This is how most people see their piano.
(1A) This piano is old. It doesn't look very good. It sounds horrible and can not be tuned.
(1C) |
How old is my piano? First thing you need to now is the name of the piano manufacturer. The name branded on the front may not be the actual name of the company that made the piano. Many companies over the years have been bought out along with the copyrights to the brand names they manufactured. Some companies have the ability to make pianos under 80 different brand names. Second thing you need to know is the serial number. Most of the time both the name and the serial number can be found on the plate or tag on the inside, if you lift the lid. The pictures below show some other places to look if it's not under the lid. Now that you have a name and serial number scroll down to Blue Books of Piano and look up the name and serial number of your piano.
Look up Names and Serial Numbers through Blue Book of Pianos
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Piano Appraisals
There are many factors involved in determining the value of a piano. The appearance of the outer case of a piano is only one factor in the equation. Age, how wore the action parts are, how tight the tuning pins are, is the action out of regulation, does it feel good to play, does it sound good, are all factors in calculating value. You may think you own the piano in picture 1A and you may really have the piano in 1B. You may be looking at buying the piano in picture 1C or 1D though neither are of any value as is. The first step to start assessing the value of your piano is to determine the makers name and age of the piano. Many quality pianos have the name and serial number on the plate if you lift the lid (see picture below). You can look up a serial number through Blue Book of Pianos.
The next step involved in assessing the value of your piano is evaluating the condition of the case. This is the easiest and most obvious for the average person to get correct. Now comes determining the wear on action components. After that checking the torque on the tuning pins. The steps beyond this point are far more critical and usually not within the piano knowledge of the average person. This is where the piano technician comes in. When do you need a piano appraisal? When ever you are buying or selling a piano. Maybe for insurance purposes or perhaps you are leaving a piano with the house you are selling. In any case leave this to the pros. If you are selling a piano you want to get the most out of it, but you don't want to rip someone off. Likewise, if you are buying a piano you want to get the most out of your investment.
Estimates and appraisals are $65.00. You can call me (Damon Nantz) at anytime 270-831-0167.