I met Paolo Fazioli in 1985 at International piano Galleries in North Little Rock Arkansas. They were the first Distrbutors of the Fazioli pianos in the US. As we were looking at the pianos in the show room Paolo made this statement that has stuck with me, he said that the Mason and Hamlin pianos were the best engineered of the American pianos.
I'm a proud owner of a 1930 Mason & Hamlin A that needs some help; the ivory's keep coming off but still plays wonderfully. My tuner states the wood is shrinking and bone does not. A long time ago I lived with a friend of mine who had a big living room; he had his father's seven foot 1927 Steinway. What we concluded was Bach sounded better on the Steinway but the Chopin was better on the Mason & Hamlin. On occasion pro musicians came by; they would first start playing on the Steinway then would play on the Mason & Hamlin and never go back to the Steinway. The Mason & Hamlin had more sustain than the Steinway I’m assuming due to Patent resonator (Which would be a truss rod on a guitar).
I grew up on a Steinway, but have heard some astonishing performances from both a Fazioli and a Bosendorfer. I rarely play now, because it feels too much like exercise. It's more taxing physically than I feel it should be. But when I listen, what a sound!!
Couldn't agree more. The engineering on Charles Walters is simply outstanding and their gorgeous sound reflects that. Currently a 1500 owner and my dream piano is the W190. **chef kiss** Floors everything else I've played on.
I used to work in piano restoration. Mason and Hamlin had the thickest rims imaginable compared to other top tier grands. Unbelievably heavy pianos and great instruments.
I can't seem to find anything about them being closed and their website seems to indithey are still in business. I have a beautiful CW Absolutely love it's sound quality and feel.
@@rogershaffer1Mason and Hamlin closed at one point. They were brought back alive by the Burgett brothers when the piano company was underwater and in bankruptcy
A well-done presentation, however it would be nice if the camera dwelled a bit longer on each factory worker. For instance, let's see the bellyman cut a few bridge notches before moving on.
Cunningham has a very impressive shop for piano rebuilding and reconditioning, but like matthewraden5210 states, their new pianos are manufactured in China.
As a proud owner of Mason & Hamlin AA from their golden years, there is not another piano like it. Money being no object, I wouldnt replace it for a new Bechstein, Shimmel, Fazioli, Busendorf, or Steinway. We are a M&H home. One day I hope to have the space (and funds) to get a BB.
The piano--the fortepiano--was not first manufactured in Vienna. It was introduced there and other countries following its genesis in Italy. I suspect they skipped over the fp in favor of the modern style, but given the rapid evolution of the instrument, one really has to go back to the fp as the first. It was the first piano.
0:39 Incorrect, made in USA are also Charles Walter (Elkhart, Indiana) and Ravenscroft (Scottsdale, Arizona), and they are of the finest pianos in the world. Charles Walter pianos in particular are the Steinway's of the 21st Century.
I don't play piano but would love to have a baby grand in my new house that I'm building . So a model A Mason & Hamlin is coming up for auction . serial number # 33134 . It's going to need a total restoration , but the ivory is in great shape . So if I get the winning bid where would I take it for restoration ? And yes I have talented friends that play .
Baldwin was once the most prolific piano maker because they marketed to families with. they’re budget conscious approach. Baldwin pianos are high quality and the company is still in business.
Augiedavis: I agree. The younger gentleman's subject/verb conjugation is not without its faults, either. M&H might have given you and me their copy to proofread before this video was shot.
I met Paolo Fazioli in 1985 at International piano Galleries in North Little Rock Arkansas.
They were the first Distrbutors of the Fazioli pianos in the US.
As we were looking at the pianos in the show room Paolo made this statement that has stuck with me, he said that the Mason and Hamlin pianos were the best engineered of the American pianos.
Victor! You grew up! What an excellent and articulate presentation. Congratulations - we wish you every success.
One of my favourite built pianos. With over 40 years experience I have seen them all.
There’s actually a total of 3 piano manufacturers left in the USA. Steinway & Sons, Mason & Hamlin, and Charles Walter.
I thought so, there is a Walter Piano factory in Elkhart, IN
Baldwin's completely gone?
Love the inside look into the process of creating these beautiful instruments.
I'm a proud owner of a 1930 Mason & Hamlin A that needs some help; the ivory's keep coming off but still plays wonderfully. My tuner states the wood is shrinking and bone does not. A long time ago I lived with a friend of mine who had a big living room; he had his father's seven foot 1927 Steinway. What we concluded was Bach sounded better on the Steinway but the Chopin was better on the Mason & Hamlin. On occasion pro musicians came by; they would first start playing on the Steinway then would play on the Mason & Hamlin and never go back to the Steinway. The Mason & Hamlin had more sustain than the Steinway I’m assuming due to Patent resonator (Which would be a truss rod on a guitar).
If the wood is shrinking the room may be humidity deficient. Add a humidifier and maintain around 45-50% humidity.
Wow… I only knew about Steinway… I’m very happy to see there are other American piano manufacturers.
This reminds my very much of the Vintage Vibe electric piano story. The only American electric piano manufacturer. Happy to see this.
(Yes late reply.) Was anyone in the world manufacturing electric pianos when Vintage Vibe started from scratch production? (2011 if I'm not mistaken.)
I grew up on a Steinway, but have heard some astonishing performances from both a Fazioli and a Bosendorfer. I rarely play now, because it feels too much like exercise. It's more taxing physically than I feel it should be. But when I listen, what a sound!!
So well done, Hustle!
M&H pianos are truly spectacular! I want one so badly! ❤
I just learned so much, I never knew about this company. Thank you for sharing!
Charles Walter, made in Indiana, is my favorite. Incredible workmanship and sound.
Couldn't agree more. The engineering on Charles Walters is simply outstanding and their gorgeous sound reflects that. Currently a 1500 owner and my dream piano is the W190. **chef kiss** Floors everything else I've played on.
I used to work in piano restoration. Mason and Hamlin had the thickest rims imaginable compared to other top tier grands. Unbelievably heavy pianos and great instruments.
Nicely produced!
You forgot Charles Walter in Elkhart, IN.
How did you miss Charles Walter?
uhmmm, Charles Walter Piano company in Elkhart, IN is a manufacturer in the USA!
Closed. But to be restarted again
Yeah, I was thinking about that. And its affordable.
I can't seem to find anything about them being closed and their website seems to indithey are still in business. I have a beautiful CW Absolutely love it's sound quality and feel.
i live just down the road from CW. They never closed and continue to produce fine pianos as always. Don't know how these rummers get started.
@@rogershaffer1Mason and Hamlin closed at one point. They were brought back alive by the Burgett brothers when the piano company was underwater and in bankruptcy
A well-done presentation, however it would be nice if the camera dwelled a bit longer on each factory worker. For instance, let's see the bellyman cut a few bridge notches before moving on.
Cunningham pianos and organs are still manufactured in Philadelphia.
They are made in China and finished at their factory in the U.S. They have a close relationship with Hailun.
Cunningham has a very impressive shop for piano rebuilding and reconditioning, but like matthewraden5210 states, their new pianos are manufactured in China.
There are more than two remaining. Four, at least, I think.
Ravenscroft pianos in Arizona.
As a proud owner of Mason & Hamlin AA from their golden years, there is not another piano like it. Money being no object, I wouldnt replace it for a new Bechstein, Shimmel, Fazioli, Busendorf, or Steinway. We are a M&H home. One day I hope to have the space (and funds) to get a BB.
Mason and Hamlin's valued spokesman is the multi-talented jazz artist Brian Culbertson.
I thought Charles Walter were also still being made in the USA? Is this no longer the case?
They are, likely an oversight, an easy one for those who don't know.
The piano--the fortepiano--was not first manufactured in Vienna. It was introduced there and other countries following its genesis in Italy. I suspect they skipped over the fp in favor of the modern style, but given the rapid evolution of the instrument, one really has to go back to the fp as the first. It was the first piano.
0:39 Incorrect, made in USA are also Charles Walter (Elkhart, Indiana) and Ravenscroft (Scottsdale, Arizona), and they are of the finest pianos in the world. Charles Walter pianos in particular are the Steinway's of the 21st Century.
Thanos likes to put everything in balance. As it should be. And ever since he got that Infinity Guantlet, it's a snap. ;)
I don't play piano but would love to have a baby grand in my new house that I'm building . So a model A Mason & Hamlin is coming up for auction . serial number # 33134 . It's going to need a total restoration , but the ivory is in great shape . So if I get the winning bid where would I take it for restoration ? And yes I have talented friends that play .
Baldwin was once the most prolific piano maker because they marketed to families with. they’re budget conscious approach. Baldwin pianos are high quality and the company is still in business.
Wow, shame they snubbed Charles Walter as another American-made piano company. Basic research, "The Hustle." ...
Ravenscroft, in Arizona, make amazing pianos, too. I saw Stevie Worder seriously checking one out at NAMM a few years ago.
No credit to the narrator?
There are three piano makers in the US. Charles Walter is the third.
Keith: There are four. Ravenscroft is the fourth.
@@davidhughes4448 I've never heard of them.
Cable Co world's fair
Mason and Hamlin IS - NOT are. The sentence references ONE company. Back to third grade for the narrator.
Augiedavis: I agree. The younger gentleman's subject/verb conjugation is not without its faults, either. M&H might have given you and me their copy to proofread before this video was shot.
Please stop the sound effects!!!! It is not a pc game.
There’s of course the Ravencroft too