Piano Forum



Remembering the great Maurizio Pollini
Legendary pianist Maurizio Pollini defined modern piano playing through a combination of virtuosity of the highest degree, a complete sense of musical purpose and commitment that works in complete control of the virtuosity. His passing was announced by Milan’s La Scala opera house on March 23. Read more >>

Topic: choosing a grand piano  (Read 1943 times)

Offline catherinel

  • PS Silver Member
  • Newbie
  • ***
  • Posts: 16
choosing a grand piano
on: June 04, 2005, 09:54:06 PM
I am trying to decide between 3 grand pianos - I like the sound of all 3 and would appreciate opinions.
1950 rebuilt Baldwin R; Rebuilt Mason & Hamlin (not sure of year or model) and a new Yamaha DC1M4.

Thanks

Offline iumonito

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 1404
Re: choosing a grand piano
Reply #1 on: June 04, 2005, 11:21:25 PM
If the Mason is about the same size as the baldwin, it is a model A, which in general is a very fortunate piano.  If the Mason is realy old (say, pre 1950) or fairly recent (post-1990), it would be a better constructed piano that if it is in between (change of ownership).

Baldwin R is not  a bad piano, although Baldwins more than other pianos get better with size.  The Mason is a better design.

The Yamaha, well it's new and it has disklavier, which I disklike.  I feel it imparis the action, but I have no scientific basis to back my feeling.

Price being the same and you liking the sound in all three, I would take the Mason.
Money does not make happiness, but it can buy you a piano.  :)

Offline hgiles

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 27
Re: choosing a grand piano
Reply #2 on: June 07, 2005, 01:49:55 PM
I too would take the MASON, they are huge pianos!

Offline Barbosa-piano

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 417
Re: choosing a grand piano
Reply #3 on: June 07, 2005, 08:08:14 PM
 I agree with hgiles and iumonito, I would take the Mason, they are well built and have powerful sounds.
Feel free to follow my music blog! themusicalcause.blogspot.com[/url]

Offline catherinel

  • PS Silver Member
  • Newbie
  • ***
  • Posts: 16
Re: choosing a grand piano
Reply #4 on: June 07, 2005, 08:41:56 PM
Thank you! You have been a great help!

Offline Axtremus

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 507
Re: choosing a grand piano
Reply #5 on: June 08, 2005, 12:22:34 AM
Not that have anything against rebuilt Masons, but if it's a "rebuilt," knowing how well (and to what extent) it was "rebuilt," knowing it's present condition, knowing the exact model, and knowing its vintage are important. We don't have any such info here. Nonetheless, good luck. :)

Offline catherinel

  • PS Silver Member
  • Newbie
  • ***
  • Posts: 16
Re: choosing a grand piano
Reply #6 on: June 11, 2005, 01:27:40 PM
Actually they had 2 Mason & Hamlins. A 1920 Model T and a 1915 Model A. I liked the Model A better.

Offline Bouter Boogie

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 703
Re: choosing a grand piano
Reply #7 on: June 12, 2005, 01:05:15 PM
Pick the Yamaha  ;D I also have a Yamaha  :D
"The only love affair I have ever had was with music." - Maurice Ravel
For more information about this topic, click search below!
 

Logo light pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts.

Subscribe for unlimited access

Sign up

Follow us

Piano Street Digicert