Hello to all of MMD. For about 40 years I have been restoring player
pianos and reproducing player pianos. I have also performed field work
and tuning on these instruments during that time.

While I have no intention of a "retirement" in the traditional sense,
I would like to slowly dial things back. I have found this difficult as
there is not another player technician within a couple hundred miles of
me. In the last few years we have lost a couple really good guys.

I have two Mason & Hamlin grand pianos, both 5'-8". One is a Model A
Ampico and one is the Model B Ampico, with the A7 scale. I would love
to rebuild the B piano, as I do not see many of these. I would entertain
the following options:

(1) Restore completely with new high end finish, restore only the
Ampico system, or even sell as is. It is mostly original and intact.
If we restored fully, I would use a well-known East Coast piano
rebuilder to do the piano work. His work is of the highest caliber.

(2) The Model A Mason has had significant work done on the piano side,
including a pinblock, strings, hammers, dampers tuning pins, and
keytops. It also features a very acceptable pore-filled finish. The
Ampico Model A system is in original condition. I would like to find
this piano a home and I am in the process of developing a price to ask.
I am painfully aware of the market conditions for even these fine
pianos.

My main reason for this post is to gauge interest in these instruments
with the few collectors or hobbyists who are still interested in such
things. I am happy to receive private emails or public replies with
your thoughts on all of this.

I am also anticipating a Midwest trip in the next few months where
I could stop along the way and meet other restoration experts or
instrument owners. Perhaps even a service call or two.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I look forward to any
thoughts you all may have.

Herb Lindahl
Connecticut
hlindahl@cox.net.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]