Mason and Hamlin questions

[Susan Kline]

>
>5. Is there anything that I should watch out for when purchasing a
>rebuilt Mason and Hamlin?
>
>            Thank you in advance,
>            Deborah Rodgers

Hello, Deborah

I share your fondness for Mason & Hamlin, and hope to find a good one
myself someday.

There is one thing which you should check carefully when buying a Mason & 
Hamlin.
For a short period of time, Aeolian was making "Mason & Hamlins" which were
just their generic grands. These should be avoided, of course. The lack of
that wonderful Mason sound would probably tip you off, but just in case,
before you buy, get down and look underneath the piano. The metal bracing
to stabilize the rim will be present in a genuine Mason & Hamlin, but will
be missing in these generic Aeolian grands.

Also, be aware that although Masons from the Aeolian-ownership years (post
1924 till about (?) 10 years ago?) still have many virtues, the quality of
workmanship will be far superior in either the earlier (original) version
or after the company returned to Massachusetts, where it now is.

Good luck in your search.

Susan Kline