CONSUMER GUIDES
If a piano brand is not currently being manufactured, it is usually not being promoted to the public through advertising, media and other efforts that increase it's reputation and recognition. The amount of advertising dollars spent on promoting a piano to the public by both the manufacturer and the dealer has an impact on the used values of pianos of the same brand name. If the piano manufacturer does not spend a lot of money promoting the brand recognition, then usually this will decrease the value of the piano. These prices are based upon the U.S. Market and U.S. dollars. There are twenty times more used pianos sold each year than new pianos. Prices are computed to a “Piano Industry Standard” formula.
It takes about 25 years of service history to begin to predict issues like durability. If a piano lacks that service history, then when it is time to resell it, the seller may find that technicians are discouraging potential buyers from buying it either because of a poor service history or a lack of service history. This makes it necessary for the seller to lower the price in order compensate for the perceived risk the buyer is taking in buying the piano when it may have unforeseen problems that cost thousands of dollars to repair in the future. Part of the value of a used piano is supported by the opinions of the technicians who have been servicing them. If a piano hasn't had at least 25 years of service history with technician's in the U.S., it is basically considered a newcomer. Larger supply than demand for this type of piano in the National or Local market. If there are more sellers than buyers for a particular type of piano, usually a seller will have to lower their prices in order to sell the piano at a competitive advantage to the other's available. Public Opinion for pianos made in specific countries, during certain years, or with certain add-ons or cabinet styles. Sometimes there are opinions that are so widespread, they affect the value of a piano that fits the criteria defined by the opinion.
These Quality & Price Guides to pianos are designed to supplement the analytical matter pertaining to the quality of these instruments. To some degree the information is for historical purposes. But it was compiled as a guide for buyers and sellers of used pianos intended to inform them of the differences in price and quality during that period. Used piano buyers desire to know something concerning these points. We accept no advertising, is difficult to maintain objectivity when you are accepting money or revenues from a dealer, sponsor or manufacturer of those products you are reviewing. We include consumer guides by reputable independent sources.
1974 CONSUMER GUIDE | 1980 CONSUMER GUIDE | 1981 CONSUMER CHART | 1990 CONSUMER REPORT | 1991 CONSUMER CHART
The Uniform Standards of Professional Consumer Rating Practices
- Ratings are done by an independent organization dedicated to helping consumers.
- Piano Ratings must be Unbiased by an independent piano professional.
- Manufacturers and Retailers cannot buy top rating placement.
- The person doing the rating does not Endorse Brand Names or Retailers.
- The person doing the rating does not Accept advertising.
- Shopping search results are listed by quality from highest to lowest.
- This must be done in a completely ad-free environment.
- Must not have a financial relationship with Factories or retailers.
- The person doing the rating does not sell pianos.
Tip Sheets
PIANO AGE | ARCHIVES | APPRAISALS | PIANO TYPES | BLUEBOOK VALUE | SELL A PIANO
