Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1916 Vol. 62 N. 3

Page 47 Text:

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
TH£ MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
COPPER PRICES MAY RECEDE.
Easier Market Before End of Month Is Ex-
pected by Brokers—Supply Believed to Be
Ample—Spot Stuff Held for Future Delivery.
Belief that the turning point in the skyward
trend of copper has been reached is gaining
ground daily, and the future of copper is regarded
in a bearish aspect by the metal market generally.
One of the leading commission brokers is known
to be advising his clients to refrain from covering
future copper requirements, as the outlook is for
an easier market before the end of January. It is
pointed out that copper in its advance from 18 to
24 cents has gone up 33 Ms per cent., and, while a
large amount of red metal has been sold on the
upward movement, it is felt that sellers have not
disposed of all their holdings. As to the reported
shortage of near-by copper, this is regarded as
being more or less theoretical, as the producers
most hold spot copper as a hedge against the large
sales made for future delivery.
The advance in prices on raw material has
caused a substantial increase on all copper and
brass products. The demand is strong, and most
plants are booked full for several months to come.
The leading manufacturers will not issue quota-
tions on their products, though the average price
on brass wire is at present known to run from
$30 to $32.
B1RD'S=EYE MAPLE^EVER IN DEMAND.
The use of bird's-eye maple is centuries old, the
ancient Romans knowing and prizing the beauty of
this peculiarly marked wood. It has always been
a scarce wood, and to-day is found in this country
only in Wisconsin and Michigan. The small sup-
ply is responsible for it being used almost entirely
in the manufacture of veneers. The trees grow in
groups, and even when they have attained a twenty-
five-year growth are rarely more than two feet in
diameter. The cutting is done in the winter, and
the logs are seasoned in the open until the follow-
ing spring, when they are sorted, the best being
used for veneers, the remaining logs 'being cut into
lumber for furniture, piano backs, etc. Much of
the less finely marked wood is cut into pin blocks
for pianos, and its adaptability to any color of dye
renders it admirable for inner panels and the in-
terior finish of buildings. The wood is unique in
that it cannot be imitated, and there is no substi-
tute which can effectively be used in its place.
Market values of this wood are usually steady,
and do not vary much from year to year, but there
seems to be a slight tendency to boost prices owing
to a very gradual, but nevertheless sure, diminish-
ing supply of this timber. This result is inevitable
eventually, unless the ordinary demand for this
beautiful wood decreases materially, and there
are no present indications that such will be the
case.
LUMBER-OUR BIGGEST INDUSTRY.
Represents a Total Investment of $2,500,000,-
000—Losses Suffered the Past Year.
Lumbering is the country's biggest industry,
judging from the number of persons employed,
says Nation's Business. This industry has 48,000
saw mills, $1,000,000,000 investment in these plants,
and 605,000 men employed. The standing timber
brings the total investment to $2,500,000,000.
This industry furnishes railroads a traffic in-
The Ohio Veneer Co.
CINCINNATI, O.
Importers a n d Manufacturers of
Figured Mahogany, Circassian Wal-
nut and Foreign Woods for high-
grade piano cases and cabinets.
Nmw York OfKem and Samplm Rmom
Grand Central Palace Building
Lexington Ave. and 46th St.
G, Ji VAUGHAN, Eastern RepresentatiTe
come of $200,000,000 a year. Yet lumbering is one
of the most depressed of industries and seems to
be the victim of its own helplessness, because of
uncontrolled competition. In the yellow pine in-
dustry, which comprises more than half the lum-
ber production, chaos has resulted from ouster
proceedings of the Missouri Supreme Court, bring-
ing prices down 35.75 per cent. The past few years
have entailed an estimated loss to labor, carrier
and manufacturer of $89,000,000.
NO TRUTH JN THE STORY
That the American Felt Co. Has Transferred
Its Piano Hammer Felt Business from Dolge-
ville, N. Y., to Glenville, Conn.
A rumor is going the rounds to the effect that
the American Felt Co. had transferred its piano
hammer felt business from Dolgeville, N. Y., to
Glenville, Conn. This evidently came up from the
fact that a few men were transferred from Dolge-
ville to Glenville, it being the custom to shift men
from mill to mill as the contingency demands.
The piano trade has associated Dolgeville with
piano hammer felt so long that the words are al-
most synonymous, and there isn't the slightest
desire on the part of the company to shift its
well appointed plant at Dolgeville to any other
spot.
MONTANA WOOLJCLIP SMALLER.
Production for 1915 Is Four Million Pounds
Less Than 1914 Clip—Higher Prices Rule.
Manufacturers of piano felt will be interested
in the report just made public that Montana's wool
clip for 1915 was 25,000,000 pounds, as compared
with 29,000,000 for 1914. The prospect is for a
further reduction in gross tonnage this year, but
probably not so great as from 1914 to 1915. De-
spite the reduced tonnage, the Montana wool
growers should net $1,000,000 more for the 1915
than the 1914 clip, because of the superior quality
and the higher prices occasioned by the war, ac-
cording to E. A. Gray, general agent in the State
of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway. As rep-
resentative of the railway, Mr. Gray has been in
close touch with the wool situation for many years.
And when you're satisfied
that we've the best punch-
ings on the market, cut
clean and accurately from
the best of material in cellu-
loid, cloth, felt, fibre,
leather, paper, rubber or
whatever you want, give
us credit and send your
orders to
CFGDEPEL&CO
137
E A S T I3 T -* ST.
NE.W YORK
American-made oxides, which have also increased
somewhat in price, are not sufficient to take care
of the requirements of the trade, necessarily limit-
ing the supply of white rubber considerably.
BRONZE STUDIED BY GOVERNMENT.
Bureau of Standards Completes Investigation
of Effect Caused by Manufacturing Processes.
The quality of metal castings is usually deter-
mined by measuring the properties of a test
specimen cast from the same metal. The United
States Bureau of Standards has completed an in-
vestigation of the various foundry operations that
influence the properties of the test specimen, for
one of the most generally used alloys, known as
Government 'bronze, having the composition 88
copper, 10 tin and 2 zinc. The bureau studied the
effects of temperature on castings, methods of
THE MANUFACTURE OF RUBBER.
gauging, casting, molding, kind of sand, heat treat-
When Tapped from Trees Is Pure White— ment and the effect of similar factors upon the
resulting mechanical properties.
Other Coloring Caused by Chemicals and
Dyes, Which Are Added to Toughen It.
A microscopic examination of the ^fractured test
specimens showed that the most common source.
Pure rubber, as it is tapped from the tree, is a of weakness was the occurrence of oxides within
creamy white liquid. It is sometimes coagulated the metal. Such oxides appear frequently as thin
to retain this creamy white color, but more often
films throughout otherwise sound metal, producing
it is smoked, which gives it a transparent brown- a condition of brittleness and low ductility. The
ish color.
results of such tests are of great importance to all
All rubber, when used commercially, has to be users of alloys.
vulcanized with sulphur. If the rubber is pure
and contains nothing but sulphur, it will ibe a gray
CONGRATULATIONS.
color after it is vulcanized, but when stretched out
The appearance of 1916 was very eventful for
into thin sheets and held up to the light it will be
almost transparent and of a pale brown or creamy Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Goepel, a daughter being
color. Any other color than this is given to rubber born on the third of January, who was named
by the addition of various chemical substances for Frances Elizabeth.
imparting to it special properties, usually to
toughen it and to give it additional wearing quali-
ties, or chemical adulterants may be used which
have no virtue whatsoever, but are used solely to
cheapen it. A pure white color is usually produced
BRANCH OFFICES
by the addition of oxide of zinc, which has long
been known as one of the ibest tougheners of rub-
iHINGES l«0 No. Chicago
Fifth AT*
ber and has been extensively used in the manufac-
ture of automobile tire treads. Black is usually
San Francisco
produced by the addition of lampblack or some
164 Hantford Bldg
organic chemicals. Reds are produced by the addi-
tion of antimony or oxides of iron.
Lot Angelct
224 Central Bldg.
Some time ago most rubber products were gray,
usually on account of the combination of lead and
Minneapolis
zinc oxide. The discovery of new materials to
3416 Second A re.,So
replace lead made possible the production of
Illustrated Catalog S
mailed o n request.
tougher white stocks. The present war has had the
effect of decreasing the supply and increasing the
price of one of these materials, namely, oxide of
zinc. The imported oxide has increased in cost
over 400 per cent., and there is practically none
obtainable even at its present high cost. The
SPSS)
INVISIBLE

Page 48 Text:

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
VICTOR TUNGS-TONE STYLUS.
Important Discovery Announced by the Victor
Talking Machine Co. of a New Needle Which
Has Remarkable Qualities of Tone.
"Victor Tungs-Tone Stylus" is the name of an
important discovery just announced by the Victor
Talking Machine Co., Camdon, N. J., this being an
improved semi-permanent, changeable, reproducing
stylus of tungsten, combining all the desirable fea-
tures of the Victor system of changeable needles,
with the added advantage of playing 50 to 200
records without changing, and which is referred to
in the Victor Co.'s advertisement elsewhere.
The virtue of the Tungs-Tone stylus lies in a
small cylinder of tungsten projecting from the end
of a steel holder, on which it is tightly set. A
novel feature of this stylus is that it automatically
tells the machine owner when to change the needle,
so to speak, for when the tiny cylinder of tungsten
is worn, off it will not play. In other words, you
cannot play the new Victor tungs^tone stylus in a
"worn" condition.
These needles are made in two tones, full and
soft, retailing at 25 cents for a box of ten, or for
a package of four needles, 10 cents.
FAVOR THE STEVENS BILL.
Members of Lyon & Healy Firm, Constituting
State Committee, Expect That Congress
Will Pass Measure for Price Maintenance.
(.Sfiecial to The Review.)
CHICAGO, I I I . , January 10.—Secretary J. F.
Bowers and L. C. Wiswell, manager of the talking
machine department of Lyon & Healy, report that
excellent progress is being made throughout the
State in securing the co-operation of Congressmen
to further the passage of the Stevens Bill, which
provides for price maintenance. They are the
committee of two from Illinois working in favor
of this measure, and have been in close touch with
the work being done by the various State commit-
tees in boosting this bill along. Mr. Bowers calls
attention to the benefit of the one-price system as
illustrated by the talking machine business, and
points out the fact that Steinway & Sons have
rigidly adhered to this system, with consequent
success.
VOCALION CO. OPENS IN BOSTON.
Full Line of Vocalions Shown in Handsome
Quarters at 190 Boylston Street—R. F.
Hibshman in Charge as Manager.
(Special to The Review.)
BOSTON, MASS., January 10.—The Vocalion Co.
of Boston opened its doors to-day at 190-192 Boyl-
ston street, and the attractiveness of the store was
the prime means of drawing hundreds to the place.
Once inside, the admirers of recording instruments
enjoyed a demonstration of the Aeolion-Vocalion,
which is now widely known in New York, where
it has been splendidly exploited 'by the Aeolian Co.,
but which is quite new in these parts. The ware-
rooms are large and flooded with daylight, and ex-
tend quite a distance back to Park Square, where
there is an entrance and large show window. The
interior is finished in rose and gray, the woodwork
being in the latter tone and the furnishings in the
former color. The electric fixtures are in antique
bronze, and the whole interior is as cheery and in-
viting as one could wish. There are numerous
demonstration booths, and the various styles of
Aeolian-Vocalions are attractively arranged about
the warerooms. The manager of this new Boston es-
tablishment is R. F. Hibshman, who comes over from
New York and has 'brought with him several men
from the New York house. It is of special inter-
est that the first day's demonstration resulted in the
sale of many instruments, and the prospects look
most encouraging for a large output.
GREAT YEAR FOR COLUMBIA CO. IN GREAT BRITAIN.
Present Prosperity of Working Classes Due to War, Declares Louis Sterling—Creates Heavy De-
mand for Talking Machines—Record Sales Double Those of Previous Year.
"Nineteen hundred and fifteen was the best year
in the history of the Great Britain division of the
Columbia Graphophone Co.," said Louis Sterling,
general manager of the European interests of the
company, who arrived Sunday on the "Adriatic,'*
accompanied by Arthur H. Brooks, head of the
English recording department. "We not only
closed the best year in point of sales volume, but
also the best in profits, the entire twelve months'
business being satisfactory in every respect.
"This gratifying prosperity, notwithstanding the
European war, may be attributed to a number of
causes, chief of which is the fact that the working
classes of Great Britain are earning more money
at the present time than they ever earned before
and, what is more important, are spending it freely.
Less money is being spent for beverages and sim-
ilar forms of 'amusement' and more money is being
spent on the brightening of the home. The work-
ingmen are buying better furniture for their homes,
together with talking machines and pianos to fur-
nish musical entertainment for the families.
"It should also be considered in referring to our
sales totals that the Great Britain people as a
whole are in no mood to enjoy visits to theatres
and other public places. They have loved ones.at
the front who are ever foremost in their minds,
and they prefer to spend their spare time in their
own homes. As they are all working harder than
ever before, they need some form of amusement
and turn to the talking machine as best suited to
entertain the whole family.
"It is interesting to note that the average ma-
chine sale in 1915 was 30 to 40 per cent, higher in
price than the average sale of the past three or
four years. The people recognize the advisability
of owning a talking machine at the present time
and realize that they may as well purchase a good
one which will give them perfect satisfaction. The
present duty of 35 per cent, levied by the English
Government on talking machine imports has also
decreased the sale of the so-called cheap machines,
as this duty makes a material difference in ma-
chine prices. As we all know, freight schedules
from this country to England have jumped from
100 to 300 per cent., all of which contributes to
the increased price of machines.
"Record sales in 1915 were enormous, and were
practically double those of any preceding year.
Our entire business showed a very large gain over
1914, our previous banner year, and we have
every reason to expect a similar condition this
coming year.
"General conditions in England are excellent,
contrary to the reports in some of the American
newspapers There is a job for every man in
England who wants work, and there is also em-
. ployment for those women who may desire it.
There has been a slight increase in the price of
foodstuffs, which was expected, but even this has
been immaterial. There has been no increase in
rents, or any general advancement in clothing
prices.
"As a matter of fact, the English workingmen are
approaching the American standard of living more
closely than at any time in the past.
"The conscription question has not exercised the
slightest influence on English business activities
and instead of the nation being divided, as some
reports may lead the American people to imagine,
there is a general feeling that the conscription
measure will place every man on the same basis
as his neighbor, and that is exactly what the Eng-
lish people desire."
TALKING MACHINE EXPORTS.
The Figures for October Presented—Exports
Show Falling Off for the Month.
(.Special to The Ktview.)
WASHINGTON, D. C, January 1U.—In the sum-
mary of the exports and imports of the commerce
of the United States foir the month of October,
1915 (the latest period for which it has been com-
piled), which has just been issued by the Bureau of
Statistics of the Department of Commerce and
Labor, the following figures relating to talking
machines and supplies are set forth:
Talking machines to the number of 3,021, valued
at $115,334, were exported for October, 1915, as
compared with 1,751 talking machines, valued at
$50,644, sent abroad in the same month of 1914.
The total exports of records and supplies for Oc-
tober were valued at $59,181, as compared with
$81,032 in October, 1914. For the ten months
22,360 talking machines were exported, valued at
$672,005, and records and supplies valued at
$633,085 were sent abroad for that period.
JOINS SONORA EXECUTIVE STAFF.
L. S. McCormick, prominent in the wholesale
and retail divisions of the talking machine trade,
has joined the staff of the Sonora Phonograph
Corp., New York, where he will occupy an im-
portant executive position. Mr. McCormick has
been manager of the Pathe Shop, New York, since
it opened a few months ago, resigning from this
post to join the Sonora forces.
NEW VICTOR DEPARTMENT.
The A. B. Clinton Co., which has handled the
Victor line exclusively at its New Haven store
for a number of years in conjunction with its
piano business, has opened a new store at 231
Asylum street, Hartford, Conn., where the Victor
line will also be the exclusive talking machine
carried in conjunction with an extensive line of
pianos and players.
APPOINTEDJ^IIEF CLERK.
M. M. Reinhard has been appointed chief clerk
of the offices of the New York Talking Machine
Co., New York, Victor distributer. Mr. Reinhard,
who has been associated with the company for
the past year, will have direct supervision of the
accounting and billing departments.
LANDAY "AD^MANAGER.
Landay Bros., New York, Victor distributers,
have announced the appointment of H. A. Harris
as advertising manager of the concern. Mr.
Harris has had a wide advertising experience and
is well qualified to co-operate with Landay dealers
in developing their campaigns.
NEW INCORPORATIONS.
A certificate of incorporation was issued last
Friday by the Secretary of State, Albany, N. Y.,
to the Fremont Mianufacturing Co. to engage in
the manufacture of talking machines. The capi-
tal is $200,000 and the incorporators are E. M.
Titus, F. S. Gannon and W. H. Seibert, New
York.
• * *
The Sterling Phonograph Co. was granted a
certificate of incorporation last week by the Secre-
tary of State, Albany, N. Y., to engage in the
manufacture of talking machines, devices and ac-
cessories. The incorporators are S. Steinberg,
A. Boyd and R. Goldman, New York.
The Rex Talking Machine Co., of Salamanca,
N. Y., was incorporated this week with a capital-
ization of $10,000 by S. Huff, G. M. Culbertson
and E. P. Vreeland.

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