FAQ

• Why is there a charge for this information?
• How can you know the condition of my piano without looking at it?
• How do you determine the value of my piano based on its condition or restoration work needed?
• Why are shipping costs a factor in the overall value of my piano?

Why is there a charge for this information?
There are about 18 million pianos in the USA, with 100,000 more being purchased every year. This leaves us with millions of people with millions of pianos for sale. As a result, most of the calls and e mails I receive are from people who want to sell their piano, and want to know its value, which is why I put the time and effort into this section—to give as much free advice as possible.

When my company and clientele was local, fielding phone calls and giving free advice and ball park estimates of value was manageable. Now, with the internet, I am receiving multiple calls and e mails daily, from all over the USA and other countries, looking for assistance. As a result, I am forced to charge a nominal fee for e mail and phone support.

How can you know the condition of my piano without looking at it?
Anticipating the condition of a piano is part of a Tuners job description. We ask specific questions and try to determine what the piano will need before we arrive at the appointment, so we can allow enough time and bring the equipment and materials to do the job. 30 years experience tuning, coupled with buying, selling and restoring pianos enables me to be quite accurate over the phone and or via e mail, provided the customer has accurate information. The less information I can glean from a phone conversation or e mail, the more likely we will need to do an on site examination and appraisal.

How can you calculate the value of my piano, based on its condition?
Whether we do a level 1, 2, or 3 Appraisal, here is the basic formula for the value of most pianos, “as is”

$$ How much the piano could sell for in mint condition
-$$ The cost of getting it into mint condition
_____________
$$ The estimated wholesale value (if you sell to a dealer)
x Two or Three
_____________
$$ The estimated retail value (if you sell to an end user)

This formula holds true with most older used pianos.

Example 1 Lets say you have a 50 year old Chickering Grand piano that can be sold for $15,000 in excellent, brand new condition. The piano has been rarely tuned or serviced, and no longer can be played with any enjoyment. It spent most of its life next to a heater by the window, and needs refinishing, rebuilding, and all new action parts. What it it worth? $15,000 less $4,500 for rebuilding, less $5,000 for refinishing, less $5,000 to replace the action, less $250 for the move out of your house. What’s it worth? You got it right—approximately $250–$500 if you sell it to a dealer, $500–$1,500 if you sell it retail, to a private owner.

Example 2 You have the same Chickering grand that has been tuned every 6–12 months. The action has been regulated and reconditioned. The case is in original mint condition, without a scratch on it. It has never been in direct sunlight, and about 20 years ago, you installed a humidity control system. The soundboard and bridges are perfect and the tuning pins are holding very well. It has a beautiful sound. This piano has another 20 years of life left in it, before it needs complete restoration. What is it worth?

The average life for a well built piano (like this Chickering) is approximately 60 years, This one was pampered, so we are going to get a bonus 10 years.

$15,000 divided by 60 = $250 per year. The piano has about 20 more years of life left in it. 20 x $250 = $5,000

$5,000 for such a piano is TOP RETAIL DOLLAR. You can expect 1/3 or less ($500–$1500) if you sell it to a dealer. If you sell it retail, you could ask for the full price of $5,000, or half of that, $2500. The lower the price, the more attractive it is to a piano buyer, and in general, the faster it will sell. Remember—the higher numbers are dependant on how well the piano was cared for.

Shipping Costs
If your piano is worth $500. to a dealer and $900 retail, but it needs to be moved up a flight of 12 stairs at a cost of $400, what is your piano worth? Well, the dealer will pay you $100 for the piano. The retail customer might split the move. The point is, the value of the piano is affected by the costs involved in moving it. Keep this in mind while pricing.