How Valuable Is Your Old Piano? If It’s Older Than 40…Not Much

It is time to move or downsize and the old piano won’t fit in the new place. You have fond memories of your friends and family gathered around playing and singing. What can you do with this soon to be antique? 

I talked with John Sato with the Piano Gallery about a 1917 player piano that my in-laws have. What he told me was eye-opening.

Unfortunately, Pianos Don’t Get More Valuable with Age 

When trying to figure out the value of a piano, musical quality is the most important thing, and this doesn’t increase with age. In fact, the opposite happens. Wood dries out or warps. The strings can rust, and the felt and other material wear out. 

This means older pianos will cost more than they are worth to repair. Unless you like the look of it in your home for its antique qualities, it does not make a great musical instrument. Even tuning an old piano can be costly. 

Generally, if a piano is more than 40 years old it probably isn’t worth anything. There were thousands of companies making pianos in the early part of the 19th century and many were of dubious quality.  

Are There Old Pianos That are Worth a Lot of Money? 

There are some valuable pianos out there. If you have one made by Steinway & Sons, it could be worth a lot because of the name, and they were well made. The design and longevity of the company makes it easier to restore.  

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If you have a piano that is less than 40 years old and is in good condition, it is probably worth some money. Once again, it is all about how it sounds when it is played. Getting a professional to look it over is a good idea. 

Read More: Oh My Hoarder! Here’s A Utah Declutter Life Hack

There isn’t a book you can check for what a piano is worth like coins or cars have. If you have an old piano, it might be good to take a picture to remember it by. Then you can offer it to someone for free at PianoAdoption.com.