A brighter sounding Samson GoMic was used a bit further from the piano – it’s what I had. Stereo recording was done using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and two Audio Technica AT2035’s. It possesses old-world craftsmanship, time-honored. When the lockdown opens, I’ll sample my Dad’s AB Chase for posterity. Model AA The Model AA is one of the most exceptional and artistic of all the Mason and Hamlin piano models.
So, to practice sampling and mastering the Kontakt workflow, I decided to sample my Mason & Hamlin Model A. I guess I gravitated toward this sound character as many pianos of this era (made in America) have the “American” sound. Last year visiting my dad, my kids were playing his piano and told me that it sounds similar to our M&H. I didn’t realize that I had a connection to that instrument until last year after I bought a restored 1928 Mason & Hamlin Model A. It’s out of tune and needs a total overhall, and we fear that it will end up in the junk heap as not many pianos from the Golden Age are being restored unless they have Steinway written on them. In his house there’s an AB Chase baby grand piano that I learned to play on. We were lucky enough to have a funeral before the COVID19 lockdown, but because all of us are sheltered at home we cannot go to his house and sort through the family belongings. Once the block has been placed on the plate and piano case and the plate screw holes have been drilled, the process of drilling the pin holes can begin.Created by dore_m: "My father passed away early this year. Large cuts are usually made with a band saw and then smaller hand tools such as shapers and chisels are used to ensure a snug fit. The new block will need to be carefully cut and shaped to fit snugly against the angled edge of the frame and firmly against the face of the bottom of the cymbal for good tuning stability. Once the old peg block is removed, you can begin the process of duplicating a new block.
#Mason and hamlin model a crack#
Be especially careful not to drop it, as it will crack and is almost impossible to repair. Remember that the platter is the heaviest component of the piano, made of cast iron. Be sure to remove the lid support and support blocks from the music desk so the plate will clear the box. On some large models, such as Steinway and Mason Hamlin, the block is fastened with studs or screws to the case, on other styles, such as some older Chickering grand pianos, the block is only fastened to the plate.ĭepending on the size of the grand piano, removing the plate may require a crane or the help of at least 2 other people. The plate should then be lifted, careful measurements of the plate location should be taken before removing the screws, also make sure to keep all the screws in order so that they can be put back in the original location. To replace a peg block, all dampers, strings, and pegs must be removed. Certain makes or models of grand pianos can also be difficult to replace, many German made pianos such as Bechstein have a deeply angled plate deck that will take more time and skill to complete. Since 1854, Mason & Hamlin has proudly continued its century-old tradition of using only the finest materials and time-honored methods to produce the World’s Finest Piano. Upright (upright) pianos and square grand pianos are much more difficult to replace due to the location of the block and the way it is fitted into the case. Most peg block replacements are done on small grand pianos. The causes of a “weak” lock are due to several factors including the amount of use, age and weather, and the level of humidity the piano has been exposed to.
A block that is not holding the proper torque on the pin may need to be replaced. A piano’s pin block is one of its most essential components and directly affects the tuning stability and playability of the instrument.