The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

48 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. NEWS OF THE CINCINNATI TRADE. Cool Weather Helps Business — Expensive Machines in Demand — The Victrola on Instalments— New Victor Records Stimulate Sales — New Edison Records and Attachments Favorably Received — Taft Pleased at Wurlitzer Display — Columbia Co. News — Geo. Islen Music Co. In Hands of Receiver. (Special to The Talking Machine W"o;ld.) Cincinnati, O., Oct. 9. 1908. The cool weather that we had in the latter part of September, improved the talking machine business very materially, making the people look for indoor amusements, and reminding them of tne talking machine, which had been neglected during the warm weather. It also caused quite a revival in the instalment business, but contrary to expectations the demand was not for the new style Victor "O" machine, but ran largely into the more expensive types. A new market has been created for the Victrola. In the rast the purchases were largely oy people who were in a position to write out a check for the goods as soon as purchased, but now they are being bougnt on the instalment plan, the same as pianos. This opens a large field, which has hitherto been given little attention by the dealer. The splendid list of records which the Victor Co. put out for October, have had a big demand, aiding verj^ materially in bringing in Victor owners who have been neglecting their machines during the summer months. The double-faced records are being awaited with much interest. The salability of these records, however, is still in great question, and as soon as tney arrive the dealers will undoubtedly give all of their energy to the sale of the double-sided records, as the demand will undoubtedly be exceptional. The feature of the month, however, was the new Amberol records, and the new style Edison machines and attachments, which was very unfortunate that the factory could not supply these records and attachments at the proper date. Kach dealer had practically only samples of these goods, and was only in a position to take orders, and not in a position to make any deliveries or sales. As a consequence, quite a number of sales aggregating large amounts will be carried over into October, and should have been credited to September business. The writer finds that most of the dealers in this section of the country are of the opinion that the new records and new machines have come to stay, as the new four minute records and attachments will undoubtedly boom the business to large proportions, and assist very materially in making a success of the ho'.iday season. The trade in this part of the country is making solid but slow progress, and undoubtedly in a few months, will be in the same condition it was before the panic came on. Every dealer's stock is of the lowest possible size, and the jobbers can confidently look forward to a steadily increasing business in aa lines. Dealers also are in good shape on account of the fact that they have gotten rid of all dead stock, and they will discriminate very carefully when purchasing supplies in the future. The Taft and Bryan records are being exploited very extensively by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co.. and a feature of the trade is a splendid window display of the Taft records. During his stay in Cincinnati, Mr. Taft passed the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. every morning, on his way to the Sinton hotel. He invariably paused when he passed their display windows, and seemed to be very much pleased with same. He undoubtedly was familiar with every detail of this window 1 efore many days, but it always seemed to have the same attraction for him. S. H. Nichols, manager of the Columbia Plionograpb Co.'s local store, spent a very pleasant vacation during September, at Atlantic City and other eastern points. He announces that the Columbia Indestructible cylinder record, with special reproducer to play same, has every indication of being as large a seller as the double disc record. These new records are expected by the loth of this month, when they will be ready for delivery. Inquiries received so far indicate a very large demand. Mr. Nichols said further: "Local business is showing a steady improvement and we are very much encouraged with the showing made during September, which actually shows an increase over a year ago. Our business on the large double-faced disc records, which we received this month both in 10 and 12-inch sizes, has been a surprise to us. These records are simply taking the market. Our trade in records has been exceptional. We are already 100 per cent, ahead of any month last year. The dealers are sending in larger orders and the fall trade is going forward in a very satisfactory way. Our talking machine business has been doing nicely. We consider the outlook very good." The George Ilsen Music Co. will soon be a thing of the past. As the trade knows, this company have been in the hand of a receiver for some time, and a strenuous effort has been made to close out the stock on hand, which Mr. Ilsen states amounts to about $30,000. The company are now in the hands of Scott Bonham, receiver. Geo. Ilsen leaves for Hickory Nut Gap, N. C. within the next two weeks, where he will enjoy a much needed rest from business cares. Mr. Ilsen and wife will have quarters at the Esmeralde Inn where they will spend at least six months. Mr. Ilsen is well known to the talking machine and record trade and is one of the few honorary members of the National Dealers' Association. The Milner Music Co. reports fine September business, showing slight improvement over August. The present month is doing nicely and holds prospects of being a very busy month. In the talking machine trade the Edison machines and records are in good demand. Manager Strief says there is quite a demand for attachments to old machines whereby the new four minute records may be adjusted. These attachments are apparently in larger demand than the new machines. The campaign records are poor sellers. COLUMBIA DOTJBLE-DISC CATALOG. The Columbia Phonograph Co. have just issued their catalog of double-disc records. It is a most imposing publication of over seventy pages, conveniently classified and arranged alphabetically. It also contains a list of the Fonotipia double-disc grand opera records. The catalog is neatly gotten up, carefully edited and reflects the greatest credit on the gentlemen concerned in its compilation. A VICTOR ENTHUSIAST Is John Van De Walle, Who Boasts That the Victor Trade-Mark Is Part and Parcel of Him — Shows His Hand in Good Faith. Speaking of Victor enthusiasts, it is safe to say there are few in the country to compare with John Van De Walle, proprietor of the Van De NOVEL DISPLAY OF VICTOE TUADE-IIAEK. Walle Music Co., of Seymotir, Ind., whose "strong left arm" we reproduce herewith, showing the famous trade-mark of the Victor, "His Master's Voice," which was tattooed on his arm about seven years ago. It is something so novel that we take the liberty of reproducing it, as we feel sure it will interest the entire trade. It is cerlainiy effective and original advertising. The Victor Distributing & Export Co., New York, speak of their September business as being far ahead of expectations. The work of Messrs. Williams, Moody and Moffat is of the gilt-edge order, and results follow. 'URLITZER UP-TO-DATE AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSIRUMEKIS THfe 5UITyiBlE FOR ALL PUBLIC PUCES OPtRATED BYP[RFORATTD PAPtR ROLLS URcFcA^ofi ON-LINE MAILED UPON REQUEST