Is it worth restoring?

[Judyf0129]

I need some insight on a Hinze piano that definitely needs restoration work. Seller is asking 75 dollars. Measurements are 5'1" long, 4'5" tall and 2'3" wide. Serial # is either 53106 or 53108. Greatly appreciate any input

[Judyf0129]

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[Judyf0129]

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[ghopper1924]

Sadly, pianos are virtually worthless these days. If you play piano, then make sure the sounding board inside is useable, then be prepared to pay hundreds, if not thousands, to get it back to playable condition. This would include the case, which looks rather rough.

We have had a piano in the family since 1892, and have now learned that it will take thousands to restore the inside to playable condition (the outside is rosewood, and has been restored). We have also learned that, far from making any money on its eventual sale, we will have to pay $ to have it hauled away. Nobody in the family wants it. So right now, it's the world's biggest paperweight.

Sorry to put a damper on things, but it's best to know before you get into something like this. However, if you just want a beautiful piano case in your house and don't care if anyone plays it, then it might be worth your while. Also, keep in mind, these things are HEAVY!!!

[DANTE5]

I love this forum! Great information! THANKS!

[Pelady]

A pre-WW2 uprights with beautiful cabinetry bring between Free and $500 bucks. Change in Humidity is a huge detrimate to pianos - beware of pianos from cellars, garages, or those sitting in front of heating vents.

Before you think about restoring the outside of the piano you need to think about the inside. Does it play, is it in tune, any cracks in the sound board, etc. 

Here is a basic list of some of the costs in tuning or repairing a piano. 

Pitch correction: $15 to $150
Tuning: $120
Repairs: $50 per hour
Voicing: $150 to $600
Grand action reconditioning and regulation: $2,500 to $3,500
Vertical action reconditioning and regulation: $800 to $2,500
Soundboard cleaning: $100 to $150
Climate control installation: $450 to $800
Installation of under-covers: $250 to $350
String cover installation: $250 to $350
Grand action rebuilding: $5,000 to $8,000
Vertical action rebuilding: $4,000
Evaluations: $100 to $250

PeLady

[Judyf0129]

She said it plays but its not in tune and everything on it is the original pieces. Is it worth 75 bucks do you know? I'm also trying to figure the year of it also.

[Judyf0129]

How do I find out what wood this one is made of? I've been searching the web to no avail and its frustrating. I believe I can restore the outside myself. She is asking 75 bucks but I'm more willing to pay 50?

[mart]

Offer the $50. !! At least its a pretty case !!  Restoring to playable condition is not cheap and even if you restore it chances are you would only get about $150. if you sold it !!  Like was  said,, these things are heavy !! Take 3 or  4 strong men with you to get it !!  Many of these uprights are being turned into bars !!  Then they are worth more !!

[Pelady]

I would say no. It is not worth it.  In doing a quick search on Facebook marketplace (5) or Craig's list (7) I found free beautiful pianos within 20 mile of me.  One would even give 50 dollars toward moving costs

[KC]

Are you wanting it for a piano?  Or use it to make a desk? wet bar?  bookcase?  aquarium? 

[Judyf0129]

Well I guess those are some good options to turn it into! I checked it out online and those are pretty cool looking!

[mart]

I have one of those monsters that will eventually become a wet bar !!

[cogar]

Iffen you are "handyman" person, a "fixer-upper" person or a "refinisher", "refurbisher" or "remodeler" of furniture, cabinetry, etc., ........ then that old piano you have that is stored away in the basement or garage ........ is literally a "parts warehouse" of hard-to-find ........ wood screws, hinges, pins, bolts, wood panels, casters, etc., etc. 

[talesofthesevenseas]

I had two very different experiences with antique upright pianos. My first was very bad. I bought an upright grand that I loved and had it delivered. When I had a guy out to tune it, he told me that I had bought it from a guy who had just skipped town. The pegs holding the strings had become loose and he had hammered them into place to hold them. Basically tuned it once to sell it, and it could never be tuned again. I ended up donating it to Goodwill.The piano tuner recommended always having a piano tuner come out and do an inspection like you would buying a used car.

The second antique upright I bought was a very good experience. I bought a player piano on eBay and won it for $5.00 then paid about $300 to have it moved locally. Usually the leather bellows in the pump pedals goes bad, but this one was still in good shape. It had been upgraded with electricity in the 1970s and would play manually or electrically. It was a lot of fun. Sadly, I had to give it away when I left California.