How do I tell if my piano is worth anything?

To tell if your piano is worth anything, check four things: the brand and model, the age (found from the serial number), its condition, and how it compares to recent sales of similar instruments.

Start by locating the maker's name and serial number, usually stamped inside the piano near the tuning pins or on the plate. The serial number identifies the year of manufacture, which matters because value depends heavily on musical quality and playability, not sentimental age. A piano that has been well maintained, tuned regularly, and kept in a stable environment holds its value far better than one that has sat neglected for decades. Look for a cracked soundboard, broken strings, rusted tuning pins, sticky keys, or a worn action; any of these can significantly reduce what a piano is worth, sometimes to the point where moving and restoration costs exceed resale value.

Brand carries real weight here. Premium makers hold value much better than mass-market brands from the same era, and grand pianos generally command more than uprights of comparable quality. But brand and size alone don't answer the question; you need to weigh them against current condition and what comparable instruments have actually sold for recently, since piano values can shift quite a bit depending on regional demand.

If you've gone through this checklist and still aren't sure what you're looking at, a professional piano appraisal gives you a documented fair market value based on the piano's specific condition, market comparables, and intended use, whether that's for insurance, a donation deduction, or your own peace of mind. For a sense of realistic price ranges once you know more, see what is a fair price for a used piano.