not the dramatic type, his "Vesti la Giubba" is magnificently done. Automatic Change of Weight (.Patent Applied for) An Exclusive Feature of Parr Central Universal Tone Arm The Parr Central Universal Tone Arm marks a new departure in tonearm construction and removes the principal objection heretofore existing in universal arms. The weight to play either vertical or lateral cut records is automatically and accurately changed. This is a very novel and important improvement in tone-arm construction and should appeal to those who have wanted a tone arm that would not require the makeshift arrangements for doing what this tone arm does automatically. The first scientifically constructed universal tone arm, and the only one having this very important improvement. OTHER IMPORTANT FEATURES Needle change is facilitated by rotating sound box, which returns to normal position. Needle always takes same position in playing any type of record, setting in direct center. Supplied with either mica or Vibratone diaphragm, but the latter is recommended if superior tone quality and volume are desired. Length of tone arm required should be specified when ordering. OTHER PARR PRODUCTS: Magnetic Reproducer Vibratone Diaphragm PARR MANUFACTURING CORP. Main Offices: 100-108 West 23rd St., Factories: New York City — Latrobe, Pa. NEW YORK