Other brands (was Re: Hardman pianos)

[Clark]

Hi, Keith,

> I have always had a fondness for the older Mehlin & Sons pianos. 
> Something about their idea of building pianos is clearly different 
> from others.

Mehlin & Sons may win the prize for most advertised patents on their
soundboard decals; I haven't seen an upright yet (a vanity pickup truck
often passes my shop, emblazoned with "win by intimidation", although in
its case, I think it should read "imitation"). Chickering, Mehlin,
Mathushek, Bush & Lane all seem to have tried their best to make fine,
if sometimes unusual instruments.

I just performed some gymnastics to measure the treble bridge height on
a '20s Hardman grand: 24mm.

> And those bridges on the older Hallet & Davis pianos, talk about 
> different!
> Those folks were from another galaxy  :)

Boston?! Actually, it and my little (NY) Sohmer both predate the
respective bridge agraffe systems.


Clark