In the summer of 2018 I purchased my first grand piano. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to purchase a 1906 Mason & Hamlin AA. After looking at a few pictures of the piano, I had quick conversation with the seller. The piano needed rebuilding, but I decided this piece of history was the grand piano I had been looking for.
Some of my readers may be wondering why I didn’t take the time to drive half way across the country to examine the piano before buying it. Playing the piano wouldn’t be an option since the strings had already been removed. I only had seller’s word and my piano rebuilder’s word that this was a good piano. But both had excellent reputations and my rebuilder came with an impressive resume. So I mailed the down payment and began what would turn out to be a fascinating journey.
Over the next 10-12 months I had plenty of opportunity to exercise both faith and patience as I waited for my rebuilder to work his magic. It was a slow process, but well worth the wait. Below is a gallery of photos depicting the arduous process of taking a much neglected instrument and turning into a work of art.
Visit my rebuilder’s Facebook page to see more of his work. Browse the Videos on this site to listen to this piano in it’s restored state.