Piano & grand piano appraisal by a master piano maker in Dresden
What is my piano worth? Is a repair still worthwhile? Is the used instrument I want to buy worth the money? Questions like these can’t be answered from a distance – they need an expert look inside the instrument.
As a master piano maker, I examine your upright or grand piano thoroughly and impartially. You get an honest assessment that lets you make your decision with confidence.
Which appraisal do you need?
Valuation
For an inheritance, a sale, a house clearance or your records: I determine the realistic market value of your instrument.
Pre-purchase inspection
Before you buy a used piano privately, I check it for hidden defects – so a bargain doesn’t turn into an expensive surprise.
Is the repair worth it?
I show you which work is needed, roughly what it costs and whether it makes sense in relation to the value of the instrument.
Damage report & cost estimate
After transport, water or heat damage, I document the type and extent of the damage and the repair costs as a master piano maker – as a basis for your insurance claim.
What I check during the inspection
A piano consists of thousands of individual parts. For a sound assessment, I take a close look at all the important components:
- Soundboard & ribs: cracks, separations and crown – crucial for the sound.
- Pinblock & tuning pins: can the instrument still hold its tuning?
- Action & keyboard: wear on hammers, felts and centre pins, touch and regulation.
- Strings & plate: rust, risk of breakage and condition of the bass strings.
- Case & finish: damage, woodworm, condition of the lacquer or polish.
- Maker, year & model: classification of the instrument and its quality.
Afterwards, I go through the results with you. On request, you also receive the assessment in writing.
Get your piano or grand piano valued in Dresden and the surrounding area
Would you like to have your piano valued, perhaps because you want to sell it, have inherited it or simply want to know what it is worth? I come to your home and determine its value on site, in Dresden and the surrounding area, for example Radebeul, Pirna, Freital, Heidenau, Coswig, Meissen or Moritzburg.
For the valuation I take into account:
- Maker and model: brand and build quality largely determine the value.
- Year of manufacture: I determine it from the serial number on the plate or frame.
- Technical condition: soundboard, pinblock, action and strings, i.e. the need for repair or restoration.
- Current market: what comparable instruments actually sell for today.
I also appraise historic grand pianos and old uprights. This is where a master piano maker’s eye matters most, because whether a restoration is worthwhile depends heavily on the condition of the instrument.
Need an honest assessment?
Give me a call or send me a quick WhatsApp message – ideally with a few photos and, if known, the maker and serial number of the instrument.
Frequently asked questions about piano & grand piano appraisals
How much does a piano & grand piano appraisal cost?
The price depends on the type of appraisal and on whether you also need the assessment in writing. I’ll tell you the price in advance, so you know exactly where you stand. Travel: the first 15 km are free, from the 16th kilometre I charge €1.00 per km.
How long does an inspection take?
Usually about one hour on site. Grand pianos, very old instruments or extensive damage can take a little longer.
What is my old piano worth?
That mainly depends on the maker, year of manufacture and condition. High-quality brands in good condition often have considerable value, while many simple instruments have only a low market value. During the inspection, I’ll tell you honestly where your instrument stands.
Can I have a used piano checked before buying it?
Yes, and it’s highly recommended. When buying privately, defects such as loose tuning pins or cracks in the soundboard are hard for non-experts to spot. I can join you at the viewing or check the instrument at the seller’s beforehand.
Do you also write reports for insurance claims?
Yes. After transport, water or heat damage, I document the damage and repair costs in writing so that you can submit the documents to your insurance company. Whether the insurer accepts the report or appoints its own expert is up to them. I am a master piano maker, but not a publicly appointed and sworn expert.
Where can I get my piano valued in Dresden?
With me, master piano maker Sebastian Weber of Klavierservice Weber in Dresden. I value upright and grand pianos at your home, in Dresden and the surrounding area. You can book online or call +49 174 7489372.
How do I find the maker and year of my piano?
The maker’s name is usually on the fallboard and the cast-iron plate. The serial number is normally on the plate or the wooden frame, and it tells us the year of manufacture. Feel free to send me a photo of it beforehand.
Do you also appraise historic grand pianos?
Yes. With historic grand pianos I pay particular attention to the soundboard, pinblock, action and plate, and assess whether a restoration is worthwhile and what the instrument is worth.
You will find more answers on the Frequently Asked Questions page.