Many years ago, the 'dean' of Atlanta's society piano players, Margaret Perrin, said to me, "Jimmy, there is nothing like a good, old Mason Hamlin." I've always remembered that, and my two favorite pianos now are both "big, old Mason Hamlins."It wasn't just Margaret's opinion, or mine. The violin virtuoso Yehudi Menuhin, wrote, “Among all pianos none compares with the Mason & Hamlin in beauty and grace of tone, or in mellowness and softness and yet in bigness, or in anything that a sensitive and, as it were, human piano should have.“ Menuhin had five Mason Hamlin pianos in his home.
The company was founded in 1854, but it fell on hard times following the crash in 1929, and had many owners. It now has new, committed management, and I (for one) hope that the new ones match the sheer wonderfulness of the old, scratched, but incredible instruments. Here's the history.
Great photos! The piano, like the violin, has to be one of the most incredible designs ever produced. The combination of materials and master craftsmanship have created a shape so pleasing and elegant to view, even before an artist sits down and "brings it to life." Nice to know that there still exist manufacturers whose goal it is to continue the art of piano building. In short, art and craftsmanship never go out of style. A room is "warmed" by the presence of a fine instrument. Great site, Jim!
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