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What is my sohmer piano worth serial number 45121#9b

 
Mr. Taylor, MM, CAGO's Avatar
  • Answered by:Mr. Taylor, MM, CAGO
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Customer Question

What is my sohmer piano worth serial number 45121#9b

 



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Submitted: 370 days and 2 hours ago.
Category: Musical Instrument Appraisal
Value: $60
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Mr. Taylor, MM, CAGO replied 370 days and 2 hours ago.

Hi is this an upright or grand?


If upright, what is the height? If grand, what is the total length?


What is the condition?




Customer replied 370 days and 2 hours ago.

This is a grand piano. It's length is 5' 6" without including the keys. There are scratches on the top of the piano where pictures have been.

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Expert:  Mr. Taylor, MM, CAGO replied 370 days and 2 hours ago.


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Thanks for the information!


The keys are considered part of the length so you have about a 5'10" piano. Sohmer was one of the better quality brands back in their day and those made prior to about 1930 are usually of higher regard since most piano companies were greatly affected by the depression and many went out of business. The age and condition of a piano are some of the largest factors to be considered in valuing an instrument. The serial number on yours comes back to a build year of 1917. Since it is almost 100 years old there will be significant depreciation. Depending on how well the piano has been maintained (yearly tuning, etc) as well as the climate and environment it has been in can also affect the price for a piano which is this old. Assuming yours is in excellent condition, besides the noted cosmetic scratches, in the current piano market you could expect to sell for approximately $2,300-$3,000. Best wishes!

Once I have answered your question, please press ACCEPT if our conversation is complete as that is the only way I am compensated for the time and research I personally put into your individual question. Pressing Accept does not charge you again it just credits me for my work. If you need more information, please press REPLY so I can help you further. Please press either Accept or Reply before leaving this page so I know how to proceed. Positive feedback is very beneficial to me and, if you are able to take a minute once the process is over to leave some I would greatly appreciate it. If you have reason to leave less than positive feedback, please contact me first so I can ensure you are properly assisted with your question. Thanks and best wishes!



Customer replied 370 days and 2 hours ago.

Few questions:


 


What type of piano is it? i.e. cupid ? I could not tell.


 


Can you tell the type and the wood from the serial number? If so, what type, and what wood?


 


Would the type of piano affect its value?


 


I have seen one on ebay for $4,000 buy it now price, with a more recent creation date, and a few for about $18,000 that are refurbished in stores?


 


When you are indicating sale price for $2,300 to $3,000, are you talking about private sale, or us selling to a piano store?


 


Would the value increase if we refurbished it, and if so, how much?


 


How much would it be to re-furbish this type of piano?


 


 

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  Mr. Taylor, MM, CAGO replied 370 days and 1 hours ago.


Please remember to click the ACCEPT button before leaving this page. I am not credited for my time unless this button is pressed. Thanks!


Thanks for your reply!


-As far as type goes you can try going to Google and clicking the image link at the top. Type in search terms like "cupid piano" and "art case piano" in order to find a similar one to identify yours.


-Serial numbers only tell the year a piano was built. Some manufacturers may have additional information but with older pianos that is rare. An in person inspection by a technician could give you an idea of wood and possibly help identify the type of case if you were still having trouble.


Newer pianos are worth more. If yours did have some additional woodwork or was an art case piano it could be worth an additional $1,000 or so, depending on the type and extent of detail.


Restoring an old grand piano fully usually costs in the neighborhood of $10,000-$20,000 depending on quality and scope of work. It would definitely increase the value but there is often little or no room for profit when selling if recently restored.


The price range I provided is for private sale. Piano dealers rarely take in old pianos in original condition. Best wishes!

Once I have answered your question, please press ACCEPT if our conversation is complete as that is the only way I am compensated for the time and research I personally put into your individual question. Pressing Accept does not charge you again it just credits me for my work. If you need more information, please press REPLY so I can help you further. Please press either Accept or Reply before leaving this page so I know how to proceed. Positive feedback is very beneficial to me and, if you are able to take a minute once the process is over to leave some I would greatly appreciate it. If you have reason to leave less than positive feedback, please contact me first so I can ensure you are properly assisted with your question. Thanks and best wishes!







Expert TypeMusician/Appraiser
Category: Musical Instrument Appraisal
Pos. Feedback: 99.2 %
Accepts: 2904
Answered: 5/11/2012

Experience: Master's degree in Music. Member, AOA. 22 years of training & experience.

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