Finding Your Pianos Serial number
Serial numbers are typically located in the interior of the piano either on the gold plate or on the soundboard. They tend to be 5-6 digits followed by a model number or letter.
Another common area to look is the underside of the music rack(sliding music holder), especially with vintage American and European grands.
Upright pianos serial numbers are normally in the inside, towards the top in between the bass and the tenor section of the piano, above or in between the tuning pins. If you were unable to locate it, the next best area to check is the back side/wall side of the piano on the upper right or left hand corner.
Less common places to look for the piano serial number
If you have tried the above mentioned areas and you are ready to take a closer look, hear are the details.
For American and European grands you can crawl on the underside of the piano and look up towards the soundboard. Inspect for the serial number, in fact check everywhere on the underside.
For Baldwin pianos, you’ll find the serial number stamped on the wood, in the form of a black ink stamped number.
Remember the size of the serial number is 1/2 inch tall by 2/3 inches long(it is small).
Another easy to access potential spot, is the key slip, the small piece of wood that is in front of the pianos keys. There are typically 3-4 screws holding the slip in place.. located on the underside of the key slip. Carefully remove the screws as well as the key slip. Inspect the back side and underside of the piece, remember the serial number is small and usually stamped into the wood.
***Special note, most vintage European pianos and Steinways & Mason & Hamlin’s do not have key slip screws, you simply use pressure with both hands at the same time and push the key slip up, be careful not to damage your piano keys, or key slip.
Japanese pianos and other Asian makes will have two easy to remove wing nut screws on both side of the key board on the underside. You can unscrew, then remove the blocks(Cheek Blocks) on both side of the keys. Be very cautious while attempting to remove the cheek blocks. Once they are removed you can lift up the key slip and check for the serial number. ***Do not attempt to remove the cheek blocks from Mason & Hamlin’s or Steinway pianos. You may severely damage the finish.
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