Appraisals and Inspections

APPRAISALS AND INSPECTIONS
Steve Oliver has been around piano stores since the age of 10. Coming from a family with over 100 years of experience, he is familiar with all piano manfucturers many of which are no longer exist today.

Do you know how many US piano companies were in business in the early 1900s? There were hundreds of piano manufacturers, many of them in New York and Boston. Before the radio or television were invented, the acoustic and/or player piano were one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the home in the early 1900s.

Since there is no Blue Book or official price guide for pianos, it is very important to have someone who is very familiar with all older brands, their characteristics, both good and bad, and their overall value.

Our appraisals and inspections consists of the following:

• A visual inspection of the cabinet, finish, veneers.
  
  
• A visual inspection of the piano interior to determine condition of harp, sound board, bridges, strings and dampers.
  
  
• A “bottom-up” visual inspection of the underside of the piano including sound board, ribs, body, lyre, pedals and trap work (mechanism).
  
  
• The piano action is then removed for inspection.
  
  
• The condition of the hammers and all action components, including keys, shanks, wippens, felts, springs, and bushings, are checked for wear and deficiencies.
  
  
• Random tuning pins are checked for proper torque.
  Please note all tuning pins can not be checked unless requested or as part of a tuning.
  
  
• The serial number is noted, and in most cases, the age will be identified. (Our reference library contains some of the oldest listings of pianos.)
  
  
• A verbal consultation is included to discuss the overall condition of the piano, any recommended repairs and costs, and the current wholesale and/or retail value of the piano.
  
  
• A written appraisal and evaluation can be provided for a nominal additional fee.