The talking machine world (Jan-June 1922)

February IS, 1922 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD JOHN H.WILSON, Manager 324 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTON, MASS. BOSTON ENGLAND Boston, Mass., February 6. — With most of the talking machine houses it was a case of better business than was expected during January, but. as one dealer expressed it, it largely depended upon the amount of pep and energy one put into it, for if one sets the machinery going properly to get business he'll get at least a large percentage of what he sets out to acquire. That seems to be only common sense, and there is absolutely nothing new in the idea. It has often been iterated and reiterated that there is business to be had. This was true in the lowest stages of business depression, and the right man with the right approach and the right methods can get it; and that's exactly why some dealers are finding business good, for they put into practice these very factors. February, though a short month, is expected to show up very well. A fact that is noted by many is the increasing demand for high-priced machines of established reputation, especially the period models. When Will That Dinner Be Held? When will the next dinner of the New Eng land Music Trade Association be held? That is a question that is holding the attention of the local music trade. With Frank S. Horning, a hustling Victor dealer, as president, he is very naturally looking for the hearty co-operation of the talking machine trade of the city, for with a representative of this branch as head of the organization there is every reason why its representatives should put their shoulders to the wheel, though it must be said with some misgivings that the piano trade needs a little prodding once in a while, as the ever-faithful Secretary Merrill well knows. The main question touching a prospective gathering of the Association is, what shall be the magnet that will draw the men together? Some are in favor of a speaker who will discuss some live topic of the hour, wherein there shall be enough meaty substance that may leave some lasting thought in the minds of the members, some constructive idea that they can carry away with them. Another class is all for an entertainment, possibly of a vaudeville character, so right at the start is the difficulty of pleasing everybody.. President Horning and Secretary Merrill have been in frequent conference lately as to what plan to pursue, so it may be that there will be something definite to offer the Association members soon. Is there any valid reason why the organiajiliiiiiliiiiiiuiiliin iiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiinniiiiiiiniiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiriiiiiiiiniiniiiiii laniiiiiiiiiiiin zation should not get together at least bimonthly, the same as other business organizations? Important Shiddell-Bay State Deal One of the important pieces of news this month is the announcement made by the E. B. Shiddell Co., Inc., distributor of Okeh records, of its decision to transfer this distributing business to the Bay State Music Corporation, formerly distributor of Odeon records. The transfer went into effect February 1. The Bay State Music Corp., with which Herbert L. Royer has been identified, has had quarters in a nearby building, but it is quite possible, now that it has acquired the Shiddell Co. business, that the other quarters will be given up and the business concentrated at 142 Berkeley street, which has been the Okeh headquarters now for about two years. At this address there is opportunity for increasing the working capacity if the growth of the business under Mr. Royer demands. In a circular which the Shiddell Co. has distributed to the Okeh dealers it is stated that all shipments made on and before February 1 will be shipped and billed by the Bay State Music Corp., and that all orders now on hand will be looked after by the same corporation unless orders to the contrary are received. Mr. Shiddell, in thanking the dealers for their business and co-operation, announces that he is to continue in the music trades distribution and that his plans will be announced in a short time. He has a certain talking machine under consideration which he may decide to handle. John W. Connelly, who has been with Mr. Shiddell for about a year, will continue with him. It is of more than interest that Mr. Shiddell has been confined to his home several days because of illness. He was over in New York toward the end of January and contracted a light attack of the influenza, which necessitated his remaining indoors. Larger Territory for Joseph Burke By a rearrangement of territory Joseph Burke, of the Musical Supply & Equipment Co., now has that part of Massachusetts which lies west of Springfield as a part of his field. This was formerly handled from the Vermont headquarters of the company. Mr. Burke, who has lately been on an extended tour of inspection in his territory, makes a most encouraging report of the future of the Sonora, and new and old dealers ; . I i ■ ■: ■ i ii l ; r 1 1 ■ i :, : , ' ■! !■ : I ■ ■ 1 1 : "i ; ■ ! : I ■ ■: i: I ■ : I : ■ : I ■ -^"^ mwm ^*u(c <y> / / / / Our constant aim — the growth and development of Victor Dealers in New England. Eastern Talking Machine Co. 85 Essex Street BOSTON MASS. ////Ill 53 s s are taking hold of this proposition with vigor that promises well. F. V. Goodman Looks Over Local Field A visitor for several days here in Boston and making his headquarters with Manager Burke was F. V. Goodman, assistant director of sales for the Sonora Co. Mr. Goodman had not been in Boston before for some time, but he plans to be here oftener in the future, as according to a new plan he will give more of his time to surveying the field at close range. His mission here was largely in regard to a new advertising campaign which the company is to carry on at some of the high spots in New England, such as Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Providence ' (Continued on page 70) iminiiiiimnniiinniniiiiiniiiiiniiiiHiiimiiiiinn^ ^llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!ll!inilllllll!llll!inMI!l!ll!l]ll!ll!llllllllllllllllllll l|i|lll:llll|llll!llllllllllllll!l!l!illl)lll!i|l!l]llllll!lllllllllll!IUIII!llllllllllllllltlll llllimil!IIIIIIIIIII!lllllllll!ll!lll!llllll!!l!IUI!l!lllllllllllllllll^ X2 m HIS MASTERS VOICE A ROYAL ROAD TO FORTUNE With Victor Records back to pre-war prices, and in some cases — Red Seal — even lower, the Victor dealer has open before him a royal road to fortune. Grasp the opportunity and let DITSON SERVICE speed up your progress. Available from two central distributing points OLIVER DITSON CO. BOSTON CHARLES H. DITSON & CO. NEW YORK iuiiniiiiiiiii i piling nnuinHiiiinniniiiniiiniiiniiiniiinninniiiuinniniiiniiiniiiim iiiiiiiii in mi iiiiiiitiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin^ ^imiiiiiuiiiiiniiiiiniiiiiiiiiii mini iiiiiiiiiinii iiiniiiiitiiiimini iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiini! minimum iiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii minimi mi nmimmiimi i I II iniiiii iiiiiiiiiinii iiiiiiimiiiiniiiiiii in nuiiinniiiiiiniiu iininniuninmiimnu» inuiininiiinuijii