The talking machine world (Jan-June 1920)

April 15, 1920 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 113 The Columbia Novelty Record this month is the Royal Serbian Tambouritza Orchestra's "Fast Polka" and "Grandmother's Waltz." It will bring you in receipts so last that your grandmother well may waltz. E-4520. Columbia Graphophone Co NEW YORK INDIANAPOLIS TRADE PLANS TO FORM AN ASSOCIATION Many Subjects to Be Considered — Interest Charges to Be Adopted by Leading Dealers After April 1 — Recent Managerial Changes — Record Trade Very Active — Newsy Brieflets Indianapolis, Ind., April 2. — A movement is now under way to perfect an organization of local talking machine dealers. Carl Anderson, of the Indianapolis Talking Machine Co., said that the purpose of the proposed association would be to give protection to the public against "fly-by-night" talking machines and to benefit the trade by the adoption of uniform terms and interest charges. Eight of the leading dealers have signified their intention of adopting interest charges in some form after April 1 and the chief question now being considered is whether the dealers should adopt a cash price on which interest is to be charged at 6 per cent, or to make the price include interest, which would be deducted on cash sales. A few of the dealers have been charging interest, but most of them, up to now, have not done so. A meeting is to be called soon to which all legitimate dealers will be invited to discuss the organization and the objects of the proposed association. The Widener Grafonola Shops, Inc., will start remodeling the local store next week. W. G. Wilson, manager, said that twelve new booths would be installed and the store entirely redecorated. Morris Rosner, of the Pearson Piano Co., has been promoted to manager of the talking machine department, succeeding Mrs. J. E. Fish. George Stewart, of the Stewart Talking Machine Co., on his return from the Victor fac tory, s.aid that prospects were good for increased shipments, especially stock records. Miss Caroline Hobson, in charge of the educational department of the Stewart Co., is attending the Red Seal School at the Victor factory. Mr. Stewart was grieved to learn of the death of Ferd Imfeld, for years a Victor dealer at Hamilton, O., on March 19. Charles B. Eang has been appointed assistant to manager of the Indianapolis branch of the Columbia Co., succeeding T. B. Niles, who was promoted to assistant manager of the Pittsburgh branch of the company. Ben Brown, manager of the Indianapolis Columbia branch, was highly pleased with the enthusiasm displayed by Columbia dealers at the monthly meeting, held at the Lincoln Hotel March 19. The new record releases were played for the dealers and heavy orders were taken on "Venetian . Moon," the latest Columbia "hit." The chief subject of the meeting was the retail sale of a Grafonola, George L. Schuetz acting in the capacity of salesman and C. P. Herdman, of the Baldwin Piano Co., acting as the retail customer. The Grafonola was sold to the customer. Mr. Schuetz brought out one point worth special consideration in selling a Grafonola to a husband — "It was not necessary to have your wife come down and look at the instrument and if you are satisfied, in your own mind, that this is the music you want, have it sent to your home as a surprise, as there is nothing that would please your wife or family more than this." This will close a sale in nine cases out of ten. The dealers were entertained by Van and Schenck with a number of their selections; also by Eddie Cantor and John Steel, who were in Indianapolis with the "Follies." Manager Brown says this was probably the most constructive meeting the branch has ever held. Van and Schenck, exclusive Columbia artists, during their stay in Indianapolis with the "Follies," gave afternoon concerts at the Music Shop of the Baldwin Piano Co. and the Grafonola Shops, and many people were happy to meet them personally. The Hook Drug Co., of Indianapolis, opened its new Illinois street store, where it will handle Columbia Grafonolas and Columbia records exclusively. Mr. Williams, formerly with Pearson Piano Co., will have charge of this department. New representatives of Columbia in the Indianapolis territory are: Alvah Green, New Albany, Ind.; F. R. Gobbel & Son, English, Ind., and the Hook Drug Co., Indianapolis, Ind. John C. Robinson, of New York, has joined the sales force of the Indianapolis Talking Machine Co., Victor dealers. Carl Anderson, president of the Amplifone Co., visited the St. Louis trade last Week. Among the latest purchasers of the Amplifone are Lion's Department Store, of Toledo; Byron Mauzy, of San Francisco; Batterman Co., of Brooklyn, and McCreery & Co., of Pittsburgh. In the Sonora department of Charles Mayer & Co., which handles Emerson records, Eddie Cantor sang a number of his record selections. STERLING REPRODUCER Plays all Records Victor and Edison Dealers: Hear the Sterling — Examine its Construction — Note how it plays both lateral and hill and dale records —and YOU WILL WANT TO SELL IT Attachments for either Victor or Edison machines To adjust for the playing of different records, means just a quick, easy turn of the reproducer. No extra elbows. You ought to see and HEAR the Sterling. You will be surprised at its convenience, its beauty and wonderful improvement of tone. Send for circular and prices Krasberg Engineering & Manufacturing Corporation 536 Lake Shore Drive Chicago Illinois U.S.A.