In the early-to-mid part of the 20th century, the piano was a staple in homes all across the country. It was an instrument, a social tool, and a main source of home entertainment. During this period in America, manufacturers produced and sold hundreds of thousands of pianos of all varieties. At the time of the original purchase, they were a substantial investment for most, and for decades, many of these pianos sat in the same place as when they were delivered.
Today, many of these old pianos sit in homes all across the country and – considering that the newest of these instruments was produced over 70 years ago – it’s rare to find one that isn’t in need of extensive restoration work. Unfortunately, unlike a violin or a guitar, most pianos do not get better with age. Pianos are more complicated than string instruments and – through the years – the internal moving parts of a piano will wear out. Hammer and damper felts become harder causing the piano’s tone to sound thin and bright. Action parts work lose making the piano feel slow and sluggish. The keys develop squeaks and clunks, and the strings lose their tonal character. The piano may still function, but it doesn’t “sing” as it once did.
As a result, many piano owners are upgrading their old instruments or getting rid of them altogether. The question is – are these pianos worth anything?
At one time, there were over 400 piano builders in the US alone. Now, the vast majority of those old piano manufacturers are long forgotten. Several of them went out of business during The Great Depression, and many more closed during the 1970s as strong competition from foreign manufacturers came pouring into the US market. Today, there are a myriad of brand names, ages and conditions… and each of those considerations can add to (or take away from) an instrument’s value. …so how do you know what these old pianos are worth if they are worth anything at all?
The first step might surprise you. You need to measure the piano. If it’s an upright piano (a piano with a vertical-oriented soundboard that usually sits close to a wall), measure the height of the instrument from the floor to the top. If the piano is taller than 52″ (132cm) tall or shorter than 40″ (102cm), then it has no resale value. They are no longer produced (meaning any replacement parts would have to be custom crafted at an extremely high price) and any restoration efforts would cost more than the price of a new upright piano. Unless they have extreme sentimental value or an incredibly beautiful cabinet that can justify the expense, there is no reason to invest in these old models. People everywhere are trying to give them away every day. Grand pianos are a different story. Measure your grand piano in a straight line from the front of the keyboard to the longest point of the tail. This will be important in determining its value.
The next step will be to document the piano’s brand, model number and serial number. Any piano professional will require this information to determine its value and to eventually sell the instrument. If your piano is one of the iconic brands… Yamaha, Steinway, Bosendorfer, etc. – it will have some value to someone. If not, it still may have some value and more research is necessary.
The final step will be to contact a piano professional (a technician or piano sales company) and arrange to have someone evaluate the instrument for you. It takes years of experience to determine the piano’s condition and resale value, so it’s important to contact a professional for this process. If you have a grand piano in good condition or an upright piano between 40 and 52″ tall, your instrument very well may have some value. …but the amount of money it’s worth will depend on its age, condition and care. …and it will usually be less than the owner wants for it. That is why it is so helpful to have someone “in the know” help you decide.
In summary, the valuation of a used piano is difficult. For every piano there is an “informed value” and an “uninformed value”. The informed value takes into account the local economy, supply and demand, technical quality and cosmetic condition of the piano, whereas the “uninformed value” is based primarily on how the piano looks. Unfortunately, the “uninformed value” is the number most used piano sellers are asking for their pianos. Ultimately, something is worth only as much as someone will pay for it…. so – as you consider buying or selling a used piano – consider all of these things and find a reputable piano pro to help you make your decision.
Of course, if you’re shopping for a used piano, the best place to get one is at Riverton. We have professional piano technicians evaluate all of our used pianos and we back each one with our exclusive two-year warranty. You deserve the peace of mind you can only get when you have a family-owned and operated business like ours backing your musical investment. …and – if you want to sell your piano – we invite you to contact us as well. Whatever your piano needs, our experienced staff and network of piano pros will help you get the most out of your investment.
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. Leave any comments or questions you have below and I’ll do my best to get you some answers. I love talking about pianos and I look forward to talking with you!
my piano serial number is between 75 and 1977 so I guess it’s a chickering and sons 1976 very rare what is the value
Hi, Shannon. We would definitely need more information to even guess at a value on your piano. We’d need to know it’s exact serial number, model number, finish color and condition. We’d need to know when it was last tuned. We’d need to know if there were any problems with the piano. There’s quite a bit of information we’d need. This is like asking a doctor to diagnose your illness over the phone (with very vague information). Your best bet would be to contact a local piano technician (We always recommend members of the Piano Technician’s Guild or “PTG”) and pay them to evaluate your piano. That will give you the best idea of your piano’s internal and external condition. Then – with that information and the exact serial and model numbers – a piano dealer can give you an idea of how much your piano’s worth. Thanks for stopping by and best of luck to you!
Hello my piano is a W.W. Kimball. Whitney is the model with serial number 633962. It’s in great condition. Is there any value for this model?
Hi, Scott! It’s hard to assign a value to a piano I’ve never seen, but I’ll do my best. If the piano is more than 40″ tall, you’ve had it tuned in the last year and there are no internal problems, the piano could be work between $1000 – $1500. If it’s less than 40″ tall, it hasn’t been tuned in a long time or there are mechanical issues that require work, it will have little or no value. I hope that helps!
Hi my piano Baldiwan 1979 219230 I there value for this model?
Hi, Marta. My info shows that you have a 1977 model Baldwin piano (instead of 1979), but I don’t know which model you have. Is it a grand or a vertical? What finish color? Have you had it tuned regularly? When was it last tuned? What is its condition? I’d have to know all these things before I could take a guess at its value.
I have a Cable Company 6’ baby grand with serial number 227352, which I believe is from 1920-1921 that is no longer needed.
It’s difficult to determine asking price range. Any insight appreciated.
Hi, Nicole. Unfortunately, your piano is significantly past its “End of Life” date and it won’t have much resale value. Cable is not an “in demand” brand for older pianos so you’ll probably be better off donating it or having it taken to “Piano Heaven.” Without knowing its tuning and maintenance history, I can’t make a recommendation there, but I can tell you that it won’t have much (if any) resale value on the used market. Wish I had better news, but thanks for your question!
How do I tell the age of my Wegman baby grand piano, serial number 20301? Is this worth anything or shall I try and donate it? Thank you for any advice!
According to Wegman’s serial number records, your piano is a 1935 – putting it well past “End of Life.” Have a technician check it out and – if it’s still musically viable – it could be a nice donation. …but a piano that old will likely need alot of work to be in “good playing condition” again and that work will cost more than the piano is worth. Best of luck to you!
Hello, I have a Conover Chicago Grand Upright 33274. Have a few keys not working. Is there any value or should I throw it out?
Hello, Marquita, and thank you for your question. It looks like your piano was built over 120 years ago. Since it’s not in perfect shape and it’s one one of the iconic brands (like Bosendorfer, Steinway, etc.)… I wouldn’t mess with it. You’ll put more money into making it playable than the piano will ever be worth. Time to part ways with it! Best of luck to you!
I have Ernest Kaps Piano (Panzer system). It’s serial number 16519 which means that its manufacture date:1895.
I’m in contact with an an expert to evaluate its condition since it is inherited from my grand pa.
if it is in good codition, does it have a historical value?
Hello and thank you for your question. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an “antique piano.” As they age (past 20 years or so), pianos deteriorate. They do not get better. …so a 130-year-old piano would have no street value. If you had it completely rebuilt (new strings, new hammers, new pin block, new soundboard, new action, etc…) it might have some value, but it’s not an “in demand” brand so you definitely won’t get more out of it then you spent to rebuild it. Best of luck to you!
Hello: we have a Bush and Gerts Chicago upright carved oak piano. Serial number 26887, it is 57 inches tall. Is there any value? I just have to double check for my mom.
Thank you,
Hi, Cindy, and thanks for stopping by. Unfortunately, we have bad news on this one. Your piano was built in 1902 which puts it so far past “end of life” it wouldn’t have any value. The company that made it is no longer in business… and the piano is taller than 52″ (the max height made today). Putting all of this together, I would say your best bet is to haul it to “Piano Heaven.” Wish I had better news!
Okay thank you
What will be my used Yamaha upright piano worth? The S/N is YK1011888
Hi, Lee. Are you sure the serial number isn’t YT1011888? What model is your piano? When did you have it last tuned? What finish color? Is it in perfect condition? Where is the piano now? Does it need any repairs?
Is the Behr Brothers of New York a good name to look into for value of my piano? I have had it for 63 years. It was given to me by my father’s Army buddy, if I would take lessons. It needs ivories, and needs tuned badly. I play it all the time, as I am a church pianist, and I use it for practice. Thank you.
Behr Brothers is an old name. In 1910, Kohler & Campbell took them over. This would mean your piano may have been nice when it was new, but it is well past “end of life” at this point. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi I have a cramer baby grand piano, I’ve been trying to find out more information about it. I’ve been struggling to find a serial number. The number I have found is on a small white plaque which says supplied by Harrods Ltd London H 61775
I’ve found conflicting information that that is the serial number and other information suggests it is nothing more than a product stock number for Harrods. Any ideas which it is? Thanks
JB Cramer & Co was established in 1824 in London, England. There isn’t much information on the company, but – if the number you posted is the serial number – it would put your piano in the late 1920s. Does that sound right to you? If not, a company named Kemble (also from London) took over the brand at some point. According to their serial number list, your piano could be a 1938 (assuming the number you sent is a serial number). That’s all the information we were able to find. Hope that helps!
Is Yamaha Junior Upright Piano serial 1050970 a good buy? Piano in good condition, tuned regularly. Want something as a beginner. They are asking $1500AUS.
Hi, Kiki. It’s impossible to answer your question with the info we have. Yamaha is certainly a great brand, but I don’t know the model number so I can’t really help. Also… what does “good condition” mean? When was it last tuned? Have you had a technician look at it? Have a tech look at it and give you a report. That’s the best way to be safe. Best of luck to you!
My piano, serial number 47345 is marked as a E. Gabled and Brothers of New York in 1854. I believe it is past its end of life but would love your general opinion. The housing is tiger oak.
Yep. It’s well past “End of Life.” It would cost more to rebuild that you’d pay for a new piano at this point. Doesn’t make a ton of sense. Wish we had better news!
Is a Wurlitzer piano of any value? Date of sale around 1970.
Hi, Sure. A Wurlitzer piano could have some value. Everything depends on how it’s been cared for, what condition its in and how quickly you want to sell it.
I am trying to find out if my Hazelton Brothers 40” high piano has any value. The serial number is 413363. We purchased it 8 years ago and last had it tuned about 6 years ago.
Thank you for any insight as to year or potential value.
Hi, Andrea. Unfortunately, due to extreme age, a “less than well known” brand name/reputation and lack of proper annual care, I don’t think your piano has much resale value at this point. It’s about three times past “End of Life” and – if it hasn’t been tuned in six years – it’s going to need alot of work. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Best of luck to you!
Hello, I came across a Baldwin Hamilton upright 44″ piano with serial number 222935. I am interested to confirm its age and current market value for good condition. Thank you.
Hi, Charles. It appears your piano was built in 1978. That’s all I can tell you without looking at it. I don’t know the model number. I don’t know it’s condition or care regimen. I don’t know what your market is like or how quickly you want to sell it. All of these things come together to determine the piano’s value. I’d have a local technician look at it and give you this information. Best of luck to you!
We have a 6′ Steger model 1903 Grand Piano. It’s been in the family since 1957, but we’re uncertain of when it was manufactured. There is a stamp underneath of the number 23730, which I assume is the serial. At any rate, it’s in extremely good shape and was just tuned this week again with no issues. We’d like to determine value, as my in-laws are moving into a small apartment and have no room for it. The question is whether or not we treat this like a family heirloom and hold on to it or move forward with getting it appraised and valued.
Hi, Danny! Your piano was built in 1916. That is well past “End of Life” so I am curious if it has been rebuilt at some point. There aren’t too many pianos that can survive for over 100 years without some significant work. Did your technician tune it up to pitch or did (s)he just tune it to itself? How often have you had it tuned? It’s difficult to assess any kind of value from afar, but those are the “red flag” questions that I have at this point. If you’d like to know more, write back with answers to those questions and I’ll see what I can find.
Not wanting to let go of my Walworth Chicago M. Schulz Co upright piano (55”x 28” serial #124049), I am curious as to its approximate value knowing that it needs tuning and repairs (last tuned in 2001)
Hi, Lori. It looks like your piano was built in 1917. That makes it over 100 years old (well past “End of Life”). The fact that it hasn’t been tuned in over 20 years tells me that it will likely need a complete rebuild before it could be playable again. The cost of that rebuild would far exceed any value the piano may have. Unfortunately, the instrument as it is doesn’t have any street value. Best of luck to you!
My mother had a Kawai (Serial #535673). She was a former church pianist so the piano is well maintained. She recently passed and I need to know the value of the piano. If you can help that would be appreciated. Thank you.
Without knowing the model number, the piano’s condition (internally), the piano’s cabinet condition and the market around you, we can’t help determine a value for that piano. Your best bet is to have a piano technician evaluate the piano, fill in the missing info and ask us once you know more about the piano. Best of luck to you!
hello, I have a Whitney Chicago – serial number 14182
all keys work and all 3 pedals work
I don’t have much history on it besides that it was tuned about 5 or 6 years ago and all the keys still play
the serial number is so old it must have been restored at some point I’d assume
I can’t find any info on whitney pianos with serial numbers that short
56″ tall
any info on if it has value will help!
Hi, Tia, and thanks for your question. Unfortunately, if your piano is 56″ tall, it doesn’t have any resale value. Anything over 52″ is 50+ years old (well past “end of life”). Hope that helps!
I have a painted 1958 Knabe upright, which is just 40” tall. It’s still beautiful, but does it have any value? (couldn’t find the serial number)
Hi, Vicki. When was the last time you had your piano tuned? …and when you say “painted,” what color do you mean? A 1958 Knabe upright could be a nice piano if it has been well cared for, but there are too many “unknowns” for us to give you a solid answer right now.
Hello,
I inherited Paul W Jenkins upright piano. It was made by Everett Piano Co.
Serial # 344205. All of this information was etched inside the piano or on the back. It was transported from Oklahoma to Indiana in 2015. I then had it transported from Indiana to Arizona December 2022.
I can’t find much information on Paul Jenkins except for the piano company that he started. Have you heard of this brand? I would like to donate.
The Paul Jenkins brand was a “house brand” (meaning a piano store commissioned Everett to build the piano exclusively for them). They began production in 1964 and ceased production in 1965. That’s why it’s so hard to find information on it. Your piano was built in 1965. Have you had the piano tuned regularly? When was it last tuned? What is its condition? If you’re interested in donating it, you can send photos to us via our webchat (http://www.rivertonpiano.com) and you can tell us all about the piano [here]. Keep in mind that the piano is already well past “end of life” so it’s unlikely that it can be used in our school loan program – unless it’s been meticulously cared for. Also, it would have to be between 40″ and 52″ tall to be accepted. Hope that helps! Thanks for your question.
Hello – we moved into a house five years ago and bought the piano in the house, a Young Chang Baby Grand Pramburger Signature Series YG0130356. We last had it tuned four years ago. I’d like to sell it. Is it worth anything? Thank you.
Hi, Mari. I am sure your piano has some value. What you need to do is have a technician tune it and verify that everything is working properly inside the piano. Then, go to pianomart.com and see what folks are asking for similar pianos. Remember that this number is what they are asking . The actual selling price might be different. Best of luck to you!
C. Kurtzmann & Company upright piano 71142 is the serial number on the inside. It looks like it’s missing one of the felt hammers and needs a good tuning. Was curious if it’s worth having fixed and tuned. It’s been in the family for 4 generations and want to keep it nice to keep it going down the line.
Hi and thanks for your visit. Your piano is more than 100 years old and it definitely sounds like it needs work. I would have a technician take a look at it and explain exactly how much work (and what the cost of that work would be). If it’s more than $1000 (and I bet it will be), I would not put any money into this piano. This is not an “in demand” brand name, there is no such thing as an “antique” piano, and there is no way you’ll ever get the money you put into it back out of it later. If you really love it as a family heirloom and don’t care about the financial end of it, you can have it rebuilt, but that can cost tens of thousands of dollars… and you can buy a better quality new piano for less than that. I hope that helps!
A friend of mine wants to give away a Knabe Brothers upright piano. I played it today; it still functions well, is responsive, and sounds pretty good (although the sound seems a little thinner than my new Yamaha piano). I searched the brand’s history and realized it must be about 110 years old. It may not have been tuned for at least a couple of years, although the tune I played still sounded pretty. One key is missing a little piece of ivory, but still functions well. Does it worth anything for my friend to keep it or sell it, or would it be best to donate it or send it to the piano heaven?
Hi, River. At 110 years old, the piano has lived a good life and is ready for the afterlife. It would cost more to bring this piano up to “snuff” than the instrument is worth. That might be why your friend is giving it away. 🙂 Best of luck to you!
Hi. I am lucky enough to have the choice between two pianos for personal hobbyist use. Neither have been tuned in a while. All keys play nicely with no sticking or clunking. One is a Chappell 43479 with a few chipped keys but a nice, warm, authentic sound. One is a more modern Victor 1538742. Do you have any advice for which would be a better bet? Thank you
Hi, Katie. No. We don’t have any advice. There’s no way without seeing the pianos to know their condition. Definitely have a technician tune them and see which one is in better shape. Best of luck to you!
Hi! We bought a 52” upright Norris and Hyde player piano S/N 201476 thirty nine years ago. It’s a beautiful mahogany wood in really good physical condition. It’s been several years since we’ve had it tuned. Does it have any monetary value? Thank you.
Nope. It’s a very tall model from an obscure brand well past it’s “end of life” date that hasn’t been properly maintained. Unfortunately, all the indicators are negative with this one. Wish I had better news!
Hi there, I have an upright Stuyvesant piano that has been in my family for three generations. The serial number is 9788 which I believe it was built between 1900-1905. I understand pianos don’t last long but it is still playable, however I believe it’s due for a tuning. How would I go about this and what kind of work will it need so that I can keep it for future generations?
If well cared for, pianos can last for decades… but they are made out of organic material that breaks down over time. With over 22.5 TONS of string tension across over 220 strings and the need to maintain a consistent tone and soundboard crown, pianos are under a bunch of stress every second of their lifespan. That’s why they have to be tuned a minimum of once per year. It’s also why they need significant work (including replacement parts) after their “end of life” period (which is around 35-40 years for mid-grade pianos). I would contact a piano technician (not just a tuner) who is registered with the Piano Technician’s Guild. Ask him or her to evaluate your piano and let you know what needs to be done. If your piano is over 120 years old, it’s likely to need significant work (if not a complete rebuild). That can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $30,000 – depending on what it needs. Once you know what you’re facing, you can decide if it’s worth having the work done and waiting for up to a year to get the piano back.
Hi James, my name is David. I have a Wurlitzer Model 2116, but I’m not pretty sure about its condition. Some parts of its external wood body need to be treated to leave it in a shiny condition, however the piano is still working. I’m wondering about the price of checking, because I would like to leave it in a good condition to play it. I don’t know if it is professional piano but I want to practice on it. However if the checking cost from an expert is more expensive than the piano value, I would take maybe other decision. So what feedback do you have from it, and what do you recommend. I would love to keep the piano if it is still a model who can let me practice in a professional way. Thanks for your help.
David
NYC
Hi, David. Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, no spinet piano (Spinet pianos are vertical pianos less than 40″ tall) is going to be worth fixing up. They don’t have any street value and – even in peak condition – they don’t qualify as “professional” practice instruments. You’re better off getting rid of the piano and investing in a good digital piano by Roland or Yamaha. If you prefer an acoustic, have a technician help you find a good option. You owe it to yourself to practice on an instrument that will inspire you and spinet pianos just won’t do that. Best of luck to you!
Hi. Used acoustic piano MP3Z, year of manufacture 2000, Yamaha
U3, serial Nr 5908089- what is its approximate cost at which it can be sold?
Height 48″, Width 60″, Length 24″, polished ebony, Polished Mahogany;88 Keys;
I’m sorry, but I don’t understand what you are asking. Is it polished ebony or mahogany? Is it an MP3Z or a U3? A U3 is 52″ tall – not 48″. I just can’t answer this question with the incorrect and/or conflicting information you’ve supplied.
Sorry, the model is built in MP3Z – serial 6758, the piano model is U3- serial 5908089. H/W/L is 52/60/26.
Hi, I have a Mendenhall New York full sized upright player piano serial 152949. The keys are ivory, it works perfect, has been restored. i also have dozens of rolls for the player. Can you guide me to where I can find the value and how it can be sold
Bad news on that front. The piano won’t have any street value. The old roll players aren’t in demand and neither are the old full-sized uprights. Most piano movers won’t even move them anymore. That said, if you offer the piano on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp for a few hundred dollars (as long as the person who wants it will take it away at their own expense and risk), then you might find someone who will take it off your hands. Be prepared to negotiate, however. There won’t be alot of offers and they won’t be high. Best of luck to you!
I have a Charles R. Walter upright piano measuring 44in tall, 58in long, and 25in wide. It looks most similar to their French Provincial style, but I would say it’s at least from the mid 1990s as I lightly played it as a child for lessons. I’m unsure where to find a model number, and I’m not sure if my parents purchased new or used.
It hasn’t been tuned in probably approximately 10 years, but aside from a few surface scuffs, it is in excellent condition.
Would it be worth anything at all? I don’t want to put much into it if it’s not worth it. Debating on listing it or keeping it for my kids.
Thank you
Hi, Megan, and thanks for stopping by. I have good news for you. Charles R Walter is the finest upright piano brand made in the world today (They are built by hand near Chicago). You definitely want to hang on to that and – if necessary – put some money into bringing it into shape. A new one is over $20,000! If you want a model number (it’s likely “1520”), you can visit the Charles Walter website and match your piano to the photos on their site. I hope that helps! Congrats on a lovely piano!