Inside, the strings should be rust-free, the soundboard in good condition and the hammers properly felted. Other features that add value to an instrument are the finish on the piano case, the sturdiness of the piano’s legs and keys that make a clear, even sound. Receipts detailing piano maintenance and repairs can help assure buyers that the instrument is in good condition.

Pianos that have been well-maintained can fetch higher prices from dealers and private buyers. For antique pianos, factor in the costs of repairing or restoring the piano until it is in top condition piano dealers describe this as a “AAA Mint” or “R & R” rating. Some valuable brands include Steinway, Mason and Hamlin, Boosendorfer, Bechstein and Sauter. I know when the Fort Wayne Organ Company began to manufacture organs in 1872, they used two sets of serial numbers: one for the actions to be installed in. Certain name brand pianos are always worth more, according to piano appraiser David Estey. While the age of an instrument can indicate its quality, an antique piano’s value also depends on its outer and inner condition, location and manufacturer. Online appraisal companies perform a similar service, charging piano owners a fee to search an instrument’s history and provenance using a provided serial number. The company returns this information to the piano’s owner, including model, finish, measurements, place of manufacture and sale history. Assuming very good condition for its age and no mechanical or cosmetic problems, I would suggest a selling range of approximately 1,800-2,300 for spinet sized and 2,200-2800 for console sized.

For a fee, Steinway & Sons can use the serial number of a Steinway piano to search its history. What is the value of an upright Baldwin piano, serial number.

Piano value by serial number