Pope Puis XI and even Queen Victoria preferred Mason and Risch pianos to others and wrote letters of high praise to the company. Clearly, instruments of superior craftsmanship, Mason and Risch upright and grand pianos were well made, durable, had beautiful casings, and were of superior tonal quality. Restoring a Mason and Risch Piano.
Hi all,I own the Pierce Piano Atlas and have also checked the online databases I could find. There seems to be a lot of discrepancies regarding Mason & Risch serial numbers. I just came across a 5-foot grand with serial number 281011. We are being told it is from 1950s, but I can't find any official data supporting this. The Pierce Atlas numbers go up to 1960 - 102,000, after which they say the piano was discontinued. The blue book of pianos online shows the serial numbers jumping from 102k in 1960 (following Pierce) to 364k in 1960.
I assume this may have to do with Aeolian taking over the company at some point, but still, 281k serial number is lost in there.I'd appreciate any input there, and while we are at it, I'd appreciate any input on the quality of these instruments. The one I played felt pretty good for its age. Action is quite unusually heavy at the onset, and there are a couple of soundboard cracks, but apart form that, it's in decent condition with a nice sound.