The talking machine world (Jan-June 1928)

126 The Talking Machine World, New York, June, 1928 Production on New Balkite Radio Receivers in Full Swing Same Policies Followed by Fansteel Products Co. in Marketing Power Units to Be Observed in Selling Receivers — Products to Be Housed in Fine Cabinets Production on the new Balkite radio receiver, manufactured by the Fansteel Products Co., North Chicago, 111., was in full swing during the fourth week in May, according to advices r.eceived from the firm headquarters. The receiver was first revealed at the annual Balkite sales meeting at the Drake Hotel, Chicago, May 4 and 5, of which a complete account appeared in the May issue of this publication. In marketing its new receiver, the Balkite organization intends to follow the same policies that have marked its history as a power unit manufacturer. The product does not attempt to enter the low-priced field, and it will be housed in cabinets made by one of the foremost furniture makers in the world, the Berkey & Gay Furniture Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. The receiver is licensed under RCA, Hazeltine and other patents, and employs special condensers developed by the Fansteel Products Co., which are said to give exceedingly quiet, humfree reproduction. Another feature of the receiver is its construction, which involves the use of 80% less wire than the average set. That the Balkite receiver will be backed by sound policies is evident from extracts from a statement made to this publication by Herman J. Doughty, director of Balkite sales, who said: "We do not regard our entry into the radio set field as a new venture. We do not regard ourselves as manufacturers of any particular radio device. Our function is to provide the radio trade with the radio equipment which will give them the greatest volume and profit. A year ago that was power units; today it is AC sets. Whatever it is tomorrow we intend to have it. The present Balkite set is the result of years of work, and we believe that we can honestly say that we have products and experiments in our laboratory today which are as far in advance of the present radio market as those of any manufacturer in the country. When the right time comes these will be introduced. The whole problem is to introduce them at a time when they will produce least disturbance and maximum profit to the trade. "The type of radio set we are now producing is not accidental. In deciding on both type and price range we have been governed by much the same policies that have governed Balkite in the past. The Balkite line has never been the lowest priced. It has always been built to a standard, depending for its popularity on quality, on freedom from service, on satisfaction to the user. In adding a radio set to the line we have not attempted to produce the lowest priced receiver. The low priced market we believe is being adequately served by the manufacturers already in it. We have, however, frankly attempted to produce as fine an AC receiver as can be produced and have no apologies to make for the receiver. We believe the time has come when there is room in the set field for a line that will give the radio dealer a high profitable unit of sale and that will be aggressively pushed. "In the set itself we have concentrated on three things. Simplicity of construction, ease of operation, and quality of reproduction. In its range of sound, in its fidelity we believe it leaves little to be desired. We have in our files some 4,000 letters from owners of Balkite units, asking us when we intended to make a receiver. Many of these come from owners who state frankly that if we produce a receiver as fine as our chargers they will buy it. We have attempted to satisfy them, to build to the Balkite market as we know it. "We believe that today good radio must be more than good radio. It must be authoritative furniture — furniture as fine as Balkite radio. After long consideration we have turned this part of our problem to people more competent to solve it than we are or any other radio manufacturer, — to Berkey and Gay, one of the greatest furniture manufacturers in the world. Two of our models, A-5 and A-7, are housed by them. A radio buyer purchasing either may feel that the furniture in each case is as fine as he can buy." Announcing The best seller for the year Findlay Metal Console Table V 2-55 Designed Exclusively for the New Victor Portable This table will help you sell a greater number of records. With the use of the FINDLAY Metal Console Table, a portable can be made as an all-year 'round talking machine. Lower shelf can accommodate the record albums. The prettiest combination that you can offer your customers for Table only will cost $20 list The complete unit of table and portable makes a very attractive piece of furniture for the home that will harmonize with all home furnishings. Made in two color combinations: Rich Blue with Gold trimmings (electro plated) Antique Brown with Gold trimming For Sale by All Victor Wholesalers ROBERT FINDLAY MANUFACTURING CO., Inc. Makers of fine metal console tables for Radio and Portables New York Showroom 242 FIFTH AVE. Office and Factory BROOKLYN, N. Y. Wait and see our new line of metal radio benches. Visit its at demonstration rooms 519 and 520-A, Stevens Hotel The Balkite AC receiver will be aggressively marketed, with a limited distribution. The product will be extensively advertised, and it is planned to make the public even more familiar with the Balkite receiver through advertising than it was with the Balkite power units, behind which were placed each year one of the largest consumer advertising campaigns in the radio industry. Trade News From Kansas City Area Conditions in the Trade Encouraging and Dealers Are Optimistic — Kolster Distributors Meet — Plan Display Drive Kansas City, Mo., June 5. — Conditions in the talking machine and radio lines in this city are very encouraging at the present time, and dealers and distributors state that May, as a whole, has been a good month. An important event in the radio field here was the meeting of Kolster distributors held May 31, June 1 and 2. Many officials from the factory were here, and practically all the distributors west of the Mississippi. The Kolster Dealers' Club made extensive preparations for special window displays in connection with the meeting, and the Club entertained all the officials and distributors at a dinner at the Hotel President. The Sterling Radio Co. reports that May has been a fine month in both the Kolster and Columbia lines. The new Columbia model 820 with exponential horn promises to be a big success in this territory. Portables are very active. The Sterling is expecting great things from the new Columbia-Kolster combination, the first sample of which is now on display. Standke's are well ahead of last year in volume of business at this time. They report exceptional activity in records, and a brisk demand for portables in a number of styles and prices, including the new Orthophonic portable. The phonograph and radio department of the Kansas City Power & Light Co. reports a nice business in Panatropes. Model P-13, and the new Brunswick portables. Radio is maintaining its hold as never before, according to H. A. Spokesfield, and the department is ahead on every month so far this year. The W. W. Kimball branch here has introduced the new Majestic line in its radio department. They are very enthusiastic about the prospects for this radio. The Automatic Electric Victor priced at $975 has been one of the big numbers with Paul's, according to M. M. Paul. All activity during the past month has been centered on the larger Orthophonies and combinations, he says. The Jones Store radio department reports good activity on Freshman Equaphase radios at the new prices. Interest continues also in the Atwater Kent 37 and Radiola 18. T. H. Condon, manager of the phonograph department of the Brunswick branch here, lost, his father on May 9. Thomas H. Condon, Sr., had been in the real estate business in this city for over twenty years, and was eighty-one years old at the time of his death. To Make Second Millionth Atwater Kent Set in Fall Some time ago the production of the millionth set was fittingly celebrated at the headquarters of the Atwater Kent Mfg. Co. in Philadelphia. It has been announced that Mr. Kent will produce his second millionth set this Fall. It is expected that the public demand will tax the facilities of the fifteen and one-half acre factory in Germantown, and accordingly new machinery is being installed and advantage is being taken of every square foot of space in the factory.