27
PRESTO
June 26, 1920.
SOME GOOD ONES
Foremost Features of a Few of the Phono-
graphs Now in the Eye of the Trade, with
Suggestions as to Why They Seem.
to Be Winning.
From the "Phonograph Directory & Guide." "
(Presto Trade Lists, No. 2.)
Notwithstanding the fact that in their es-
sential parts and features phonographs are
much alike, it is equally true that they differ
largely in that often almost indefinable com-
pound known as "quality." They differ in the
quality of the materials employed and they dif-
fer in the quality of workmanship. And there
are phonographs that are distinguished by spe-
cial, and often patented, features by which
they are lifted above the general run of such
instruments. Furthermore, there is in phono-
graphs, as in other things, that indefinable
something that suggests a near-perfection, due,
in some degree, to accident but more largely
to the aims and ambitions of their manufac-
turers.
And while a phonograph guide may not be
so much needed as Presto Buyers' Guide to
pianos has proved itself to have been, there is,
nevertheless, a place for the descriptive matter
which follows. It must be understood that
there is no effort to include all of the phono-
graphs in this chapter. Only the foremost
instruments are embraced in what is here said,
the purpose of which is to help the purchaser
and, in so doing, also to help the dealer and,
equally, the manufacturers of reliable instru-
ments.
This remarkable instrument is a com-
APOLLO-
bination of artistic player-piano and
PHONE
fine phonograph. It was the first
instrument of its kind to appear, and it has met
with approval of critics of tone and tone-producing
mechanism. It is designed for the most discriminat-
ing class of purchasers, and it fills the highest ex-
PERFECT PUNCHFNGS
AT
C F GOEPEL* CO
137 E A S T I3 T -5 ST.
NEWYORK
WILLIAMS
PIANOS
The policy of the Williams House is and always
has been to depend upon excellence of product
instead of alluring price. Such a policy does not
attract bargain hunters. It does, however, win the
hearty approval and support of a very desirable
an,d substantial patronage.
WII I IAMS M " kc ™ of Williams Pumoi.
YY1LL1AM3 E p w o r t h p i a n o g a a d Ortmum
pectations of all who inspect it and realize its re-
markable characteristics. The phonograph and
player-piano are made to play together by means of
synchronized accompaniment rolls; in consequence,
it is easily possible to reproduce the singing of
great artists with flesh and blood accompaniments.
Manufactured by The Apollo Company, DeKalb,
Illinois.
distinctly high grade instrument
lc by one of the powerful piano
industries of the country. This ma-
chine has a number of special features, one of which
is a device by which accurate expression may be
secured and tone shading controlled. This feature
has been widely exploited and has met with ap-
proval of critics and scientists. Made by The
Aeolian Company, Aeolian Hall, New York.
AEOLIAN-
^
ma<
The claim of this instrument is that,
ARIONOLA by the use of the "reflex system of
sound expansion," the sound waves
arc thrown against the wooden back and sides of
the sound chamber, and reflected directly into the
room. Attractive instruments sold at moderate
prices. Made by the Arion Manufacturing Co., Bos-
ton. Emerson Phonograph Co., Inc., distributors,
3 West 35th street, New York.
This expressive name is applied to
the instruments of the Grand Rapids
Phonograph Co., and the products of
this company are, fortunately, in keeping with the
promise of the name. L'Artiste phonographs are
noted for rarely beautiful designs, and the tonal
requisites of first class talking machines. Grand
Rapids Phonograph Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan.
L'ARTISTE
Manufactured by an old-established
ALETHE-
reed organ industry, this instrument
TONE
presents a handsome appearance and
is sold at very reasonable prices. The case de-
signs are unique and durable. The reproducing
effects are good and the tone clear and resonant.
Made by the Stevens Organ & Piano Co., Marietta,
Ohio.
Seven cabinet models of this machine
AMERICAN are produced. They are well-made
and attractive. The variety of styles
is good and the makers are enthusiastic in their
workmanship. The trade finds desirable oppor-
tunities in the American. Manufactured by the
American Phonograph Co., Grand Rapids, Mich-
igan.
e s
ec a
^ ^ P ' l Mature of this admirable
phonograph is the second, or addi-
tional sound chamber. While the en-
tire instrument is in every particular finely con-
structed, and marked by tone power and clarity, the
Ampliphone invention insures life-like reproduction
of both vocal and instrumental effects. This phono-
graph is the result of more than twenty-five years'
experience in the manufacture and sale of musical
instruments—of tone producing devices. Mr. F. A.
Knight, who heads the Ampliphone Co., is widely
known in this line of industry, and his name is all
the guaranty necessary. The Ampliphone styles are
beautiful and they are equipped with shelves and
albums for preserving and classifying the records.
Made by The Ampliphone Company, Republic
Bldg., Chicago. (See also page 89 of this book.)
AMPLI
The special feature of this instru-
ART-
ment is the Lux-fiber cabinet. The
KRAFT
effect is attractive. The trimmings
are finished in nickel and gold, as desired. Made
by the Lakeside Supply Co., Inc., 416 So. Dearborn
street, Chicago.
Special features are the reedware
ARISTO-
cabinets and an electric motor. The
CRAT
cabinets are woven of cut reeds and
the trimmings arc of ivory. The ^effect is unique
and artistic. Plays any disc without attachment.
Necessarily a high priced machine. Made by the
the Chicago Reedware Mfg. Co., 1523 Carroll ave-
nue, Chicago.
A good name applied to phonographs
ARTONIAN of the E. P. Johnson Co., Elgin, 111.
Talking machines of good quality,
produced in limited numbers especially for the deal-
ers in the pianos of the same manufacturers. Have
attained to popular place in the trade. Made by
the E. P. Johnson Piano Co., Elgin, 111.
Known also as the "Wonder" instru-
ment, largely because of the auto-
matic repeating feature by which
any selection may be played over any desired num-
ber of times. This is a strong point in favor of
the Brooks phonographs, and it is appreciated, as
is shown by the demand which has grown to great
proportions. Brooks phonographs are admirable
instruments in every respect and, as its makers say,
"it is a self advertiser." Handsome cabinets and
simplicity of operation make the Brooks a desirable
BROOKS
agency. Manufactured by the Brooks Mfg. Co.,
Saginaw, Mich. See also page 97 of this book.
•RTTQW
A T ANF
Phonographs which bear this name,
famous in the world of musical in-
struments, are made by men who
have made a life study of musical sound and its
production. These instruments are phonographs in
the highest sense. They are beautiful to the eye
and absolutely satisfying to the ear. In the words
of the manufacturers, "the Bush & Lane phono-
graph is a perfect musical instrument." And there
can be no disputing that there is nothing better
made. Manufactured by the Bush & Lane Piano
Co., Holland, Michigan.
See also page 57 of
this book.
Cabinets of exclusive design are
claimed for this machine. Period
models are also featured and the five
models retail from below $100 to prices consistent
with exclusive productions. As the name suggests,
the Beacon machines are characteristic of New
England thoroughness. Made by the Beacon Phono-
graph Company, 248 Boylston street, Boston.
BEACON
A name that has been familiar for
more than a half-century in connec-
tion with billiard tables. Phono-
graphs are in a sense allied because they demand
skill in cabinet work and strength in construction.
Brunswick phonographs present several special fea-
tures. They include the "Ultona," by which all
records may be played, and the Tone Amplifier, an
oval shaped vibrant tone chamber. Made by the
Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co., Chicago.
BRUNS-
WICK
One of the old names in the talking
COLUMBIA machine business. Instruments of
established reputation and wide sale.
As pioneers in the industry, the manufacturers had
a long start ahead of the later products of equally
ambitious manufacturers. Manufactured by the Co-
lumbia Graphophone Co. Executive offices, Wool-
worth Building, New York City.
This is the name of a phonograph
which has been extensively adver-
tised, and in which there is merit.
It is produced under the sustaining force of the
house of Marshall Field & Co., which guarantees
its financial responsibility. Handsome cabinets and
good final results. Made by the Cheney Talking
Machine Co., 24 N. Wabash avenue, Chicago.
CHENEY
The unique name of a good line of
CARDINAL phonographs. The cabinet designs
are attractive and the performance of
the instruments is commendable. This instrument
is advertised as "the Phonograph with a Person-
ality"—a good catch line and largely true in its ap-
plication. Manufactured by the Cardinal Phono-
graph Company, Newark, Ohio.
m AVTrtH
OLA
Features an automatic stop and
a d o p t s the trade-mark, "Golden
Throat." Solid construction, hand-
some styles and good tone quality. Has attractive
line of literature and goes well in the trade. Made
by the Brenard Manufacturing Company, Iowa City,
Iowa.
CHARMA
Popular machines produced in a good
PHOMF " variety of cabinets. Play all records
and sell at moderate prices. Feature
a tone modifier and the manufacturers make a cus-
tom of printing wholesale figures in their trade
paper advertising. The Charmaphone Company, 39
West 42d street, New York.
CLFAR
TONE "
Catchy name for a machine which,
according to its makers, "speaks for
itself." Features quantity production
and popular prices. Cases are pretty and industry
shows enterprise. Made by the Lucky 13 Phono-
graph Co., 46 East 12th street, New York.
This favorite instrument is also
CAMERON known as the "Truetone." It is a
standard talking machine produced
in a fine variety of cabinet designs. A special fea-
ture of the "Cameron" is the Modulator, by which
the tone-volume is graduated for individual inter-
pretation of the music. The "Cameron" is durable
in every respect, and it has a large sale to discrim-
inating people. Manufactured by the Cameron
Phonograph Co., Inc., 145 West 45th street, New
York City. See also page 101 of this book.
Handsome phonographs noted for
DALION fine cabinet designs and thoroughly
reliable mechanical parts. They are
produced in a large variety of styles and the prices
range from a very small figure—and very popular—
to those of some of the most famous makes. Some
of the Dalion styles are equipped with the Duplex
Reproducer, which has become a favorite feature.
A line of talking machines which has won success
and is in large demand. Manufactured by the Mil-
waukee Talking Machine Mfg. Co., Milwaukee, Wis.
(To be continued next week.)
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