Guinn Kawai
If you are considering buying a piano or selling your used piano, it is important to do a little research and inspecting.
Pianos are difficult and expensive to move, so a little research can mean big savings – even an inexpensive piano can be a problem if it has major mechanical problems, or mice or other critters living inside.
I recommend looking into the brand and style of the piano, as well as its condition. Get the Brand Name and Serial Number from the seller to find the year of manufacture. The serial number is usually stamped on the pinblock in the top center of the plate (under the lid you’ll see it), under the music desk on a grand. On some consoles and spinets it’s on a plaque on the back.
Then do a little looking inside the piano; open up the lid and any case parts you can. Look for irregularities in the hammers, strings, keys, even bridges. You may not know what you’re looking at, but you will see if something seems to be different than the other things around it.
There are many good hiding places in pianos for mice and other critters that you don’t want to bring into your home.
Mice will harvest the felt on the hammers and anywhere else they wish, and chew on the sides of the keys in the back. Look for teeth marks, scat, water stains or smells in the keybed, and nests and scat in the bottom of the piano.
Moths will burrow into the felts, especially dampers, and lay eggs, etc. They cause some damage but mostly short lived – in this country, at least. In Brazil I have seen pianos totally destroyed by moths and other bugs, including the Brazilian equivalent of our termite.
Or have a qualified Piano Technician give you an evaluation of its condition. I would be happy to do a pre-purchase inspection for you in the $60 range.
It is also a good idea to be sure the piano has been tuned before you buy or transport it, otherwise you cannot be sure it can be tuned or played.
I have seen many pianos that have been purchased that are not able to be tuned or repaired within reasonable cost parameters. Be aware that a nice looking piano, especially the ‘antiques’, are not always good inside.
I don’t make it a habit to buy and sell pianos, but I do like to pass on information when I can. This is just a small personal list. My recommendation for a piano store is Classic Pianos www.classicportland.com. I have worked with them and for them for many years and highly recommend buying there. You will find the best prices in the area and the best service/follow-up on any purchase. (I say this from experience with the other piano dealers in the area!)
I also recommend using a professional piano mover. Sam is a great piano mover who is very reasonably priced; I have had nothing but great feedback from all my friends and clients who have used Sam.
Sam Evans (503) 314-6474 www.modcottpianos.com
This is a list of pianos for sale by my clients:
Norma T. is selling a Baldwin Hamilton upright, E/P with bench, new in ’05, for $2800 (paid $6000) (503)777-3461
Loris V. Yamaha M500 scarcely used; tuned 9/30/06 $3,500. (503)684-1007
Susan B. has an old upright, Strohber 80163 (1906) (Smith & Barnes), that she would give away for the cost of move/ $200. (503)502-6849
Geralyn B. has a nicely rebuilt Steinway upright S/N 94931 for $10,000. It has a nice mahogany finish and good ivory keys. (503) 656-4740
Nancy B. has a nice old upright that needs a good home for about $300, or reasonable offer. I have not tuned this one – it will need at least a Pitch Raise and Tune. (503)292-3445
In Jan 2012 I got a notice from Esther Warkov that she is retiring and selling her beautiful grands for great prices.
Check out her website while supplies last! http://thepianoconnection.com
