The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1915)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. The Columbia Double-Disc Advertising Record is doing precisely what it was designed to do — we are hearing from it "all over." It is one of the few absolutely novel and effective sales helps. It is seldom enough that you can do as much advertising for $10 as you can with that record for 25c. {Write for "Music Money," a book "full of meat" for those dealers interested in quick and frequent turnover of capital.") Columbia Graphophone Company Woolwortb Building, New York SPLENDID JANUARY BUSINESS IN SAN FRANCISCO. Opening Month of New Year Runs Considerably Ahead of Same Month of 1914 — Excellent Reports Made by Sherman, Clay & Co., Columbia Graphophone Co., Sonora Phonograph Co. and Other Jobbers Regarding Business and Prospects for the Year. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) San Francisco, Cal., February 4. — Andrew G. McCarthy, of Sherman, Clay & Co., says business has kept up exceedingly well since the holidays, business for January this year having run considerably ahead of the same month in 1914. He considers prospects bright for the entire year. Phil T. Clay and F. R. Sherman have just returned from a tour of inspection of the company's interests in the Northwest, and they report improved conditions in that section on account of the resumption of operations in lumber and the heavy export movement of grain. Victor dealers have had a big call for the records of John McCormack since his recent engagements in this vicinity, and the first appearance of Miss Alma Gluck in concert here is stimulating the demand for her records. A Good Year for Columbia Trade. Walter S. Gray, district manager of the Columbia Graphophone Co., in closing up the books for last year is gratified to find that 1914, despite the abnormal general conditions over the country, was the best year this branch of the Columbia Co. has ever had and December was the biggest month in its history. Mr. Gray says every indication at present favors a substantial increase for 1915. F. R. Anglemier, manager of the local branch of the Columbia Graphophone Co., is well pleased with business for the past month. He says both records and machines have been in good demand since the first of the year, indicating that dealers' stocks were closely cleaned up at holiday time. He is gratified to note that collections are coming through in good shape also. A Live Sonora Campaign Started. The Sonora Phonograph Co. is making progress with an aggressive campaign for 1915. A wholesale department is being opened at 616 Mission street, and plans have been concluded for the opening of a southern California branch to care for the trade, both wholesale and retail, south of the Tehachipi Pass. This store will be located in Los Angeles, and will be under the management of E. M. Bonnell, who is well-known to the trade in that city. Manager F. B. Travers says retail business has held up in good shape since the first of the year. Higher-Priced Edison Disc Machines Popular. James S. Baley, manager of the Edison Shop on Geary street, says' the demand for the $250 style of Edison disc phonographs is the feature of the business at present. The $80 style had a big call during the holiday season, but was practically sold out then and the in-between styles so far have not proven so popular here as the $80 and $250 machines. Jas. J. Black Talks to New York Over 'Phone. Jas. J. Black, manager of the Wiley B. Allen Co., was among the first San Francisco business men to talk long distance over the new transcontinental service to New York. Arthur D. Geissler, of the New York Talking Machine Co., rang him up a few days ago, and Mr. Black says he could hear and recognize Mr. Geissler's voice as readily as if he had been in the same town. In the Allen department special feature is being made of the Style XVI Victrola with very good results, according to Mr. Black. Clarence Anrys, son of Frank Anrys, general manager of the company, is connected with the talking machine department, and he has made a splendid record so far by devoting special effort to the sale of more expensive machines. Joel R. Scott, manager of the record department, reports a big January business. Some News Brieflets. A recent visitor in San Francisco was Wm. H. Hoschke, president of the Crescent Talking Machine Co., New York. Branch's, Inc., in Stockton, Cal., has added the Edison line of phonographs. J. E. McCracken, traveler for the Pacific Phonograph Co., is again working the San Francisco Bay district, after spending some time in the Northwest, and Mr. Schwab is now working the Oregon territory. A. R. Pommer, head of the company, says business has picked up very noticeably. CONVENIENT REPAIR CATALOGS. The Victor Talking Machine Co. sent out to its trade recently new repair catlogs for Victor XXV B, Victrolas XVI H, XVI Electric, and numerical price lists of parts. To properly accommodate these important publications, the Victor Co. suggested the use of a new style patented spring binder which will hold about 200 pages and is provided with an inside folder for retaining the repair part catalogs. DITSON Victor SERVICE WE know every condition involving all Victor retail sales and we know that having the goods is an important factor towards getting the big profits. For your benefit, we maintain the largest stock in the East of Victor machines, records and supplies, and you can feel sure that your orders receive quick attention. The Ditson organization is trained to render the leading service and you can link up 3rour store to our warehouse and feel safe. Ask us to explain the value of Ditson cooperation. It means much to your business. OLIVER DITSON CO., Boston, Mass.