Selling your piano to a private buyer usually gets you a better price than selling to a dealer, where there is little room to negotiate. The most reliable way to find out what your piano is worth is a professional piano appraisal. Its value depends on its age, the condition of the cabinet, structure and mechanism, how easy it is to access and move, and the market in your area.
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What affects the value of a piano?
- The make of a piano can be important however the poor condition and age of the piano can far outweigh the prestige value of a good name.
- The age of a piano is of major significance as a piano deteriorates gradually with age
- The condition of the piano’s strings, frame, soundboard, action and keys is most important which points dictates what compulsory additional expenditure is necessary down the line.
- Appearance is often a key factor unless the piano is to be located in a backroom where appearance is not important.
Tips for selling your piano
Have the piano tuned before you advertise
Have your piano tuned and make sure everything works reasonably well before you advertise it. This will not only allow the purchaser a little peace of mind when making a decision but will also highlight problems which you as a seller may be unaware of. An example would be “Loose tuning pins” which do not firmly hold a fine tuning. Most people don’t have a knowledge of the technical aspects of a piano .A piano that is not in tune ,with one or two sticking notes may be enough to deter a good prospective buyer.
Find out its age and history
Find out the age of the piano and as much as you can about it’s particular history. People are generally sentimental about pianos and are influenced by such details.
Decide what to do with the extras
Are there any extras? Is there a stool which goes with the piano and if so are you including it in the price or do you want to make a little extra by selling it separately. Or maybe you want to keep the stool.
Polish the brass pedals
Most pianos have brass pedals which in most cases become tarnished over the years. With a little bit of fine steel wool, brasso, and some elbow grease the pedals can be restored to their former glory and enhance the appearance of the piano.
Keep the viewing calm and quiet
Make sure that the invironment at the time of selling is as pleasant and as quiet as possible with no outside noises such as: lawn mowers,barking dogs,noisy children, television or radios blaring etc. etc. When you have provided the prospect with all the info. leave the room and allow them time to talk in private if there is more than one person.
Make sure your price is realistic
Is Your price realistic? Has your price been over-influenced by the prices of new instruments which it must be remembered are usually sold with extras such as guarantees, free delivery, matching stools, free tuning after delivery etc.etc.
Selling your piano?
Tell us about your piano and Keith will be in touch about an appraisal or advertising it.