The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1911)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 47 Talking Machines, Typewriters, Phonographs, Adding Machines, Cash Registers, Guns and Tools, and on all Polished Instruments. The Finest Oil Made. It Absolutely Prevents Rust. Now Sold Everywhere By All Hardware Men WILLIAM F. NYE NEW BEDFORD, MASS. WANT MORE GOODS IN CINCINNATI. Dealers Complain About Difficulty in Getting Stock — Co:ombians Honor Arrival of Talking Machine — Victor Department of the Aeolian Co. to Move to First Floor — Big Fire Destroys Machines and Records — What Various Concerns Have to Report. (Special to the Talking Machine World.) Cincinnati, O., Feb. 4, 1911. What's the matter with the manufacturers? That is the query being put forth by some of the local dealers, who, since January 1, have been unable to supply the demand for popular hits. The trouble lies not with the jobbers, according to the investigators, but the producers. It is a well known fact that the talking machine business is centered in certain seasons of the year and the dealers who are complaining believe the manufacturers should prepare themselves accordingly. As a result of conditions in January much business was lost in this city. Professor John L. Shearer, of the Ohio Mechanics' Institute, this city, unconsciously gave the talking machine business quite a boost in his talk on "South America" before the Cincinnati chapter of the American Institute of Architects at the January meeting. He showed a scene in Colombia, on a railroad between Porto Colombia and Barranquilla, where the town's entire population had assembled about the little depot, all in holiday regalia. Upon asking the conductor the cause for the assembling of the populace the American was told the gathering was brought about by a desire on the part of the people to do honor to the arrival of a talking machine. This had been imported for use in a festival which was to take place a few days hence. The incident brought forth much laughter from the audience. Why? The Victor department in the new quarters of the Aeolian Co., 25 West Fourth street, will be located on the first floor. Mr. Ahaus, who has charge of this department, yesterday stated arrangements had practically been made for an entire suite of perfectly ventilated sound-proof rooms, with the prettiest electrical appointments possible. The Aeolian hustlers have already made up their minds not to permit any one interested in talking machines overlooking or not hearing of the Victor department in the new quarters. Last month's business was satisfactory from all standpoints, there being a substantial gain over the preceding month. Strange things happened to the stock of records of the Joseph Krolage Co. in the fire which took place last Monday night, the conflagration playing havoc with some 4,000 of the cylinder and disc types. The condition of the records showed that the trouble was caused by water and not heat. Those of the ten-inch type, apparently in good condition, have lost all their tone qualities. Others fall to pieces upon being touched. The same is not true of the cylinder records. These are made of a different composition and went through the fiere v/ithout being damaged. The disc records were warped and are practically useless. The Krolake Co.'s loss is estimated at $3,500. Manager R. J. Whelen, of the Columbia Phonograph Co., reports a splendid January business, in all departments, being particularly pleased over the sales of Grafonola Regents and Favorite, and at no time during the month were they able to supply the demand for these two types. In the wholesale department the dealers have shown unusual activity in re-ordering goods to replenish their stock sold out during the holidays, and in these re-orders a very noticeable increase is felt in the demand for Grafonolas, and they now fully realize the wide field that is opened up to them by these high-grade instruments, and the new and opera records. The Alice Nielson records have been received with greot enthusiasm. Marion Dorian, of New York City, one of the iiigh officials of the company, was a visitor the l>t of February, and was very much pleased with the conditions of business in all departments. The tremendous volume of business done in talking machines during the month of Januarj gives an exceptionally bright outlook for the future, and has resulted in increased enthusiasm on the part of everybody connected with the talking machine department of the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., both retail and wholesale. Practically all of the petty features which formerly gave both the wholesale and the retail salesmen annoyance, have been eliminated with the advent of the Victrola, and the better class buyer. The business, both to retail and wholesale, consists mostly of big deals that are clean business in every way. During the past month the retail department of The Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. has been featuring Mr. Johns, of the Victor Co., who has been giving daily concerts in connection with his theater, showing in tableaux various scenes from the opera as they are reproduced faithfully and true to the original scenery and artist. The crowds grew daily, till it was impossible to accommodate those who wished to attend the concerts. The last concert was given January 28, and although numerous requests vt-ere received for a continuation of the concerts, Mr. Johns was unable to accede to these requests on account of previous engagements and datings. .\t the expressed request of the Rotary Club, an iiruanizalirin of Cincinnati business men, a special concert was given at 8 o'clock, on February 1. The entire list of members were present, with the exception of two, who were out of town on that day. This is an exceptional showing, and tends to bring liome the fact that the Victrola is one of the biggest drawing cards in the musical line to-day. Marked interest is being shown by prospects and Victor owners in the list of Red Seal Records. The demand for selections by artists, who formerly were in little demand, has grown until it now emIiraees practically the entire list of Victor Red Seal artists. A recent sale was that of a Victrola XVI. to Mr. llerrniaiui. concert master of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Herrmann especially favors the Instrumental Victor records, and is a frequent visitor to the talking machine salesrooms of the Wurlitzer Co. John Arnold, the Elm street dealer, is more pleased than ever with his present location, claiming each month's business shows an increase over the corresponding period last year. The wood Cygnet horn of the National Co. is quite popular with his visitors and he is using it exclusively in his demonstrating rooms. Arnold experienced some difficulty in securing the big hits last month and believes his business might have been doubled had this not been the case. Four Victrolas were among the sales of J. E. Poorman, Jr., in January. His record trade was phenomenal and highly pleasing. During the month thieves broke into his store and evidently thought watches were more valuable than talking machines, for they secured $75 in tickers. H. B. Drabelle, of the talking machine department of the R. Wurlitzer Co., is no longer a bachelor. The plunge into the ranks of the Benedicts took place on January 26, the bride being Miss Katherine Reedy. They are now domiciled in a cozy home in Hyde Park. Stop sending^busi ness to your competitors! That's what you do every time a customer comes into your store, asks for something you don't have, and then walks out again. Suppose, instead of going to another dealer, the customer consents to wait until you send to your jobber for what he wants. Then suppose your jobber is slow in filling your order, and the customer comes in two or three times and the goods haven't arrived. You surely couldn't blame him for going to another dealer. Of course, the ideal way is to always have just what people want. The next best thing is to have a jobber who can give you anything you want immediately, if you don't happen to have it. We can supply you immediately with everything you need in Victors, Victor-Victrolas, Victor Records, record cabinets, fiber cases, horns, needles, repair parts and accessories of every sort. We send the goods the same day the order reaches us — whether you are in a rush or not. That kind of service is worth more to you than that of a slow-goeasy jobber, and yet it doesn't cost you any more. You might as well have it and not run the risk of losing customers. Write today for our latest catalog and our booklet, "The Cabinet That Matches." New York Talking Machine Co. Successors to Victor Distributing and Ex<)ort Co. 83 Chambers Street l^S New York " His Master's Voice " l».^,US B.I Off