Is it worth restoring an old upright piano?

That said, the life of a piano is relative to its use, but adding 50-70 years of playability and beauty is a worthwhile investment to keep a valuable, handmade piano alive. Additionally, a new piano drops in value like a brand new car would. Restored pianos hold their value longer than brand new pianos.

How much does it cost to restore an old piano?

Rebuilding a piano is a large, time-consuming project that can take almost as much time as the construction of a new instrument by the original manufacturer. Quality rebuilding work is very expensive, easily ranging from $25,000 to $40,000, or even more, for a first-class restoration of a high-quality instrument.

Is it worth repairing a piano?

If a piano has experienced a fire, flood, or moving damage, it may not be worth putting the money into it. Quality, size, and type of piano - Professional quality, Concert Grands typically have a remarkable longevity and rebuilding capability.

Are old upright pianos 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.

What can I do with my old upright piano?

Is My Old Piano Worth Fixing?

Can old pianos be restored?

Restored pianos hold their value longer than brand new pianos. 3. Pianos can be refinished during restoration to achieve a customized look. What many people do not realize is that they can select a variety of different finishes and custom stains for the refinishing part of the restoration process.

Which pianos hold their value?

Quality uprights by Yamaha, Steinway, and Kawai generally sell for more. A quick Google search of your piano model can show what comparable sales would look like. Grand pianos hold more value, however, lower quality models lose their worth just as fast as uprights.

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 much does it cost to refinish an upright piano?

Piano refinishing costs will vary depending on the size, color, texture and quality of the finish being applied. From the smallest upright piano with the most basic finish applied, prices will start at $2000, and go up to about $7500 for full sized Uprights or pianos with very intricate cabinetry.

Can you tune a 100 year old piano?

Tuning obviously falls under basic maintenance and is something that any piano owner should keep up on. Unfortunately, we have often found that an old piano that has not been properly maintained over the years may not be tunable without a serious amount of repair/restoration work.

What makes a piano Untunable?

Q: WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY MY PIANO IS UNTUNABLE? It happens. If your piano is old, was poorly manufactured, neglected, or some combination of the three, your piano might be untunable. This is most often a repairable problem.

Are the 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.

What is the lifespan of a piano?

With regular proper maintenance, tuning, and storage, a quality piano can give up to 50 years of adequate service.

What year did they stop using ivory for piano keys?

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 does it cost to tune a piano?

The average price to tune a piano ranges from $65 to $225, and the cost can increase by several hundred dollars if the piano requires multiple tuning sessions or repairs. Piano tuning is a skill that only experienced professionals should do.

Can very old pianos be tuned?

Yes. A piano can be tuned as long as it exists. If it hasn't been tuned in a long period of time, it will almost surely require at least two tuning. After you bring it up to pitch, most of the strings will fall.

Can I restore a piano myself?

Restoring a piano is labor-intensive, but you can do it yourself with a few tools and furniture restoration supplies. It is not advisable to restore your piano by yourself if it is a valuable antique; that is better left to a professional with a high degree of expertise.

What does it mean to refurbish a piano?

If a piano is listed as rebuilt, it has gone through several changes, such as receiving new strings, a new soundboard, or a new pinblock. Most rebuilt pianos are also refinished too. Reconditioned Pianos. A reconditioned piano usually signifies the piano has had strings and/or hammers replaced. Restored Pianos.

How much can I sell my upright piano for?

On the private market, I would be able to sell a quality $5000 upright for at least 40 – 60% of its original value, especially if it's in great working condition.

How do I sell my old antique piano?

If your desire is to become an educated seller and get the most value you can from your instrument, then you might consider alternative methods such as consignment placement in upscale antique stores or boutiques, consignment with a piano dealer, or advertising your instrument on more specialized antiques-related ...

How much does an old upright piano weigh?

A classic upright piano typically weighs between 500 and 800 pounds. It usually takes at least four people to move an upright piano.