The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1916)

102 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD Note' The Columbia Grafonola is now recognized as an instrument of music in the best homes in the land —an instrument that its owners are proud of. Columbia Grafonolas are artistic in their appearance and wonderful in tone. ( Write for "Music Money," a book "full of meat" for those dealers interested in quick and frequent turnover of capital.) Columbia Graphophone Co. Woolworth Building, New York TRADE NEWS FROM CINCINNATI With Big Business Increases Reported the Demand Has Been Greater for Records Than Machines — The Leading Jobbers Express Themselves Well Satisfied with the Conditions and Prospects in This Territory Cincinnati, O., July 5. — There apparently was a slight slump in the demand for machines during June, but the sales of records was on a satisfactory basis. The situation, generally speaking, is a most satisfactory one for the time of the year. The slight slump might be attributed to the lack of publicity given talking machine houses who, following a time honored custom prevalent about Cincinnati, are inclined to let up in their advertising propaganda when the heat waves make themselves felt over the Ohio valley. Manager Byars, of the Aeolian Co.'s Vocalion department, reports a 50 per cent, increase in June business over June of last year, and present indications are that the summer business is going to be far above par. The Vocalion has found its way into the homes of so many prominent people in Cincinnati, that its prestige is now established. Selling them is comparatively easy now to what it was a year ago. The splendid tone of the instrument is becoming so well known that it is a common thing to hear people speaking of the Vocalion tone. Mr. Byars is busy organizing a new sales organization for the fall. He is adding several new men of promising ability. R. J. Whelen, manager of the local Columbia store, stated that business for June had been all that could be asked in the retail line and the wholesale is coming in by leaps and bounds. "The factory is getting on its feet," he said, "and we are able to fill practically all orders on demand with the exception of a few smaller types, but we expect to be on a normal basis in the near future with all types. Our traveling men are continuing to take large fall orders and also substantial orders for immediate delivery. They report that conditions in our line are good all through the territory." Manager Dittrich, of the Victor department of the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., says: "The demand, both retail and wholesale, has been very active during the last thirty days. Record sales have been good and the majority of dealers have placed orders for at least part of their requirements during the next six months. "The feature of the June business was the tremendous demand for patriotic records. The demand for patriotic music has been increasing from year to year and we can safely say that the demand this year is double that of last year. "We have shipped more Victrolas to country homes this year, than ever before and it is evident that Victrola lovers even when away from home, insist upon Victrola entertainment. "The Wurlitzer House will be well represented at the Talking Machine Jobbers' convention at Atlantic City. Carrying out the Wurlit.zer policy of assisting their employes in increasing efficiency, there will be six representatives attending the convention on this occasion. We believe that it is a most liberal education for any talking machine man to get in touch with the vast Victor factory and to absorb, first hand, the enthusiasm that exists there and take in the immensity of the industry and the conviction of superiority that has made Victor products so famed." O. A. Peterson, manager of the Cincinnati branch of the Phonograph Co., is rusticating about Spokane, Wash., taking a well-earned rest. He did much towards putting the Edison machine on a firm basis in this territory. Mr. Peterson will be away about six weeks. E. H. Delman is now in charge of the house. MEETING TRADE DEMANDS Sonora Phonograph Corp. Develops Plans Along Service Lines Whereby the Factory Resources Have Been Perfected so as to Better Insure Required Stock Reaching Dealers In a chat with one of the heads of the largest factory, making cabinets for the Sonora Phonograph Corp., 57 Reade street, New York, he related the interesting information that the output of cabinets for the Sonora corporation, if placed side by side, would equal twenty-five miles in length, while if each cabinet was placed on top of one another, the height would be fifty miles. This gives a vivid idea of the number of Sonora phonographs being sold. President Geo. E. Brightson has been giving his personal attention to the service end of the business, his aim being to co-operate with the many Sonora dealers so that they have sufficient stock to come somewhere near meeting the demands. While the service under his direction has greatly improved, due to a re-organization of the factory, .the increased demand from the retail trade seems to keep pace with all endeavors on the part of the factory to supply the goods. In relation to the production of the Sonora factory, several changes have been made in both the operating and executive factory staff, which have helped to inspire a co-operation between heads of departments and workmen that is already manifesting itself by an increase in output that is of assistance in filling orders. A number of Sonora employes have left with their regiments and, as referred to elsewhere, the astounding statement was made by President Geo. E. Brightson that not only would these men continue to draw their salaries in full and would be in line for promotion when they returned, but that on July 1 the salaries of these men would be raised. This move is typical of the Brightson-Sonora spirit. TRATC mai>v BUFFALO RAILROAD Look at the list of railroads running out of Buffalo: New York Central, West Shore, Lake Shore , Nickel Plate, Wabash, Erie, Pennsylvania, Lackawanna, Grand Trunk, Michigan Central, Lehigh, B. R. & P. and B. & S. EXPRESS Fo u r express companies will give you a complete service: American, National, Adams & Wells-Fargo. STEAMSHIP Boat lines touch a great many cities, on the Lakes, and Andrews' Service can catch any boat on fifteen minutes' notice. Doesn't it stand to reason that we mean what we say when we remark: Andrews' Victor Service is Fast and Complete. ^ W. D. Andrews, Buffalo, N. Y. Andrews