How do I know if my piano is worth anything?

We suggest setting your initial asking price about 10–15% higher than the FMV, and accept any offer within 15–20% of the FMV. Make the buyer of your piano feel as if they have "won" while you still get Fair Market Value for your instrument.

How do I find out how much a piano is worth?

Appraisers of used pianos and other consumer goods typically use three different methods to determine fair market value: comparable sales, depreciation, and idealized value minus the cost of restoration.

Is my old piano worth anything?

Antique pianos are pianos that're at least a hundred years old, and, like antique books, they're not worth a lot of money just because of their age. In actuality, these old instruments may be worth very little at all, depending on their brand and condition.

How do I know if my piano is an antique?

In order for a piano to be considered antique, it needs to be closer to 100 years old, and age alone does not make it valuable.

Is there a blue book for pianos?

The Bluebook of Pianos is an invaluable handbook for anyone who owns or plans to buy a piano. After an illustrated discussion of piano structure that explains the workings of both grand and upright pianos, the book gives careful advice for purchasing a new or used piano.

What is My Piano Worth?

How do I identify my piano?

In most pianos, the brand name and serial number can be found inside the instrument near the soundboard or strings. Upright pianos usually have the brand name and serial number located inside the piano, on the back near the top of the strings.

Do pianos lose value?

From a financial perspective (excluding instruments with special historical or artistic value), pianos are a depreciating asset. They depreciate quickly for the first few years and then slowly thereafter. They may eventually appear to appreciate in value, but the appreciation is entirely due to inflation.

What is the best way to sell a used piano?

How do I get rid of an old upright piano?

Check to see if your local trash or junk removal service, charities, and recycling facility accepts pianos or offers piano disposal service. Schedule a pickup time with piano movers. Clear a path for the piano movers to carry the instrument through.

Do upright pianos hold their value?

On average, upright pianos will depreciate the most in value.

How do I know if my piano keys are ivory?

Look for an ultraviolet torch. Hold it above the piano keys. If you notice the keys reflect either bright white or violet-blue colours, the keys are made of ivory. Artificial material like resins or plastics will show a completely different reaction.

How much do antique pianos sell for?

Antique pianos and organs can be valued anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It is important that sellers realize the real value difference between a restored instrument and an unrestored instrument.

Are ivory keys on a piano worth anything?

If they have a big enough collection of old ivories, they will have a greater chance of matching. Before laws tightened, a set of ivory keys may have been worth thousands of dollars. If you find anyone selling or trading ivory today, you should use caution as laws are complex.

When did pianos stop using ivory?

In 1990, a global treaty was signed, banning trade in all kinds of rhino or elephant ivory. Pianos with ivory keys are no longer manufactured, but many older pianos with ivory keys still exist and are in use.

How much is an upright piano?

An upright piano costs between $3000 – $6500 on average. High-end upright pianos average around $10,000 – $25,000. Entry level grand pianos costs between $7000 – 30,000. High-end grand pianos such as Steinway, Bosendorfer, and Yamaha can cost between $65,000 – $190,000.

Who will buy an old piano?

How do I get rid of my piano near me?

If you don't want a piano, it can be a cost to you to dispose of it or to store it. Local people may be willing to take it off your hands or even pick it up. It's also worth calling your local thrift stores, schools, theaters or youth organizations to see if they would accept a free piano.

Which brand of piano is best?

How do I find out what year my piano was made?

Many pianos will have a 4, 5 or 6 digit serial number to identify the age of the piano. Using this number, along with the manufacturer, the age of the piano can sometimes be determined. The areas to look for these numbers vary from each company but here are some common places to look along with some photos.

Are used pianos worth it?

Since pianos hold their value for a long time, a new acoustic piano, when cared for, can be an investment that will last your family for generations. However, if you're buying an acoustic piano on a limited budget, a used piano is a great choice, as long as you make sure to get a quality, well-cared-for piano.

How old is my piano serial number?

For determining the age of a piano you need the serial number it received from the manufacturer. The serial number is usually a five- to nine-digit number. It can be found on the pin block, sometimes also on the inside of the case or on the sounding board under the pin block of the instrument.

What is an antique version of a piano called?

MELODEONS. The Melodeon was produced in the early to middle 19^th century, and was the forerunner to the late 19th century Parlor Organ. Melodeons were usually simple instruments with one set of reeds, and often looked like a miniature square grand piano.

What is an old fashioned piano called?

The Piano's Older Cousin – The Harpsichord

The harpsichord is visually similar to the piano. They are both string instruments with wooden cases, but the harpsichord has two or more sets of strings inside the case, and two keyboards.