Appraisal help

[Farrell]

Sounds like we are talking salvage value. Certainly less than $5,000 if it
is as worn as you say (you can get a plain scrap Steinway for $5,000 to
$8,000). Certainly worth at least $500, if for no other reason than it has a
nice case. If it is a good design (plate characteristics, scaling, action
type, udnerbelly framing, etc.) maybe closer to $3,000 or $4,000 (always
amazing what someone will pay for a piano that LOOKS good). Closer to the
lower figure if the design/construction features do not appear to be great.

I bought a 6-foot 1900 Bechstein a year ago for $1,500. Needs rebuilding,
but most folks would do little to the action. Likely a much higher quality
piano than the Steck, but sounds like the Steck has a nicer case. My
experience is that the value of such a piano is going to be a range between
what a rebuilder would pay and what an uninformed consumer would pay.

Terry Farrell
Piano Tuning & Service
Tampa, Florida
mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com

----- Original Message -----
From: <PDtek@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2000 5:12 PM
Subject: Appraisal help


>
> A small town nearby has a historical museum complete with historical
piano.
> They want to know what the value of it is and I'm not sure on this one.
>
> It is a George Steck grand ser. # 16096 which according to the atlas,
makes
> it about 1892 manufacture. It is very fancy, turned legs, carvings around
> case, cut out design in music rack. The finish is in fair condition. I
didn't
> measure it but it looks about seven foot. It has been restrung and needs
> restrung again. The soundboard has two long gaping cracks. The action is a
> mess. This piano has been neglected for many years. The only high point is
> the ivories. They are perfect. Not a chip or crack anywhere. But it LOOKS
> good in their restored home of long past.
>
> Does anyone have an approximate value for this piano?
>
> Thanks
>
> Dave Bunch
>