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A Story To Tell

Writer's picture: Glenn WoodruffGlenn Woodruff

In 1991 a man called Glenn to come out to a small ranch in Napa, CA to tune a Mason & Hamlin mod. CC 9’ concert grand. He had just purchased this beautiful piano from a Sacramento radio station where it had lived since was new in 1931. It was well taken care of and in very good shape.



Truly Unique

Built in 1929/1930 in Boston, MA, at that time it was the most expensive piano produced in the world. It is engineered with the unique “Tension Resonator” and heaviest construction (1400 + lbs) of any piano in history, except for a later 9’4” version weighing over 1500 lbs.


Played by Some of the Best

For 60 years, this piano graced the studio of the first radio station, and made its way to a spectacular ranchette in Sacramento where it resided for 60 years. It was here that Glenn Woodruff of JB Piano in 1991 was introduced during a tuning. Glenn was very thankful to have the rare opportunity to see and work on "this legendary concert grand ever produced". Sergei Rachmaninoff said the Mason &Hamlin CC. was his favorite concert grand by far.


A Moment of True Adoration

Glenn was so impressed by this piece that he told his client that if he ever wanted to sell it to call him first. So, ten years later, in 2001, Glenn got the call and bought it without inspection; no doubts in my mind.


Built to Last

When it arrived a few days later it was at 440 cps in nearly perfect tune still after even 10 years with no one else touching it since. The J-B Piano Co. was one of the top new Mason & Hamlin dealers in the country. But in 2001, a 9’ concert grand was not being made. So, when a wealthy friend & client of JB's first saw it two days after it came in, he asked us, “How much are you asking for it.” Glenn told him it was not for sale because JB needed it for concert work beginning with the California Music Teachers Convention here in the Bay Area later that year.


Not For Sale

An hour later, he called and asked, “How much do you really want for it.” So, Glen eventually ended up with him buying it. But not before he let the group use it after it was restored in three months.


The new owner had JB go all out with all new keys, plate ivory keytops (still legal at that time) and in most every way a fully restored instrument. It turned out with a glorious sound and a better action than original using Renner action parts from Stuttgart, Germany. In addition, we installed a special caster which allows the piano to be raised or lowered to various heights.


A Rare Piece

This piano is almost unique. Great pianists who play it get up afterward and just say “WOW!!.”


Words of Wisdom

JB takes pride in the restored pianos it sells, and is always here to take that journey with you. Here is our contact info for any piano owner looking for a true piano craftsman: (415) 456-9280 or email: info@jbpiano.com

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