The Boston Chapter PTG and Mason & Hamlin Pianos
Tuesday September 19, 2006, 7:30pm at Mason & Hamlin Haverhill MA.

Bruce Clarke, Engineer, Mason & Hamlin Pianos, will give a technical presentation on comprehensive Action Design.

Bruce will be teaching design of the key frame, covering keys, placement of capstan, back checks, repitition design, hammer shanks and knuckles, pinning placement...

Design theory will be demonstrated by assembling a theoretical model, using components from various makers and having them work properly together.

This technical presentation is open to anyone interested in Action Design. Seating is extremely limited and attendance must be confirmed via email to technical@bostonptg.org

For more information email technical@bostonptg.org or visit www.bostonptg.org

Hi Larry,

When Ron Nossaman and I (and wives) went to Boston after the Rochester convention we phoned Mason & Hamlin regarding the possibility of a factory tour. We were invited to visit. Bruce Clark (the head designer), Jamie Marks (plant manager) and Kirk Burgett (owner) took us on a detailed tour of the plant.

We were most impressed with the work the Mason team have been putting into both their production processes and the new pianos they have designed. Future design ideas were thrown around and debated, with contributions from all those present. I came away from my visit with a serious respect for the work these people are doing.

It is refreshing to come across people with a real commitment and dedication towards the further evolution of the piano.

Was nice to meet you in Rochester too Larry.

Best regards,
Ron O.

Hi Ron,

I can't agree more!

Also, that they are willing to generously share information, as in our planned event, is also exceptional.

It was a pleasure to meet you at Rochester. I am truly impressed with your work and enjoyed your presentation to to rebuilders there.

I hope we have a chance to meet again.

Best Always,
Larry

Thanks Larry, and likewise. We met a lot of good people during our visit. We look forward to visiting the US again.

Our visit to the M&H plant was one of the highlights of our visit. We were also quite taken with the city of Rochester also - a small-town city in many ways.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the M&H technical presentation.

Best,
Ron O.

I have posted a little more on the Action design class Bruce will be giving.

www.bostonptg.org

We welcome anyone interested in this subject to join us. You do NOT have to be a PTG member.

If you would like to come, send me an email technical@bostonptg.org

Reminder, and if you've not been there before...

FYI, the factory is in Haverhill, MA (pronounced Heyvrill). About 45 minutes north of Boston.

There is a Best Western Merrimack Valley Lodge nearby. www.bwmerrimackvalley.com if anyone needs to stay.

This is the hotel M&H uses to accommodate their dealers (and themselves) when they host training seminars.
The hotel is about a 10 minute drive from the factory.

Mason & Hamlin Piano Company
35 Duncan St. Haverhill, MA 01830
www.masonhamlin.com


Location[/b]



Parking[/b]
There is very limited parking in front of the factory. We usually park in the lot around the corner on Locke st (see red arrow).



Satellite shot courtesy of Keyhole
http://www.keyhole.com/

Another View (red balloon is factory, white arrow is parking).