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Their lives had been stripped of frills and “extras.” They had no use for ornate things now they wanted more practical items in their homes. People did not have money for extravagance. This one came into existence right on the heels of the Great Depression. I don’t recall much about what this piano looked like, except that it was plain.
#Value of 1920 behning upright piano serial
The Behning & Sons piano that was given to me was marked with Serial #48409, indicating that it was manufactured in 1922, when the two sons were running the company. Behning & Sons certainly made some of the finest, most ornate pianos I have ever seen, according to photos I’ve come across on the Internet. When you think of old pianos, do you think of ornate carvings? The fancy pianos are the ones made in the early 1900s and before.
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(sometimes as much as four) the above prices.Īnother method of determining the value of a piano is called Steinway pianos usually sell for one-and-a-half to three times Piano from a technician instead of a private owner. Note: Add 10 to 30 percent (sometimes up to 50 percent) for an “equivalent” Grand, 1930-1950, better brand, good condition, 6′ Grand, 1930-1950, better brand, good condition, 5′ Knabe or Chickering),well maintained, 5’+ (has received minor repair, cleaning,etc.)Ĭonsole or spinet, 1930-1950, fair conditionĬonsole or spinet, 1950-1970, good conditionĬonsole or spinet, 1950-1970, very good condition Upright, pre-1930, average worn condition
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Your local piano tuner-technician is still your best resource! Piano Values Please note that it is nearly impossible to determine the value of a piano without Fine states, this list is not complete, or universally agreed upon, but is merely a guide. This list is from “The Piano Book” by Larry Fine. In some cases, the defunct company’s design continued to be used, but most of the time, only the name lived on. The reason 1930 is the cut-off point is that during the Great Depression many piano makers, both good and bad, went bankrupt, and their names were bought up by the surviving companies. The following is a list of piano manufacturers that made highly regarded pianos pre-1930. Conversely, a medium-grade piano in good condition may be the better investment. While the main points are still valid some of the prices will have changed.Ī good piano in poor condition is still a poor piano.
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Please note, this article was written back in 2009. Helping You Determine the Value of A Piano – Continued
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