The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

24 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. FROM OUR LONDON HEADQUARTERS(Continued.) that the demand for these goods is considerably ahead of supply, and when we consider that the ;large factories are going at it hard all day and often throughout the night, too, we may be sure that their trade is great indeed. A. Vischer de-' scribes things as exceptionally good, and states that he is refusing orders, and if he could get 20,000 motors delivered, they could all be placed under 48 hours. Truly, a splendid report, this! Columbia's Blue Ribbon Record. The Columbia Co. announce a new cylinder record. It will be over 4% inches long and is to be called the "Blue Ribbon" record, a name selected because of the large number of highest awards secured in competition by Columbia records at the great international exhibition-. The retail price will be Is. A good profit margin is allowed for dealers. The record is jet black in color and has a surface as smooth as glass. The Columbia announcement continues: "We believe that the period of over-production in cylinder records is past. We notice an insistent demand for a better quality of cylinder records with a higher standard of musical merit, an indtfenant protest against an inclination to confine the cylinder business to vulgar' songs and "music hall trash." The "Blue Ribbon" record will meet this demand for better-class cylinders, and while, of course, we shall cater for those who like comic songs and the lighter music, the list of selections will also contain titles of the very highest order by artists of culture and repute. A Handsome Show Room. Barnett Samuels' new show room and town counter is a model of what a factor's establishment should be. There is ample room for an effective display of machines and records, and of the former the Dulcephone series of machines is given prominence. London dealers, especially, find the new town counter arrangement particularly convenient for obtaining at short notice almost any make of record or machines of the disc and cylinder variety. The export department, too, I am told, is given close attention in the essential point of good service and prompt dispatch of all orders to catch the first available outward boat. These are characteristic points which have gone a long way toward the making of a large and successful firm. The Optimists Club Organized. What the promoters think will have a farreaching effect is the proposal to establish a home of cheerfulness in London. Its real name is the Optimists' Club, formed of members who make a point of looking on the bright side of everything, and from the promoters' idea we must assume that every member is to be a veritable Mark Tapley or be expelled. This is how it's to be done: The walls to blazon forth texts such as Why Worry? or It will all be the same in a hundred years, etc. Any member found expressing gloomy views on the decadence of England, or any other country for the matter of that, will be suitably fined. The penalty for expressing any doubt as to all being for the best in the best of all possible worlds is champagne all round on the spot. Cheerfulness is a duty, and unlike all other duties, you find it in champagne; not that you would raise any objection — if it's at the other fellow's expense! The idea of this club is good, but not so the means of carrying it out. We should suggest, however, that instead of wasting money in this club, prospective members should invest in a good talking machine, and then, should pessimism set in, it would be best counteracted by, say, a few of Harry Lauder's records, for example! Graphophone for Prince of Slam. • l A sale of a "Regal" Columbia disc graphiiphone is reported to H. R. H. Prince Chira of Siam. Some 80 records were ordered in addition, including several of the new 12-inch "Celebrita" series. Records Heard Three Miles Away. At a concert given at Sutton rectory grounds on a very calm evening recently the voice of Miss Ruth Vincent, who sang several songs, was distinctly heard more than three miles away. The songs were heard by some yachtsmen on the river, says The Mail. As this report does not come from America, we are inclined to think those yachtsmen had been drinking out of a damp glass. John H. Dorian in China. The world-wide interest in talking machines is well illustrated by the fact that the Columbia Co. have sent John H. Dorian, as noted in last month's World, to take up his residence in China to look after the interests of the company there. Mr. Dorian is a brother of Frank and Marion Dorian, who are at the head of the European service of the Columbia Phonograph Co. "Jumbo" Records by Famous Artists. I am informed by Barnett Samuels that in their new list of "Jumbo" records they have included artists of the first water, and no effort or cost is being spared to make these records even better with each succeeding issue, and this is saying a great deal, in view of the excellent quality and fare already provided. Among the artists who are figuring on "Jumbo" records are Victoria Monks, Ella Retford, Jack Lorimer, George Formby, and Sam Mayo. A powerful list this, and one that will certainly give a great fillip to the sale of "Jumbos." THE '"WAGNER" Highly finished solid Oak Cabinet. THE new season is here and a wise business man studies the market and selects the best and most profitable lines. You cannot, to your own advantage, do better than to apply to us for our new colored illustrated catalogue of our celebrated Klingsor Talking Machines and Sundries. We challenge any machine on the market concerning working, tone quality, finish, etc. We do not claim cheapness, as you are well aware that a good machine cannot be cheap, but we are still cheaper than any other machine for what we give you for your money. All machines are of the best and solid wood, either in oak, mahogany or walnut, British made throughout, specially adapted for export to stand any change in temperature. The machines are fitted with the best motor in the market "the well known and famous Excelsior Motor. " THE "SULLFVAN" No. 90. Solid Oak Cabinet, wild .Silk Curtain?. Catalogue Free On Application. H. Lange's Successors, ESTABLISHED 1854 21 Little Portland Street, Oxford Circus, LONDON, W., ENG. THE "BIJOU" Mahogany, Walnut or Oak Cabinet.