The talking machine world (Jan-June 1928)

vm our i Oo».@ 'ADQUAWEQ^ REPUBUC BIBS., 2Q9 SOUTH STATE ST TELEPHONE WABASH 52tt LEONARD P. CANTY Music Convention and RMA Show Hold Interest of Trade Dealers Awaiting Exposition and Demonstration of New Models Before Making Selections for Next Season — Music-Radio Sales for Past Month Satisfactory Chicago, III., June 5. — That time of the year when the retail dealer makes arrangements for the lines which he will handle in the following twelve months, familiarly known as the "liningup" period, is at hand, and within a few days the music-radio trade will have seen and heard everything that is new in the way of homemusical entertainment devices. The Music Trades Industries Chamber of Commerce Convention in New York City and its accompanying display of new phonographs, musical instruments and radio products has attracted large numbers of dealers, and on June 11, as The Talking Machine World makes its appearance, the second annual RMA Trade Show, at the Hotel Stevens, Chicago, will open its doors to an expected attendance which will far overshadow that of last year. A few lines of radio receivers have made their appearance in retail stores in the Chicago district, and dealers report a keen interest on the part of the public in the new developments which have been incorporated in the 1928 products. This interest is expected to increase greatly at the time of the June Trade Show, because of its attendant radio publicity. It is believed that the combination instruments, containing both radio receivers and electric pick-up talking machines, a large number of which will make their bow this season, will occupy a topnotch position in popularity with the consumer, for, at no great additional cost,^e may have combined in one cabinet both broadcast and recorded music. The music-radio dealer is especially anxious to see and hear instruments of this type, for he is ably qualified, from past experience and by the very character of his business, to become the dominating retail distributing factor for such a product. During the past thirty days phonograph, record and radio sales have been more satisfactory than during the month of April. The sale of records has increased in most quarters, and the demand for portable phonographs, while hampered for a short time "by weather unfavorable to retail store operation of practically any kind, is reported to be very satisfactory. Anticipate Whiteman Columbia Release According to information secured from the Chicago Columbia branch office, business during the past two weeks has shown a decided improvement. The phonograph business is no longer seasonal, and the management of the local Columbia offices is urging Columbia dealers to dress up their show windows and prepare for an increased demand being made upon them for Columbia records. The first Paul Whiteman Columbia record is being looked forward to with great interest, and also with an anticipation that it will start the Summer boom. Joins Columbia Staff R. H. Myers, until recently associated with the Lincoln Fixture & Supply Co., Lincoln, Neb., Columbia distributor, is now identified with the Columbia Chicago headquarters. Mr. Myers has been in the phonograph business for many years, and his previous experience will be used by Columbia to help its dealers in doing a more substantial volume of Columbia business. Mr. Mvers will devote a considerable part of his time in working with the Chicago music publishing organizations. James T. Barrett a Chicago Visitor James T. Barrett, manager of the radio divi sion of Listenwalter & Gough, San Francisco and Los Angeles distributors, recently spent two weeks in Chicago. The Listenwalter & Gough organization keeps closely in touch with developments in Chicago, the radio center of the United States, and Mr. Barrett and other executives of the organization make periodic trips to this city. Mr. Barrett spent considerable time at the offices and plant of the AilAmerican Mohawk Corp., for which his firm serves as distributor in California. He stated that the first samples of Ail-American Mohawk Corp. receivers arrived at the (Continued on page 156) KIMBALL Phonographs Measure Value by These Facts A Name With Prestige Tone That is Superb Beauty of Design Unexcelled Construction Moderate Prices Several Styles Style 275 Walnut In addition a Financing Plan, Safe and Flexible, not offered elsewhere. Write or wire for particulars W. W. KIMBALL COMPANY Established 1857 306 S. Wabash Avenue Kimball Bldg., Chicago "The 'Best in zJxCusk Whenever You Want It" 155