The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1913)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 15 The one big purpose of the new Columbia 25 cent Advertising Record is to secure the names of talking machine owners— and it is performing its work beautifully. ( Write for "Music Money," a book "full of meat" for thoie Columbia GraptlOptlOIie Company dealers interested in quick and frequent turnover of capital.) Wool worth Building, New York AN EDISON INNOVATION. Short Story of the Opera and Sketch of Singers History to be Placed on Reverse Side of All Edison Disc Grand Opera Records for Convenience and Education of Users. In order that the Edison disc phonograph owner may have the greatest benefit from the possession of the Edison disc grand opera records, the reverse side of the record will contain a short story covering not only the particular opera from which the record selection is taken, but a brief sketch of the singer's life. Thus will an owner not only have a complete disc selection covering part of the opera, but he will have authentic information in relation to the character of the opera as well as interesting data regarding the singer. This additional feature is given without additional charge, which lends further value for the new line. All one has to do in order to learn the conditions existing in the country with reference to the demand for the new Edison disc phonographs and records is to ask any Edison dealer or jobber, for no doubt their statements can be taken as truthful if they say that "business is rushed," for hundreds of letters from all over the country express this opinion with plenty of writing which, when summarized, means: "Rush more goods." The factory is behind the orders, there is no question about that, but no doubt with the additional equipment planned the output will begin to offset the orders. F. K. Dolbeer, sales manager, left on the 6th for San Francisco, arriving there on the 11th, which is the fastest possible schedule between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Not that he was in any special hurry, but it is the way Mr. Dolbeer likes to work. A recent caller at the Edison plant was "Ink" Scott, the pen artist, known in Maine as "Scotty," and in Massachusetts as J. W. Scott, the Edison man. REISSUE POLK JHILLER RECORDS. Well-Known Negro Impersonator Who Passed Away Recently to Be Represented by Four Records in the February Edison List. Few Southerners had a better conception of the negro, his merits and his weaknesses, than Polk Miller, who died at his home in Richmond, Va., last October. His rendition of the songs, recitations and stories of the negro in dialect, true to life, have been preserved in record form, and four of Mr. Miller's best selections will be issued in the February Edison Amberol list. These are, "The Bonny Blue Flag," "The Laughing Song," "What a Time!" and "The Watermelon Party." The first song is accompanied by the banjo, and the rest by the guitar. It is said that Mr. Miller was the best delineator of the old Southern plantation negro that has ever appeared on the public stage, and these records will act not only as a memorial of Mr. Miller, but they will afford delight to many. Bitter experiences are just underscored life sermons, delivered without invitation. But they are as valuable a? quinine to the sufferer from malaria RENTING TALKING MACHINES Not Looked on With Favor by Canadian Dealers — Damage to Machine May Often Exceed Profits of Records Sold — Instances Where It Pays to Rent Machines. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Toronto, Can., December 8. — The renting of talking machines is a branch of the business not strongly featured in Canada. Apart from whatever stipulations the manufacturer's contract may contain pertaining to this particular branch, some dealers have already strongly disapproved of the placing of machines out on rental, even though it should result in an increased record business, which of course would be the primary idea of renting. The idea of those who favor the renting scheme is that machines taken in exchange or even new ones would not only earn a good revenue on rental, but would have the effect of opening up a more profitable trade in records, similar to the' business that typewriter firms expect in supplies as a result of renting out the machines. In this connection a salesman referred to these opinions of two retailers which were quoted some time since in The Talking Machine World: "That scheme does not strike me as real good business. The chances of injuring a machine, in my opinion, are too great, and the loss exceeds the profit, because the machine becomes second-hand. Although I must admit that if a stock, limited of course, is accumulated, possibly it would work out all right, and be a feeder for the sale of records. I have no objection to loaning a machine, providing records are bought, otherwise not." Another shrewd dealer, who had been listening, remarked: "I can bear that. If a church, or a social gathering, or a club are figuring on a little entertainment with a talking machine, I gladly furnish everything free and have a bright young man play the records, answer questions, and be all around agreeable; and let me tell you I have sold many a machine in just that way. It pays every time, and you bring the line to the attention of people who perhaps have heard of its wonders as a means of entertainment and diversion, but have never had the opportunity of having it placed before them without, as they think, placing themselves under obligations to buy on the spot. There are a lot of desirable prospects who are rather backward about going into a store and asking to have a lot of records run off unless they possess a machine and go in to select records. At these semi-public gatherings they feel at liberty to ask questions, get interested, and the first thing you know they walk in your place some day and place a nice order." STRENGTHENS _HIS EDISON LINE. W. Stewart Adds Disc Machines to His Extensive Cylinder Line in Franklin, N. H. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Franklin N. H., December 8. — W. S. Stewart of this city, for years an enthusiastic Edison specialist, has recently closed a contract by wrhich his Edison stock was brought thoroughly up to date. By the addition of the new Edison disc line and a complete stock of the new Edison Arnberolas and Blue Amberol records, Mr. Stewart now takes the lead as one of the best equipped Edison dealers in this section of the State. Mr. Stewart states that on the first Saturday he had the new instruments on display, his store was crowded and he heard nothing but the most favorable comments. He anticipates an usually good holiday trade as a result of his latest progressive move. An active campaign, of advertising and other publicity is promised. PUTTING FORCE IN A SALES QUERY. The manager of a prominent piano and instrument store in a southern city built in his display window a large clock face about four feet high. A small motor connected up to the hour and minute hands made them spin around at a lively rate. Such an unusual flight of time attracted the crowds, who were asked by a sign on the clock, "Isn't it about time you were buying a talking machine? Come in and let us show you one.'1 6 i DUSTOFF" RECORD CLEANERS Get into the minute sound grooves of the record as nothing else can because of the peculiar high-nap special processed cleaning fabric and ADD LIFE TO RECORDS SPECIAL NOTICE TO ALL DEALERS AND JOBBERS The Simpson Record Cleaner brush marketed by the MINUTE SHINE CO., of Providence, ft. I., as the "Dustoff" de Luxe Record Cleaner. WARNING These de Luxe, or so-called record cleaners, are universally protected by letters patent and no others can be made without being an imitation and infringement. Makers, Sellers and Jobbers of every other so-called record cleaners or record dusters embracing this idea will be proceeded against to the full extent of the law. Patent No. 659,029, filed Nov. 7th, 1911 KEEP THE TONE PURE AND CLEAR Two models: De Luxe, 50c, beautifully made. Regular 15c. "Dust-' off" — a popular seller. Liberal trade discount. SSSSSK Can Supply You Jobbers ev Columbia distributor SAMPLES Sent on approval if you give your jobber*s name MINUTE SHINE CO., 174 Minute Shine Bldg., Providence, R L, U. S. A. Do You W."t A "live" mailing list? Write for details, giving jobber's name.