I'm somewhat surprised that, when discussing the new grand market, the name Charles Walter doesn't pop up more often.  Smaller company, a bit more limited distribution, perhaps, and not the "Big Brand Name" image, but their 6' 4" grand is definitely on my short list of keepers. Dan Dannenfelser, Sacramento, CA -----Original Message----- From: Paul T Williams <pwilliams4@unlnotes.unl.edu> To: bruce@bgpianotech.com; Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 2:23 pm Subject: Re: Mason & Hamlin & Other Pianos <div id=AOLMsgPart_2_6e69e72c-3ea6-4b62-8914-0f535be3eb01> Bruce, I think the M&H new ones are great!!  I worked in a store a few years ago when the "new" ones started coming in..  A far better instrument over the Aeolean's to be sure, but not sure about how they compare to the good old days.  Those oldies must have been really good to compete with Steinway, but Steinway still ruled then....as now. We have a few here from the 20's and are really dependable.  The new ones I serviced at the store in Seattle were easy to tune and prep out of the box, and had a rich, warm sound with that carrying, powerful bass that they were famous for in the old days... </div> <div id='u8CAE97F9279F5DA-B7C-6DA' class='aol_ad_footer'><HR style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px">Find phone numbers fast with the <A title="http://yellowpages.aol.com/?NCID=emlweusyelp00000001" href="http://yellowpages.aol.com/?NCID=emlweusyelp00000001" target="_blank">New AOL Yellow Pages</A>! </div>