How old is my piano? And where was it made?

Determining the age of a piano can be an interesting and valuable piece of information, as it can affect its value and historical significance. To find out how old your piano is, you can follow these steps:

Locate the Serial Number: The serial number of a piano is typically the most important piece of information for dating it accurately. It is usually engraved or stamped on various parts of the piano. Common locations include:

Inside the piano, on the iron frame (usually near the top).

On the soundboard (the wooden panel underneath the strings).

On the back of the piano, often near the top or bottom.

Sometimes, on the plate or harp (the large metal plate inside the piano).

Upright Piano Serial Number

Record the Serial Number: Once you've found the serial number, write it down or take a clear photo of it. This number is essential for identifying the piano's age.

Identify the Manufacturer: Determine the piano's manufacturer or brand name. This information is often displayed on the front of the piano or on a nameplate. Knowing the manufacturer is crucial because you'll need it to look up the age of the piano.

Use Online Resources or Reference Books: There are various online databases and resources that can help you determine the age of your piano based on its serial number. Some reputable websites provide databases with extensive records of piano serial numbers and their corresponding manufacturing dates. You can use these websites to search for your piano's serial number and find its age.

Consult a Piano Technician or Appraiser: If you're having difficulty finding information online or if you want a more precise date, consider consulting a professional piano technician or appraiser. They often have access to comprehensive reference materials and may be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of your piano's age.

Contact the Manufacturer: In some cases, you can contact the piano's manufacturer directly to inquire about the piano's age. Manufacturers may keep records of their production history and may be able to provide you with the date of manufacture.

Remember that the age of a piano can significantly influence its value, but it's just one factor to consider when assessing a piano's worth. The piano's condition, brand reputation, model, and historical significance also play crucial roles in determining its value.

Or, if you want to make it easy. Call Missouri Piano Tuning & Repair and we can look up the serial number in the Pierce Piano Atlas. It is a comprehensive listing of piano serial numbers by manufacturer. Most of the online resources cover the more popular brands. Pierce has info on a lot of defunct companies no longer making pianos.

Contact us for all your piano tuning and repair needs in the St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri area.