The talking machine world (Jan-June 1928)

The Talking Machine World, New York, June, 1928 159 the provision for forcing double taxation on dealers selling on instalments. The association officers have attended the annual meetings of the various State associations, including those held in Syracuse, N. Y., and Philadelphia, Pa., and have issued monthly since December official bulletins telling of the activities of the organization. A very satisfactory drive for members in all divisions of the music industry has also been carried on. One of the features of the activities of the president was his address at a meeting of the Radio Manufacturers' Association in New York in December, which has played a part in influencing that organization to vote to join the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce. The annual convention of the National Piano Manufacturers Association was held at the Commodore on Tuesday morning with W. E. Guylee, president, in the chair, practically the whole session being devoted to a discussion of the progress and plans of the sales promotion campaign in the interests of the piano being conducted by that organization and which is now in its second year. The campaign as originally outlined has three years in all to run. An event on Tuesday of general trade interest was the dinner tendered by the Associated Musical Instrument Dealers of New York to visiting members of the trade at the Hotel Commodore. The Wednesday Meetings On Wednesday, June 6, there was held the annual convention of the National Musical Instrument and Accessories Manufacturers, of which Walter M. Gotsch is president. Musical Merchandise Ass'n On Wednesday, too, was held the annual meeting of the National Musical Merchandise Association under the direction of Wm. J. Haussler, the-president, who is also well known in the phonograph field as head of C. Bruno & Son, New York. Mr. Haussler was particularly enthusiastic regarding the establishment of school orchestras, and in his annual report said in part: "Generally speaking, business conditions in the music field during the past twelve months have not come up to our expectations. In fact, certain lines of merchandise have suffered so adversely that there is proper cause for concern. May I, then, submit for the serious thought of all our members the imperative need of taking some immediate and definite action to bring the industry out of its present inertia? I am convinced that a new attitude must be taken by the entire trade in its relation to the promotion of its products. "Truthfully, it may be said that a new spirit, a new thought, yes, even a new life must needs be injected into our business fabric if it is to retain a place of importance or dignity in American industry. There is no denying the fact that never before has the need for intensive, intelligent co-operation, undivided interests and aggressive action been so vitally essential as it is at this very moment. It is true that our Association in the past year has given evidence of its willingness to promote and develop the sales of musical instruments, and it is with gratification that I can say that the contribution to the National Bureau for the Advancement of Music and the Chamber last year approximated $10,000. This sum represents just one hundred per cent more than our Association has ever given for promotional work, and yet, considering the very definite benefits that have accrued by reason of this appropriation, it is my hope that it will be your pleasure to increase your respective contributions for the coming year. Funds Needed for Promotion "Certainly, if we wish to reach any goal of attainment, funds must be obtained and spent so as to bring about the greatest possible returns. Let us, then, gentlemen, think of our contribution in the light of a sound investment and with that thought in mind I am confident your response will give cause for general satisfaction. The Question of a Slogan "Quite some time ago there appeared in the trade press an interview with your president, wherein it was urged that all branches of the music business adopt a suitable slogan that would appropriately convey to the public a strong appeal to play some musical instrument. Many of our leaders have given their unequivocal endorsement of the idea, and it is the intention of your president to renew his efforts in this direction in the hope that some definite and logical campaign will be inaugurated, resulting ultimately in securing a trade term to which every manufacturer, jobber and dealer will heartily subscribe. It is hoped that a national contest will soon get under way sponsored by the entire industry to discover the perfect slogan. It is proposed to offer cash prizes to the individuals who, in the minds of a judging committee, submit the best thoughts. Your president has been assured of the full co-operation of the trade press, which, together with our own propaganda, should bring about the desired results. I would confess that the slogan idea is something of an obsession with your president, but that is only because slogans in other industries have proven of such tremendous force, power and value where properly utilized. May I, then, urge upon you to give this matter your serious thought, determining at this session what should be done one way or another? "Just a word, gentlemen, regarding the future of our business. Taking all phases into consideration, I can say to you most sincerely that I see ahead of us a rosy dawn for more music. The potential possibilities are there, but our future will be only what we can make it. Much groundwork remains for us — each and every one in the music business — to do if we expect to reap the harvest of public patronage." {Continued on page 160) Models designed for Homes, Auditoriums, Hotels, ClubsAll places desiring a faithful presentation of the Music Masters' Art. Dynamic Speakers Deca Disc Co. Waynesboro, Penna. U.S.A. Remote Control