The Pre-Aeolian Mason & Hamlin Model BB 7' Semi-Concert Grand - one of the greatest piano designs in history! This is where Richard Gertz went after innovating at Steinway over a decade earlier. The tension resonator, the extra wide soundboard, as well as the scale design of these instruments in incomparable. Beautiful tone to this instrument matches the thunderous bass of a massively built double rim grand piano! Stunning restoration!
That is one beautiful sounding and stunning looking piano and you clearly love playing it! We don’t really see these instruments in Europe so thank you for showcasing this lovely example on your website.
This piano sounds glorious and I so enjoy your playing on your informative videos. I wish I had purchased this particular piano when it was available. I would have flown down to SoCal for this one. Anyway, I am following your website now that I am in the market for a high quality grand piano. I particularly love your choice of pieces and performance on this Mason and Hamlin.
You're absolutely right. I think the shots have more of feel that's typically of a crane setup. My guess would be that they're using a crane now during filming. It's a nice addition. I like it.
RetroGamerVX Hey Guys, this is Mike. I'm the one who does all the filming here at Living Pianos. Yes, we have had the crane for a long time but in our new store we are finally able to use it for filming the pianos. Thanks for the comments.
Yes, it is very effective and nice too see. Can I request, if possible, as he's playing, is it possible to use it to see the mechanicsm going, that would be really good? :)
Everything we film is live and we don't cut during performances. Basically I catch what I can and get the rig out of the way oi the other camera before he is finished. We are using a wide lens on the crane so getting close up to the mechanism would be pretty difficult. I will try some different angles but we are limited on what we can achieve and still maintain the authenticity of the performance.
FrancescoGuardi In Europe there are many good local brands to choose from. On stages I believe Steinway are dominate, they have a Hamburg factory. It's easier to travel to Hamburg to hand pick instruments. Nobody should buy such expensive instruments without testing them first.
Hi Robert I lire your vidéo Lové this piano I m a big fan of Mason ,got 4 I havé a BB 2006 Wood action,also model A 1917 ,1924 and a upright srewsringer 1887 What is thé différence between thé old ones and mine specially for the BB ? Some people move the capstain on Mason to light the action What do you think about this ? Tks Charles
charles1951ful As an owner of 4 Mason & Hamlin pianos, you must have a good perspective on this subject! Mason & Hamlin have not fundamentally changed the design of their pianos. However, there are some substantial changes. The most significant difference between vintage Mason & Hamlin pianos and the ones being manufactured today is the action. Mason & Hamlin is utilizing Wessel Nickel & Gross actions which are made entirely of composite materials instead of traditional wood. Here is a video that touches on this topic: livingpianos.com/piano-parts/wood-piano-actions-vs-plastic-piano-actions/ The other aspect of the current models that differs is that Mason & Hamlin is going for a more European sound instead of the fat, immersive sound of the instruments they manufactured in the past. As for older style capstan actions, if they are regulated well they can be quite serviceable. However, newer style actions are generally easier to regulate to a high level.
The Pre-Aeolian Mason & Hamlin Model BB 7' Semi-Concert Grand - one of the greatest piano designs in history! This is where Richard Gertz went after innovating at Steinway over a decade earlier. The tension resonator, the extra wide soundboard, as well as the scale design of these instruments in incomparable. Beautiful tone to this instrument matches the thunderous bass of a massively built double rim grand piano! Stunning restoration!
This piano is absolutely stunning!
That is one beautiful sounding and stunning looking piano and you clearly love playing it! We don’t really see these instruments in Europe so thank you for showcasing this lovely example on your website.
A lovely sounding, all rounder piano. Amazing for a 7' grand.
RADIAL TENSIONER!!!!!makes their soundboard almost indestructible.
Beautifully piano . . . and beautifully played, as usual; loved the Chopin particularly.
That Bass and lower register are fantastic!!!
Beautiful!
What a dream the BB is!
This piano sounds glorious and I so enjoy your playing on your informative videos. I wish I had purchased this particular piano when it was available. I would have flown down to SoCal for this one. Anyway, I am following your website now that I am in the market for a high quality grand piano. I particularly love your choice of pieces and performance on this Mason and Hamlin.
Why aren´t any videos of complete performances on these amazing pianos?
the music rack is up
I think somebod has a new camera rig? ;o) Nice video :o)
You're absolutely right. I think the shots have more of feel that's typically of a crane setup. My guess would be that they're using a crane now during filming. It's a nice addition. I like it.
Meng Vang agreed colours are good , needs focusing?
RetroGamerVX Hey Guys, this is Mike. I'm the one who does all the filming here at Living Pianos. Yes, we have had the crane for a long time but in our new store we are finally able to use it for filming the pianos. Thanks for the comments.
Yes, it is very effective and nice too see. Can I request, if possible, as he's playing, is it possible to use it to see the mechanicsm going, that would be really good? :)
Everything we film is live and we don't cut during performances. Basically I catch what I can and get the rig out of the way oi the other camera before he is finished. We are using a wide lens on the crane so getting close up to the mechanism would be pretty difficult. I will try some different angles but we are limited on what we can achieve and still maintain the authenticity of the performance.
Chopin and Liszt would have loved this Piano!!
Why doesn't play Mason & Hamlin any roll in Europe? I never saw one on stage here...
Is itbavailable in Europe?
Yes! I recently played on a M&H grand in a piano shop in Oslo, Norway :) It was marvelous!
FrancescoGuardi In Europe there are many good local brands to choose from. On stages I believe Steinway are dominate, they have a Hamburg factory. It's easier to travel to Hamburg to hand pick instruments. Nobody should buy such expensive instruments without testing them first.
Hi Robert
I lire your vidéo
Lové this piano
I m a big fan of Mason ,got 4
I havé a BB 2006 Wood action,also model A 1917 ,1924 and a upright srewsringer 1887
What is thé différence between thé old ones and mine specially for the BB ?
Some people move the capstain on Mason to light the action
What do you think about this ?
Tks
Charles
charles1951ful As an owner of 4 Mason & Hamlin pianos, you must have a good perspective on this subject! Mason & Hamlin have not fundamentally changed the design of their pianos. However, there are some substantial changes. The most significant difference between vintage Mason & Hamlin pianos and the ones being manufactured today is the action. Mason & Hamlin is utilizing Wessel Nickel & Gross actions which are made entirely of composite materials instead of traditional wood. Here is a video that touches on this topic: livingpianos.com/piano-parts/wood-piano-actions-vs-plastic-piano-actions/
The other aspect of the current models that differs is that Mason & Hamlin is going for a more European sound instead of the fat, immersive sound of the instruments they manufactured in the past.
As for older style capstan actions, if they are regulated well they can be quite serviceable. However, newer style actions are generally easier to regulate to a high level.
I want one! Crowdfunding anyone? ;)
No
Nice but still prefer Steinway tones for Chopin.. Very close
Oh, how I wish the piano was in tune...it doesn't represent the piano...