The talking machine world (Jan-June 1925)

mavis, 1925 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 111 mm ourf* H I (± fXHE/UXJUAiJl LUY REPUBLIC BLDG., 205) SOUTH STATE ST TELEPHONE WABASH 5242 LEONARD P CANTY Sales hi the Middle West Maintain Even Pace Despite Unfavorable Conditions Inclement Weather Instrumental in Holding Back Portable Business Although Increased Demand Is Noted — Record Business Remains the Same as in Previous Months Chicago, III., May 10. — Business in retail talking machine circles in the Chicago territory during the month of April and the first ten days of May seemed to maintain about the same pace as was experienced during March. Firm executives in almost every line of business are complaining of a slump in the volume of sales, and the causes named in each case are many and varied. Talking machines, records, radio sets and combination instruments are not classed as absolute necessities of life, hence a falling off in certain instances of the amount of business transacted at this time of year is not to be viewed either with surprise or as a calamity. Cold and inclement weather for the past several weeks has slightly retarded the sale of portable phonographs, which started so auspiciously about three weks ago. Dealers are devoting considerable window space to attractive displays of portable machines and, judging from the number of sales made during the very few warm days which the Middle West has experienced, they should capitalize upon the outdoor season to the fullest extent this Summer. A number of dealers report a nice volume of sales already despite the fact that a delayed Summer is hindering their progress, and are enthusiastic over the prospect of a profitable Summer on the small machines. Portable phonographs are approaching a high degree of perfection, for the manufacturers have improved their models both in appearance and mechanical detail. Jobbers and dealers in almost every case state that the record business is holding true to the mark set in previous months, or only slightly behind the first quarter, and this condition is no doubt the result of consistent dealer advertising and tie-ups with late hits and records. The demand seems to be slightly greater for records of the lighter type, dance selections, musical comedy and light opera hits, although recordings of the higher type have their steady monthly following and are consistently gaining in sales volume. Consoles selling for a low price and the combination talking machine and radio set continue to be the most popular instruments, according to the sales figures of the majority of jobbers and retailers. Direct refutation of the oft heard remark that the talking machine industry is in the midst of a disastrous slump is found in the statement of several local talking machine manufacturers, who, during the past four months, have built up a volume of sales which far outshadows that of the corresponding months last year. The factories of these concerns are employing their full quota of men, and are increasing, rather than decreasing, production. The month of April was marked by several important events in local manufacturing circles, among them being an important merger of large talking machine motor and radio interests with other firms allied financially, and the return to the field of one of the leading manufacturers of motors and radio sets and panels. Such happenings in the trade help to instill confidence in the future of the talking machine business. Another important movement is noted in the progress made by the Phonograph Manufacturers' Association, which is adding constantly to its ranks and bids fair to become a factor of some consequence. Krasco-Monarch-Foster Consolidation Of unusual interest to the talking machine trade was the announcement made about the first of May of the consolidation of the Krasco Mfg. Co. and its radio division, the Monarch Kadio Corp., 451 East Ohio street, Chicago, with the Foster Machine Co. and the Foster, Johnson, Reamer Co., of Elkhart, Ind. In addition, the stock of Monarch Tractors, Inc., of Watertown, Wis., becomes one of the properties of the new corporation. With the exception of Monarch Tractors, Inc., all of the firms mentioned will be located in Elkhart, Ind. The new corporation will be known as the Monarch Industries, Inc., but under the new arrangement each firm will continue to maintain its own name and separate entity. On May 1 the machinery and equipment of both the Krasco and Monarch plants were moved to the new home in Elkhart, where, in a plant which covers four and one-half acres and is ideally equipped with manufacturing facilities, Krasco phonograph motors and Monarch receiving sets and panels will be made in the future. For some time past the Foster Machine Co. has been making castings for the Krasco Manufacturing Co. and under the new arrangement it is expected that the majority of the parts used in Monarch radio sets and panels will be manufactured in the Elkhart plant. There will be no change in the management of either the Krasco Manufacturing Co. or the Monarch Radio Corp. Merwin Ashley, president of the Krasco Mfg. Co. and the Monarch Radio Corp., and Thos. H. Devereaux, sales manager for both firms, will continue to hold their respective positions. According to Mr. Ashley, a Chicago office will be maintained but its location has not yet been decided. W. J. Byrnes Assumes Important Post W. J. Byrnes, of the advertising department of Lyon & Healy, wholesale department, who was recently appointed advertising manager, has been a member of the Lyon & Healy organization for the past six years, serving as assistant to B. J. Jefferson, former advertising manager, who retired a short time ago. Vitanola Co. Extends Invitation to Conventions The Vitanola Talking Machine Co., 666 Lake Shore Drive, has issued an invitation to all music dealers planning to attend the convention of the music trades at the Drake Hotel the week of June 8, to visit the Vitanola offices in the American Furniture Mart. This building, which is the largest of its kind, devoted exclusively to the display of house furnishings, is a short walk from the convention headquarters. It contains one and one-half million feet of floor space and houses seven hundred and fifty exhibits. In the Vitanola offices is a large and complete display of phonographs, radios and combination instruments and visiting dealers are cordially invited to make the acquaintance of Vitanola executives and see the display. E. C. Morris Now With Lakeside Co. E. C. Morris, formerly Western representative of the Efficiency Electric Corp., of New York City, manufacturer of electric talking machine motors, is now connected with the Lakeside Supply Co., 73 West Van Buren street, Chicago. Mr. Morris will act as sales representative, calling upon the trade in Chicago and vicinity. Death of Louis Valiquet The talking machine trade was shocked to learn of the death of Louis P. Valiquet on March 19, at his home, 5102 Kenwood avenue, this city, after an illness of over two years. He was an inventor and manufacturer of note, and was well known and popular throughout the trade, being known as the talking machine (Continued on page 112) Kimball Style X Tudor One of many beautiful models Phonographs and Pianos THE prestige and reliability of the Kimball assure satisfaction. Not the lowest in price but the BEST at the PRICE. Ask about agency franchise, territory and terms. W. W. KIMBALL CO. Established 1857 306 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago Makers of Kimball Phonographs, Pianos, Reproducing Pianos, Players, Pipe Organs, Music Rolls. Distributors Columbia Records and Welte-Mignon (Licensee) Reproducing Rolls.