Why Do You Need a Professional Piano Appraisal?
Understanding the accurate piano market value or detailed condition of your instrument is essential for various reasons. At Laursen Piano, our appraisals and inspections provide the precise documentation and information you need.​
For Selling Your Piano
Are you looking to sell your piano? A professional used piano appraisal ensures you price your instrument competitively and fairly. We help you avoid underselling your valuable asset, providing peace of mind in your transaction.
​
Insurance & Damage Claims
In the unfortunate event of damage, loss, or for routine coverage, an accurate piano insurance appraisal is vital. Our reports provide the necessary documentation for insurance claims or to determine the replacement value of your instrument.
Estate & Legal Purposes
For estate settlement, inheritance, or divorce proceedings, an unbiased estate piano appraisal provides a legally sound valuation. We offer comprehensive reports suitable for all legal and financial requirements.
For Buying a Piano
Considering purchasing a used piano from platforms like Facebook Marketplace? A pre-purchase piano appraisal or inspection can save you from unexpected issues and ensure you're making a sound investment by understanding its true condition and value.
Charitable Donations & Tax Deductions
Planning a piano donation? A professional tax deduction piano appraisal is often required by the IRS for non-cash charitable contributions, ensuring you receive the appropriate deduction.
Our Comprehensive Piano Appraisal Process
At Laursen Piano, every appraisal includes a professional tuning, a written detailed 48-point inspection, and a written market valuation based on data we collect.
-
On-Site Inspection & Tuning: Our expert appraiser will conduct a detailed in-person examination of your piano's exterior and interior. This is a 48-point assessment of all components including the cabinet, soundboard, strings, action mechanism, and overall piano condition. We tune the piano so we can assess each tuning pin and the piano's ability to hold a tune. Here we also record the piano's make, model, and serial number. From grand piano appraisals to upright piano appraisals, we do them all.
-
Research & Market Analysis: We perform extensive research on comparable sales data, historical values, and current piano market trends. Factors like the piano's age, rarity, historical significance, and past restoration history are carefully considered.
-
Detailed Appraisal Report: You will receive a comprehensive, written inspection and appraisal report outlining our findings, methodology, and the determined value of your piano. This report is suitable for all stated purposes.
Piano Appraisal vs. Piano Inspection: What's the Difference?
Our piano inspection comes with a piano tuning and a written 48-point inspection. Our appraisals include a tuning, a written 48-point inspection, and a formal written valuation. Often times when buying a used piano, a buyer is mainly concerned in the mechanical condition of an instrument so a piano inspection is sufficient.
Key Factors That Influence Your Piano's Value
Several critical elements contribute to the overall valuation of a piano. Our inspection and appraisal considers a holistic view of your instrument to provide the most accurate assessment.
-
Manufacturer and Age: The brand reputation and the year of manufacture play a significant role. Renowned brands like Steinway, Yamaha, and Kawai typically retain more value due to their reputation for quality and craftsmanship. While some vintage instruments hold value, most pianos depreciate over time—especially after 30–50 years, depending on condition and use.
-
Model and Size: Specific models and the physical dimensions (e.g., concert grand vs. spinet) impact value.
-
Condition of the Action and Keys: We look for wear in the action, broken or sluggish keys, and the quality of the touch response. A piano with a responsive, well-regulated action and clean, functional keys is more enjoyable to play and generally appraises higher.
-
Cabinet and Finish: Pianos with well-maintained finishes and attractive cabinetry often appeal more to buyers. We note cosmetic issues like scratches, fading, or water damage that can impact resale value, even if the piano plays well.
-
Soundboard and Bridges: An intact soundboard and solid bridge construction contribute to strong tone quality and long-term structural integrity—key drivers of piano value. Soundboard cracks are common in older grand pianos and we make special effort to determine if the cracks are impacting tone.
-
String and Tuning Pin Integrity: Tight tuning pins and clean, corrosion-free strings support stable tuning and enhance the piano’s mechanical reliability and value.
-
Maintenance and Restoration History: Documented tuning, repairs, and any major restoration work (e.g., rebuilding, refinishing) can influence value. If you tune with us we will have the full history of service we've provided.
-
Current Market Demand: Local and national market trends, supply, and demand for specific types or brands of pianos also factor into the final appraisal.
Ready to Discover Your Piano's Value?
Contact Laursen Piano for your professional and reliable piano appraisal today. Not sure which service you need? Give us a call for that too and we'll gladly help you walk through your options. We proudly serve the Minneapolis, St Paul, Minnesota area and beyond.