Mark Allen's knowledge of all aspects of piano technology is rare indeed.
After his being recommended to me in the early 90's by another
professional pianist and friend, I began using him for all piano
maintenance. It was after hearing a recording of his concert grand *,
which I thought was not just superb but unusual in its sustaining
ability, that I encouraged him to both preserve and document his unique
sounding board design and construction techniques. This was accomplished
through the total rebuilding of a 1928 vintage Baldwin concert grand
which included a new sound board. The piano now has a rich bass with
great sustaining power and superb clarity, a warm but "dark and
brooding" mid range that balances well (and is wonderful in my opinion
for Brahms). The treble is bright and clear and not overpowered by the
extended bass. It is a unique and fine instrument ,

Some years after the Baldwin project I employed Allen to totally rebuild a
circa 1923 model "M" Steinway, a new sounding board to be included. The
piano is a gem, sounding bigger than it is, with a
beautiful tone and singing power. It also showed great tuning stability.

I can attest, through personal conversation and email, that there are
pianists from around the
country who's favorite piano is one with a sound board by Allen; their
appreciation speaks volumes.

J.P.D. (Asheville, NC)

*Telefunken
6.42781AZ, Beethoven Pastorale Symphony transcribed for solo piano by
Liszt and performed
by Cyprien Katsaris on a Mark Allen concert grand

We asked if the bass range of our piano could enhanced. Allen’s answer was a custom designed sound board for us. The result is an instrument that is balanced in all registers. The highs are brilliant without being harsh. The midrange is warm and well enunciated. The bass notes ring clear and sonorous; like a church bell. Mr. Mason took our 6’ Steinway and, miraculously, turned it into a 7’ one.

I had never had a piano completely rebuilt before. So, I appreciated Mr. Mason's explanation of the steps involved and the options available to me. His description of the time needed for each phase was accurate. In addition, he laid out a clear business plan for the project: each phase requiring particular materials, sometimes ordered well ahead of time so as not to cause delays later on. Each payment was clearly attached to a specific endpoint for each phase and substantiated by the time and materials involved. His attention to detail and dedication to my instrument was unprecedented. This is a man who truly loves his craft.

A.H. (Asheville, NC)