Hi all!

I just checked out a Hazelton grand (68"), and was surprised that I didn't find a serial number on the harp. I did however find the number 552 stamped on the key blocks, the keybed, and handwritten on the action. I also found 69552 stamped on the inside of one of the legs, but if that's the serial number, it seems like a strange spot to put it...

Supposing the piano is #69552, that would put its birthday between 1915 and 1920, right? The current owner told me that he acquired it from the University of North Texas almost 20 yrs. ago, so I suppose it's possible that they might have restored it. The instrument seemed in better condition than I would expect for a 90 yr. old university practice piano, so if 69552 really is the serial number, then I'm almost certain it was restored at some point.

I wasn't able to pull the action because I couldn't remove the right key block. I was able to remove the left key block by simply removing a screw from underneath, but the corresponding screw on the right block didn't free the assembly, which puzzled me. Also, there was a screw that ran lengthwise through the right key block that slightly moved the action forward when I loosened it, but didn't allow me to remove the block.

Can anyone comment on my findings? I'd like to know how old the instrument is, or if there's a secret spot on Hazeltons to look for the serial number. I'd also like to remove the action, so if anyone has any ideas about the key block situation, I'd appreciate your thoughts on that too.

And if you've ever owned or played a Hazelton, what was your experience?

Thanks!

I suspect that there may be a leg screw that was replaced wrong and goes into the cheek block.

Hazeltons were well in the upper half of piano quality.