Steinway M Selling & $

[Farrell]

I'm looking for a little advice from me esteemed colleagues.

I replaced a broken agraffe on a 1960s or so (Teflon era) Steinway M today and tuned it. The piano (the son) was in my client's parents home in Tampa, Florida (last parent passed away recently). The son lives in San Francisco. He wants to sell the piano. It is all original and appears to have been played rather lightly (very little wear on action). Keys and ebony paint job are excellent condition and the interior appearance is good - strings and soundboard will clean up nice (dusty). Everything looks good, and it has a bit of a killer octave area - but not nearly as much as some. Overall, I would rate the piano in very good original condition.

He asked me if I would sell it for him - he needs to return to SF. I said I had never done that, but would do a little research and let him know.

So, two questions: Anyone care to venture an opinion on the piano's value (midwest prices)? And, has anyone any experience with this type of service? What might be a reasonable selling fee or percentage for such a service? I'm really not up on Steinway values, but I would guess that one could get at least $10K or it and maybe as much as $20K (maybe that is a bit ridiculous?)????? What would be the wholesale value of this piano?

Thanks for any insight on these questions.

Terry Farrell