Discussion- The 411 $35,000 piano and emerging market for piano rarities

I am interested to hear if anyone has solid knowledge of the subject at hand. I don't want to get into too many specifics as to the 4'11'er as I do not want to betray certain confidences. But let me say that I am gradually becoming aware of an ultra-high-end U.S. market for older pianos. The 4'11' mentioned above is mid 20th century American with a butterfly case, and I believe the seller is cognizant enough of the market potential that he is actually in the right range of selling price. (Not that such a piano can 'sell itself'- I think there is real need for this dealer to have a shrewd understanding of just who is capable of buying such a thing, and marketing accordingly.)

I don't want to focus strictly on that piano though- just the general idea that there are old pianos so valuable out there. Another for instance is a store I know that deals strictly in restored pianos and prices begin at $40,000 and go significantly up from there to the $200K range (for the most part Art Case pianos).

I think what I am trying to say is that in the past it has traditionally been known by those immersed in the business that there really is no such thing as 'antique value', and people who thought their old piano had a lot of antique value were self-deceived, except in very rare cases (ha-ha) where a famous painter decorated the piano, it was built by Cristofori, or it belonged to a King, Emperor, or President, etc, etc. In the present, though, it appears to me that things may be turning around, and a few people at least are basing their business upon fine pianos with a whole lot of added value due to being old. I mean to say, old pianos selling for more than similar quality brand new.

I'm just wondering if anyone is getting a pulse on this. Is this a real trend?

Rick Clark

Rick, My family has been rebuilding pianos since 1924. I am 52 and have been doing so (in addition to retailing new and used) all my life.

I haven't seen the trend you ask about. However there is a consistant demand for older, high-quality grands that have been 'restored'. (needless to say, we could have a whole conversation on 'restored'.) I believe it has more to d with looks than anything else. Many homes are older building and much really good furniture lasts for many, many years. New pianos are, for the most part, 'sealed-pore' finishes. They don't fit well, cosmetically, with older furniture or more taditional decor. I don't see it as a new trend, just a continuation of demand for something that many people like. After all, ancients like myself grew up with that style and want it in our homes today.

Thanks Jason for your reply. What part of the country are you in? What would be the nearest major city? Do you do piano business in this city?

Thanks,

Rick Clark

Rick,

Since I posted a couple of articles on art case pianos, I think I need to respond to this, although I may not be a typical case. This art case piano tick of mine is just a temporary infatuation (although a genuine one!), i.e. if the time comes to really buy another piano, I'm positive I'd buy a musical instrument first and foremost.

On the expensive sub 5' piano issue itself, I once played the Yamaha model that was more expensive than the longer than 5' Yamaha pianos (although not ultra expensive). Can't say that I was impressed, but then, I don't really like the Yamaha sound because of pure personal preference.

On the ultra expensive ornate coffee table issue, the Faust Harrison web site has a position statement on the issue (although it is also trying to market 'old wood makes better music'. Moreover, there is an article from the author of the Steinway saga book on the very high end rebuilding market, posted on the 'good living' web site, I once posted the URL, but I can't find it right now.