Piano Tuner

Orlando

    It can be hard to judge the age of a piano by it's looks. Some look much newer than they actually are. To determine the date of manufacture of most pianos, look in the Pierce Piano Atlas. This reference book lists the manufacture dates of many pianos. To use this book, determine the brand name of the piano by looking at the board above the keys. If there is no name there, open the lid, and look for a name inside, by the strings. Write down the name. You also need the serial number of the piano. Serial numbers are most often stamped on the cast iron plate by the tuning pins. However, if none is there, look on the sound board, cabinet sides, and back of the piano. Very old pianos may have only 4 numbers. Most will have 5 to 8 numbers/letters or more in the serial number. Be aware that some cabinet parts may have stamped on them a cabinet number, used during manufacture. This is NOT the serial number.

    Having written down the brand name and serial number of the piano, e-mail that information to me, and I'll look it up in the Pierce Piano Atlas and respond to you with the age and any other interesting info in the book. In the alternative, call your local piano store, and they can look it up as well.

    Some pianos don't have a brand name on them. Some don't have a serial number. However, an experienced Technician can date these pianos within a few years by looking at clues that point to the age of the piano. Such clues include cabinet style, type of wood, finish type and color, general condition, height, and mechanical construction.

Bob Maret 407-489-9090