Music Trade Review
Issue: 1905 Vol. 41 N. 20 - Page 38
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
38
MUSIC TIRADE
REVIEW
THE EDISON COMMERCIAL SYSTEM AT BUSINESS SHOW.
Business men are interested in devices which
reduce wear and tear on the nervous system, and
are time savers as well. The recent exhibit of the
Business Men's Show at Madison Square Gar-
den attracted a great deal of attention, and the
"Edison Commercial System" came in for a full
share of admiration.
Crowds surrounded this booth, which is shown
above, and the interest manifested made it ap-
parent that this new system would speedily win
approval from business men.
Nelson H. Durand, manager of this special de-
partment of the National Phonograph Co., assist-
ed by a competent staff, was present to explain
how useful this method is to the average busi-
ness man. This system means the saving of a
great deal of time in correspondence, and also
has the advantage in that the phonograph is al-
ways ready for use, and correspondence is not
liable to accumulate because the stenographer
may be busy.
The "Commercial System" enables one to do
private dictation, and facilitates ease and com-
fort of office work.
TALKING-MACHINES AND EATING.
proper reproduction? Aside from economy, the
reproduction depends on the needle almost as
much as upon the sound box." True every word,
and the soundest kind of wisdom.
An Episode from the Note Book of a Restaurant
Chef.
"It's a funny thing," said the restaurant man,
"but did -you ever know that music had an effect
on people while they are eating?"
"No," replied the man at the cashier's desk.
"In what way?"
"Well, I'll tell you. Do you Know the tune our
talking machine is playing now?"
The other listened.
" 'Star Spangled Banner,' " he responded,
promptly.
"Just so. Now watch those at the tables. Do
you notice how slowly they are chewing their
food. Every one seems to have plenty of time,
although it is the rush hour. But just wait."
He walked over to the machine and, removing
the record, placed on another. It was "Dixie"
with variations. Immediately there was a quick-
ening of jawbones. Knives and forks moved up
and down with great rapidity.
"See the change?" queries the restaurant man.
"Should say I do," was the reply. "They are
forcing the food down like every second was an
hour."
"You should see them when I put on a still
faster tune."
"I don't think I would care to. I suppose if
you put on an Irish jig they would all have acute
indigestion in five minutes. What do you do if
a man comes in without any teeth?"
"Oh, I put on a dirge or something that will
keep him from getting excited and swallowing
his food without masticating. Oh, there are
tricks in all trades."
ECONOMY IN NEEDLES.
A prominent jobber in sending out his general
printed matter encloses a slip headed, "economy
in needles is extravagance in records," then
clinches this broad and trite statement by add-
ing: "A cheap or worn needle will ruin a five
dollar record in two minutes. Is it economy to
save $1 on a thousand needles (one mill each)
and wear out expensive records and then not get
TALKING MACHINES AND THEIR USES.
What is the educational value of the talking
machine? There we touch' the scientific bedrock
which sooner or later will decide the machine is
to live beyond the period when as a fad it is
amusing. Let us take a trial example. A per-
son, unskilled in the technicalities of music, but
passionately fond of music—and there are mil-
lions in that condition—wishes to know a little
more of the masterpieces which form the classics
of the musician. Possessed of a good "talking
machine," he can listen to works rendered by the
best masters, he learns, instinctively, to discrimi-
nate between the mediocre and the excellent; he
can listen times without number to works ren-
dered perfectly, and he unconsciously becomes a
critic. Though he cannot play a note, he be-
comes critical, and in the future he takes an in-
telligent interest in music. What merely pleases
no longer fascinates him; he must hear what is
good. In other words, the "talking machine" has
educated him. Here we have a real use for the
talking machine; it may be called "The Home
Musician."
And there are other uses for this wonderful
instrument. The trained singer, desirous of ad-
hering to traditional renderings of famous songs
or pieces, can place a record on his machine and
hear how the maestri and prima-donnas have in-
terpreted the works of the master. The talking
machine is an infallible record of what has been
done, and is a standard for the musician to at-
tempt to attain. Eliminate the metallic tone, ap-
parently inseparable from all the modern types of
recording instruments, and this is instinctively
done by any one with a musical bent, and then
we have a machine of almost incalculable value
to the musician. As the editor of Music so perti-
nently says: "He has in his house a record of
the best, and he soon learns to appreciate it."
Again, we have the comparative utility of talk-
ing machines. Two or three important musicians
have rendered the same composition. The critic
has to attend a concert where the same piece is
to be played or sung. He has not heard all the
renderings, but to do justice to his critique he
should be acquainted with what has gone before.
Only the talking machine can supply his want.
He can hear the many records which have been
taken, and then he is in a position to write with
authority. To the musical critic the "talking ma-
chine"—I hate the bastard term—is an absolute
necessity, for it brings all important musicians
of moQern times into his study. He hears the
records, and the impressions are fresh in his
mind; his judgment is, therefore, sounder and his
critiques of greater value, and on the critiques the
reputations of many musicians depend. Here
we find the much-abused "talking machine" act-
ing as the best friend of the coming musician.
And as a record of the past! Generations yet
unthought of can hear the voices and the play-
ing of our present masters, and they will be
benefited and assisted thereby. A hundred years
hence Melba, Caruso and the dead Tamagno will
delight the true musician, will instruct them, and
inspire them to fresh efforts leading to advance-
ment. As an educator, as a guide, a permanent
record, the talking machine is invaluable, and
has justified its place as a musical instrument.
USED COMMERCIAL QRAPHOPHONE.
The Merchants and Manufacturers' Associa-
tion's Special Train Equipped With This In-
strument—Manager Bender's Enterprise Ap-
preciated by All Who Participated.
(Special to The Review.)
Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 9, 1905.
The magnificent special train consisting of
twelve solid vestibuled Pullman cars, which took
the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association
of this city over a 1,500-mile trade-booming excur-
sion during the week ending September 28, was
equipped with Columbia Commercial grapho-
phones and under the supervision of Manager J.
W. Binder, of the Pittsburg Commercial office. An
expert stenographer was provided by the Colum-
bia Co, and the trade boomers, among whom were
representatives of some of the largest mercantile
and manufacturing concerns of Pittsburg, dic-
tated their letters, orders and memoranda direct
to the graphophone and had them transcribed
while the train was in motion; in fact, business
was carried on as in a regular office.
That this convenience was appreciated was ev-
idenced by the fact that a testimonial was drawn
up and presented to the representative of the
Commercial graphophone thanking him for the
excellent and efficient service provided.
A REMARKABLE SHIPMENT.
The foreign department of the Edison Phono-
graph Co. made one shipment recently to Aus-
tralia by the steamship Victoria, sailing from
New York, of 350 tons of Edison phonographs
and records, which was made up in two thou-
sand cases. This is unquestionably the biggest
shipment on'record.
WURLITZER'S BIG VICTOR ORDER.
The Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., Cincinnati, re-
cently placed an order with the Victor Talking
Machine Co. for 1,500 machines and 25,000 rec-
ords. They intend to stock up very heavy for the
fall trade and dealers can secure prompt atten-
tion, as well as filled orders. This well-known
house is having a phenomenal trade.
OPENS BRANCH IN GLOVERSVILLE.
The American Phonograph Co., Gloversville,
N. Y., have recently opened a new jobbing branch
at 34 Church street, Burlington, Vt., carrying an
immense stock of all the different types of Edison
phonographs and records, as well as the many
styles of horns and supplies.
RAY INCORPORATES.
C. A. Ray, dealer in talking machines, at
Louisville, Ky., has incorporated his business.
THE
38
MUSIC TIRADE
REVIEW
THE EDISON COMMERCIAL SYSTEM AT BUSINESS SHOW.
Business men are interested in devices which
reduce wear and tear on the nervous system, and
are time savers as well. The recent exhibit of the
Business Men's Show at Madison Square Gar-
den attracted a great deal of attention, and the
"Edison Commercial System" came in for a full
share of admiration.
Crowds surrounded this booth, which is shown
above, and the interest manifested made it ap-
parent that this new system would speedily win
approval from business men.
Nelson H. Durand, manager of this special de-
partment of the National Phonograph Co., assist-
ed by a competent staff, was present to explain
how useful this method is to the average busi-
ness man. This system means the saving of a
great deal of time in correspondence, and also
has the advantage in that the phonograph is al-
ways ready for use, and correspondence is not
liable to accumulate because the stenographer
may be busy.
The "Commercial System" enables one to do
private dictation, and facilitates ease and com-
fort of office work.
TALKING-MACHINES AND EATING.
proper reproduction? Aside from economy, the
reproduction depends on the needle almost as
much as upon the sound box." True every word,
and the soundest kind of wisdom.
An Episode from the Note Book of a Restaurant
Chef.
"It's a funny thing," said the restaurant man,
"but did -you ever know that music had an effect
on people while they are eating?"
"No," replied the man at the cashier's desk.
"In what way?"
"Well, I'll tell you. Do you Know the tune our
talking machine is playing now?"
The other listened.
" 'Star Spangled Banner,' " he responded,
promptly.
"Just so. Now watch those at the tables. Do
you notice how slowly they are chewing their
food. Every one seems to have plenty of time,
although it is the rush hour. But just wait."
He walked over to the machine and, removing
the record, placed on another. It was "Dixie"
with variations. Immediately there was a quick-
ening of jawbones. Knives and forks moved up
and down with great rapidity.
"See the change?" queries the restaurant man.
"Should say I do," was the reply. "They are
forcing the food down like every second was an
hour."
"You should see them when I put on a still
faster tune."
"I don't think I would care to. I suppose if
you put on an Irish jig they would all have acute
indigestion in five minutes. What do you do if
a man comes in without any teeth?"
"Oh, I put on a dirge or something that will
keep him from getting excited and swallowing
his food without masticating. Oh, there are
tricks in all trades."
ECONOMY IN NEEDLES.
A prominent jobber in sending out his general
printed matter encloses a slip headed, "economy
in needles is extravagance in records," then
clinches this broad and trite statement by add-
ing: "A cheap or worn needle will ruin a five
dollar record in two minutes. Is it economy to
save $1 on a thousand needles (one mill each)
and wear out expensive records and then not get
TALKING MACHINES AND THEIR USES.
What is the educational value of the talking
machine? There we touch' the scientific bedrock
which sooner or later will decide the machine is
to live beyond the period when as a fad it is
amusing. Let us take a trial example. A per-
son, unskilled in the technicalities of music, but
passionately fond of music—and there are mil-
lions in that condition—wishes to know a little
more of the masterpieces which form the classics
of the musician. Possessed of a good "talking
machine," he can listen to works rendered by the
best masters, he learns, instinctively, to discrimi-
nate between the mediocre and the excellent; he
can listen times without number to works ren-
dered perfectly, and he unconsciously becomes a
critic. Though he cannot play a note, he be-
comes critical, and in the future he takes an in-
telligent interest in music. What merely pleases
no longer fascinates him; he must hear what is
good. In other words, the "talking machine" has
educated him. Here we have a real use for the
talking machine; it may be called "The Home
Musician."
And there are other uses for this wonderful
instrument. The trained singer, desirous of ad-
hering to traditional renderings of famous songs
or pieces, can place a record on his machine and
hear how the maestri and prima-donnas have in-
terpreted the works of the master. The talking
machine is an infallible record of what has been
done, and is a standard for the musician to at-
tempt to attain. Eliminate the metallic tone, ap-
parently inseparable from all the modern types of
recording instruments, and this is instinctively
done by any one with a musical bent, and then
we have a machine of almost incalculable value
to the musician. As the editor of Music so perti-
nently says: "He has in his house a record of
the best, and he soon learns to appreciate it."
Again, we have the comparative utility of talk-
ing machines. Two or three important musicians
have rendered the same composition. The critic
has to attend a concert where the same piece is
to be played or sung. He has not heard all the
renderings, but to do justice to his critique he
should be acquainted with what has gone before.
Only the talking machine can supply his want.
He can hear the many records which have been
taken, and then he is in a position to write with
authority. To the musical critic the "talking ma-
chine"—I hate the bastard term—is an absolute
necessity, for it brings all important musicians
of moQern times into his study. He hears the
records, and the impressions are fresh in his
mind; his judgment is, therefore, sounder and his
critiques of greater value, and on the critiques the
reputations of many musicians depend. Here
we find the much-abused "talking machine" act-
ing as the best friend of the coming musician.
And as a record of the past! Generations yet
unthought of can hear the voices and the play-
ing of our present masters, and they will be
benefited and assisted thereby. A hundred years
hence Melba, Caruso and the dead Tamagno will
delight the true musician, will instruct them, and
inspire them to fresh efforts leading to advance-
ment. As an educator, as a guide, a permanent
record, the talking machine is invaluable, and
has justified its place as a musical instrument.
USED COMMERCIAL QRAPHOPHONE.
The Merchants and Manufacturers' Associa-
tion's Special Train Equipped With This In-
strument—Manager Bender's Enterprise Ap-
preciated by All Who Participated.
(Special to The Review.)
Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 9, 1905.
The magnificent special train consisting of
twelve solid vestibuled Pullman cars, which took
the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association
of this city over a 1,500-mile trade-booming excur-
sion during the week ending September 28, was
equipped with Columbia Commercial grapho-
phones and under the supervision of Manager J.
W. Binder, of the Pittsburg Commercial office. An
expert stenographer was provided by the Colum-
bia Co, and the trade boomers, among whom were
representatives of some of the largest mercantile
and manufacturing concerns of Pittsburg, dic-
tated their letters, orders and memoranda direct
to the graphophone and had them transcribed
while the train was in motion; in fact, business
was carried on as in a regular office.
That this convenience was appreciated was ev-
idenced by the fact that a testimonial was drawn
up and presented to the representative of the
Commercial graphophone thanking him for the
excellent and efficient service provided.
A REMARKABLE SHIPMENT.
The foreign department of the Edison Phono-
graph Co. made one shipment recently to Aus-
tralia by the steamship Victoria, sailing from
New York, of 350 tons of Edison phonographs
and records, which was made up in two thou-
sand cases. This is unquestionably the biggest
shipment on'record.
WURLITZER'S BIG VICTOR ORDER.
The Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., Cincinnati, re-
cently placed an order with the Victor Talking
Machine Co. for 1,500 machines and 25,000 rec-
ords. They intend to stock up very heavy for the
fall trade and dealers can secure prompt atten-
tion, as well as filled orders. This well-known
house is having a phenomenal trade.
OPENS BRANCH IN GLOVERSVILLE.
The American Phonograph Co., Gloversville,
N. Y., have recently opened a new jobbing branch
at 34 Church street, Burlington, Vt., carrying an
immense stock of all the different types of Edison
phonographs and records, as well as the many
styles of horns and supplies.
RAY INCORPORATES.
C. A. Ray, dealer in talking machines, at
Louisville, Ky., has incorporated his business.
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).