The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1909)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 53 discs at M. 3. — (2 per week) so that the "given away" Arm receives M. 135. The machine supplied is valued at the difference between the regular retail price of M. 3. — and the cutting price of M. 2.25, that is to say at M. 33.75, whereas it is really worth only about M. 20. It is evident that this cutting policy can only last a certain length of time, that is until the firms taking part in the movement have exhausted their stock. On the other hand a close observer will regard this cutting of prices with mixed feelings. "A disc which is acknowledged to be first-class being thrown on the market at a retail price of M. 2.25," he will say, "shows that other discs are also not worth more." The idea practiced by some of the dealers of boycotting the manufacturing company on account of this contract with the "given away" firm has had no practical result and will probably not have the desired effect. Further only a small number of dealers can afford to sell there discs at M. 2.25, as at this price they make no profit. So far as the future of the "given away" business in Germany is concerned, it may be stated that if the advertisements are carefully worded it is impossible to combat the movement legally through the public prosecutor on the score of unfair competition. Even if a purchaser really believes that he has received an inferior machine from the "given away" firm, he will very seldom be prepared to go to the length of a law suit against them. In one case in which certain dealers made use of a purchaser to institute proceedings against a "given away" firm a partial success was gained. However, too high a value must not be placed on this, as it is possible for the "given away" firm, by virtue of its large contracts to "give away" a comparatively good machine at a low price. On the other hand, there are large sections of the public who would purchase talking machines, but have difficulty in getting together the necessary amount of money to purchase both apparatus and a number ( f discs for cash. A purchaser naturally wishes to have a few discs with his machine so that he can make use of it. The "given away" firms fill this want rather cleverly by supplying five discs with the machine and accepting a deposit of M. 15. Viewed from an unbiassed point of view it must be admitted that the subscription for two discs a week provides a constant supply of new music, etc., and this greatly enhances the value of the machine in the eyes of the owner. However, until one or more large "given away" firms establish permanent agencies in all the important places and open up the extensive market, which undoubtedly exists, by putting a large amount of capital into the business, these "given away" advertisements are of secondary importance. Should a number of financially strong firms develop this market in earnest, in which case they might possibly be able to reduce the weekly number of discs to one, talking machine dealers in Germany would probably lose a great part of their business. At the same time such steps would soon make the talking machine an everyday article for the general public, in which direction but a very modest beginning has so far been made. FORTUNES FROM INVENTIONS. Inventors Usually Spoiled by Newspapers Through Fanciful Stories of Wealth in Patents. The cover of the catalog supplement for January of the Edison records is a nifty affair. And the portrait of Cal Stewart ("Uncle Josh") is the frontispiece of the New Phonogram. Cal originates his own stories, and gives much time and attention to working out the details of his often inimitable series. As may be noted, Cal has returned to the staff of Edison artists, and Walter H. Miller, manager of the laboratory, is to be congratulated on having the gentle philosopher of Punkinville with him again. We clip the following from the Indianapolis, Ind., News of recent date. It is only one of many relating to "fortunes" to be made from improvements in the talking machine. We cannot have too many minds working toward the betterment of this ever popular machine, yet the daily papers unquestionably print a lot of nonsense about fortunes to be made from minor inventions. We sincerely hope that Mr. Brown will make all that the News says he expects to make, but expectations are not always realizations. Here is the item to which we refer: "E A. Brown, formerly of Carmel, who recently invented a rapid-fire gun that attracted attention, has just applied for a patent on an ingenious device for a phonograph. The new appliance is small, not as large as an ordinary thimble. The device is attached to the cylinder, on which the records are placed. It holds the record so firmly that it is impossible for it to vary, thus doing away with the rasping noise. The record is placed on the cylinder, a miniature gate is closed and when the selection is finished the gate opens automatically and the record is removed. Mr. Brown believes his invention will bring him a small fortune." VICTOR LITERATURE. Christmas Eve the establishment of J. F. Blackman & Son, 3937 Third avenue. New York, Edison jobbers, was visited by thieves and $300 purloined — a far from agreeable experience. Since then, however, a new safe has been installed, and the firm's ready cash is now considered safe, according to B. R. Barklow, of the National Co.'s force. The Victor Talking Machine Co. have been sending more excellent literature to their dealers in the shape of reproductions of four of the page advertisements carried by the company in farm journals and an inspiring article upon taking advantage o*. the company's widespread publicity campaign 'by the local dealer. The text of the folder is to stimulate the dealer to get after the trade of the farmer and it should accomplish its purpose. The Best Disc In the World The Largest and Most Comprehensive Repertoire in German Danish English Arabian French Turkish Italian Chinese: Russian Swatow Polish Guakau Spanish Pekinese Portuguese Shansinese Hungarian Kiangnanese Dutch Cantonese Tamil Malayian Burmese Hindustanee: Urdu Marathi Gujarathi Hindi Tarsi, and 15 other dialects. REPERTOIRE ALWAYS UP-TO-DATE For terms, etc., apply to Beka Record, G.m.b.H., 75-76 Heidelberger Strasse, Berlin Sole Agent for Great Britain and Ireland : O. RUHL, 77 CITY ROAD, LONDON, E. C.