HOW OLD IS MY PIANO?

Almost all piano manufacturers have given the instruments serial numbers, which are usually stamped into the wood in the upper interior or painted onto the cast frame. These numbers can be used to determine the approximate year of manufacture, provided the corresponding records have been preserved. Unfortunately, this is not the case with all manufacturers, especially with less well-known manufacturers and, for example, with built-in pianos, where often only experts can tell which piano was installed. In addition, clear serial numbers are sometimes missing because they have been lost in the production process or during subsequent renovations.

The certificate required since January 19, 2022 for all pianos with ivory keyboards requires a verifiable age determination. If it is not possible to obtain a so-called manufacturer's certificate from the piano manufacturers still in existence, most authorities will accept expert information from a recognized expert - we can provide this for a fee. In some cases, however, only a certificate from a listed expert will be accepted.

If you only want to know the age of your piano, we offer a simple email enquiry for a flat rate of EUR 05.00 and provide only the year of manufacture based on the sources available to us. Please send us a message stating the manufacturer and serial number.

If you need a more detailed certificate, or if you cannot find a year of manufacture for your piano in the literature, we offer a fee-based information service - together with further information on the manufacturer and instrument, if available.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE VALUE OF MY PIANO?

Please also read our post 'What's the value of my piano''. If you would like a statement on the value of your piano, we offer a fee-based remote assessment based on the information and photos provided - On request and for an additional charge, we can also send a master piano maker to take a closer look at the instrument on site. You can also contact any local piano maker for an on-site inspection and assessment of the piano.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE SERIAL NUMBER FOR PIANOS?

The serial number is usually easy to find without major disassembly of the piano. First open the top cover of the piano, the serial number is usually found on the cast iron plate, on the inside of the case on the right or left, sometimes stamped on the upper edges, or on the soundboard under the strings. Sometimes - especially if the instrument has not been properly restored - 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 top front cover by folding open the top cover and then releasing the catch on the inside on the right and left by simply turning the small pieces of wood attached there. You can then remove the upper front cover forwards. If lights are attached, make sure that they do not hit the cover and cause scratches when removing and installing them.

You can remove the lower lid by either bending the small wooden bar in the middle upwards - or by turning the small wooden bars on the right and left so that the lid can be removed freely towards the front. When transporting pianos, it is better to remove this lower lid or secure it, as it is otherwise likely to fall off if shaken and then become scratched.