Mason & Hamlin AA- what's a fair price

[mutatismutandis]

I'm trying to determine what's a fair price for a new M&A Model AA (that's their 6'4" model).  My local dealer (who is very reputable) is having a sale and I'm trying to get a sense of what's a fair price.  Any info/guidance would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[Rich D.]

I've played two new Mason Hamlin AAs and I think they are great instruments.  It's hard to say what a fair price for one would be, expecially since they are new and the demand initially for them will be higher.  If you can get a new M&B BB for 40k+- and a new M&H A for 30K+- your probably looking at somewhere in the mid 30s or I would think a little more for the AA.  Of course thats my totally NON EXPERT guess and I reserve the right to be completely wrong.

Rich

[sirpazhan]

Well the listed MSRP of the New AA (6'4") is somewhere around 50 grand (Ebony Satin).  However,, Dealers usually sell for alot less than the MSRP -- so around 40 grand would be expected.  Its tough to say. 

 

[IgnorantHusband]

All,  We've narrowed our choices to M&H AA or BB or a Bosendorfer CS200.   I was curious have you actually gotten a hard quote and would you be willing to share with me.  I've called several dealers out of state and of course they never quote over phone.  We have a deposit to hold either an AA or BB but my wife got to play their new AA yesterday and loved it!

Charles

[sirpazhan]

I'd go with the Bose (personal preference).


-as

[mutatismutandis]

Bosies are great, no doubt about it.  I have an opportunity to buy a new Bosendorfer 170 for $40K, which strikes me as a great price but I'm thinking that for roughly $4K to $5K less I'd be better off with a M&H AA or (my wife's first choice) an August Forster 190-  not only because they're cheaper but also because they're a lot bigger than the 170.   Any thoughts about that?   

[Rich D.]

It's all about personal preference when considering a Bosie or Mason Hamlin.  I really like the Boses, especially the 225 but for me I'd still go with the Mason.  The bass on the Mason BB and even the AA is terrific and I love the full, warm sounding tone of the Masons.  The actions on the new ones are quite good, though here I would give the Bosie the edge.

It's almost impossible to get a hard quote on the Masons but I still believe mid to upper 30s for the new AA is realistic.

[sirpazhan]

not only because they're cheaper but also because they're a lot bigger than the 170.   Any thoughts about that?   

Is size really that important to you? Also,, what kind of room are you placing this piano in?  The room is very important,, because even in a small room, a concert grand would sound the same as a studio grand.  I wouldn't base my decisions on size.

[IgnorantHusband]

 From previous post  "Also,, what kind of room are you placing this piano in?  The room is very important,, because even in a small room, a concert grand would sound the same as a studio grand.  I wouldn't base my decisions on size."   Couldn 't agree more with the comment.  We listened to several BBs and AAs at our dealer but a BB in our friends home sounded very different.   Consideration of the final playing enviroment should be a signficant factor into what size you pick..  Unless I'm total off that size scales with volume...

[mutatismutandis]

Thanks everyone for the input.  Size of the room is about 15' X 25' with vaulted ceilings and a hardwood floor.   I think what you're telling me is that for typical home use the size of the piano doesn't matter and it's the sound that matters-  and I agree with you that ultimately it's the sound the matters-  but isn't that why people get grand pianos to begin with?  In other words, doesn't the size of the piano have a big impact on the sound beyond giving the piano a better ability to "project" sound across large spaces?   

[Ed Thomas]

In a piano, size really does matter, all other things being equal.  The longer the piano, the clearer the bass can be, because the strings can be simpler and the piano can resonate better.   So even in a room barely big enough to fit in a 9', it will still almost always sound better than a shorter equivalent piano. In my opinion, the room you are describing would happily accommodate as big a piano as you want to put in it.

By the way, what a very nice position to be in... shopping for a Mason and Hamlin.  Ahhhh.

[mutatismutandis]

Update:  after much deliberation, my wife and I are getting an August Forster 190.  Should get delivery within a week.   

[Axtremus]

Congratulations on the new piano!

[Rich D.]

Congrats.  Love the light fast action of the August Forsters.  Wonderful sounding piano.

Rich

[mhf]

What price did you get on your AF 190? We've been shopping around (early stages) for the same piano.

[CJ Quinn]

Update:  after much deliberation, my wife and I are getting an August Forster 190.  Should get delivery within a week.   

Congrats!  They are wonderful pianos.  Join the club!

No, really. Join the August Foerster group:

https://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/august_foerster_owners/