Kirchner Player Grand

[Tomylyn]

Hi, I have a baby grand player piano. It has a plaque on the front of the piano that doesn't look as old as the piano. It says, "Kirchner." However, when I look up that name I get nothing on it. The serial number I have found in several places on the piano, I also can get no info on. The number is 22292. Perhaps you could help me with this one.
Thanks!
Tomylyn

[Bill Kibby]

The dates of Kirchner serial numbers are not available, but assuming that this is the Berlin firm, if the action was made by Langer, I may be able to date it by the number on the action, if you can find it. There were also different Kirchner pianos made in Vienna and USA.

[Tomylyn]

Hi Bill,
I really appreciate your help. I have looked just about everywhere I know to look to find this info. I am not sure what a, "number on the action," means. However, I did find a number on the A and the A# on the piano on the left side at the very back of the notes. It says, "29-516." On the metal plate on the left side of the piano there is a circled S and underneath it, it says, "R6." Also, would you happen to know if it is worth it to invest in this piano? It needs a new pin block. The case is beautiful with some ornate carving around the edges of the front and side and legs. It has 6 legs. What do you think this piano is worth? There are no cracks in the bed of the piano or the soundboard. I really appreciate you helping me with this.

Thanks a million!
Tomylyn

[Bill Kibby]

I'm sorry I made assumptions because you used some technical terms. The action is the assembly of working parts which transfer the movement of the keys to the striking of the strings by the hammers. It may be marked with the action makers' name and number, and we may be able to date this.

Some German pianos of the twenties and thirties have extremely poor wrestplanks made from sub-standard timber. I would never recommend buying a piano on the basis of what it might be like after it has been fixed. The wrestplank (pinblock) is a major job, beyond the cost of repinning and restringing. For me, the value of a virtually unknown make of piano with the need for a pinblock replacement is in minus figures. Do it for love it you like.