The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1909)

42 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. FROM OUR LONDON HEADQUARTERS— (Continued. ) used in record making which never figure in the retail shop. The recording room itself is closely matchboard lined, and throughout made thoroughly soundproof by a patent system of scientific construction, which is a very necessary consideration for the successful making of master records. The room is even fitted with double soundproof windows in order to exclude the roar of passing carts and trams, and I may say it is this careful exclusion of all outside noises which has largely been the means of making the name of "Beka" on a record stand for "real music." Anent Price Cutting! All said and done, it's on the increase. It paralyzes trade; upsets and undermines the legitimate trader's business; cuts him right out of it, in fact. What are you doing in his interest, Mr. Manufacturer — not much, eh? Here are a few instances which occur in a certain provincial town. Only retail or price to the public is given: Edison-Bell cylinders, 2%d. each; Sterling records, 5d. each; Zonophone records, Is. 9d. less 6d. allowance for old record, Is. 3d. net. Apart from this many other records (of extinct companies in the most part) are being sold everywhere at the price of old wax. It presents a poor outlook this summer for the honest dealer. Is he to join the ranks of the unemployed? Why won't manufacturers join together in a common scheme to protect not only their own interests but those of the man who is the means of their existence? From time to time I shall give instances — even the names and addresses— of price cutters, in the hope that makers will take steps to protect their honest customers. Phonographs and Accordeons. Phonographs and accordeons seem to be the craze just now with the Esquimaux, says a polar expedition leader; which, by the way, suggests an opportunity of good business for those manufacturers or traders enterprising enough to seek this market. Fast Boats for New York. In the early spring the Hamburg-American line will run four of their fast boats on the New York service from Southampton instead of Plymouth. Music Rolls and Copyright. Do perforated rolls which are used for playing mechanical pianos infringe the copyright in the music? The court of appeal in a recent case decided that they do not; the learned judges stating that reproduction under the musical copyright act must be something in the nature of a copy in graphic form. Gramophone Co.'s Generosity. The Gramophone Co. have very generously contributed 100 guineas to the Mansion House fund — which, by the way, now amounts to over ±130,000 — in aid of the sufferers in that unparalleled disaster in Italy. Daws Clarke's "Flex" Diaphragm. Daws Clarke reports a steady demand for his "Flex" diaphragm, which undoubtedly gives remarkably natural results. The B. & H. fiber needle, for which Mr. Clarke is the agent in this country, is going well and gaining much favor with enthusiasts everywhere. Twin Record Grows in Favor. Although only placed on the market in August, 1908, the "Twin" record has gained great popularity with record buyers who appreciate musical excellence. The February list is well up to the mark, both in quality and artists, of which only the leading are listed. A Strong Pantomime List. One of the strongest pantomime lists is included in the January impressions of Clarion records. They are all well recorded and are as follows: "From Poverty Street to Golden Square" (F. Miller) ; "There's No Home Like the Old Home" (A. Franklin); "My Girl's a Yorkshire Girl" (A. Marsh); "What Would the Congregation Say" (A. Marsh) ; "If I Plant a Tiny Seed of Love" (Hamilton Hill); "Come and Be My Rainbow" (Stanley Kirkby) ; "I Want to go to Idaho" (S. Kirkby); "Let's Be Friends as We Used To Be" (Frank Miller) ; "I'm Afraid to Come Home in the Dark" (Harry Fay) ; "Have You Got Another Girl at Home Like Mary?" (F. Miller); "Solomon, That's Me" (Jordon & Harvey). Other good records issued during the same month are "Liberty Bell March" (Premier Military Band) ; "Light Cavalry" (overture), "Music Hall Medley," No. 3, and "Coronation Bells," by the Premier Concert Orchestra; "Venus on Earth" (Premier Bijou Orchestra); piccolo solo, "The Comet" (G. Barton); "Bombadier" (Hamilton Hill), and "If the Missus Says It's Black" (Will Terry). Gramophone Parts and Accessories. The Gramophone Co. have just issued for the use of dealers a very comprehensive list of parts and accessories, together with the prices thereof. Current List of Beka Records. The current list of Beka records is remarkable, more especially in the matter of recording, which in itself is a tribute to the company's painstaking efforts in this direction. In the vocal' records enunciation is perfect, while the instrumental impressions are characterized by great detail and pureness of tone. The catchphrase "Beka for real music" is truly applicable THE "WAGNER" Highly finished solid Oak Cabinet. THE new season is here and you cannot, to your own advantage, do better than to apply to us for our new colored illustrated catalogue of our celebrated KHngSOr Talking Machines and Sundries. We challenge any machine on the market concerning working, tonequality, 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 "SULLIVAN" No. 90. Solid Oak Cabinet, with Silk Curtains. Letters patent No. 899,491 granted in America. 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.