Music Trade Review

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MUSICAL MERCHANDISE
years other manufacturing and wholesaling
C. C. CONN, INC., LAUNCHES QUARTET OF
factors in the industry have vigorously pur-
sued policies of selling direct to members
SHOWS TO INTRODUCE NEW LINE of the retail trade at the expense of the retail
N order that dealers in all sections of the
country may become quickly acquainted
with the new and improved band instru-
ments of C. G. Conn, Ltd., that company
has sent out not one, but four, band instru-
ment shows, each routed in a different
direction with a view to bringing the new
product directly before the various groups
of dealers and musicians.
According to an announcement from R. C-
Poyser, general sales manager, this show is
composed of sixteen thrilling "acts," among
I
dealer. During this same time we have, to
the contrary, strengthened our protective
dealer activities.
"One of the important purposes of these
shows is to have heart to heart talks with
our dealers about their problems. These men
in charge of the shows go over each dealer
situation, suggesting practical ways of de-
veloping business and helping work out meth-
od of increasing retail profits.
"During the four weeks ending September
17, which was prior to the introduction of
our new models, our net sales showed an
increase of forty-four per cent over the pre-
ceding four weeks. Contacts since made with
our dealers through our show indicate a
similar increase. This is tangible evidence
that American people want instrumental mu-
sic as much as ever before and are willing
to spend as much, if not more than ever
before, to enjoy the benefits of such music.
These actual sales increases are the best evi-
dence of the soundness of our industry and
offer further encouragement for real optimism
this fall."
ally new improvements such as the Symphony
Special trumpet, the wood clarinet and the
alto saxophone. All are startlingly superior
instruments, according to reports.
"These instruments are the result of two
years of research by the Conn research lab-
oratory," said Mr. Poyser. "Not only has
this work required the service of our re-
search, engineering and sales departments for
two years, but also many hours of tests by
over seventy-five of the best artists in this
country. We estimate the cost of developing
MUSICAL ARTS LABORATORY
FORMED !N GRAND RAPIDS
Conn's "Four Horsemen," Left to Right: James F. Boyer, East; L. L. Sams, North and East;
L. W . Echols, South and V/est, and C. J . Fairchild, North and West
them being three new "Connqueror" instru-
ments with the "new principle Vocabell"—a
trumpet, cornet and trombone; a new "Sym-
phony Special" trumpet; a new alto saxo-
phone, a new double French horn; a new
wood clarinet; a Soprani-Luttbeg accordion
with piano keys for both hands, to be mar-
keted by the Continental Music Co.; and a
Rhyth-o-phone, to be sold by all companies
of the Conn group.
Some of these instruments are entirely new
creations, such as the Rhyth-o-phone and
Luttbeg accordion; others embody entirely
new principles, such as three Connqueror in-
struments; and still others incorporate basic-
C.F.MARTIN&CO.,Inc.
NAZARETH, PENNA.
Established 1833
Makers of the original MARTIN GUITAR
Guitars, Mandolins and
Ukuleles in many styles
Send for illustrated catalogue
18
these instruments for this show to be more
than $50,000."
These shows will be held in over forty
principal cities east of the Rockies and will
attract dealers and musicians from over 525
towns. The tour will last for about six
weeks and the shows are expected to "play"
before 100,000 musicians.
One of these shows covers eastern cities in
New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts,
Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia
and is in charge of James F. Boyer, secre-
tary of C. G. Conn, Ltd. Another, in charge
of L. L. Sams, will cover Michigan, Ohio
and sections of New York, Pennsylvania, and
Canada. L. W. Echols with his show heads
south from Elkhart through Indiana, Ken-
tucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Okla-
homa and Texas. C. J. Fairchild and his
show covers Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota,
Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and Mis-
souri.
According to reports from the first few
towns in which the shows have been held,
dealers have taken more interest in the
project than in any other similar activity,
according to Mr. Poyser. Musicians, both
professional and amateur, have come in num-
bers which have overtaxed the show quarters.
"This enthusiastic reception confirms our
faith in the future of the music dealer and
of Conn instruments," said Mr- Poyser. "The
way Conn dealers have got behind these
shows makes us glad we have cast our lot
with the dealers. During the past three
THE
MUSIC
C. L. Beach, long associated with the Bush
& Lane Piano Co., Holland, Mich., is presi-
dent and treasurer of the Musical Arts Lab-
oratories, Inc., of Grand Rapids, for which
articles of incorporation have been filed in
Lansing, it was made known here today.
Vice-presidents are C. J. Noel and H. A.
Yeider, of Grand Rapids, James F. Campbell,
of Muskegou, is secretary. The officers and
Fred Rudy, of Grand Rapids, compose the
board of directors.
The company will manufacture stringed
musical instruments which are electrified to
improve tonal qualities and increase volume.
Experiments were conducted in Holland for
some time and a demonstration was given
here some time ago.
It is planned to move company headquar-
ters from the Hawkins building in Grand
Rapids to the plant of the Imperial Furniture
Company there, which is to cooperate in the
manufacture of instruments.
Loud Speaker for Mandolin
Hook your mandolin to the radio loud
speaker and give the neighbors a treat. That
is the suggestion of a Pittsburgh inventor,
Russell Truett, who has developed an ampli-
fying device that may be attached to the
ordinary mandolin or guitar and amplify its
tones sufficiently, through a loud speaker, to
fill the ordinary concert hall.
T. V. Williams has been appointed man-
ager of the store of the Rudolph Wurlitzer
Co., at 674 Main street, Buffalo, N. Y.
TRADE
REVIEW,
October, 1932