The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1911)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 21 FROM Our Boston Headquarters ROOM 12, 178 TREMONT STREET, G. W. HENDERSON, MANAGER. (Special to the Talking Machine World.) Boston, Mass., March 9, 1911. While the past month exceeded 1910's period, yet business was a little disappointing to the trade, particularly in the retail division. It is probable that their hopes were elevated too high, caused by a bountiful January, and while February was really an excellent month, comparatively speaking, ic did not seem so large. March has opened up magnificently and the most conservative talking machine man is enthusiastic over the present month's probabilities. Eastern Talking Machine Co. Doings. It was with regret that E. F. Taft, general manager of the Eastern Talking Machine Co., was unable to be present at the Jobbers' Association executive committee meeting at Chicago, as he was confined to his house by illness. The E. T. M. Co. associates have decided that April 17 will mark the minstrel happenings for 1911. Last year the "show" was witnessed by several 'hundred people and the attendance on the 17th proximo ought to be in excess of a year ago. Brown, Fitzgerald & Co., end men factors, are going to pull some very funny stunts off. so be present ! One of the "acts" on this week's bill at B. F. Keith's theater is Caruso on a Victor, furnished by the Eastern Talking Machine Co. Special scenery accompanies Caruso and the entire bill makes a hit. This company have also sold a Victor to the State Normal School at Bridgewater, which will be used in conjunction with music teaching, the idea being to show by Victor records how songs should be properly sung. "It is evident that there is a much better feeling generally throughout New England. Various disturbing elements have been or are being amicably adjusted in the different communities that at one time were threatened with possible trouble, and I am convinced that this will be a tremendous year," remarked E. F. Taft, general manager of the E. T. M. Co., in a chat with The World representative. Mr. Taft's optimism speaks for itself ! The Victor Campaign at Ditson's. "The right principle and the perfecting of every mechanical detail make the Victor a perfect musical instrument and give it a recognized and exclusive place in conservatories of music, in colleges and universities, in the studios of great musical artists and in the homes of music lovers throughout the world," say the Oliber Ditson Co., Victor jobbers, in some of their good retail ad vertising. Business with this well-known house is right up to the mark. The "Taltcing Machine Truckman." Boston boasts of a "talking machine truckman" and he is E. G. Wilkinson, who does a lot of teaming for the various companies. He has been in the field since the inception of the industry and claims to have handled the first wholesale shipment coming into Boston. Boston Cycle & Sundry Co.'s Good Report. Edison business with the Boston Cycle & Sundry Co. is decidedly brisk, according to the cheery reports of Charles R. Cooper, manager of that department. Shipments from the Edison factories are held but the shortest period before they are reshipped to the various New England dealers, who swear by the "Boston Cycle" service. Mr. Cooper says they are still selling Edison machines to prospects who called at their exhibition at the Mechanics' Fair last fall, at which time the Edison Co. held their big display. It is evident that this exhibit was a tremendous success. Guy R. Coner, traveling representative, is doing some very forcible work in behalf of the B. C. & S. Co. in New Hampshire and Vermont. recent visitor to these quarters was H. N. McMcnimen, manager of Sheip & Vandegrift, Inc.. Philadelphia, Pa., makers of the famous Music Master horns. Big Demand for Dean's Needles. Charles E. Dean, of the house of Dean, Putnam, Conn., makers of Puritone and other brands of high grade talking machine needles, writes that their immense plant is exceedingly busy. Their needle output is shipped all over the country and is held in high esteem by the trade. A Columbia Co. Veteran — Arthur C. Erisman. Arthur C. Erisman, manager of the Boston headquarters of the Columbia Phonograph Co., whose likeness The World is pleased to publish herewith, has been connected with the company going to twelve years. He has been in Boston for the past three years, prior to which he was in Toledo, O., for two years ; before that at Detroit, Mich., for four years, and preceding that at Philadelphia for three years, all the time being in the Columbia service. He enjoyed doing business when there was no competition and when disc machines sold for $40 which to-day wouldn't bring $2. To show how the industry has been revolutionized, Mr. Erisman remarked that years ago if a person could understand one word when a record was being played he would exclaim involuntarily, "Ah 1" and this would only occur occasionally. To-day they'll say "Ah !" if they miss one word, which seldom happens. This is most conclusive evidence as to the successful development of the talking machine and shows that "perfection" has been attained to a wonderful degree. You wouldn't think that such an "old timer" a? A. C. could possess such a youthful appearance, not dwelling at all on his "handsome" qualities, but he attributes the foregoing to living so long in the lively Columbia atmosphere. One can also see, by studying his right hand, the correct way of re AETHUR C. ERISMAN. Straining robust Flora de Hemps when they attempt to escape the camera lens. Under his arm is : pair of skates, as this was taken when he was en route to the skating rink to cut some Columbia double faced discs on the ice. But seriously, Mr Erisman is decidedly popular with the dealers and retail trade, and that his regime has been successful is best cited by the voluminous growth of the local Columbia business since he undertook the management. A Visitor from Buenos Aires. Ernesto S. Tosi, representing Casa Tagini, the big Columbia jobbers of Buenos Aires, South .\merica, was a Boston visitor this month. He has been in the United States for quite a period, but leaves for home in two weeks. Mr. Tosi reports n fine talking machine business in his territory. They maintain a most extensive store, having twenty{Continued on page 22.) Directions for Playing the Petmecky Multi-tone Needle To obtain a loud tone play the needle with the flatted portion facing the record. For soft tone play with edge facing the record. For intermediate tones play at intermediate angles. Any tone, from the loudest to the softest can be obtained with this needle. To play more than one record change the position of the needle after each record, i. e., turn the needle half-way round. The same needle can be used for soft and loud tone without injury to the record. Each needle will play ten records. Owing to its peculiar construction this needle is self-sharpening, and can be used on the same or different records. The use of this needle will prolong the life of the record for years, and old and scratchy records are made as smooth and musical as new ones. We are the manufacturers of the FJIMO US PETMECHlY MULTI-TONE NEEDLES ENVELOPE— FRONT VIEW which are usecf exter^srvely in tKis country and exported all over the world. TKis needle has superior tone qualities and will play either Loud, Medium or Soft Tone. The retail price — 25c. per lOO — allows an excellent profit for both jobber and dealer. Samples and prices to jobbers on. application. If ypvir jobber cannot supply yo\a, -write us direct ! W. H. BAGSHAW, LOWELL, MASS. Largest Manufacturers of Talking Machine Needles ENVELOPE— BACK VIEW