The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1911)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 21 1 GRESHAM BUILDINGS, BASINGHALL STREET, LONDON, E. C, W. LIONEL STURDY, MANAGER. Factors and Traders Well Satisfied with Past and Present Conditions — Proposed Advertising Campaigns by Manufacturers Expected to Boom Sales — Co'onial Markets Active — Recent Important Developments in tlie Trade — British Zonophone Co., Ltd., Absorb Twin Record Co. — Some of Theii' Futjre Plans — Prices of Jumbo Records Reduced — Launching of Edison Combination Attachment Proposition — What Is Offered in the Latest Record Lists — New Artists for National Phonograph Co. — A. Balcombe Makes Change — Success of Edison Velvet Faced Records — New Partolophone Disc Catalog — Interest Shown in New Canadian Copyrihgt Bil — Preparing for International Music Trades' Exposition — Other News of the Month. X (Special to The Review.) London, Eng., May .3, 1911, Talking machine business this last few weeks has been somewhat quiet, although well up to the average, time of year considered. We have experienced a most successful season — a season of much longer duration than the ordinary, and despite the inevitable sales depression common to the coming few months, the trade as a whole is exceedingly well satisfied with the course events are shaping, for there are not wanting signs that the use of machines for outdor pleasure is much on the increase. It was noticeable last summer. Musical instrument traders undoubtedly experienced a revival of sales beyond the usual, partly by reason of the introduction of so many instruments 'of the hornless type, and this summer an imi)rovement is looked for. Certain of the big maiuifacturers have under consideration advertising plans of a farreaching nature. By this means it is intended to prosecute and stimulate sales as never before, and we feel sure the result will amply justify expenditure in that direction. At the present time machine and record sales show a decided downward tendency, but the future holds good promise of an early revival, more especially in those lines partitcular to summer trading. In contradistinction to conditions in the home market, orders from abroad indicate that the colonial season is about commencing, and some nice contracts have been placed in London. According to the official export figures recently published, a marked increase in general trading is noticeable. As an index of talking machine prospects, it may be regarded as a healthy sign and one that manufacturers cultivating foreign trade should take full advantage of at the present time. Quite some excitement has been occasioned in trade circles this month by the announcement that the British Zonophone Co. would absorb the Twin Record Co., and the rumors that have for so long been afloat in regard to a Zonophone double record are now crystallized. As reported elsewliere in this issue the company intend to issue both a 10-inch and 12-inch double record at the retail price of 2s. Gd. and 4s., respectively. Two price reductions have also been made, that of the Beka Meister 12inch double record from 5s. to the sensational figure of 3s. 6d., and the Jumbo record — lO-inch double — from 3s. to 2s. 6d. Needless to say these important facts have whetted the appetite of certain know-alls, and like Oliver Twist they want more. \Vell. they may one day be satisfied, but not just \cl. For the present we refrain from commenting upon those rumors which idle (?) tongues, for want of something better to talk about, give as "alisolute facts !" There is little of interest from the provinces this last week or so. Talking machine and record sales appear to be anything but satisfactory, judging from advices to hand, and while the factoring section of the trade are not doing so badly, it must be admitted that individually business has been very slow with the dealers. Perhaps as a direct result of these conditions, money is somewhat tight and dealers find it difficult to meet their bills promptly; at least that has been the experience of some manufacturers this month; others don't care to talk about it. Enterprising, as usual, T. Edens Osborne, of Belfast, is now advertising the suitability of hornless machines for entertainment aboard yachts, etc. The advertisements are catchy and occupy good positions alongside reading matter in the local newspapers. Important Zonophone Move. The British Zonophone Co., Ltd., this city, advise me of an important announcement made to the trade April 28. the effect of which is that they have come to an arrangement with the Twin Record Co., of Christopher street, London, whereby they will absorb the "Twin" double record sold here at 2s. fid. In addition to acciuiring the Twin trade-mark and good will, the British Zonophone Co. take over all trade obligations and arrangements, although, in respect of agreements, a new one will most probably be put in force, having regard to altered circumstances. All future issues of Zonophone records will bear a dark green label with the Twin and Zonophone trade-marks prominent thereon. It is intended to manufacture both a 12-inch double record to be retailed at 4s., and a 10-inch double at the price of 2s. Gd. All the popular Twin titles — in fact, the whole Twin catalog — is to be retained in its entirety, while the pick of the titles from the Zonophone list will gradually be embodied on the double-sided record. Alread.\a specially selected impression of 1-50 double-sided 10-inch and eighteen 12-inch is in force, and deliveries may now be had. This impression contains only the "known" sellers from the Zonophone catalog, and additions to the list will be made from time to time from this source, apart from the listing of current selections. In order that everyone may start with a clean sheet, so to say, a big exchange scheme is shortly to be promulgated. Under this arrangement dealers will ha\e an opportunity to unload their old stock upon advantageous and generous terms. The situation calls -for special tieatment, and we fell sure that dealers may rely upon a liberal interpretation in that regard. These developments indicate the dawn of a new era in the history of this trade, particularly so in regard to the introduction of the 12-inch double record, and we tender our hearty congratulations to the British Zonophone Co. upon their enterprise. The New Beka Meister RecordE. In introducing these new records the company claims a very great and notable advance upon older methods of recording, and confidently assert that never before has such exquisite tone, combined with full volume and faultless execution, ever been produced by mechanical means. A strong opinion, but not one whit exaggerated, for after testing these issues I can fully endorse the statement. The records are truly a revelation in quality and price. They are r2-inch double-sided, and are priced at the sensational figure of 3s. Gd. Here is the value : "Meistersinger Overture," and "Tannhauser — Entry of the Knights" (Wagner) ; overture parts I. and II. "Carmen" (Bizet) ; "Orpheus" overture parts I. and II, (Oppenbach) ; "Oberon — overture" (Weber), and "Torchlight Dance" (Meyerbeer), all beautifully played by the Meister Orchestra. There are two magnificent violin solos by Prof, Hugo Heerman — "Heyre Kati" (Hubay) and "Cauzonetta" (Ambrosie), and "A Dream of Love," part I and II. (Hoch), cornet solos faultlessly played by E. Kruger. The selections call for no comment, but their value — two for 3s. Gd. — is something never before attempted. O Ruhl, Ltd., of 77 City road, London, will supply all information upon request. "Jumbos" Now Sell at 2/6. Lhider date of May 1, Barnett Samuel & Sons, Ltd., advise the trade the future price of Jumbo records will be 2s. Gd, instead of 3s. The tradin.g THE LONDON OFFICE OF THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD IS NOW LOCATED AT 1 GRESHAM BUILDINGS, BASINGHALL St., E. C. policy and the quality of the records remain as before. So that no losses may be occasioned, the company announce that they will meet the trade fairly, their proposal being of a liberal nature. We observe with satisfaction that one of the trading features is the maintenance of price, while the dabbling class of dealers is altogether excluded from handling "Jumbos." The New Edison Proposition. The Edison combination attachment proposition is now launched. Briefly summarized, it means that dealers are now able to offer a set of ten reco.rds (including five of the best Amberolas ever recorded) complete with each attachment on the following special basis : For the "Gem," 20s. ; ."Standard," 2Gs. ; "Home," 3Gs. ; "Triumph" and "Idelia," also 36s. These are the inclusive prices retail to the public. Dealers having stocks of attachments on hand can purchase a special package of 10 records (to be sold only with an attachment) at less than half the usual trade price. The ttade prices for the attachment outfits, of which dealers have been advised, carry increased profits and should do much to stimulate the trade in its own interests to push this new scheme in a wholehearted manner. As the National Phonograph Co. points out, it furnishes dealers with a splendid opportunity to awaken new interest among those phonograph owners who have put aside their instruments because of the limited entertainment afforded by the short records. The proposition certainly merits a good reception, and we have little doubt but that traders will take up the matter with energy. It is a great pity that the scheme had to be delayed because of the difficulty experienced by the company in obtaining information as to stocks in the hands of the trade, and but for this factor dealers would have had the benefit of it long ago. They must now make good their oversight by energy and enthusiasm, Edison Electric Shaving Machines. The list price of the Edison electric shaving machine has been increased from 11 to 12 guineas, and for the hand machine from 7 to 8 guineas, owing to increased manufacturing cost. Gramophone Records for May. In addition to the usual supplementary list of records for May, the Gramophone Co. have issued a splendid series of new records by Madams Tetrazzini, selections from the "Quaker Girl" and a special list of new Scotch titles. Scotland has ever been to the fore in her appreciation of all that is good in the world's music, perhaps more particular!)' for her own school of music, and these latest Gramophone records will therefore strongly appeal to all music lovers north of the Twee I The supplementary list this month teems with tuneful ballads and instrumental music of the lighter type. Conspicuous among the former are Harry Lauder's great pantomime success, "Roaming in the Gloaming," and Lionel Mackinder's "I've Got the Time; I've Got the Place," which is the feature of Geo. Grossmith's successful "Coronation Revue." In addition to these, the complete list is as follows: "O Sole nio" (Di Capua). "Stars and Stripes March" (Sousa), "Bells of St. Malo" (Rivemer?), and "Coon Band Contest" (Pryor), by the band of H. M. Coldstream Guards; "Waltz Dream Waltz" (Straus), "Daybreak Valse" (Brunet), "Ghost's Two-Step" (Dunkels), and "Irish Jig" (original), by Iff's Orchestra; "For You Alone" (Geehl), and "The Garden I Love" (Nutting), John Harrison; "The Ringers" (Lohr), Harry Dearth; "The Deathless Army" (Trotere), Thorpe Bates; "Is Love a Dream" (Jones). Robert