We have compiled the serial number information for over 80 manufacturers from numerous sources in our database as the basis for our FASZINATIONPIANOLA serial number tool. Sources include websites of various manufacturers such as Bechstein, Steinway, etc. and other documents available to us, as well as some of these highly recommended books: Klavier-Lexikon by J. U. Witter, Altlas der Pianonummern by J. Großbach, Pierce Piano Atlas by B. Pierce.
With all our efforts - please note: All information without guarantee!
WHAT IF I CAN'T FIND MY PIANO HERE?
If you would like to know the age of your piano or other details and cannot find them here in our serial number tool, we offer a paid search - then also together with further information, as long as we have it.
HOW CAN I KNOW THE VALUE OF MY PIANO?
You can also read our blog post 'What else is my piano worth? ‚. If you would like a statement on the value of your piano, we offer a remote assessment based on the information and photos provided - if desired and for an additional charge, we can also send a piano builder to take a closer look at the instrument on site. You can also contact any local piano builder for an on-site visit and assessment of the piano.
Please understand that we do not provide free information about your instrument or market prices etc.
WHAT DOES THE SERIAL NUMBER SAY?
WHERE CAN I FIND THE SERIAL NUMBER ON PIANOS?
The serial number can usually be found easily and without major disassembly of the piano. First open the top cover of the piano, the serial number is usually located on the cast iron plate, on the inner side of the cabinet on the right or left or on the soundboard under the strings. Here are some photo examples where the serial number can be found inside the instrument. Sometimes - just when the instrument has not been renovated properly - the serial number has been removed and can only be found very hidden (on the keyboard frame, on individual components of the piano, etc.). The serial number of the action of well-known manufacturers such as Renner or Schwander can also be used to determine the period of manufacture.
You can open the upper front cover by unfolding the upper covers and then loosening the locking mechanism on the inside on the right and left side by simply turning the small pieces of wood attached to it. Afterwards you can remove the upper front cover to the front. When the lights are attached, make sure that they do not hit the cover and cause scratches when they are removed and put up.
You can remove the lower lid by bending the small piece of wood located in the middle upwards - or you can adjust the right and left rotating small pieces of wood so that the lid can be removed freely to the front. When transporting pianos, it is better to remove or secure the lower lid, as it can fall off when the piano is shaken and get scratched.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE SERIAL NUMBER ON PIANOLAS?
For pianolas, the most reliable way to determine the age of a piano is also the piano serial number. In addition, there are further serial numbers of the manufacturers of these components on the self-playing mechanism. Dating is also possible, but less precise, as we do not have any information from the manufacturers and work with our own records. In the following photos you will find examples of the position and representation of serial numbers on pianos from different manufacturers.
You can open the upper front cover by unfolding the upper covers and then loosening the locking mechanism on the inside on the right and left side by simply turning the small pieces of wood attached to it. Afterwards you can remove the upper front cover to the front. When the lights are attached, make sure that they do not hit the cover and cause scratches when they are removed and put up.
You can remove the lower lid by bending the small piece of wood located in the middle upwards - or you can adjust the right and left rotating small pieces of wood so that the lid can be removed freely to the front. When transporting pianos, it is better to remove or secure the lower lid, as it can fall off when the piano is shaken and get scratched.
Welte-Mignon Vorsetzer has two serial numbers - one stamped in the wood in the upper right-hand corner in front of the wind motor.
...and a serial number on the back, usually stamped in the top right-hand corner of the wood.
At Welte-Mignon Cabinet you will also find two serial numbers, one on the back of the case mostly on the upper right side...
...and the piano serial number hidden in the interior left below the action on the soundboard (in Feurich Akustiken).
On Welte grand pianos, you will usually find another serial number below the console on the right...
Welte upright and grand pianos have a serial number on the wind chest (e.g. FEU for Feurich, ST for Steinway, etc.) and a number...
On Hupfeld instruments you will find two serial numbers on a metal plate - a piano number and an apparatus number.
With Hupfeld Phonola installations, the Hupfeld serial number is also found on the top installation, usually on the edge of the wind motor...
Hupfeld-DEA Vorsetzern have a serial number in the lower interior on the wind chest.
For Hupfeld Phonola Vorsetzern, the serial number is located on the edge of the pedal rod holder on the back of the Vorsetzer.
