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Considering purchasing a rebuilt 1942 Mason and Hamlin piano which the dealer calls a symetragrand. I am a first time grand buyer and would appreciate any advice or info about these pianos. The age is a concern for me but, the sound is amazing as well as touch. Any input would be great. Thanks

Here is a thread on symetragrand:

http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/252579.html

You should get it evaluated by an excellent tech who is not best friends with he seller. Otherwise, unless you are a very advanced pianist familiar with many different pianos or have a knowledge of pianos far greater than most, it is very difficult to know what you are getting both in terms of exactly what was done and how well it was done.

To the best of knowledge these Symmetigrand Masons are usually rather small pianos which must therefore have some compromises to their sound compared to longer pianos. Of course, longer pianos of similar quality can often cost more. Are you interested in this piano because of its unusual case style or are you looking for a small piano with a good sound or ...? If your present piano is a smallish upright than almost any grand may sound terrific by comparison.

Thanks for the info. I was not considering buying a smaller grand but, played this particular piano and it really surprised me with such a bigger sound than I had anticipated. Plan to have a tech check it out if I decide to make an offer.

Here is a video of Rick Jones trying to sell a symetrigrand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6q-TFMWQ10

Does anyone know if the symetragrand has a tension resonator?

Yes, it has one.

There are not many of these to be found in my part of the country -- the upper left-hand corner -- but I've rebuilt two of them. Both had the so-called "Centripital Tension Resonator."

In spite of that they were really sweet pianos.

ddf

If you prefer one without the tension resonator, Knabe made some, too, which were probably otherwise identical.

Not really related to this thread, but I just watched this quite good video on the making on M & H pianos, it also shows the tension resonator. Thought some of you might enjoy it.

The SG grands were nice little pianos, but they have their tonal limitations. Richard Gertz (scale designer for the firm in the early 20th c.)designed the original SGs around the turn of the 20h C. and those were over 6 ft. They are rare.

Good luck.

For fun I have included a link with more info. on Richard Gertz.

The first Sohmer 5 foot grand was that shape. A number of other manufacturers made symmetrical grands.

It's cute! The top seems odd, though. I wonder if a "butterfly" style top would have complemented the case better.

Does anyone know what the piece is he starts playing at 3:17?
It sounds familiar, but I can't name it.