Hi!

Can you techs tell me about the Mason & Hamlin With Hickman Piano Action.

I understand only a few were made.

What is the Hickman Action like?

Thanks.
Newstead

Off the top of my head, I believe Dr. Hickman designed reproducing roll recording equipment for American Piano Co. (Ampico). His grand action had a toggle between the wippen and shank instead of a jack. This is quite rare. I don't know what that says about its actual merit as an action. I'll have to see what further I can dig up, but probably not a lot more.

Tom

Actually the Hickman grand action does not even have a wippen! Better than a description is an animated diagram at Mechanical Music Digest: mmd.foxtail.com> Archives> Topic Index> H> Hickman. Near the top of the list is The Hickman Grand Piano Action by Richard Vance and John Rhodes. Always wondered what playing one of these felt like given the evident absence of 'after-touch' and scant provision for regulation.

Tom

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