How do I find out how old my piano is?
Matthew Wilson
Published Mar 18, 2026
How do I find out how old my piano is?
1) On the piano’s cast iron plate. After lifting up the lid, look along the top front area of the plate. The serial number may be to the right or the left, or in the middle. 2) Under the opened lid on the ledge, stamped on a little plaque, to the right or to the left.
Is my old piano worth anything?
An antique piano is one which is at least 100 years old. Like antique books, antique pianos are not worth a lot of money just because they are old. In actuality these old instruments may be worth very little at all. Most antique, upright pianos are worth $500 or less in very good condition.
How do you value a piano?
So how can you value your piano? The best way is to ask a professional piano tuner/technician to come and take a look at your piano. Make sure the tuner is a member of the Piano Tuners Association (PTA).
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.
Where is a piano serial number?
Usually four to eight digits, the serial number is most often located near the tuning pins, either printed directly on the plate or engraved in the wooden pinblock and showing through a cut-away portion of the plate.
How do you tell what brand a piano is?
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.
Which pianos hold their value?
Which Pianos Hold Value The Most Or Appreciate? Grand pianos typically hold value the most. This is mainly because they are so expensive that they are considered a valuable asset. Steinway pianos are generally the most expensive and they tend to hold their value the most.
Who will buy my old piano?
The Donation Option
- Piano Finders:
- Piano Adoption:
- Pianos for Education:
- Society of Unique Artists:
- Keys 4/4 Kids:
How do I find the value of a used piano?
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.
What can I do with an old piano?
One way to dispose of an old piano is to donate it. However, the size of your piano and the condition that it is in plays a large role in whether or not an organizations will accept your donation. There are many places that accept piano donations, including: Nonprofit organizations.
How do you read a piano serial number?
Piano Serial Numbers: Location, location, location…
- 1) On the piano’s cast iron plate.
- 2) Under the opened lid on the ledge, stamped on a little plaque, to the right or to the left.
- 3) Stamped on the back of the piano; near the top of the wood frame.
How can I tell if my piano keys are ivory?
Ivory keys are made in three pieces–key, stem and front, where as plastic keytops only have two pieces–the top and front. If you look closely at the keys, you can see the fine line that is the joint between the keytop and the stem. If this line is present, your keys are indeed ivory.
Do they still make Currier pianos?
A Currier piano is a piano manufactured by Currier & Company, which was founded by Ebenezer Bronson Currier in 1823. The first showroom in Boston, Massachusetts featured upright and horizontal pianos. Currier pianos were produced until 1981. The company is no longer in business.
What is Currier curriercurriercote?
Curriercote was a cellulose acetate butyrate formulation designed to form a tough barrier protecting Currier pianos from scratches, water damage and cigarette burns. This finish helps preserve the value of Currier pianos. In 1973 the Currier Piano Company was purchased by Charles Kaman.
Are Bradbury pianos good quality?
Bradbury pianos retain the traditions of quality and workmanship established for over 100 years. In styling, today’s Bradbury models follow the trend towards less expensive, smaller, more compact, instruments. Bradbury pianos are made in a variety of designs: spinets, consoles, and grand pianos.
Where are Cable Nelson pianos made?
Cable-Nelson piano of today is made in a large variety of styles and finishes, and is popular-priced companion to famous Everett piano. Purchased by Yamaha in 1973. The Calisia piano and grand piano factory were founded in 1878 in the city of Kalisz, Poland.