Pianotech

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

My best guess is that a bunch of repetition lever springs are out of their slots. While Wim's suggestion to push the situation back at the dealer or M&H technical services has a lot of merit, sheer curiosity would compel me to at least pull the action & try to isolate the source (rep lever springs, wippen support springs??; key pins or key bushings?, etc.). 

Good luck!

------------------------------
Patrick Draine RPT
Billerica MA
(978) 663-9690

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2025 07:23
From: Cory Jacobson
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043
------------------------------

It seemed to be coming from the keysticks/balance rail holes/pins?...Thought I isolated it, but maybe I didn't look closely enough. Did you watch the second video clip? Pretty sure I did rule out the action stack...

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2025 08:11
From: Patrick Draine
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

My best guess is that a bunch of repetition lever springs are out of their slots. While Wim's suggestion to push the situation back at the dealer or M&H technical services has a lot of merit, sheer curiosity would compel me to at least pull the action & try to isolate the source (rep lever springs, wippen support springs??; key pins or key bushings?, etc.). 

Good luck!

------------------------------
Patrick Draine RPT
Billerica MA
(978) 663-9690

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2025 07:23
From: Cory Jacobson
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043
------------------------------

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

It's too loud and spread out to be an action part--center pin, rep spring, etc.  And I too don't think it would have gotten out of the store like either this so I'm voting for some debris having gotten into the action during the move.  Shouldn't be hard to spot once you've pulled the action.

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

Okay, I just listened to it over my stereo...I'm now thinking that glue soaked through the balance rail bushings and the pins are squeaking on that. If I'm right it needs to be completely rebushed probably front as well just in case. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

It's too loud and spread out to be an action part--center pin, rep spring, etc.  And I too don't think it would have gotten out of the store like either this so I'm voting for some debris having gotten into the action during the move.  Shouldn't be hard to spot once you've pulled the action.

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

Hi Cory,

It's been super cold and dry in WI this Winter. It's possible those squeaks were not an issue at the dealer, and only recently surfaced. It sounds like what you suggested Cory: Key Balance Holes against the Balance Pins. Protek CLP has helped me in the past with that issue.

Okay, I just listened to it over my stereo...I'm now thinking that glue soaked through the balance rail bushings and the pins are squeaking on that. If I'm right it needs to be completely rebushed probably front as well just in case. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

It's too loud and spread out to be an action part--center pin, rep spring, etc.  And I too don't think it would have gotten out of the store like either this so I'm voting for some debris having gotten into the action during the move.  Shouldn't be hard to spot once you've pulled the action.

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

If they ask me to "fix it" what I am thinking of is removing the keys to clean and polish the pins finishing with ProLube or similar. I did however let some Protek drip down a balance rail pin as a test and that did not solve this issue. Another tech suggested that there could have been some sort of key pin protectant applied to them at the manufacture which a dealership is supposed to remove or prep by cleaning them off... I don't know. As the one video shows I also tried Teflon powder on a bushing, but the issue seems to be at the hole. I worked on a Mason BB the week before and those pins are a black color. This model I believe is a China made (Pearl River) version...

Hi Cory,

It's been super cold and dry in WI this Winter. It's possible those squeaks were not an issue at the dealer, and only recently surfaced. It sounds like what you suggested Cory: Key Balance Holes against the Balance Pins. Protek CLP has helped me in the past with that issue.

Okay, I just listened to it over my stereo...I'm now thinking that glue soaked through the balance rail bushings and the pins are squeaking on that. If I'm right it needs to be completely rebushed probably front as well just in case. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

It's too loud and spread out to be an action part--center pin, rep spring, etc.  And I too don't think it would have gotten out of the store like either this so I'm voting for some debris having gotten into the action during the move.  Shouldn't be hard to spot once you've pulled the action.

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

Hi Cory,

By no stretch of the imagination am I any kind of expert concerning Mason and Hamlin pianos. But this is the first mention I've ever heard of products bearing that name being manufactured offshore.

Those black key pins you saw could very well be WNG's most excellent anodized aluminum keypins. State of the art, in my opinion. As for the notion of there being some protective coating on the keypins, put there by the manufacturer with the intention that the dealer would remove it, sounds unnecessarily complicated and like a just plain bad idea, if it indeed were the case. I tend to doubt that.

My advice is well worth what you have paid for it, which is nothing. 

Alan

If they ask me to "fix it" what I am thinking of is removing the keys to clean and polish the pins finishing with ProLube or similar. I did however let some Protek drip down a balance rail pin as a test and that did not solve this issue. Another tech suggested that there could have been some sort of key pin protectant applied to them at the manufacture which a dealership is supposed to remove or prep by cleaning them off... I don't know. As the one video shows I also tried Teflon powder on a bushing, but the issue seems to be at the hole. I worked on a Mason BB the week before and those pins are a black color. This model I believe is a China made (Pearl River) version...

Hi Cory,

It's been super cold and dry in WI this Winter. It's possible those squeaks were not an issue at the dealer, and only recently surfaced. It sounds like what you suggested Cory: Key Balance Holes against the Balance Pins. Protek CLP has helped me in the past with that issue.

Okay, I just listened to it over my stereo...I'm now thinking that glue soaked through the balance rail bushings and the pins are squeaking on that. If I'm right it needs to be completely rebushed probably front as well just in case. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

It's too loud and spread out to be an action part--center pin, rep spring, etc.  And I too don't think it would have gotten out of the store like either this so I'm voting for some debris having gotten into the action during the move.  Shouldn't be hard to spot once you've pulled the action.

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

If they ask me to "fix it" what I am thinking of is removing the keys to clean and polish the pins finishing with ProLube or similar. I did however let some Protek drip down a balance rail pin as a test and that did not solve this issue. Another tech suggested that there could have been some sort of key pin protectant applied to them at the manufacture which a dealership is supposed to remove or prep by cleaning them off... I don't know. As the one video shows I also tried Teflon powder on a bushing, but the issue seems to be at the hole. I worked on a Mason BB the week before and those pins are a black color. This model I believe is a China made (Pearl River) version...

Hi Cory,

It's been super cold and dry in WI this Winter. It's possible those squeaks were not an issue at the dealer, and only recently surfaced. It sounds like what you suggested Cory: Key Balance Holes against the Balance Pins. Protek CLP has helped me in the past with that issue.

Okay, I just listened to it over my stereo...I'm now thinking that glue soaked through the balance rail bushings and the pins are squeaking on that. If I'm right it needs to be completely rebushed probably front as well just in case. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

It's too loud and spread out to be an action part--center pin, rep spring, etc.  And I too don't think it would have gotten out of the store like either this so I'm voting for some debris having gotten into the action during the move.  Shouldn't be hard to spot once you've pulled the action.

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

If they ask me to "fix it" what I am thinking of is removing the keys to clean and polish the pins finishing with ProLube or similar. I did however let some Protek drip down a balance rail pin as a test and that did not solve this issue. Another tech suggested that there could have been some sort of key pin protectant applied to them at the manufacture which a dealership is supposed to remove or prep by cleaning them off... I don't know. As the one video shows I also tried Teflon powder on a bushing, but the issue seems to be at the hole. I worked on a Mason BB the week before and those pins are a black color. This model I believe is a China made (Pearl River) version...

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043

Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2025 09:24
From: Lyle Hiorns
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Hi Cory,

It's been super cold and dry in WI this Winter. It's possible those squeaks were not an issue at the dealer, and only recently surfaced. It sounds like what you suggested Cory: Key Balance Holes against the Balance Pins. Protek CLP has helped me in the past with that issue.

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 16:43
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Okay, I just listened to it over my stereo...I'm now thinking that glue soaked through the balance rail bushings and the pins are squeaking on that. If I'm right it needs to be completely rebushed probably front as well just in case. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 16:24
From: Cecil Snyder
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

It's too loud and spread out to be an action part--center pin, rep spring, etc.  And I too don't think it would have gotten out of the store like either this so I'm voting for some debris having gotten into the action during the move.  Shouldn't be hard to spot once you've pulled the action.

------------------------------
Cecil Snyder RPT
Torrance CA
(310) 542-7108

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 15:25
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

------------------------------
Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 14:39
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 09:34
From: Patsi Franklin
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

------------------------------
Patsi Franklin RPT
Maitland FL

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2025 07:23
From: Cory Jacobson
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043
------------------------------

The artist series is contracted out through Peral river and one thing I have noticed about those is that on ocasion Peral river pianos can develop a squeak at either the balance rail pin or the front rail.  I have have run into this issue on 2 separate occasions.  One was an artist series, and the other was on a Ritmuller. This is due to the use of a more rubbery glue to attach the felt bushings.  This normally isn't an issue, but if they apply a bit too much glue there can be a small amount of it in contact with the pin.  While not common its good to know about as my first time running into the issue it took me a bit to figure it out.  Its usually a matter of using a small chisel to simply cut away that glue glob. Teflon is always a good option for reducing friction.  I always apply some to the front rail bushings balance rail bushings and knuckles and heels as I think it tends to make the action play smoother.

------------------------------
Zackery Hardy
Elk Grove CA
(916) 531-5150

Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2025 11:30
From: Cory Jacobson
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

If they ask me to "fix it" what I am thinking of is removing the keys to clean and polish the pins finishing with ProLube or similar. I did however let some Protek drip down a balance rail pin as a test and that did not solve this issue. Another tech suggested that there could have been some sort of key pin protectant applied to them at the manufacture which a dealership is supposed to remove or prep by cleaning them off... I don't know. As the one video shows I also tried Teflon powder on a bushing, but the issue seems to be at the hole. I worked on a Mason BB the week before and those pins are a black color. This model I believe is a China made (Pearl River) version...

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043

Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2025 09:24
From: Lyle Hiorns
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Hi Cory,

It's been super cold and dry in WI this Winter. It's possible those squeaks were not an issue at the dealer, and only recently surfaced. It sounds like what you suggested Cory: Key Balance Holes against the Balance Pins. Protek CLP has helped me in the past with that issue.

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 16:43
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Okay, I just listened to it over my stereo...I'm now thinking that glue soaked through the balance rail bushings and the pins are squeaking on that. If I'm right it needs to be completely rebushed probably front as well just in case. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 16:24
From: Cecil Snyder
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

It's too loud and spread out to be an action part--center pin, rep spring, etc.  And I too don't think it would have gotten out of the store like either this so I'm voting for some debris having gotten into the action during the move.  Shouldn't be hard to spot once you've pulled the action.

------------------------------
Cecil Snyder RPT
Torrance CA
(310) 542-7108

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 15:25
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

------------------------------
Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 14:39
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 09:34
From: Patsi Franklin
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

------------------------------
Patsi Franklin RPT
Maitland FL

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2025 07:23
From: Cory Jacobson
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043
------------------------------

I think Zackery has the answer. 

I once treated some loose keys with balance rail holes that were slightly too big.  I thought it might be a good idea to use Chair Doctor, which is used to tighten the joints on chairs.  It swells the wood and makes them more solid.  Well, I discovered that when applied to the balance hole it does indeed tighten it up, but causes a "tick" sound when the key is played.  It makes the wood slightly sticky, and thus the "tick" sound just as in this instance.  Of course, assuming that Zack is correct, and that rubbery glue is in contact with the balance pin and making that sound.

If it's not the glue causing the problem, I would try something like putting wax on the wood in the hole.  Wax wouldn't soften the wood, but provide some lubrication.  Or more likely ProLube to coat the pin to make it slippery.

The artist series is contracted out through Peral river and one thing I have noticed about those is that on ocasion Peral river pianos can develop a squeak at either the balance rail pin or the front rail.  I have have run into this issue on 2 separate occasions.  One was an artist series, and the other was on a Ritmuller. This is due to the use of a more rubbery glue to attach the felt bushings.  This normally isn't an issue, but if they apply a bit too much glue there can be a small amount of it in contact with the pin.  While not common its good to know about as my first time running into the issue it took me a bit to figure it out.  Its usually a matter of using a small chisel to simply cut away that glue glob. Teflon is always a good option for reducing friction.  I always apply some to the front rail bushings balance rail bushings and knuckles and heels as I think it tends to make the action play smoother.

------------------------------
Zackery Hardy
Elk Grove CA
(916) 531-5150

Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2025 11:30
From: Cory Jacobson
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

If they ask me to "fix it" what I am thinking of is removing the keys to clean and polish the pins finishing with ProLube or similar. I did however let some Protek drip down a balance rail pin as a test and that did not solve this issue. Another tech suggested that there could have been some sort of key pin protectant applied to them at the manufacture which a dealership is supposed to remove or prep by cleaning them off... I don't know. As the one video shows I also tried Teflon powder on a bushing, but the issue seems to be at the hole. I worked on a Mason BB the week before and those pins are a black color. This model I believe is a China made (Pearl River) version...

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043

Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2025 09:24
From: Lyle Hiorns
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Hi Cory,

It's been super cold and dry in WI this Winter. It's possible those squeaks were not an issue at the dealer, and only recently surfaced. It sounds like what you suggested Cory: Key Balance Holes against the Balance Pins. Protek CLP has helped me in the past with that issue.

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 16:43
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Okay, I just listened to it over my stereo...I'm now thinking that glue soaked through the balance rail bushings and the pins are squeaking on that. If I'm right it needs to be completely rebushed probably front as well just in case. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 16:24
From: Cecil Snyder
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

It's too loud and spread out to be an action part--center pin, rep spring, etc.  And I too don't think it would have gotten out of the store like either this so I'm voting for some debris having gotten into the action during the move.  Shouldn't be hard to spot once you've pulled the action.

------------------------------
Cecil Snyder RPT
Torrance CA
(310) 542-7108

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 15:25
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

------------------------------
Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 14:39
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 09:34
From: Patsi Franklin
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

------------------------------
Patsi Franklin RPT
Maitland FL

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2025 07:23
From: Cory Jacobson
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043
------------------------------

The artist series is contracted out through Peral river and one thing I have noticed about those is that on ocasion Peral river pianos can develop a squeak at either the balance rail pin or the front rail.  I have have run into this issue on 2 separate occasions.  One was an artist series, and the other was on a Ritmuller. This is due to the use of a more rubbery glue to attach the felt bushings.  This normally isn't an issue, but if they apply a bit too much glue there can be a small amount of it in contact with the pin.  While not common its good to know about as my first time running into the issue it took me a bit to figure it out.  Its usually a matter of using a small chisel to simply cut away that glue glob. Teflon is always a good option for reducing friction.  I always apply some to the front rail bushings balance rail bushings and knuckles and heels as I think it tends to make the action play smoother.

------------------------------
Zackery Hardy
Elk Grove CA
(916) 531-5150
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2025 11:30
From: Cory Jacobson
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

If they ask me to "fix it" what I am thinking of is removing the keys to clean and polish the pins finishing with ProLube or similar. I did however let some Protek drip down a balance rail pin as a test and that did not solve this issue. Another tech suggested that there could have been some sort of key pin protectant applied to them at the manufacture which a dealership is supposed to remove or prep by cleaning them off... I don't know. As the one video shows I also tried Teflon powder on a bushing, but the issue seems to be at the hole. I worked on a Mason BB the week before and those pins are a black color. This model I believe is a China made (Pearl River) version...

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043

Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2025 09:24
From: Lyle Hiorns
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Hi Cory,

It's been super cold and dry in WI this Winter. It's possible those squeaks were not an issue at the dealer, and only recently surfaced. It sounds like what you suggested Cory: Key Balance Holes against the Balance Pins. Protek CLP has helped me in the past with that issue.

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 16:43
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Okay, I just listened to it over my stereo...I'm now thinking that glue soaked through the balance rail bushings and the pins are squeaking on that. If I'm right it needs to be completely rebushed probably front as well just in case. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 16:24
From: Cecil Snyder
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

It's too loud and spread out to be an action part--center pin, rep spring, etc.  And I too don't think it would have gotten out of the store like either this so I'm voting for some debris having gotten into the action during the move.  Shouldn't be hard to spot once you've pulled the action.

------------------------------
Cecil Snyder RPT
Torrance CA
(310) 542-7108

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 15:25
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

It's really an unusual sound. Backchecks impinging on a loose sostenuto bar? The sound seems consistent from note to note, the scraping sound seems to come on the upstroke. Looking forward to finding out, this is pretty unique.

------------------------------
Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 14:39
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

How in the world could it have left the showroom sounding like this?  Or did it?

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2025 09:34
From: Patsi Franklin
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

Have you looked inside yet?  The rubbing is so loud it almost sounds like a pencil or something inside there. But, do you have a repetition spring tool? On just one key , can you ease the rep spring out of its slot, clean out the slot, use a little dental mirror to see if there is any lubricant in the slot, if not put a tiny bit of Teflon powder or the Protek "paste"in the slot, Reinsert the spring and play the key 10 times to work itbinto the space. What kind of sound do you hear now?

I have had a new MH with squeaking jack tenders. If that is the case, use a hypodermic needle or eye dropper to put a little Protek liquid on the centerpin hole and flip the tender several times to work it in. 
If it is the key pin use a little Simichrome polish from the NAPA automotive store to shine the pin with a soft cloth. And when will you pass your RPT test? 

------------------------------
Patsi Franklin RPT
Maitland FL

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2025 07:23
From: Cory Jacobson
Subject: Mason Artist Series MHA-188G / Squeaking keys

A school client recently purchased a new M&H MHA-188G grand piano. First time I've seen one of these pianos and also the first time I've experienced this kind of squeaking keyboard. It's a brand new piano. Does anyone else have experience with this? The piano has no tension resonator and just isn't the build quality we normally associate with M&H. I've discussed this with some local colleagues but also wanted to post it here to share and see what anyone else might have to say. Thanks for looking. 

------------------------------
Cory Jacobson RPT
Campbellsport WI
(262) 689-6043
------------------------------