[CAUT] Hazelton Bros NY 5'6" grand

[David Stocker]

I took care of one of these made in the early 20's. Played like a truck, especially after someone else rebuilt it and added so many key leads you had to lift up a couple of keys to get them to repeat. Yanked most of the lead out, carved up the hammers, regulated it and it still played like a truck Del Fandrich measured out the geometry for me and I wound up moving the capstans about 11 mm. Wow, what a difference! 

I have to agree on churches rarely selling something useful. I would ask why. I would presume it is entirely worn out. 

David Stocker, RPT
Tumwater, WA



From: Shawn Hansen 
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2010 21:22
To: caut at ptg.org 
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Hazelton Bros NY 5'6" grand


I have rebuilt one that was that size from 1918, if I remember correctly. 
It really came out quite nicely.  Kept old board, shimmed and helped out the ribs that were loose, and then recapped the bridge.  Full action rebuild and when that was done, David Stanwood was thrilled about the geometry and ratio on the piano.  I think it had a great sound.  No telling what their consistency was like, but would like to hear about what this one is like.  The only odd thing about it, is its height.  It was significantly taller than the other pianos in the shop.  


good luck,
Shawn


On Fri, Aug 27, 2010 at 12:08 PM, Ian Gillis <iangillis78 at gmail.com> wrote:

  Similar to Cliff's experience, I serviced an old worn-out Hazelton grand of that description from the 1910's. I think any genuine Hazelton Bros. piano would have to be the better part of a century old at this point. They may have been decent pianos when first made, but it doesn't make an enormous amount of sense to me that someone could do a true restoration on a piano like that and then sell it for that price. I suppose it's possible!
  Ian Gillis


    Message: 2
    Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:49:35 -0400
    From: Cliff Lesher <lesher at dejazzd.com>
    To: caut at ptg.org 

    Subject: Re: [CAUT] Hazelton Bros NY 5'6" grand

    Message-ID: <06761028-6E66-4A0F-AB3B-1B51D21C8347 at dejazzd.com>
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           DelSp="yes" 


    Paul,

    I tune one, a grand, about 8 feet, made circa 1898.  It's totally
    worn out,  but underneath the fatigue seems to be a substantial
    piano.  If rebuilt, I believe it would be stunning.

    Pierce also cites a Brambach affiliation after 1920.  From 1933,
    Brambach serial numbers seem to mirror the Hazelton sequence.

    Cliff Lesher
    Winfield, PA
    __________

    On Aug 27, 2010, at 9:12 AM, Paul T Williams wrote:


    > Does anyone know about the Hazelton Brothers piano co?  A church
    > here in Lincoln is selling one for $2,500 all refinished, but
    > haven't looked at it yet.  Might consider it for a practice room or
    > something. Not sure of the year made, so it could be a Kohler and
    > Campbell or a Samick.  I've never seen one.
    >
    > Thanks
    > Paul




-- 
Shawn Hansen RPT
certified piano technician
816.896.4047
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