SAVE THE DATE: Join us for an exciting
Tour of the Mason & Hamlin Piano Factory Friday Oct. 7, 2011We Have Openings!As happens every year some people have had to drop out. We now (as of 09/29/11) have
a few openings. Get Here by either 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. and join us TODAY Oct 7
(Then join us the next day for the start of our big
Cape Cod Piano Party )
That's right, after a couple of years away we're overdue to visit our good friends in Haverhill, MA.
The folks at Mason & Hamlin are very proud of their pianos, their factory, and their people. And we'll take in all three.
They give a fantastic tour led by engineer & legendary piano designer Bruce Clark.
You'll get to see the entire process of building a high-end piano from choosing the wood to polishing the cabinet. And you will have the opportunity to see how they utilize a combination of the latest technology combined with old world craftsmanship.
And if you're really good, they just might have some nice newly minted pianos for us to play at the end of the tour.
Mason & Hamlin is so confident in their products and their processes, they allow us to take pictures throughout the tour. In fact, here's a thread with pictures
From our 2007 Tour of Mason & Hamlin Official Word from M&H: "9am - Tour begins. Duration - 3 hours. Noon- Lunch catered by MH followed by piano tasting, performances, photos and other extracurricular activities"
We've Added A Second Tour Group! Same day, second group will start at 10:00
This means we can have up to 55 total participants. If you've been waiting by the sidelines, jump in now and let me know you want to come!
Make plans now to join us in October. Respond to this post so we know you're interested, then...Space is limited, so send me
webmaster@pianoworld.com your
details right away if you want to join the factory tour.
I'll need your:
Forums Name
Real Name
State
Phone
We have started posting a list of attendees below the pictures.THE TOUR IS LIMITED TO 55 PEOPLE - DON'T WAIT!
When we reach 55 we will still take names as alternates, some people drop out before
the tour every year. Either way, GET YOUR NAME ON THE LIST
We would like to post your forums name, and the names of anyone you are bringing, along with your state (and country if coming from outside the U.S.).
Let me know if it's not ok to post your real name in addition to your forums name.
If you plan to bring others with you, please provide their details as well. (We will not post phone numbers).
More details to follow as they become available.
ATTENDING THE 2011 TOUR:GROUP IDmitry P. +1(d_p)(MA)=2
Leo Todd (leomtodd) (ME)
Ed B. (Cape Cod)
Jeff (cousin to Ed & Roberta)
Jeremy Gloo (A441) (Cape Cod)
Jeff BC + 2 (MA)=3
Janet & Doug (JGJ) (MA)=2
Bruce Morton (brucenm) (VT)
Jim & Nancy (MA)=2
Angela H. (AngelainMpls) (MN)
Elman Anderson (PA)
Jan S. & Rick S. (MA) =2
Linda J. (linjo515) (MA)
Jim & Son (jameskeenan) (MA) =2
Paul & Joan Brown (NY)=2
Barbara & Larry Wadsworth (FL/MA) = 2
Becket Senchur (MA)
Ike and Fay Cole (MA) = 2
To Date 32 Participants Mason & Hamlin has agreed to a second group!The good folks at Mason & Hamlin Piano have agreed to purchase additional
headphones to accommodate a second tour group on the same day.
The second group is limited to 15, a number we have already reached with the people
who were originally on the alternates list. We will now start a new alternates list.
GROUP IIJunko Shiota Abuza (MA)= 2
Mark Abrahams (Mark A) (NY)
Lisa P. (LisaPetro) (NY)
Diana D. (MA)
Robert Jones(WCSdancer)& Mom (VA)= 2
Howard V and Sue K (hv) (IL) = 2
Pat & Jim Wilkinson (NH) = 2
Chester Godfrey (Wannaplay)+2 (MA) = 3
Laura & Stan / VT = 2
Group II = 15
Alternates:Alternates are listed in the order in which we received the requests.
In the event any of the confirmed people in the original 40 or group II 15 drop out (and we usually have a few), we will contact the alternates in order.
~ Rich D. +1 = 2
~ MrHazelton +1 = 2
~ Les Koltvedt +1 / MI = 2
Every current Piano Forums member who joins us on the tour will receive an official
Piano World Piano Forums Lapel Pin! Costs There is no charge for the tour. You are responsible for your own transportation and lodging.
General Information:Keep in mind you will be touring a live factory in full production mode. Lots of dangerous machinery, tools, and many people moving around.
It will be approximately a 3 hour tour (just like Gilligan's Island).
At the end of the tour there will be freshly minted pianos to see and play.
Because we usually end up with a large group, anyone wishing to play must keep it short so others have a chance.
The group needs to stay together, stay out of the way of the workers, and LISTEN to what the tour director (Bruce Clark) is saying.
We do a LOT of walking (and standing). Wear comforable shoes and clothes. The factory is clean (other than sawdust), but you may brush up against a piece of machinery, pile of wood etc.
Our thanks to the Burgett's (owners), our own Cecil Ramirez (national sales rep), Bruce Clark (piano designer, technician and tour moderator), Tom Lagomarsino(sr. vp), and all the other fine folks at Mason & Hamlin for hosting this event.
FYI, the factory is in Haverhill, MA (pronounced Heyvrill). About 45 minutes north of Boston.
If any PianoWorld members would like to stay in Haverhill overnight, there is a Best Western Merrimack Valley Lodge nearby.
www.bwmerrimackvalley.com I've stayed here a few times, it isn't fancy but it's clean and comfortable.
The hotel is about a 10 minute drive from the factory.
Mason & Hamlin Piano Company
35 Duncan St. Haverhill, MA 01830
www.masonhamlin.com Don't forget we are also organizing a great
Cape Cod Piano Party for the same weekend!
Location
Parking