Baldwin baby grand appraisal value

[SweetPete]

Guys,

 

I've got a 90 year old Baldwin baby grand. The wood is mahogony. Some of the keys don't work (hammer problems?). Otherwise, in pretty good shape.

 

I need to sell it because I'm moving. I had an appraiser come by last night to look at it, and he told me he could get me between $1500-2000 for it. As a sidenote, he told me that to completely restore it would cost between $7-10k.

 

(Tough) question: Does the $1500-2000 sound reasonable?

[Outkaster]

Unless it is a name brand I am not sure the value will be worth alot. Most old pianos do not have that much value but it is a Baldwin so I could be wrong.

[MartinHines]

That is probably reasonable. My only suggestions would be:

 

-- get a second appraisal

-- find out the price of a similar/identical new Baldwin

 

The age doesn't really matter unless it is some prized vintage -- the condition does.

 

P.S. - the 7-10 K complete restoral cost sounds normal.

[Birdienumnum]

Originally posted by MartinHines That is probably reasonable. My only suggestions would be: -- get a second appraisal -- find out the price of a similar/identical new Baldwin The age doesn't really matter unless it is some prized vintage -- the condition does. P.S. - the 7-10 K complete restoral cost sounds normal.

 

I agree with the above except: age matters if you are talking mid-1960's onwards, because Baldwins began to decline in quality after that.

[MartinHines]

I looked in one of my "The Piano Book" (by Larry Fine) Annual Supplements, and I see 5'2" new Baldwins run from $25 - $27K.

 

In contrast, new Steinway 5'1" runs from $36 to $45 K.

 

http://www.pianobook.com/