The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1913)

49 hand, South America, where there is much wealth, is taking most kindly to the high-grade, hornless machine. Argentina has greatly increased her purchases of instruments and has douhled her purchases of records within a year and it is largely due to the fact that American manufacturers have been so energetic that phonographs are much better advertised than any other class of musical instruments. Brazil, however, reports a strong demand for small machines with large decorated horns and showy cases and fittings. In this country, by the way, the preference for disc records is attributed almost solely to the fact that the discs on the market offer the advantage of a different selection on each side. The chief consular officer of the United States in Chile recently wrote to Washington to the effect that there is a tendency to better machines and records in that country, and that it would pay American firms to cultivate this feature of the trade. Similarly, there comes a report from Peru, that whereas the high-grade American machines and records already have a firm hold, there is opportunity for an American salesman speaking Spanish, to do a good business. In Europe, naturally, American phonographs and records do not enjoy the comparative monopoly of the market that obtains in Latin-America, but, nevertheless, the superior quality of many of the American products in this line has given them a foothold in the face of local competition. It is interesting to note that even in Paris, the Victor, Columbia and Edison Companies are all now "bucking" the firm of Pathe Freres, which has so long had a monopoly, and which later firm is, in turn, planning to invade the American market. In France, however, for all its love of the artistic, the high-price machines have a comparatively slow sale, and the hornless instruments are likewise winning favor slowly. In Germany, despite the cheap competition already referred to in this article, high-grade American machines are sold exclusively, and in Breslau, Germany, an American firm has practically all the trade in cylinder machines, having built up a business in the face of the competition of several German firms that were in the field when the American agency was established. But for all that, there is an excellent trade in cylinder machines and records, the general preference in Germany is for disc models, and one of Uncle Sam's agents reports frankly that one make of French disc machine has profited considerably by the circumstance that it uses a sapphiie point, thereby obviating the necessity for needle changing. American retail dealers may well contrast their happy lot with the unfortunate fate that has befallen many of the German retailers as the result of ruinous competition in that country. The reports that have just come to the United States Government show that the returns to dealers in Germany have become so unsatisfactory through price-cutting and other evils that many dealers have thrown up the sale of phonographs in disgust. Things have come to such a pass that some German manufacturers now make a gift of an instrument to any person who will purchase 30 or more records. Even the retail dealers who do continue in the trade are not able in many instances (owing to the narrow margin of profit) to devote their entire time to the talking machine line, but must make it a "side line." Quite a contrast, indeed,~to conditions in the United States, where uniform prices and a living margin of profit has been made the very foundation stone of talking machine and record distribution. In the United Kingdom, according to the advices reaching Washington, the better class of trade is supplied by the English companies, affiliated with the three largest American companies. The reports show That the use of the phonograph has spread to all the countries of Asia, and that the trade presents much the same features that it does in the United States. Disc machines are practically universal in the Near and Far East. American phonographs are preferred in Egypt and enjoy a large sale. In South Africa disc machines and records had a monopoly until two years ago, when the Edison cylinder machine was introduced, but since that time the Edison line has made rapid headway. In Australia American phonographs and accessi nils lind one of their chief markets, and their sales far exceed the products of any other country. The general prosperity, the low tariff duties, and the fact that the English language is spoken, make Australian one of the best market in the world for American instruments and records. The Australian people are lavish buyers and, as in the United States, there is a big demand for highgrade instruments. Thus far the cylinder records have had by far the strongest hold, but there has TALKING MACHINE EXPORTS. The Figures for April Presented — Reports Show Increase for the Month. (Special Lo The Review.) Washington, D. C, June 7, 1913. In the summary of exports and imports of the commerce of the United States for the month of April (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 April, 1913, amounted to $253,442, as compared with $193,093 for the same month of the previous year. The ten months' exportation of talking machines, records and supplies amounted to $2,394,640. BLACKMAN'S NEW SHOW WINDOW Completed and Now Attractively Arranged — Invites Consideration of Many. At last do we record the completion of the new show window of the Blackman Talking Machine Co., 97 Chambers street, New York. For the past few weeks the company's window has been in the throes of construction and destruction, but this is now a thing of the past, and the new window is certainly worth all the time and trouble expended. The first display in the new window presents a very attractive appearance, featuring several artistic models of high-priced Victrolas and Edison machines. The pillars that formerly obstructed the passers-by view of the window display have been removed, and the window is now considerably deeper and wider than heretofore. The company is also established in its extension quarters, reaching back to Reade street, and this extra space is being utilized to good advantage. Additional room in the basement is also available, all along been a certain demand for disc machines and records, and this is growing. It is predicted too, that Australians will, for many a day to come, prefer the horn machine. Needless to say, there is a big sale in Australia for the records of Mclba, the favorite and most famous daughter of the island continent. The conditions in New Zealand are much the same as in Australia. In both Australia and New Zealand the sales of records of popular selections is considerably in excess of the operatic numbers, although the latter is growing. and the company will no longer be handicapped by a Lick of sufficient room to keep its stock and properly display it. DEVELOPING SUMMER BUSINESS. Victor Talking Machine Co. Issues Stimulative Literature Based Upon the Opportunities That Exist for Building a Profitable Business During the Summer Months. Attractive and forceful is the latest example of publicity designed by the Victor Talking Machine Co. to impress upon dealers the fact that vast opportunities for profitable business are open during the summer months. It has become customary to commend the publicity of the Victor Talking Machine Co. as attractive and interesting, because of the distinctive features invariably presented, but this latest effort is a real "crackerjack." Beautifully lithographed in many colors, this fourpage supplement is a work of art and refinement. This summer folder is entitled "Will you open your door to all the music of all the world?" This phrase is appropriately placed over a very attractive scene which shows a door with miniature opera artists in costumes knocking thereon. In the inner pages is shown in many artistic colors a reproduction of the famous Victor advertisement used in national advertising and portraying in miniature the many types of instrumentalists, singers and other talent that the Victor Co. is presenting to the public. On the fourth page is left room for the dealer's name and address, to be accompanied by any suitable advertisement that he may desire to use. In addition to this folder, the Victor Co. sent to the trade a very forceful letter, calling their attention to the possibilities for developing an excellent summer trade, and announcing that similar artistic folders will be sent out during the next few months. IN the clinches you can rely upon the Ditson Victor Service. Profits are contingent upon our fast work — and we know it. STOP saying to your customers: "We haven't got it," because you can get it from DITSON. FAST Victor service is ouf aim and that we hit the mark is proved in our rapidly growing clientele of dealers. A LL Victor styles, records and parts, with a complete line of albums, cabinets and needles. WE specialize upon Victor goods exclusively, and correspondence with dealers desiring the best in Victor service is invited. Oliver Ditson Company, Boston, Mass.