The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1915)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 71 FROM OUR LONDON HEADQUARTERS— (Continued from page 70). "things that have been." Until the outbreak of war, which, of course, eliminated to a very great extent any justification for their continued existence, these competitive-priced records simply put the Teutonic stuff out of court on artistic merit alone. Having therefore achieved their object, it was about time for the various makers to ease up on an expenditure, which, in itself highly speculative, exclude.d from the outset any prospect of a fair return' for the labor and capital involved. Apart from one or two comparatively insignificant lines, I am glad to say the continued manufacture of the shilling or 13d. record has almost ceased. As was to be expected, some of the cheap firms have been compelled to seek the sanction of Cary street, our national center for bankrupts, while others, the more important perhaps, are quietly sliding out of existence. One of the die-hard variety is now being retailed at the munificent figure of 9d. — half penny — or 19 cents. The sooner this class of trade is altogether abolished the better for the healthy progress of our industry. To Be Heard in Winner Records. Miss Haidee de Ranee, the wonderful young violinist and who has taken a leading part in many of London's theatrical successes, will shortly make her bow to the great record public via Winner records. The wonderful mastery of her bowing has attracted unstinted praise from the press, musical critics, and from the public, with whom she is exceedingly popular. Like the Winner record, Miss Haidee de Ranee is "British through and through." a fact in which she very naturally takes great pride. We shall await the issue of her records with unusual interest. New Journal Makes Its Debut. The first issue of a new gramophone journal — The Gramophone and Music Record — reaches me from its editor, Stuart Griffin. Its avowed object, I read, is to meet the call for an independent organ run absolutely in the interests of gramophone users. To that end the editor has put his hand to the plough, and I must certainly admit the brig'itlv written interesting contents of his first number drives a very straight furrow toward the desired goal. My hearty good wishes for the success of the new venture ! Introducing a New Favorite. Ever alert in the acquisition of popular talent, the Winner Go. announces this month a music hall favorite in the person of Morny Cash, whose first record contributions comprise "I've Been Marred a Year To-day" and "I Will Have a Night Tonight," songs with which his name is exclusively associated. A big demand is assured for this Winner record, and stocks should therefore be secured by oversea dealers who make a feature of handling London "hits." Fire in Liverpool. A serious outbreak of fire occurred last month i i the Liverpool warehouse of the Johnson Talking Machine Co. and, despite the prompt and strenuous work of the fire brigade, the building was practically burned out. A big stock of machines and records, estimated of the value of $15,000, was unfortunately consumed, truly a serious loss at such a time as the present, when supplies are somewhat restricted. With characteristic energy, ably supported by the Columbia and other trade friends, Mr. Johnson lost no time in securing new premises and substantial consignments of new goods, with the result that business is again in full swing at 52 Wood street, Liverpool. Owing to insufficient insurance part of the loss will fall on Mr. Johnson's own shoulders, a matter upon which his many trade friends will naturally sympathize. A New List of Guardsman Records. Always to the fore with good selling issues, the Guardsman record people may well congratulate themselves upon an expanding trade, the demand being such, I am told, as to render it a real difficulty to cope with. In value and general quality this record maintains an exceptionally high level, price considered, and on this ground alone is due the growing universal support received. Take, for instance, the November list of titles. It certainly stands as an excellent example of "Guardsman"' merit, for throughout every taste is catered in a manner bespeaking close study of public and trade requirements. One notes in addition to a pleasing range of vocal records (solo and duets), band, orchestral, solo instrumental and descriptive items in great variety. A descriptive by the Invicta Sketch Co., with the aid of a military band, No. 511, is a real sales plum. It bears the titles : "Departure of Kitchener's Army for France" and "Landing of Kitchener's Army in France." Some wonderful effects are obtained, and as a realistic presentment of a military event of this character the record is really wonderful. For particulars of this and the great variety of other equally good records itemized on this "Guardsman" list dealers should approach the Invicta Record Co., New Inn Yard, London, E. C. One of the Busiest Spots in London. One of the busiest spots in phonoland is at 45 City Road, London, the home of W. H. Reynolds (1915), Ltd., where unceasing activity prevails all day and every day, notwithstanding wars and tariffs. Here one finds an organized system of business which permits of each day's orders being completed (as far as possible, these unsettled times) and promptly dispatched the same night. Accessories, parts, etc., of almost any kind of gramophone ever made are a specialty of this upto-date house. There is, owing to the war, a scarcity of certain accessories, and it sometimes happens that a little delay may result in the execution of isolated orders for such goods, but generally speaking, it is really remarkable how the company has overcome almost insuperable difficul ties in satisfactorily meeting the great variety of claims upon its ever-fluctuating stocks. On the record side W. H. Reynolds (1915), Ltd., offers an excellent 10-inch double disc, the "Favorite," at a competitive price. The monthly musical program teems with titles that represent a popular class of extreme sales value to all dealers. Dance music, patriotic songs, "revue" items, musical comedies, ballads, etc., you may be sure to obtain on Favorite records by artistes of reputation. (Continued on page 72.) THE HOUSE OF MANY PARTS WM. COOPER BROS., Ltd. 17, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43 Clerkenwell Rd., London, E. C. aiso at Manchester and Cardiff THE FAMOUS BRITISH-MADE COLISEUM RECORDS (10" and 12" double-sided) A large and varied choice of titles, over 1300 catalogued The prevalent demand from all parts of the world for British records of merit encourages us to make a special offer to enterprising dealers able to handle large quantities. The Coliseum is a record of high tonal quality, bearing a large selection of splendidly recorded titles, including all the English and American "hits" by tip-top artistes who have established for themselves a big reputation. Only real-selling titles listed. Our special offer together with. lists and other interesting pubilicity matter sent free upon receipt of your trade card. Reno The Man of Many Parts Accessories for any Machine Ever Made from the Year Dot to 1915 Favorite Record Entirely British Made Wide Selection of Up=to=date Titles Best and Cheapest Record on the Market Safiro Needle Reproduces Best and Lasts Forever The "Safiro" can be Used for any Sound=Box or Needle Cut Record Order Sample Goods To-day and Write for New Illustrated Catalog W. H Reynolds (i9i5),Ltd. Munufat tvrers of Talking Machines, Records, Accessories and Motors 45 City Road, London, EX., ENGLAND