How can I find out how much my antique piano is worth?

cantdrv55 · 01-21-2011, 07:37 AM

My mother says her antique piano is mine if I can sell it and get it out of her house. It was made in the thirties, we think. Elaborate woodwork, grand piano in espresso color. It just needs some Pledge to make it shine again.

masraum · 01-21-2011, 08:04 AM

Manufacturer, and/or a picture would probably help a bunch.

Rikao4 · 01-21-2011, 08:16 AM

so you get the $$ if you sell ..right ?

Rika

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Many, many websites out there to help you. Get pics of any identification marks, name, model number, year mfg'd. Old pianos aren't usually worth very much unless they are a "big name" like Bosendorfer, Steinway, etc... but you need to research it.

Tishabet · 01-21-2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azasadny

Old pianos aren't usually worth very much unless they are a "big name" like Bosendorfer, Steinway, etc... but you need to research it.

+1, but keep in mind that as with old cars there are some cult brands that casual piano users have never heard of which will command some bucks.

Even if it is a Steinway or whatever, condition is _everything_. That means more than how it looks on the outside... a beautiful 1920's Steinway grand with a cracked soundboard, bad felts and a warped keyboard will often cost far more than its value to fix. Very much like Porsches in this regard!

My wife (pianist, teaches in the evenings etc) says if the piano is an unknown quantity she would call up a shop in the area (many sell pianos on consignment) or perhaps a tuner to come out and take a look... they should be able to give you a feel for the condition and will likely know the market.

TimT · 01-21-2011, 05:44 PM

I inherited a Sohmer Sohmer & Co. - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Piano, actually it came with a house I inherited.

I dont play, dont have any kids that play... My brother has three daughters who were interested in learning piano, So I decdided to give my Piano to my bro.

Fast forward to when the Piano movers arrive at my house. They look up the mfg. (Sohmer) and s/n in a Piano "bible" and tell me that my excellent condition Sohmer Grand Piano is worth approx $30,000.00!!

My bro and I still joke about my Antiques Roadshow moment....

It is really a beautiful Piano... very Victorian looking Grand IIRC it was made in 1880 or around there.