The talking machine world (Jan-Mar 1921)

February 15, 1921 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 115 BUYING PUBLIC IN TWIN CITIES AGAIN IN THE MARKET ROBT. H. BOWERS WITH AEOLIAN Trade Somewhat Slow, but Optimism Prevails as to a Good Volume of Trade Later in Year — Jobbers and Dealers Tell of Conditions and All Plan Vigorous Campaign for Trade Noted Musical Authority Becomes Musical Director of Vocalion Recording Studios Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., February 3. ■■— Although the trade situation in the Twin Cities and tributary territory appears to be somewhat easier, it cannot truthfully be said that conditions have settled down to a normal basis. Retail merchants think that the general public is much better disposed and better tempered than it has been for some months past and is not tugging so hard on the purse strings as it was. They may be right, but if so there is hardly any noticeable improvement in the results obtained by the music merchants unless among those dealing mainly in talking machines. Local dealers who loaded up rather heavilylast Fall in expectation of a great holiday trade are still carrying larger stocks than they like to have at this season of the year. Quite a number of dealers escaped this predicament by canceling orders that had not been shipped. Between the dealers who are unable to settle for their orders and those who sent in cancellations the lot of the distributing houses hardly is an enviable one. And still one will find no gloom in the music marts of Minneapolis and St. Paul. There is an air of optimism and confidence in the future that is very gratifying to all. The Winter always is slow in the great Northwest and, after all, it is not believed that the net returns for the early months of 1921 will fall below the general average for a comparative period. In fact, some houses will show a better figure than the average, though hardly comparable to 1920. "We have no complaint whatever as to the state of our business affairs," said Jay H. Wheeler, head of the Pathe department of G. Sommers & Co. "We realize that business conditions have been somewhat disturbed through various causes, but we dislike to harp on such things. It may be that we could handle more orders and yet we frankly say we find the results generally satisfactory, in view of the troubled affairs in the commercial world.'' Matters are moving quite nicely with W. J. Dyer & Bro., Victor distributors. Why, George A. Mairs, head of the department, even has the temerity to complain that he can't get enough goods. It should be explained that he has had some difficulty in obtaining certain models which are in demand. Of late the shipments of Victor goods have been quite satisfactory. Laurence A. Lucker, distributor of the Edison machines and records, states that he reviews the past year with entire satisfaction. Business success, he figures, should not be measured by weekly or monthly results, but by the year, and the year 1920, taken as a whole, was a joy and a pride. There is no reason to doubt that 1921 will be other than an excellent year when once normalcy has been attained, which probably will be by early Spring. The Stone Piano Co. has been conducting a systematic and well-arranged advertising campaign for the Aeolian-Vocalions and this instrument now is regarded in the Twin Cities as one of the standard machines of the day. FORT WAYNE HOUSE TAKES LEASE Fort Wayne, Ind., January 31. — The Ulrey Music Shop, 1520 South Calhoun street, has taken a long-time lease on the two floors just above the Windsor jewelry store, 1204 South Calhoun street. Mr. Ulrey says an upstairs location with cheaper rent will enable him to give better values. He will carry all makes of records. Robert Hood Bowers, noted musical authority and composer of operettas and other works, has joined the staff of the Aeolian Co. as musical director of the Vocalion recording studios. Mr. Robert Hood Bowers Bowers is well qualified for the new post inasmuch as he has for several years past been connected with another prominent talking machine company in a similar capacity and with great success. He has already taken up his new duties at the Vocalion studios in New York and it is expected that the results of his efforts will soon make themselves apparent. Mr. Bowers' experience as a composer and as a director has given him a thorough insight into musical values, a knowledge of the sort of music that appeals most to the public and the proper manner of producing or reproducing it through the medium of the talking machine record. New! New! APEX Fibre Needle Cutter Cuts with the grain to the point. Makes the use of fibre needles as cheap as steel. No variation in angle or size of cut. Does not crush the shell. Small Size — Simple Construction For sale through jobbers and dealers. Retail Price $1.50 Manufactured by W. H. WADE14N MicfeAvem,e New! New! Patented Nov. 2. 1920 i * Cuts * slice so * that 34 chips » can be made * »»d M records • I played with one 4 fibre needle.