We have a Heintzman and Co. Piano. It is too big for our new...

We have a Heintzman and Co. Piano. It is too big for our new home. We are trying to sell it and not sure what to ask for it. The plaque inside says Grand Piano in upright form, Dated inside March 10th, 1896. It is in fair condition. If anyone can help that would be great. Thanks

Hi there guest!

The problem with older pianos (if it's not a Steinway or a Bosendorfer), is that they don't really gain in value. Old pianos may have a lovely looking case but, unless it has a history that makes it valuable (ie. a past president used it or the ivory used to make the keys came from the ark), they are prone to the usual effects of aging - wooden parts swell, strings rust, felts compact and can get eaten by moths. And they are HEAVY!

Has the piano been serviced? Not just tuned, but has the action been regulated, have the hammers, felts and springs been checked and replaced where necessary? Also, the label of 'upright grand' is a complete misnomer used to assist in selling pianos to an unsuspecting public. Grand pianos are so named because of their action, as well as their body shape. An Upright (or vertical) piano has a completely different action, and is simply an Upright (maybe a BIG upright, but it's not a grand).

I'm not in America, but I'd recommend contacting someone from the Piano Tuners Guild (website below) and asking someone to come and value the instrument.
http://www.ptg.org/

Trust this helps.

Thank you for that tip. It does need a lot of work. And I know it has never had regular maintenance. I would still like to get rid of it. Any ideas of places that may take it. or a minimal price to sell it for??

Hi again!

It's difficult to give value to an instrument without seeing / hearing / playing it. Based on what you know about the instrument, what type of person are you selling it to? Remember also that the person needs to consider moving the instrument - which is further expense. If the person is a restorer, they will probably want it for the lowest possible price (even free) to put their money into restoring it.

Although cheap instruments are tempting to buy for a beginner, there is greater reward for all involved to buy a reasonable quality of instrument to start out on.

Essentially, if it's really only good for restoration, the price will need to be low (<$100 I'm guessing). If it has a case in good condition with little damage, you may attract some interest from a furniture collector (but again, they have to consider the expense / difficulties of moving it).

Again, if you're not sure of the value and condition, have a technician look at the instrument and ask them to be honest, not nice

Trust this helps.