need expert opinion on this Bechstein

[dr0ndeh]

Hi there, I have recently been given the opportunity to purchase a Bechstein (mini?) grand piano, I was wondering if any of you would be able to help me out on a rough model/year/value on this piano, as if im correct Bechsteins are quite valuable? The owner is quite elderly and i promised them i wouldnt rip them off, so if someone here could give me a rough ballpark figure on the value of this piano i'd really appreciate it, so that both me and the owner get a fair deal.

here is a photo they've given me, i know it doesnt give alot to go on but im sure just by the legs/shape etc someone here will have some idea.



slightly larger here:
http://i.imgur.com/7Qobz.jpg

thanks for your time, and apologies if its against the etiquette of this forum for me to just barge in and start asking questions on my first post!

cheers!

[mdw]

Get your local tuner to check it over £40-£60. Then you know what it problems are and they will give you some idea of price.

[Colin Nicholson]

WE can't give valuations here (as per the blue header text)...... you will need to book an appointment with a tuner to make an on-the-spot assessment, and also to partly tune it to test the wrest pins & wrest plank. Some Bechsteins are notorious for a cracked plank.

The Model number will probably be printed inside as a black decal letter.
Each model letter is specific to the length of the piano. Example - a Model 'M' is 5' 11", and a Model B is 6'8". Anything shorter than 5'8" is a baby grand (not mini) - mini refers to certain types of upright pianos like Eavestaff.

By the shape of the legs (octagonal) - the piano looks around 1890 - 1910 (ish) - but if you can find the serial number inside (near the tuning pins) you are looking for a 5 digit number. For example: 54181 is the year 1900..... so this piano might start with a 3,4,5 or 6?

Bechstein are a good name, but not THAT valuable - they are only worth something if fully restored - i.e. re-strung/ new action/ new wrest plank/ keys bebushed/ re-polished .... the full works.

As mdw pointed out, a valuation will cost in the region of £40 - £60 (maybe a taj more) - and takes around an hour to complete. Also check the pitch/ string condition/ any broken parts or missing strings/ flattened & grooved hammers etc.... will all knock the price down.

However, please note that some tuners just "tune" and do repairs etc. You will need to ask if they can give a valuation - some tuners may only have a rough idea. There is no real "price guide book" for pianos, but based on previous London auctions, if you can get the serial number/model/ length of piano (from the back of the CLOSED lid to the front of the keyboard) in feet & inches, I may possibly be able to give you a rough auction price (unrestored) - but not a private sale price. Much of the price will be about the condition of the internal parts.... about 12,000 of them!!

Hope that helps

Colin

[vernon]

looks like a very common model B about early 20th century.
Need lots more information tho
You must get a technician to look at it as otherwise everything is supposition on our oarts,