Many factors decide the value of your piano; one of the biggest factors being its overall condition. A qualified piano technician can take an in-depth look at your instrument, and give you a fairly accurate dollar amount, and sometimes proof of appraisal.
To find your piano’s value yourself, you’ll need to do most of the legwork yourself. This guide will teach you how to determine the value of your piano, and spot some common signs of damage.
Determine the Condition of Your Piano
Inspecting the piano’s exterior is crucial; it will be the first thing a potential buyer will notice, and it will clue them in on the piano’s overall quality. Exterior damage lowers the piano’s value, and indicates deeper issues. Take note of the following:
- Keyboard Condition: Are there any broken, crooked, or out of tune keys? Are they yellowed, stained, or chipped? If aesthetic issues such as discoloration cannot be justified by the piano’s age, the value will take a nosedive.
- Pedals: Are they rusted? Do they stick or go limp? Age does not excuse these issues; upkeep is lacking if these problems are not addressed.
- Damage to the Wood Finish: Are there cracks or scratches? Has any of the wood been warped or sun-damaged? Even if a buyer is willing to refinish the piano, damage to the finish is often caused by elements that also harm the interior. If you are unfamiliar with the interior parts, it is a good idea to have them checked out.
- Piano Leg Sturdiness: Wobbly legs are a safety hazard for the piano and anyone around it. If you notice any loose screws, tighten them, and make sure the problem doesn’t reoccur. If the leg loosens after being fixed, the wood may have to be replaced. Don’t tackle anything more than a loose screw; you could hurt yourself or your piano.
Inspecting a piano’s interior takes a bit more work. At the very least, you should look out for:
- Rusted or worn-down strings
- Strings that have created deep, splintering grooves in the surrounding wood
- Loose felt on the hammers
- An out-of-shape or cracked soundboard
How to Find Your Piano’s Current Value
Once you have a general idea of quality, you can look for a number value. You’ll need to determine three details specific to your piano: the serial number, the manufacturer, and the date of manufacture.
- Find the Piano’s Serial Number
The serial number will be engraved on an interior metal plate located near the keys, or on the pinblock. On grand pianos, it may be hiding underneath the keyslip. Contact a registered piano technician so that he/she can safely remove the necessary parts and access the serial code. - Get the Piano Manufacturer’s Name
The name is often found on the front of the piano, just above or below the keyboard. If these areas are blank, flip open the lid and look at the soundboard, or check behind an upright piano, and underneath a grand. - Determine the Date of Manufacture
You may need to find the date before you can determine the value. Regardless, if you want to determine your piano’s age, it is easily found once you have the info in steps 1 & 2. Sometimes the date is written on the soundboard next to the manufacturer’s name, but this is uncommon. Some manufacturers, such as Yamaha and Steinway, post this information online (type “serial” in the site’s search box if you’re lost), or it can be found in an updated version of the Pierce Piano Atlas.
How to Find the Value of Your Piano
Now that you have the info you’ll need, you can use it to get an idea of your piano’s worth. The best resource to use if you’re going about this on your own is an updated version of The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano, which is updated yearly or bi-yearly. In addition to the values of almost 3,000 piano brands and models, this book is a goldmine of information for any piano owner or enthusiast.
3 Reasons to Hire a Piano Technician
- If you plan to sell your piano to either a retailer or a private citizen, it is always best to receive a note of appraisal so that neither party gets the short end of the stick.
- Your piano might need a specific repair that, if fixed, could pay for itself and make you a profit.
- Observing your technician can shed light on your next piano purchase, and give you insight on what (and what not) to look for.
