Mason and Hamlin

[pianist1095]

Hello!
I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Mason & Hamlin pianos from the Aeolian period. I have the opportunity to buy a model A in good condition from someone who is moving for $1000. It is from the early 50s (I'm almost positive it's from 1950). I know the quality of the pianos was at a decline during this time, but could this still be a nice piano even though it's not from the pre-Aeolian period? Thanks!

[indianajo]

I played a sixties-seventies Mason & Hamlin spinet at Goodwill 2 years ago.  It sounded really good for $40, and was in tune. 
No second line grand will play as fast as a Steinway or other first line piano.  I'm a second or third line player and will never be that fast.  I'm faster than any spinet action, but not that fast.
Read the inspection post in post two of this thread https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=56680.0
then go out there and try it for yourself.  Personally, I'd prefer the lighter action of a second line grand to the incredibly heavy action of Baldwin's & Sohmer's I've touched.  The only Steinway i was allowed to touch was a 44" studio in a store, and it was also incredibly heavy.  Fast though. 
At $1000 plus moving expense ($600 up) you won't make money on this but it is likely your would be buying a home use piano that would not require a lot of rebuilding of worn action parts.  Some people on here warn everybody of rebuilds required of old pianos.  I find home use pianos sometimes have one or two sticky keys that need easing, nothing more.  That includes my own 1941 Steinway 40 console I bought in 2011. It is NOT incredibly heavy, nor is it incredibly fast.  Just fast enough for me.   
Have fun shopping. 

[hfmadopter]

If it's in reasonably good condition I'd buy it.

[dief]

Mason Hamlin were still making quality instruments at that time.  Have it checked out by a piano technician.  It could potentially be a great find.

Rich