The talking machine world (Jan-Mar 1921)

February 15, 1921 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 109 ^^PnilADELPhlA^ Philadelphia, Pa., February 8. — The talking machine business in Philadelphia during the month of January was very much better than was anticipated. For some reason unaccounted for the dealers had gotten it into their heads the month was going to be a bad one, so there was nothing else to do but let "nature take its course." They acted in a sort of attitude "Ye who enter here leave all hope behind," and seemed almost determined to make it a bad month in order that they should not have to undergo the humiliation of being mistaken if it should turn out to be a good month. Fortunately it turned out to be a good month, and it got better every day from the start. It was a much better January than the same month in 1920 and the dealers are entering the second month of the year with a firm hold on things, which looks most encouraging for the future. All the stores are very well stocked with goods and even the Victor jobbers are beginning to be able to get sufficient machines and records, something they have not been able to do for at least five years. Dealers Hear Victor Officials Speak All that remains to be done now is for the dealers to "go to it" and keep a level head. The jobbers have been getting busy in this regard and have been calling their dealers together and arranging special talks for them by men who are keenly alive to the situation and who will be able to give them some strong points on selling, especially under present conditions. One of these firms is the Louis Buehn Co., which held meetings on February 3 and February 7 which were attended by dealers throughout this territory. Prominent members of the Victor Co. spoke. The story of these meetings, speakers, etc., is referred to in a special article in another section of the paper. Columbia Co. Also Holds Meetings The Columbia Graphopfione Co. has also been having profitable meetings of its sales force and dealers throughout the territory. The first of these meetings was held on January 19 at the Bellevue Stratford and was attended by a complete representation from the sales department of the Philadelphia branch, which was addressed by George W. Hopkins, the general sales manager from the New York office. He went over the details of the policy of the company for 1921, the goal to be reached and the plan of action to be followed. New Columbia Band Accompaniment Records Another interesting meeting was held at the Columbia offices on the Tuesday following, January 25, which was addressed by W. A. Willson, the head of the educational department of the Columbia. It was held in the Model Shop at Sixth and Filbert streets. Among other things, and the most important, and which really brought him to Philadelphia, was the representation to the sales force of the new Columbia band accompaniment records for singing patriotic, sacred and old familiar songs in homes, schools and clubs. This new system, in which a uniform key will be used, will be brought out in ten records, each presenting four songs, which will be ready for distribution in March. The Columbia Co. believes that in this system it has struck an idea that is going to be very popular. As Mr. Willson explained, by adjusting the Grafonola to make the records sound softer or louder the accompaniment will serve for a small group or a large assemblage. With the possession of these records a piano, an accompanist or a leader will no longer be necessary. All that is necessary is to possess the records and immediately there is available a well modulated accompaniment played by skilled musicians personally supervised by an authority on home, school and community singing, Peter W. Dykema, who has made the records in a uniform key. Some Visitors at Columbia Offices Manager Cummin, of the Columbia, has just returned home from a trip during which he visited the firm's dealers in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, York and Lancaster. Among the recent visitors to the Columbia were: H. A. Yerkes, assistant general manager of the Columbia Co., accompanied by Joseph Baylis. Territorial Dealers' Meetings Planned Very shortly there will be held at the Philadelphia office what they call territory dealers' meetings, the object of which is to enlighten all the dealers on the company's plans for 1921. Dealers from the different territories will attend. These meetings in the past have been very well attended and have been very helpful to the dealers. M. J. Shaden, who has been added to the Columbia sales force, replacing W. S. Schreiner, has started to cover his territory in the western part of Pennsylvania. Buehn Shows Victor Period Designs The Louis Buehn Co. has finally succeeded in getting at least a sample of the Period Model Victors and have them now arranged to good advantage in the room it has given over to this purpose in its remodeled building. They (Continued on page 110) We Are Prepared To aid Our Dealers in making this their biggest year in Victor Merchandising. Increased Victor Production will call for more intelligent and concentrated application m sales methods. Constructive counsel will be given, when desired, on Business Problems. We place at your command careful, fair and dependable methods of distribution. Also the use of our Victor Period Model Salon. The Louis Buehn Company OF PHILADELPHIA