>How about other North American manufacturers in the past? Are old Mason & >Hamlin laminated hard maple? What is the nature of 1890 to 1930 Knabe, A. B. >Chase, Chickering, Henry F. Miller, and other "good" manufacturer's rim >construction? Of course, I am not looking for specifics of each model, but >rather generalities. I know nothing of these rims. Anyone? > >Terry Farrell Masons are maple laminate, and I think Knabes came both laminated, and block. From a performance standpoint, there doesn't seem to be a real difference between laminated and built up block rims, as long as it's a good hardwood. Rigid and massive is the intent, with a heavy maple belly rail ideally, and lots of bracing. I have no idea how spruce rims work. Now, about the other 7,283 things that make a good piano... Ron N
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