Mason & Hamlin Model AA Grand Piano #34557 – Fully Restored
The piano’s serial number of #34557 indicates a factory manufacture year of 1926 meaning it was built in the company’s legendary Boston Factory prior to its closure later that decade.The cabinet features rounded arms with double, linked moldings wrapping around the case. The piano’s wide tail coupled with the brass ferrule capped legs create an imposing, strong stance. The minimalist music rack is eminently functional and contributes to the sturdy, American appearance of the piano. The piano’s pedal system is encapsulated in a closed-back, enclosed lyre design. The cabinet is covered in a pleasant Mahogany veneer contrasting against the brass hardware and fallboard decal.
Moving to the front of the piano, the instrument features the original ebony sharps and the original ivory keytops. Inside, the early 20th-century craftsmanship continues to be evident. Matching, natural wood damper heads, tunable aliquots, and crowned plate holes are just a few of the visual details that make Mason & Hamlin instruments recognizable at a glance. This instrument was located by us for restoration at the request of a client who was seeking the quality of appearance and tone that only a golden-era instrument can provide.
Found to be in overall good core condition, the instrument was immediately placed under a full restoration. The piano’s action was fully rebuilt. New hammers, shanks, and flanges along with new wippens (repetitions) were installed onto the action stack. The keyset was weighed-off for the proper down and up weight. Expert action and tone regulation were conducted to ensure the finest response and full, concert-level quality of tone. We spend many extra hours in this process to ensure that the piano does not just look like a fine instrument, but performs like one as well. These minute and exacting adjustments are what take any restored piano from being simply acceptable to exceptional. Upon completion, the instrument boasts the warm, full bass section and clear treble expected of Mason & Hamlin pianos.
The belly (interior) of the piano was fully rebuilt. This process included the installation of a new solid spruce soundboard and a new custom-fitted hard maple pinblock. The cast iron plate was re-bronzed and the raised text was hand-lettered. Plate bolts and screws were re-plated in a brilliant nickel. New Klinke blued tuning pins were installed along with the highest quality music wire and custom-manufactured soft copper wound bass strings. New damper felts were affixed and adjusted to refinished, natural damper heads. The piano’s mahogany veneer was brought back to life with a closed pore, hand-rubbed satin finish. This allows for optimum finish clarity and a factory-new result. The brass hardware was polished and restored to a satin luster.
Upon completion, this instrument was delivered to its new home in a private residence here in Northern Indiana.
THE CHUPP’S PIANOS STORY– A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
We were excited and honored to secure this instrument and return it to its rightful, performance-ready status!
For over four decades, Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. has been specializing in the rebuilding of the world’s finest pianos. With a focus on world-class piano restorations, our work has become the preferred choice of concert venues, professional musicians, and universities across the country. Located in the heart of Northern Indiana, we are proud to carry on the old-school tradition of high-caliber craftsmanship. Our rebuilding facility and showroom features premium restored Steinway, new Kawai, and select pre-owned Yamaha pianos. When completed properly a rebuilt piano truly becomes, art you can feel! For more about our extensive restoration process, click here.
Chupp’s Piano Service & Restoration | Vintage Art Case Steinway Grand Pianos | Fine Piano Restoration & Sales since 1975
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