Mason & Hamlin

Founded in 1854, Mason & Hamlin is one of America’s oldest and most respected piano manufacturers. Of the hundreds of American piano companies that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mason & Hamlin is one of only a few surviving today.

Mason & Hamlin pianos are headquartered in Haverhill, Massachusetts, close to the original site in Boston, the birthplace of American piano design and manufacturing. They work on six floors of their factory for the production of handmade Mason and Hamlin pianos. A workforce of 70 skilled artisans complete each stage from rim to pressing to the finished product.

Attention to detail takes time, and Mason & Hamlin invests a great deal in every piano it makes. Before a Mason & Hamlin leaves the factory, it is inspected at least 12 times. Choosing quality over quantity, Mason & Hamlin limits its annual production to 50 console-wall pianos and 300 grand pianos.

Mason & Hamlin is a forward-thinking company that invests time and millions of dollars in creating products. But with an eye to the future comes a great deal of experience with the past. That’s why the showroom on the top floor of the factory houses the Mason & Hamlin Museum, where classical instruments, artefacts and memorabilia will be on public display. The museum and the creation of the Mason & Hamlin Historical Preservation Society are two ways the company honours its long and interesting history.

“Mason and Hamlin pianos have their mystique,” said Gary Burgett, who bought the company with his brother Kirk. “There are countless Mason and Hamlin enthusiasts around the world. When we bought the 1996 company we heard from many of them, all of us grateful that together we would keep this great brand of pianos alive. They encouraged and inspired us. Now there is a special place where they can share their appreciation for the support of their fellow enthusiasts, share stories about their favourite pianos, meet other Mason and Hamlin fans and also see Mason and Hamlin treasures. We hope that one day soon anyone interested can come to our factory, see how we make our pianola frame today, what we have planned for the future, and then enjoy a view into our past”.