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. Keyboard Condition: First, check each key at soft and loud volumes. None should be out of tune, muted, or silent.
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If your piano is fairly in tune, keep an ear out for singular keys that are disproportionately off, or produce strange harmonics. You should also check the alignment of the keyboard and note any crookedness along the edges and in between keys. Look for this horizontally at keyboard-level as well as from above. Of course, broken, stained, or chipped keys will diminish value; significantly so if they cannot be justified by the age of the instrument. Pedals: First, make sure you, then you can inspect them further.
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Are they rusted? Do they stick, go limp, or feel like they hit a “bump” when you depress them? Age does not excuse these issues; upkeep is lacking if these problems are not addressed. Damage to the Wood Finish: Are there cracks or scratches on the? Has any of the wood warped or been sun-damaged? Even if a buyer is willing to refinish the piano, damage to the surface is often caused by elements that also harm the inside. If you’re unfamiliar with the interior parts, consider having them checked out if the exterior looks rough.
Piano Leg Sturdiness: Wobbly legs are a safety hazard for the piano and anyone around it. If you notice any loose screws, tighten them; but if the leg still loosens after being fixed the wood may have to be replaced.
Once you know the name brand of your piano, you will need to find the serial number. Step 1: The serial number is usually found on the plate of the piano between the bass and tenor strings. It can also be found on the top of the piano when you open the lid on Upright Pianos. You are looking for a number like those shown here. Serial Numbers on Upright Pianos. Serial Numbers on Grand Pianos.
Don’t tackle anything more than a loose screw, you could hurt yourself or damage the instrument further. Finding the Piano’s Serial Number The serial number will be engraved on an interior metal plate located near the keys or on the pin block. On grand pianos, it may be hiding underneath the key slip. Contact a registered piano technician so that he/she can safely remove the necessary parts to access the serial code.
Get the Manufacturer’s Name The name is often found on the front of the piano, just above or below the keyboard. If these areas are blank, flip open the lid and look at the soundboard, or check behind an upright/underneath a grand. Determine the Date of Manufacture You may need to figure out your piano’s age before you can advance, but this is easily found once you have the info in steps 1 & 2 (sometimes the date is written on the soundboard next to the manufacturer, but this is uncommon). Some manufacturers—such as Yamaha—post this information online (type “serial” in the site’s search box if you’re lost), or it can be found in an updated version of the Pierce Piano Atlas.
Here is an list of quality piano makers and their serial numbers.
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