Piano Appraisal Services

Online Piano Appraisal Service

Our Online Piano Appraisal Service serves as an essential resource for various piano-related financial evaluations. It’s designed to assist piano owners seeking accurate insurance coverage, individuals aiming to sell their instrument and desiring an up-to-date market value, potential buyers scouting the pre-owned piano market who require a reasonable baseline for assessing a piano’s prevailing market value, and those merely intrigued to ascertain the worth of their piano.

How Our Online Appraisal Works

Our online appraisal process has been refined through decades of experience in the piano industry. Simply submit clear photographs of your piano along with specific details about its make, model, serial number, and condition through our secure online portal. Within 3-5 business days, you’ll receive a comprehensive digital appraisal document prepared by our expert team led by Brian, who brings over 25 years of piano valuation expertise to each assessment. This detailed report includes current market valuation, historical context about your specific piano model, and factors influencing its value such as rarity, condition, and musical quality. Unlike generic online estimates, our appraisals are individually researched and prepared, giving you authoritative documentation that can be used for insurance, estate planning, or sales purposes.

In-Home Appraisal Service

For a more personalized and comprehensive evaluation, we offer our In-Home Appraisals. These assessments are typically utilized for a range of purposes including insurance valuations, resale pricing, replacement cost estimation, auction value determination, estate evaluations, and to obtain a general ballpark value. Our in-home appraisals provide a detailed analysis, giving you the confidence you need when valuing your piano.

Why Choose Piano Artisans for Your Appraisal Needs

When you choose Piano Artisans for your piano appraisal, you benefit from our unparalleled expertise in historical and contemporary pianos. Our appraisals are recognized by major insurance companies, auction houses, and financial institutions nationwide. We maintain a comprehensive database of piano sales, auctions, and valuations that allows us to provide the most accurate and current market evaluations available. Whether you’re insuring a family heirloom, settling an estate, or preparing to sell your piano, our appraisal services provide the authoritative documentation you need to proceed with confidence and clarity.

| Schedule In-Home Appraisal | 

Piano Artisans Inc.’s online appraisal service offers a comprehensive valuation platform, ideal for current owners, prospective buyers, and sellers. Whether you’re seeking a general estimate, detailed valuation, or an assessment for donation purposes, our service aims to provide a clear and accurate understanding of your instrument’s market value.

Our dedication extends beyond mere appraisal. We happily provide a curated list of recommended sales avenues, tailored specifically for your piano. Additionally, we offer insightful tips and strategies to enhance the marketability of your grand piano, baby grand piano, upright piano, player piano, or square grand piano in today’s competitive marketplace. Trust us to guide you in accentuating your instrument’s unique appeal and maximizing its selling potential.

Piano Artisans Inc.

633 West Katella Ave, Suite L, Orange, CA 92867

949-415-2380 | www.pianoartisans.com 

Sample Document

Online Piano Appraisal

Sample Client
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 92000

Phone: (949) 000-0000
Email: [email protected]

Dear Valued Client,

It is my privilege to provide this comprehensive appraisal of your extraordinary 1898 Steinway & Sons Model B Parlor Grand Piano. This remarkable instrument represents one of the most significant periods in Steinway’s legendary history—the Golden Age of piano manufacturing. After careful analysis, I can confirm you possess a true musical treasure with exceptional investment potential. Below, I detail its current condition and estimated value, highlighting opportunities to further enhance both its musical voice and market value through strategic restoration.

General Overview

• Make & Model: Steinway & Sons Model B Parlor Grand Piano (“The Perfect Piano”)
• Year: 1898 (confirmed via serial number, representing Steinway’s Golden Age craftsmanship)
• Finish: Original Brazilian rosewood veneer with quarter-sawn oak inner rim
• Serial Number: SAMPLE85432
• History: This 6’11” concert-caliber grand piano was crafted during Steinway’s most celebrated era when materials and craftsmanship were at their historic pinnacle. Instruments from this period featured old-growth timber with tight grain patterns, hand-selected for superior resonance—materials that are simply unavailable in modern manufacturing. The piano appears to have had one partial restoration approximately 40 years ago but retains many original components that contribute to its significant historical and monetary value.

Condition Assessment

Case & Veneer

• Description: The Brazilian rosewood veneer exhibits the characteristic rich figuring that makes these pre-1900 Steinways so coveted. The case maintains its structural integrity, though the veneer shows expected aging with some minor separations and hairline cracks—all completely restorable.
• Current Condition: Moderate
• Restoration Potential: Exceptional
• Notes: The exceptional quality of this original veneer represents a significant portion of the piano’s value, as Brazilian rosewood has been unavailable for commercial use since CITES restrictions. A museum-quality restoration of this case would substantially enhance both aesthetic appeal and investment value.

Soundboard & Bridges

• Description: Original old-growth Adirondack spruce soundboard with quarter-sawn bridges. The soundboard shows expected age-related cracks but remarkably maintains partial crown—a testament to the superior materials and craftsmanship of the era.
• Current Condition: Moderate
• Restoration Potential: Excellent
• Notes: While serviceable in its current state, a proper soundboard restoration would dramatically enhance tonal projection and sustain. The current condition actually presents an opportunity—restoration would increase value by approximately $15,000-20,000 while transforming the piano’s voice to match its visual grandeur.

Plate & Strings

• Description: Original cast iron plate with gold lettering and decorative stenciling partially intact. The current strings are not original and show moderate oxidation.
• Current Condition: Moderate
• Restoration Potential: Excellent
• Notes: The plate’s historical authenticity adds significant value. A professional restringing with premium wire and custom bass strings would restore the instrument’s original tonal color and projection while preserving its historical integrity.

Keyboard & Action

• Description: Appears to have replacement ivory keytops from the early 20th century with original ebony sharps. The action has been partially rebuilt but retains some original Steinway components.
• Current Condition: Moderate
• Restoration Potential: Transformative
• Notes: The keyboard requires comprehensive restoration to achieve consistent touch weight and response. Installing a new premium action while preserving any salvageable original components would dramatically enhance playability while maintaining historical authenticity.

Pedal System

• Description: Original brass damper, una corda, and sostenuto pedals with characteristic Steinway lyre design. Mechanism shows wear but functions adequately.
• Current Condition: Moderate
• Restoration Potential: Excellent
• Notes: The original brass pedals add significant historical value. Professional restoration would ensure smooth, quiet operation while preserving these important original components.

Current Market Valuation

• Current Estimated Value: $65,000 (in present condition)

• Post-Restoration Potential Value: $110,000 – $130,000

• Investment Opportunity Analysis: This rare 1898 Steinway Model B represents an exceptional investment opportunity. While valuable in its current state, a museum-quality restoration would potentially double its market value while transforming it into a world-class musical instrument. The rare Brazilian rosewood case, combined with the intrinsic quality of Golden Age Steinway craftsmanship, positions this piano in the upper echelon of the vintage piano market.

• Comparative Market Analysis:

  • A similarly aged Steinway B with complete restoration by a premier workshop sold for $125,000 at auction in 2023
  • A partially restored 1900 Steinway B was listed by a specialty dealer for $72,000
  • An unrestored 1895 Steinway B in fair condition sold for $45,000 as a restoration project

Restoration Recommendations

Based on this appraisal, I strongly recommend considering a comprehensive restoration of this exceptional instrument. A piano of this caliber deserves to be returned to its original glory, both as a sound investment and to honor the extraordinary craftsmanship of its makers. The restoration would include:

1. Museum-quality case restoration – Preserving and stabilizing the valuable Brazilian rosewood veneer
2. Complete action replacement – Using premium materials to achieve concert-level performance
3. Soundboard restoration – Enhancing tonal projection while preserving historical integrity
4. Custom bass string fabrication – Recreating the rich, complex voice characteristic of these Golden Age instruments
5. Decorative detail restoration – Returning the plate, music desk, and pedal lyre to their original elegance

This level of restoration represents not merely an expense but a sound investment in an appreciating asset. Instruments of this caliber and historical significance have consistently demonstrated strong appreciation over time, particularly when restored to playing condition while maintaining historical authenticity.

Conclusion

Your 1898 Steinway Model B Parlor Grand Piano represents a remarkable confluence of historical significance, extraordinary craftsmanship, and investment potential. Its current value of $65,000 reflects both its historical importance and the opportunity it presents. With appropriate restoration, this instrument could become both a magnificent musical voice in your home and a significant financial asset valued between $110,000-$130,000.

I would be delighted to discuss restoration options that would preserve this piano’s historical integrity while enhancing its musical capability and investment value. Piano Artisans specializes in museum-quality restorations of precisely these rare Golden Age instruments.

Please contact me with any questions regarding this appraisal or to explore restoration possibilities for this exceptional Steinway.

This sample appraisal demonstrates the detail and expertise you can expect from Piano Artisans’ appraisal services. Actual appraisals include additional photographs, historical documentation, and market analysis specific to your instrument.

Respectfully,

Brian Grado
Piano Artisans Inc.
Sample Document