Grand pianos Mason & Hamlin for sale

Instruments such as pianos have been manufactured worldwide for about 300 years. Initially, they were unique instruments used exclusively by renowned musicians. Generally, it can be assumed that pianos have been widely available for about 150-200 years.

Today, there are many brands of these instruments, but they are often no longer produced in the country where they were originally made. This presents a challenge, as it is no longer possible to determine by name where the piano was manufactured – initially produced, for example, in Germany, it may now be produced in Asia. To better understand this topic, it is worth deepening one's knowledge before purchasing an instrument. In America, out of hundreds of factories, only three brands of instruments are still produced there.

American Mason & Hamlin Pianos

One of these brands is the legendary Mason & Hamlin. If you are familiar with the world of pianos, these exceptional instruments are certainly known to you. And if not, this article may help you! The history of the Mason & Hamlin factory begins in Boston in 1854. The name comes from the surnames of two remarkable individuals – pianist Henry Mason and inventor and mechanic Emmons Hamlin. These two people were united by the desire to create the best instrument in the world. Henry's father, Lowell Mason, was a composer and teacher who was the first to introduce music into American public schools!

Initially, the Mason & Hamlin factory produced reed organs, like many factories at that time. After about 20 years, they became the leading producer of reed organs, and also created harmonium organs and cabinet organs. One of Hamlin's inventions was introducing the sounds of various instruments into organs. In 1881, they began producing upright and grand pianos, employing the best technicians to develop the Mason & Hamlin brand. They also stood out by using the highest quality materials.

At the beginning of the 20th century, this was already a highly respected brand of instruments. These were the best years for the Mason & Hamlin factory. For the following years, they produced excellent upright and grand pianos, and even during the Great Depression, the factory operated, although it was a very difficult period. From 1924 to 1982, Mason & Hamlin was owned first by the American Piano Company, then by Aeolian and Aeolian – American Company (it was acquired like most significant American piano manufacturers).

From 1983 to 1995, the company was sold several times, becoming, among others, the property of Sohmer Piano in 1985. In 1989, the factory was moved to Haverhill, Massachusetts. Finally, in 1996, the owners of Mason & Hamlin became the creators of PianoDisc – a manufacturer of player piano systems. Brothers Gary and Kirk Burgett decided to buy the factory after learning about its bankruptcy. Kirk was a longtime specialist and piano technician, while Gary was a piano teacher. The new owners set a goal to restore the brand's former glory, and they succeeded within a few years.

Today, Mason & Hamlin pianos are produced in a multi-story factory in Haverhill and distributed throughout North America, Canada, Asia, and Europe.

Innovations in Mason & Hamlin Pianos

Mason & Hamlin pianos stand out with several innovations – among them is a thick, stable frame made of maple wood and a tension resonator placed in a steel six-armed retention crown. This system ensures that the frame will not change its shape for many years (introduced in 1900 and later patented by president Richard W. Gertz). Today, Mason & Hamlin pianos also use a fully carbon, extremely durable Wessel Nickel and Gross mechanism.

Interestingly, Mason & Hamlin produces a very narrow line of grand pianos and only one model of upright piano – a tradition that has lasted for many years.

Their range includes five models of grand pianos. The small Mason & Hamlin grand pianos include the smallest model B - 5’4’’ baby grand piano, and the larger model A - 5’8’’.

The larger grand pianos include models AA – 6’4’’, BB – 7’0’’, and the largest produced, the CC – 9’4’’.

You might be wondering how much Mason & Hamlin grand pianos cost?

These instruments, due to traditional production methods and the highest quality materials, are mainly owned by professional musicians and institutions. The price of a new Mason & Hamlin grand piano ranges from $60,000 (model B) to even $150,000 (model CC). It is difficult to determine the price of a refurbished Mason & Hamlin grand piano – it depends on the condition and production date.