For the first time in more than half a century an American piano manufacturer has designed, built and introduced a concert grand piano to the world. That manufacturer is Mason & Hamlin, one of the oldest names in American pianos.

Mason & Hamlin’s 9-foot-4-inch Model CC-94 concert grand premiered during the January 2005 National Association of Music Merchants Show in Anaheim, Calif.  Mason & Hamlin artist Eric Himy later introduced the piano in concert during the Piano Technicians’ California State Convention in February.

 “Introducing this piano is what we have been working toward since purchasing Mason & Hamlin in 1996,” says Gary Burgett, who – with his brother, Kirk – acquired the then bankrupt company in an effort to save the legendary piano from extinction. 

“Our dealers began asking for a concert instrument almost immediately and their patience has finally paid off.  We’re excited to add the CC-94 to our line, but more than that, we’re proud to bring this legendary piano back to the concert hall. The fact that it’s the first American-made concert grand in over 50 years makes it even more important. This is a great day for the American piano industry.”

The CC-94 moves to the forefront of Mason & Hamlin’s piano line, which includes the 5-foot-8-inch Model A grand, 6-foot-4-inch Model AA grand, 7-foot Model BB grand and Model 50 studio upright. The new concert grand features all the characteristics and attributes of Mason & Hamlin pianos, including the Crown Retention System, the company’s patented method of preserving the piano’s power and tone while adding stability, Gary explains.

“Thousands of hours have been invested in the design of the CC-94 to ensure that everything from its engineering to its cabinetry matched precisely our vision of the great American piano. This,” he adds, “is the glorious result.”

As with all Mason & Hamlin pianos, the CC-94 is built with a full perimeter, sand cast plate; heavy case ribs; 18 ply , hard-rock-maple rims and a sturdy, white-spruce soundboard. It also incorporates the patented Tension Resonator – an exclusive Mason & Hamlin feature consisting of steel truss rods attached to the inner rim of the piano at precisely calculated points. What makes the CC-94 concert grand unique is its dual tension resonators.

“The dual tension resonators add significant strength and rigidity to the rim, locking it in to shape,” explains Gary. “That enables the piano to resist the spreading downward force on the soundboard. 

“While all Mason & Hamlin pianos are ideal for professional studios, conservatories and other institutions,” Gary points out, “the CC-94 is specifically designed for the rigors of professional use, including concert artists, recording studios, educational institutions and houses of worship ... as well as the concert stage. At one time, Mason & Hamlin concert grand pianos were staples of concert halls everywhere, and we’re confident that history will repeat itself with the CC-94.”