MASON & HAMLIN PIANOS | Made in Boston, Massachusetts | AZ Piano
Mason & Hamlin grand pianos, handbuilt in Massachusetts
Mason & Hamlin is an American piano maker founded in Boston in 1854. Today its grand pianos are built by hand, in limited numbers, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and every one includes the company's patented Tension Resonator, designed to keep the piano's tone rich for generations.
AZ Piano carries Mason & Hamlin grand pianos. Play them in our Phoenix showroom or browse current inventory, with pricing, online.
Mason & Hamlin at a glance
- Founded
- 1854, in Boston, by Henry Mason and Emmons Hamlin
- First pianos
- 1881, in Boston
- Where they're built today
- By hand in Haverhill, Massachusetts
- Production
- Limited, roughly 200 to 350 pianos a year
- Signature feature
- Patented Tension Resonator, developed in 1900
- Grand models
- B, A, AA, BB and the CC concert grand, 5'4" to 9'4"
- Current series
- Virtuoso X (VX), introduced in 2020
- Where to play one in Arizona
- AZ Piano showroom, Phoenix (602-437-8445)
An American piano with a Boston pedigree
In 1854, musician and businessman Henry Mason and inventor Emmons Hamlin founded Mason & Hamlin in Boston, Massachusetts. The company first became one of America's largest makers of reed organs, then began building pianos in 1881.
During its golden Boston era, from 1881 to 1932, Mason & Hamlin earned a reputation as one of the finest pianos in the world. By 1910 it was considered Steinway's chief competitor. After changing hands several times in the 20th century, the company re-established handbuilt production in Haverhill, Massachusetts, bringing back the classic models on their original designs, with modern refinements.
The result is a piano known for a big, rich American sound: a deep, powerful bass, long sustain and a wide dynamic range, from the softest pianissimo to full concert power.
- 1854Henry Mason and Emmons Hamlin found the company in Boston.
- 1881Mason & Hamlin builds its first pianos in Boston.
- 1900The Tension Resonator is developed.
- 1910Mason & Hamlin is regarded as Steinway's chief competitor.
- 1996New owners restore handbuilt production in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
- 2020The Virtuoso X (VX) series debuts, extended to the full grand lineup in 2022.
The Tension Resonator: why the tone lasts
A piano's soundboard is built with a slight upward arch, called crown, that helps it resonate. Over decades, that crown can flatten and the tone loses life.
Mason & Hamlin's patented Tension Resonator, developed in 1900, is a system of steel rods under tension that fan out from a central hub beneath the soundboard and attach around the rim. It locks the rim into its permanent shape, which helps the soundboard keep its crown, so a Mason & Hamlin keeps its full, resonant tone for generations.
It is the centerpiece of what the company calls its Crown Retention System, and it is found in every Mason & Hamlin piano.
Mason & Hamlin grand piano models
All five grands share the same handbuilt construction and Tension Resonator. The difference is length, which shapes bass depth, projection and power. The bars are drawn to scale against the 9'4" concert grand.
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Model BBaby grand5' 4"163 cm
The smallest Mason & Hamlin, with a brilliant treble and deep, rich bass in a size that fits most homes and condos.
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Model AGrand5' 8"173 cm
A big voice for its size, at home in living rooms, teaching studios and conservatories.
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Model AAGrand6' 4"193 cm
Admired for its balance between bass and treble, capable of both large sonorities and delicate whispers.
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Model BBSemi-concert grand7' 0"213 cm
Power and sustain usually reserved for concert grands, and a long-standing favorite of serious pianists.
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Model CCConcert grand9' 4"284 cm
The flagship concert grand, redesigned in 2020 as part of the Virtuoso X (VX) series, with two Tension Resonators.
As a general guide, the Model B and Model A suit most homes, the Model AA rewards larger rooms and serious study, and the Model BB and concert grand are built for recital spaces and stages.
Built heavier, built to last
Thick maple rim and full-perimeter plate
Mason & Hamlin grands use a thick hard rock maple rim and a full-perimeter cast iron plate, making them among the heaviest pianos for their size. That mass supports the soundboard and adds to the deep, powerful bass.
Composite action with carbon fiber
The Wessell, Nickel & Gross (WNG) composite action uses carbon fiber shanks and composite parts that resist the swelling and shrinking of wood, a practical advantage in Arizona's dry climate.
Eastern white spruce soundboard
The soundboard is made of Eastern white spruce and pre-crowned before assembly, then supported by the Tension Resonator to hold its shape.
Handbuilt in limited numbers
Every piano is built by hand in Haverhill, in small quantities, with the time and attention that mass production can't match.
Hear a Mason & Hamlin
Recordings capture the depth and power of a Mason & Hamlin, but the best way to judge any piano is to play it. Visit our Phoenix showroom to hear the difference in person, and compare it with other grands side by side.
Buying a Mason & Hamlin at AZ Piano
Looking for Mason & Hamlin pianos in Arizona? Browse Mason & Hamlin grand pianos with current pricing online, or play them in our Phoenix showroom. Whether you're a professional pianist or a passionate amateur, our staff will help you find the model that fits your room, your playing and your budget.
Mason & Hamlin piano questions
Where are Mason & Hamlin pianos made?
Mason & Hamlin pianos are built by hand in Haverhill, Massachusetts, north of Boston. The company was founded in Boston in 1854 and built its pianos there during its golden era, from 1881 to 1932.
Are Mason & Hamlin pianos made in the USA?
Yes. Mason & Hamlin is one of the few remaining American makers of handbuilt pianos. Note that in China the Mason & Hamlin trademark belongs to an unrelated company; there, the American-made piano is sold under the name Henry Mason.
What is the Mason & Hamlin Tension Resonator?
It is a patented system of steel rods under tension that radiate from a central hub and attach to the rim. It locks the rim into shape and helps the soundboard keep its crown, so the piano keeps its rich tone for generations. It was developed in 1900 and is in every Mason & Hamlin piano.
How does Mason & Hamlin compare to Steinway?
Both are historic American piano makers, and by 1910 Mason & Hamlin was regarded as Steinway's chief competitor. Mason & Hamlin is built in smaller numbers and is known for its Tension Resonator, heavy construction and deep, powerful bass. The best way to choose is to play both.
What sizes do Mason & Hamlin grand pianos come in?
Five sizes: the Model B (5'4"), Model A (5'8"), Model AA (6'4"), Model BB (7'0") and the 9'4" concert grand. Mason & Hamlin also builds the 50" Model 50 upright.
Where can I buy a Mason & Hamlin piano in Arizona?
AZ Piano in Phoenix carries Mason & Hamlin grand pianos. Call 602-437-8445 to schedule a visit, or browse Mason & Hamlin grands online.
Can I buy a Mason & Hamlin piano online from AZ Piano?
Yes. Mason & Hamlin grands are listed with pricing on azpiano.com. You are also welcome to play them in our showroom or call with questions before you buy.