Knauss, Coblenz piano

[aaskegaard@msn.com]

I have a Knauss piano, serial number 19980. It is in fair shape, but the keyboard needs repair and strings need tuning. Can anyone tell me the approximate age, approximate value, and if the soundboard is stable and will stay in tune after I have it tuned?

[Bill Kibby]

That number suggests that your piano was made around 1903, but most pianos have several numbers inside, so without photos, we can't say if this date is likely. The soundboard is not the first consideration, nobody can guess the value or condition without tuning the piano. Above all, if the tuning pins are loose, tuning may not be possible without major, expensive repairs, and this is often the point where an average-quality piano of this age is written off.

[MarkGoodwinPianos]

Hi there
I'm very happy to provide a rough valuation based on photographs. Please upload 5 or 6 photos showing various angles of the outside and inside of the piano. Take the top panel off, get nice and close, use a flash and keep it in focus.

[Colin Nicholson]

In some cases, a photo of the bottom section of the mechanism including the bridle tapes, capstans etc is needed (the top board isn't always enough) - but usually the tapes need replacing anyway.... however, I think on these Knauss pianos, the rear of the fallboard is quite bulky and taller than most - hence completely covering the tapes & lower section. Also, the back edge of the fallboard is very close to the bridle wires, and I have often stabbed by hand/ fingers on the wires!!.... so it needs to be lifted out carefully & photos taken.... but a full assessment by a piano tuner will be able to work this all out.
One of the problems I found on other Knauss pianos is that they have butt plates holding the centre pins/ flanges on. The butt/ screw hole area dries up and cracks - screws come loose & hammers wobbling all over side to side. I also did a pin-tite job on one due to exposed wrest plank.... not always visible by photo - except that the hammer spacing was bad. Stab in the dark here...... very rough guess .... £5 - £50. auction value.

[MarkGoodwinPianos]

Well said Colin
If offered to the trade you are likely to be CHARGED £60 or so have it taken away.

So brace yourself for bad news if you get a proper valuation

[Bill Kibby]

All we know about this piano is its name, and the possibility that it was made around 1903. Everything else is pure conjecture.

[MarkGoodwinPianos]

Conjecture: A conjecture is a proposition that is unproven but is thought to be true and has not been disproven

I'll go along with that in this case