I recently purchased (March 2006) a new Mason & Hamlin Model A. At the time I "test drove" it at the dealer, I noticed the high G and a couple of surrounding notes, while in tune, sounded inordinately shrill and a bit louder than other notes. At least to MY ear.

The son of the piano dealer I purchased the M&H from, prepped it before it was delivered and then came to my home and tuned the piano several weeks later. I told him before he started about the keys, and when he'd finished, I had him tone down the G key again, but it's still not right, in my opinion.

I love the sound of my piano and don't want that changed. (Been down that road before with my first grand....a real disaster...and one that I almost purchased this year...piano tuner totally changed the sound...hello!)

Therefore, do you think this is a voicing issue or a tuning issue? Also, can anyone recommend an experienced piano technician in my area, the Western suburbs of Chicago, or know of someone who would be willing to travel the distance?

Thank you for your response.

Sounds like a voicing issue. There are certain sections of the treble that are a bit more problematic than others, like the part just above the treble/tenor plate strut. That can get very harsh and be difficult to tune.

I like the dealer's son's approach. Gradual is better than too much...as you well know!

If he ends up not being the answer, check on the PTG website. I believe Ron Koval, an occasional poster to this list, is in your area.

I have to say that while I like the Renner hammers used on the Mason, I think there are hammers that would suit what I think of as the Mason and Hamlin character better. But the Renners are very responsive to standard voicing techniques.

Best of luck! Great piano!

Try David Graham. I use him and am very satisfied with his comprehensive skills on regulation and voicing. He's well regarded by concert hall managers downtown. Also, he's in Sycamore near DeKalb - right in your area. Send me a PM if you can't find his number.

Thank you for your replies. I'll look into both options.

Hi Eugenie54,

It would be both and honor and my pleasure to work with you to attempt to match your piano to your expectations. Coming from Elmhurst, you are on the very fringe of my service area... send me a pm if you'd like me to make the trip.

Ron Koval

Eugenie54 ... how did this work out for you?


OT: I'm noticing that the BB is more obviously 'out', when it slips tune a hair, because of all the harmonic content.

Is this a given, that the M&H are tougher to tune, or do I need a better tuner?!

I have always thought that the M&H were tough to tune. It is because of the angle at the capo bar. They have to be hit hard to get the string to move through that area and stablize. Some pianos, like Yamahas, can be tuned more softly. Others, you virually have to beat into submission. Mason and Hamlins are in the latter category.