Estimates and Appraisals

I can provide you with a full assessment of valuation and/or needed maintenance for any need:

  • Insurance valuations or documentation

  • Buying or selling a used piano

  • Restoration/rebuilding assessment

  • Inspecting the old family piano before you decide to inherit it

  • Evaluating for a player system installation

The best approach to understanding what a wise investment means for you is an honest conversation about your needs and goals.

 

Understanding Used Pianos

Navigating the used piano market can be daunting for a number of reasons. The most common pitfalls involve an underestimation of the complexity of pianos, and the seemingly arbitrary pricing from one piano to the next. However, there are a few points to keep in mind that can at least guide you in the right direction. The following is a very generalized set of advice.

 
 

  • Condition is usually more important than age

  • Pianos do not last forever, nor do they get better with age.

    • Years Old: 0-15 - new | 15-30 - good | 30-60 - aging | 60-80 - case by case | 80+ avoid

  • Humidity problems aren’t good. Water damage is bad. Flooding is catastrophic.

  • It never, ever, “Just needs a tuning!” Assume all used pianos need some amount of maintenance beyond tuning.

  • “The most expensive piano someone can get is the free piano.” It’s free for a reason.

Never purchase a used piano without having it inspected by a Registered Piano Technician!

 
 

Considerations when browsing used pianos:

  • Does it look neglected/abused?

  • Obvious signs of water damage?

  • Is it wildly out of tune?

  • Do all the keys (and pedals) at least work?

  • Was it ever kept anywhere other than inside a house?

Insights that a technician can bring:

  • Pin-pointing the year of manufacture & information on the brand/style/quality expectations

  • Identifying visible and invisible humidity/moisture damage (soundboard/ribs/bridges/pin-block)

  • Insights into the mechanical action’s condition and wear (thousands of parts)

  • Identifying unnoticed flood or spill damage and associated damages

  • Identifying any and all maintenance the piano currently needs

  • Advising on the price and whether the piano will meet your needs

A final note for any parents searching for something inexpensive for their young beginner students: If the piano is frustrating to play on, doesn’t sound good, and generally is a source of hindrance, then they will likely not remain a piano student for long. However I understand the need to limit the initial investment. Digital pianos are often a much better value early on, avoiding many of the problems of similarly priced used pianos. A $400-$600 weighted keyboard (Such as the Yamaha P-series) is going to feel and sound light-years better than an old acoustic upright piano in most cases, and you won’t have to worry about maintaining it.