The talking machine world (Jan-June 1919)

June 15, 1919 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 151 Apollo Portable with Soand Reflector APOLLO GRAMOPHONES Every type of instrument with Horn, Hornless, Table Grand, Pedestal and Portable. FINEST BRITISH WORKMANSHIP Motors, Tone Arms, Sound Boxes and Accessories AGENCIES OPEN FOR CERTAIN FOREIGN MARKETS Write for lists and full particulars to the makers CRAIES & STAVRIDI, 4 BUNHILL ROW, LONDON, E.C.I. FROM OUR LONDON HEADQUARTERS— (Continued from page 150) June 30, ■w;hen he joins the piano and publishing firm of Messrs. Chappell & Co., Ltd. The World's best wishes go with Mr. Ricketts in his new sphere, which will fortunately not preclude him from continuing his many useful activities on behalf of the musical instrument trade generally, in serving the interests of which during the whole war period, often at great personal sacrifice of time and labor, he has won the esteem and gratitude of the trade. The popular manager of the British Zonophone Co., Ltd., Wm. Manson, has been offered the vacant position and I learn has signified his acceptance. A wise choice, for few men are so well equipped in knowledge and experience of the gramophone trade, both in respect to the production as to the artistic side, as Mr. Manson. Hearty congratulations! Advance information is to hand that the Columbia Co. have secured the exclusive recording services of Thomas Burke, the wonderful Lancashire tenor and the sensation of the Covent Garden opera season. Two of Mr. Burke's contribution.s — from "La Tosca," by the way — will be issued by the Columbia people this month. Interesting "Winner" Items Messrs. J. E. Hough, Ltd., of Edison Bell and Winner record products, are well forward with their plans of reconstruction following a long period devoted to war munition output, and progressive efTort is the order of the day. As measured by the pre-war standard, "seasonal" trade is a thing of the past. Winner records were never so much in demand as at present, and as the company's sales manager tells us, "though every endeavor is made to keep up with the demand by maintaining full shifts at the factory, it is a steady grind all the time." The record programs each month include the topical revue, musical comedy and standard titles, many by artists exclusive to this company. A large new boiler is being installed in the record factory, by means of which Winner output will be considerably accelerated. The boiler measures somewhere about 40x12 feet. At the time of our call it had found a resting place on the pavement pending decision as to whether it would go through the yard gate or over some private gardens after the walls had been demolished. The local council were of course on the war-path. Dealers overseas will be interested to learn that Messrs. Hough have now ready a series of their Edison Bell Discaphones, cabinet, hornless and exterior — horn models at prices varying from 4 to 40 guineas. The general quality is good, the equipment throughout being of a reliable standard. Fitting Gramophone Springs A subscriber of the Motor Cycle & Cycle Trades tells in a recent issue of that journal of his method in fitting gramophone springs without the use of a special spring winder, such as is used when fitting clock springs. He says: "In fitting new ones it looks easiest to drjp the spring while wound up into the case, then releasing it by cutting the wire; but in practice this is not always so, as the outer slot may not catch on the peg in the case. I find the best way is to hold the spring in a cloth and cut the wire, thus releasing it, see that the catch inside the case is a good one and put the outer slot on it, being careful to see that it fits well on. Now hold the axle, or a substitute, vertically in the vise, case on it, mouth upwards, and free to revolve. Next work the spring in, pressing it in with the left hand while bringing more spring up with the right. It is quite easy to get them in, and I fail to see the use of a winder." The Black List Now Whitewashed By an official Order in Council it is made known that all names in Africa, America, Asia, and Europe have been removed from the "Trading with the Enemy Statutory List." The Swiss Grant General Export Licenses The export of gramophones, parts, etc., and all other musical instruments, except records, is now permitted by the Swiss Department of Public Economy, under a general license system, which, however, is revocable at any time. This general license applies only to exports through the Customs Bureaus on the FrancoSwiss and Italo-Swiss frontiers. Famous Artist on Air Tour > One of our best comedians, Harry Tate, whose laughable skits appear on Columbia, by the way, is now to indulge in a new flight of fancy. He has conceived the idea of an aeroplane tour around the world. A Handley-Page aerobus has been engaged. It is roomy enough for Harry and his company of eight, with necessary scenery and baggage. The itinerary includes Gibraltar, Malta, Egypt, India, China, Japan, and thence on, by air if possible, to San Francisco. He avows he will tour America from aloft, somehow. The Famous "H. M. V." Dog Muzzled Nipper is not a victim of rabies, but apropos the muzzling order, a city music dealer is taking no chances. Considerable amusement was caused to passersby who were attracted to the window by the sight of our canine friend duly muzzled in accordance with the police order. A good ad gag in more ways than one! A New Sound Box Some manufacturers of sound boxes would do well to give more study to the artistic effect of their work in contradistinction to the purely mechanical side. The day when any old thing would do is quickly becoming a matter of serious consideration, now that metals are free and imports uncontrolled. This view was evidently not overlooked by the Sterno Manufacturing Co. when they planned their new sound box production, an advance sample of which I recently (Continued on page 152) Millions of Your ''Boys'' in France Heard the Scots Guards' and Hon. Artillery Company's Bands When they come home it will be one of the pleasant memories of the "Great Adventure." They will want to forget the "horrors of war" and recreate those rare occasions of happiness. Then they will ask you, Mr. Dealer, for Gramophone Records of these two famous Bands. Anticipate their wishes. The pleasure will be mutual. A large selection by these two world-famed Bands and hundreds of Orchestral, Instrumental and Vocal pieces can be obtained on GUARDSMAN RECORDS 10 AND 12 INCH LATERAL CUT 1 New Inn Yard, London, E. C. Write for Catalogs and prices to INVICTA RECORD CO., Ltd. Cables: Duarrab, London