Question 1

How do I know whether my piano is worth keeping?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the instrument's condition, its likely service needs, and what you want from it. A piano that is structurally sound and holds tune may be well worth keeping and maintaining. One that needs major restoration may still be worth it — for a fine instrument or a meaningful family piece — or it may cost more to restore than it will ever return. A professional evaluation weighs the piano's apparent condition, anticipated service costs, and realistic market position so you can decide with clear information instead of guesswork.

Question 2

Can you determine the exact value of my piano?

Accepted Answer

No one can honestly promise an exact value, because a piano is ultimately worth what a real buyer will pay for it, in its current condition, in its current location. What we can do is give you a realistic, experience-based view of how the market is likely to see your instrument — whether there is meaningful demand for it, what range similar pianos actually change hands for, and which factors are helping or hurting its position. That honest perspective is far more useful than a number pulled from a calculator.

Question 3

Is this a certified appraisal?

Accepted Answer

No. GrandGuard provides professional piano evaluations, not certified appraisals. Our evaluations are designed to guide real-world decisions about selling, servicing, restoring, moving, storing, donating, or purchasing a piano. If you need formal documentation for insurance, taxes, litigation, charitable deductions, or an estate, that generally requires a credentialed appraiser — and we're happy to point you in the right direction.

Question 4

Can the evaluation be completed from photographs?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Clear photographs of the full piano, keyboard, manufacturer name, serial number, interior, hammers, strings, pedals, and cabinet — along with the piano's history and location — allow us to complete many evaluations remotely. If your photos raise questions that only hands-on inspection can answer, we'll say so and recommend an in-person visit or a technician assessment before you make any major decision.

Question 5

Where can I find the serial number?

Accepted Answer

On most grand pianos, the serial number is stamped on the gold-colored cast iron plate — lift the lid and look near the tuning pins. On upright pianos, open the top lid and look on the plate inside, near the top of the strings. Some pianos also carry numbers on the soundboard or the back of the cabinet. If you can't find it, don't worry: send photographs of what you can see, and we'll help you locate it.

Question 6

Why are online piano prices so different?

Accepted Answer

Because most online prices are asking prices, not completed sales. Sellers list what they hope to receive; many of those pianos sit unsold for months or eventually sell for far less. Automated calculators and serial-number lookups can't see condition, maintenance history, restoration quality, or local demand — the factors that actually determine what a piano brings. Our evaluations are grounded in what buyers actually purchase, which is often very different from what listings suggest.

Question 7

Can two pianos of the same age and model have different values?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — and the difference can be dramatic. One may have been tuned regularly, maintained by a good technician, and kept in a stable climate. The other may have a cracked soundboard, loose tuning pins, worn hammers, or a sun-damaged finish. Restoration history matters too: quality rebuilding can add substantial value, while poor work can reduce it. Condition, not the nameplate, usually decides what a piano is worth.

Question 8

Can you tell me whether restoration is worthwhile?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is one of the most common reasons people come to us. We weigh the anticipated cost of restoration against the instrument's likely condition, its market position once restored, and your goals for it. For fine instruments and treasured family pianos, restoration is often a sound investment. For others, we'll tell you honestly when the numbers don't support it — before you spend the money, not after.

Question 9

Can you evaluate a piano before I purchase it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's one of the smartest steps a buyer can take. We review the instrument's details, apparent condition, likely service needs, and whether the asking price is reasonable for what the piano actually is — before you commit to the purchase and the cost of moving it. A modest evaluation fee can prevent a very expensive mistake.

Question 10

Do you evaluate Steinway pianos?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and this is where our experience matters most. Our evaluations are informed by firsthand experience selling pianos at Steinway Piano Gallery, including new, pre-owned, and restored Steinway instruments. We understand how age, originality of parts, restoration quality, and provenance affect a Steinway's desirability in the current market — and how much those factors can separate two pianos that look identical on paper.

Question 11

Do you evaluate upright pianos?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Uprights range from fine instruments with genuine demand to pianos that are difficult to sell at any price — and it's not always obvious which is which. An evaluation can save you the cost of moving or repairing an upright with limited market interest, or confirm that yours is worth keeping, servicing, or selling.

Question 12

Can GrandGuard help after the evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GrandGuard provides piano moving, climate-controlled storage, and restoration services, and we work alongside Steinway Piano Gallery on sales, trade-ins, and pre-owned purchases. Whatever the evaluation points toward — service, restoration, a move, storage, a sale, or a trade — we can help you take the next step or connect you with the right people.

Question 13

Can the evaluation be used for insurance, taxes, court, or an estate?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. Insurance claims, tax filings, charitable deductions, litigation, probate, and other legal purposes typically require a formal report prepared by a credentialed appraiser. Our evaluation is a practical decision-making tool, not a legal document. If your situation calls for formal documentation, we'll tell you so plainly and help you understand what to look for in an appraiser.

Professional

Piano Evaluation in Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia

Informed Guidance for Whatever Comes Next

More Than an Online Estimate

Selling pianos shows us both sides of the market:

What Shapes a Piano Evaluation

THE INSTRUMENT ITSELF

CONDITION & HISTORY

THE REAL-WORLD MARKET

Informed by Firsthand Steinway Showroom Experience

We evaluate pianos from the perspective of people who actually sell them.

Before You Spend Money, Move the Piano, or Put It on the Market

Clear Guidance From People Who Know the Piano Market

How It Works

1.

Tell Us About Your Piano

2.

We Evaluate the Details

3.

Receive Practical Guidance

Professional Piano Evaluation

$200