How do I find out brand of my piano....

[emeraldmezzo]

I'm in the U.S. and just inherited a baby grand piano with the serial number G81433. The piano was painted some time ago and the brand is obscured. We have search everywhere for the brand name to no avail. Is there anything in the serial number that holds a clue to the brand? Thank you.

[Bill Kibby]

Serial numbers are normally just that - numbers. They contain no clues to make. The initial G before a number would usually suggest a retailer's stock number, again no help. Baby grands of the 1900s are notoriously difficult to date even if we know the maker. Many people are frustrated when a piano has no name, but I have over twenty thousand piano names on the internet, many are meaningless aliases, and most are not listed on the net. Have a look at my Datemarls page at pianogen.org

If you know how to remove the action safely (the working parts of the notes) it may be marked with the action makers' name and number, and we may be able to date this. If yiu would like to email photos to me, I may be able to tell you something.

[emeraldmezzo]

Thank you so much, Bill. Once the piano gets to my house, I will have the man who is doing the tuning/regulating look for the brand where you suggest. If that fails, I may send you photos. Appreciate your response! Deidre