Mason & Hamlin OAK Victorian Model A Parlor Grand Piano

Throughout American piano history, Mason & Hamlin has been considered just about the finest piano ever built. During the late 19th and early 20th Century, Mason & Hamlin was Steinway's most aggressive competitor, and today original Mason & Hamlin are highly sought-after by serious professional musicians.

This piano was built in 1897, and is made of very rare quarter sawn oak. Oak was rarely used in grand piano building during the Victorian era because it was deemed a cheaper, less exotic domestic wood than mahogany or rosewood. Most oak grand pianos during this era would have been custom ordered, and they were built in exceedingly small numbers which makes them virtually non-existent today. This piano is a rare example of Mason & Hamlin's patented "screw-stringing" design, a design that proved to be superior to the traditional pin-block for amazing tuning stability. These pianos were designed so that they would never go out of tune! Although these "screw-stringer" pianos are now obsolete, they will give long-term durability and superior tuning stability if properly restored. These "screw-stringer" pianos have the potential to hold perfect tune for years rather than months like the traditional grand piano pin-block, but it was deemed "ahead of its time" and too much of a radical change from traditional design in its day. Although the "screw-stringer" design is one of the amazing advances that gave Mason & Hamlin much of its early success, the design was discontinued shortly after the turn of the 20th Century by the firm.

This piano is a rare example of the original design for the Model "A" by Mason & Hamlin, a model which would go on to be Mason & Hamlin's best selling model in the 20th Century. Popular in professional studios and conservatories, the Model "A" grand is far and wide considered just about the most perfect piano ever made!

A matching antique stool is included. This piano can be equipped with computerized player mechanisms if desired.