The talking machine world (Jan-June 1919)

Janu.\ky 15, 1919 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 111 MOST PROSPEROUS SEASON IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Talking Machine Trade Overcomes in Good Shape the Handicaps of Poor Transportation, Scarcity of Stock and Epidemic of Influenza Los Angeles, Cal., January 5. — ^In spite of all kinds of handicaps — transportation troubles, influenza epidemic, shortage of goods, etc., Los Angeles has just passed through the most prosperous holiday season in the talking machine business since the introduction of that comm.odity on the Coast. After the last mad scramble on Christmas Eve most of the music stores looked like they were just ending a very successful special sale and the late comers got very poor "pickings" in both records and machines. This was a great year also for the new type universal machines as many persons purchased them when unable to obtain one of the older makes. The Victor dealers were the hardest hit, and to-day few dealers have anything in stock with the exception of styles IV, VI, XVI and XVII. The Columbia dealers were in nearly as bad a fix and only some of the most expensive models were in stock after Christmas. The best sellers in the Edison Disc were the models 150 and 250, and many dealers ran short in those two designs. Very few machines were "loaned" this year, and in many instances people were glad to take the model they wanted in any finish. The record business this season was tremendous, and all of the stores were crowded for days with record buyers, and in many of the larger places it was necessary to establish a waiting list for the record booths. The Retail Talking Machine Dealers' Association has not had a meeting since October. However, one is scheduled for this month, at which several important subjects will be discussed and adjusted. The membership now includes practically all of the dealers in the city. Harold Jackson, manager of the talking machine department for the Wiley B. Allen Co., has been very ill with the "flu," but is now on the road to recovery. Mr. Jackson unfortunately was taken sick just before Christmas, but this did not prevent the company from having the biggest holiday business in the history of the house. Sibley G. Pease, who has been identified with the talking machine business for the last fifteen years, is leaving it to go into the automobile line. During his many years of service in this city Mr. Pease has been connected with the Columbia Co., the Fitzgerald Music Co., the Bartlett Music Co., the Talking Machine Co., Pease & Foote Talking Machine Co., Holmes Music Co. and the Andrews Talking Machine Co., which latter company he is leaving to enter the new field. Mr. Pease, beside being an experienced talking machine salesman, is also an accomplished musician, having for many years held the position of organist in one of the prominent Los Angeles churches. Mr. Pease is joining the sales staff of Washburn Bros., South Pasadena — a Los Angeles suburb — and will have charge of the accessory department for them. Herman Beck, manager for the George J. Birkel Music Co., says his department looks ACME-DIE ■CASTINGS ALUMINUM-ZINC-TINaLEADALL»YS AcmeDie-Csjstin^Corp. BrooUynN.Y. ^ like a Kansas cornfield after a grasshopper invasion and declares he has only two Victrolas left— a IV and XXII. Mr. Beck says their December business was wonderful and easily broke all previous records. The Southern California Music Co. had a most prosperous business during December, and like al! of the other dealers ran out of many models in all of the different makes they handle. W. H. Richardson, manager for the talking machine department, says they sold everything in Victrolas from the style VI to XVII. IT FV'^ GRAPHITE PHONO kraCM Li Rj M. J SPRING LUBRICANT Ilsley's Lubricant malces the Motor make sood Is prepared In the proper consistency, will not run out, dry up, or become sticky or rancid, Remains in Itsoritpnal lorm indefialtely. Put up in 1 , 5, 10, 23 and 30'pound cans for dealett. This lubricant is also put up in 4-ounce cans to retail at 25 cents each under the trade name of FTTRFKA noiseless talking Mu\JM\.M^MM.t%. MACHINE lubricant IV rite for special propoaiUon to johhen. ILSLEY-DOUBLEDAY & CO., 229-231 Front St., New York inUST OBSERVE INTRA=STATE RATES State Commissions Cannot Alter Tariffs, Says McAdoo, But May File Complaints Washington, D. C, January 6. — Orders of State Commissions prescribing intra-state rates instead of those initiated by the Director-General and injunctions by State Courts forbidding the application of the initiated rates to State shipments cannot be observed by railroads un der federal control, Director-General McAdoo announced to-day. The Director-General said he could not conceive that any State would be placed at a practical disadvantage by the initiated rates, since the State itself or the commission of the State or any citizen is free to file a complaint against any rates considered unjust or unfair. OPENS NEW STORE p. S. Berrie has opened a new music store in the Nickerson Block, Moulton, Me. WE ARE DISTRIBUTORS FOR ECORDSl The Most Popular Hill and Dale Record on the Market All the Latest Hits Efficient Service Guaranteed Quality All DoubleFaced Discs Played with Sapphire or Steel Needle Retail at 85 Cents The New OkeH Record Supplements Contain the Best Selling Popular, Instrumental, Patriotic, and Dance Hits. Write for Attractive Dealer Proposition The Garford Mfg. Co., Elyria, Ohio