We need to upgrade our current piano situation and are considering three options 1) rebuild our 1925 6ft. Sohmer 2) buy a rebuilt 1920's Mason & Hamlin AA 3) buy a new Mason & Hamlin BB. The cost increases with each of the options but is doable though not ideal. In shopping around the only piano our 5 piano playing family members loved was the Mason but we like our Sohmer too. Everyone I speak to has some interest in the decision ie. they are the rebuilder or sales person so we'd love some input.

Could you be more specific about the dollars involved and the extent of resoration needed/rebuilding done? What are your expectations regarding the instrument's performance, usage, lifespan?

I looked at some nice rebuilt AA's in my search, and a potentially great new BB that I couldn't afford (or fit in my home, and was voiced for a much larger space). I have no experience playing older Sohmer grand models.

The price differential without negotiation at this point is 15k/25k/37k and we could apply the money from selling our Sohmer to the 2nd two options.

We have 3 children taking lessons the youngest is 8 and they would all benefit from a better instrument than our Sohmer in its current state. We expect to enjoy this instrument for years and hopefully pass it on to one of our children later.

If you're picky about the finished piano, I'd personally be hesitant to invest 15k in your current piano - you are taking a risk as to the sonic and tonal outcome of the instrument. I'd rather shop rebuilds that are already completed so I know the final result before putting money down. 25k could mean a pretty thoroughly rebuilt (not completely) instrument in my market. I saw one for that price that was unrefinished, but most of the rest was replaced. Another had a new belly but original whippens and a cheap respray job. To get to a more comprehensive restoration, I found you had to spend over $30k. Either of the previous pianos played well, and could last a long time.

Between 25-37k are a lot of 6-7 foot new and fully restored pianos. The new BB certainly is a formidable piano with a thunderous bass. There were many others I liked a lot before I decided on my Bechstein. I hope you get to experiences some nice ones within your budget.

As it can be difficult to predict how the Sohmer will feel and sound after the restoration, I would lean toward either of the two Masons. Some feel the older Masons when well rebuilt are superior to the new Masons.The rebuilt Mason should be carefully inspected by a knowledgeable and independent tech.

I own a new Mason BB, but I have minimal experience playing rebuilt AA. Feel free to contact me if you want some help about the new BB's.

Have you considered buying a new AA? Have you compared the tone and touch of the two Masons under consideration?

Sohmer’s can be very nice pianos but—and I can’t emphasize this enough—your rebuilder had better really know what he/she is doing. Their scaling was often atrocious and their bridgework can be quirky.

ddf

$37,000 for a new M&H BB?! Really? That would be my preference, though it's probably more piano than you need. But, at least you know what you're getting! The Sohmer would be a complete unknown....

You'd definitely need to get something you have played and know you like. After restoration, the instrument will be quite, if not very, different from its pre-rebuild state. Of course, there is a possibility that it may sound similar, though not likely. I am not familiar with new Mason prices, but 37k for a seven foot grand seems very, very good. You have to like it though.

Good luck!

I was quoted 10 grand more for a BB without taxes... at 37 you'll get A LOT of piano for the money.

37?? Buy it!