The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1910)

34 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. AN IDEAL RECORD CLEANER. .Sol Bloom Finds That Carbona Removes Dust and Foreign Substances from the Surface of Records — A Non-Explosive Preparation Which Has No Offensive Odor. It is generally admitted that Sol Bloom, the well-known talking machine jobber of New York and Philadelphia, is not only a clever business man but original and novel in his methods. Recently Mr. Bloom made a discovery — a discovery which will interest talking machine men everywhere. He had been trying for some time to find a substitute for benzine in cleaning disc records. The objection to that liquid is its inflammability, also the odor is offensive. While investigating, Mr. Bloom tried Carbona and with excellent results. This preparation was ideal in every respect, removing all dust and accumulation of any nature whatsoever and without any disagreeable after effects. Mr. Bloom was somewhat enthusiastic over his discovery and while discussing the matter with The World in his Fifth avenue office last week requested that several of the oldest disc records in stock be submitted to him. Two or three gentlemen were present at the time and after moistening a cloth with Carbona the surface of the records was rubbed' gently and every particle of dust and accumulation was removed, leaving the record as bright and clean as when it left the factory. After the demonstration was made, which was more than satisfactory to the gentlemen present, Mr. Bloom said: "I believe that every talking machine man in the country will be interested in this. "It does away with all danger from explosion in having benzine around the premises and there is no objectionable odor. "Carbona, to my mind, has qualities which make it an ideal record cleaner and I feel that my discovery, if the world terms it such, will be hailed with delight by talking machine men everywhere when they learn of the excellent properties of this creation." Talking machine dealers and users will at once recognize the value of a perfect odorless cleaner which is non-explosive and Carbona seems to fill all of the requirements. It will be particularly convenient for dealers whose customers constantly ask them for a good record cleaner. Carbona can be easily procured and it can be easily carried in stock by dealers. It has become an article of necessity almost in the household, only people do not know of this new use to which it can be successfully put. After records have been handled a certain time the grooves become filled with dust and when handled by sticky and perspiring fingers the floating dust finds a firm lodgment, and all this, of course, interfers with the sound, and Carbona. when placed upon a cloth and rubbed over the record, removes instantly v all foreign substance of any nature whatsoever. BUSINESS AT THE EDISON FACTORY. Business prospects at the Edison factory are brighter at the present moment than they have been at any time in the past two years. Orders are increasing daily and many of them, in the magnitude of their proportions, recall pleasant memories of the kind that prevailed before the now historical depression. For instance, one jobber's order for Amberol records covering a period of ten days ran well into six figures — meaning, of course, number of records. There is plenty of evidence, moreover, that the present condition is stable. The orders are well balanced among the various types of machines and records, for one thing, and then the general tone of letters from the trade indicates the restoration of confidence among the selling branches. There is an unabated demand for Amberols, which the company are extending themselves in every way possible to meet. Judging from the enthusiasm that is manifested among the trade and the testimonials from pleased purchasers, which are sent without solicitation, the Amberola has stimulated the talking machine business to a tremendous degree. The National people expect to soon be in a position to exchange their new combination Amberola reproducer, model N, for the model L, thereby enabling their dealers to placate those owners of Amberolas who are as yet prevented from playing their Standard records on the machine. The orders for Amberol records have been so heavy as to keep their production pushed to the limit in order to take care, of the regular schedule. It was impossible, therefore, to prepare for the attachment proposition without the installation of additional machinery, which has been done, and which, they expect, will enable them to take care of the enormous volume of orders that are certain to follow its introduction. DEATH OF S. E. PEARSALL. After an illness of a month, Silas E. Pearsall, proprietor of the firm of Stanley & Pearsall, Victor distributers, 541 Fifth avenue, New York, died suddenly on March 6 at his home in Passaic, N. J., aged forty-three years. The funeral took place March 8, but the place of business was not closed. The business, in the heart of New York's fashionable retail district, originally established by G. A. Stanley, formerly connected with the Jacot Music Box Co., was later acquired by the deceased partner, and now reverts to the latter's father, who will continue it without change. Miss Spaulding is the capable manager in charge, assisted by a sister, and this status will be preserved. Mr. Stanley, who retired on account of delicate health, sails for Europe next week. A FINE "TALKER" DEPARTMENT. When the talking machine department of the Gimbel Bros, store in Milwaukee, Wis., is finally settled in the new quarters on the second floor of the building and the five handsome soundproof rooms are completed, Manager L. C. Parker will have one of the finest talking machine stores in the city. One of the features of the new quarters is the large auditorium for the purpose of giving Victrola recitals. The good employe, never betrays the power which employs him. He is never even remiss in its service. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS Of Talking Machines for January — Exports Show Strong Gain as Compared with Last Year — Some Interesting Figures. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Washington, D. C, March 9, 1910. In the summary of exports and imports of the commerce of the United States for the month of January (the latest period for which it has been compiled) which has just been issued by the Bureau of Statistics of the Department of Commerce and Labor, the following interesting figures relating to talking machines and supplies are set forth: The total exports of talking machines, records and supplies for January, 1910, amounted to $301,865, as compared with $238,691 for the same month of the previous year. The seven months' exportations of talking machines, records and supplies amounted to $2,191,548, as against $1,711,887 for the same period in 1909. The total export figures for the seven months of the past three years are as follows: 1908, $3,064,633; 1909, $1,711,887; 1910, $2,191,548. The value in detail of exportations of talking machine records and supplies amounted to $202,764 in January, 1910, as against $238,691 for the same month of 1909, and for the seven months ending in January, 1910, they amounted to $1,398,592, as against $1,711,887 in 1909 and $3,064,633 in 1908. The value of all other parts relating to talking machines, phonographs, records and materials therefor sent abroad during January, 1910, amounted to $99,101; the total exports for the seven months under this heading foot up $792,956. ASSETS TO BE DISTRIBUTED. Receivership of Leeds & Catlin Co. Terminated. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Middletown, Conn., Feb. 28, 1910. In the Middlesex County Superior Court, Judge Case has accepted the final report of Thomas S. Brown, as receiver of the Leeds & Catlin Co., manufacturers of talking machine records, and has terminated the receivership. The property has been sold under foreclosure proceedings brought by the Hamilton Trust Co. of Brooklyn, as trustee for the bondholders, and the assets have been ordered distributed among the bondholders, most of whom live in New York. The assets yielded enough to pay only a small percentage of the face value of the bonds. The man who keeps on knocking will sooner or later begin to hear things about himself that will be news to him.