The Complete Piano Seller’s Guide
Know what your piano may be worth, choose the right way to sell, and avoid expensive mistakes along the way.
START WITH THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS
There’s more than one way to sell a piano.
Selling a piano is different from selling ordinary furniture. The brand and age matter—but so do the condition of its action, strings, soundboard, cabinet, and the cost of getting it safely to its next home.
This guide explains how to understand your piano’s resale potential, compare your selling options, prepare a strong listing, and know when professional help makes sense.
First, understand its value01 / KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
What is your piano really worth?
There is no universal price chart for used pianos. Two instruments of the same brand and year may have very different resale values.
Brand & model
Original construction quality, size, type, and reputation influence buyer interest.
Age & history
Age matters, but maintenance, rebuilding, and prior use may matter even more.
Condition
The action, tuning stability, soundboard, strings, and finish all affect value.
Market demand
Popular models and sizes tend to attract more buyers than less desirable styles.
Moving costs
Distance, access, stairs, and necessary repairs change the total economics.
Remember: Your piano’s original purchase price, its sentimental value, and a seller’s online asking price are not the same as its present-day market value.
02 / CHOOSE YOUR PATH
Four ways to sell—or move on from—your piano.
Choose the method that best fits your piano, your priorities, and how much time you want to spend.
Sell to a dealer
A qualified dealer may purchase a desirable piano outright. The offer is usually a wholesale figure because the dealer assumes transport, preparation, selling costs, and resale risk.
Sell privately
Advertising directly to buyers can produce a higher selling price, but you handle inquiries, showings, negotiation, payment, and coordinating the piano move.
Sell on consignment
If accepted by a dealer, your piano is marketed on your behalf. Discuss the commission, transport, preparation expenses, insurance, minimum price, and contract term beforehand.
Trade toward another piano
When you are upgrading, downsizing, or changing to a digital or silent piano, your current instrument may be considered for trade toward a better fit.
03 / THE PRICING REALITY
Asking price isn’t selling price.
Many online listings show what sellers hope to receive—not what buyers actually pay. Compare genuinely similar pianos by brand, model, age, condition, location, and selling channel.
A dealer’s offer is generally lower than a private-sale asking price because the dealer must absorb costs and risk. That does not automatically make one route better.
04 / MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
Great photos help a piano sell.
Before you post a listing or request a dealer review, gather basic information and take a few clear, honest photos in good light.
01Show the whole piano
Photograph the full front, overall shape, finish, bench, and any visible wear. Include the sides if possible.
02Find the model & serial number
Show the maker’s name and serial number if accessible. On many grands, look inside near the cast-iron plate.
03Document condition honestly
Show the keys, pedals, inside where safely accessible, and any finish or structural concerns.
Do not remove heavy piano panels or lift a grand lid if you do not know how to do so safely.
05 / SELL SMARTER
Six practical steps to a better sale.
A little preparation helps avoid weeks of unproductive inquiries and last-minute problems.
Request a dealer review- 01
Identify the piano
Find the brand, model, serial number, dimensions, approximate age, and service history.
- 02
Evaluate condition
Note tuning and repair history. For a valuable piano, consider an independent technician’s assessment.
- 03
Set a realistic asking price
Compare the most similar local listings, recognizing that advertised prices are not verified sale prices.
- 04
Write an honest listing
Include dimensions, photos, condition, location, and whether professional moving is needed.
- 05
Screen buyers and protect payment
Meet safely and verify that funds are irrevocably received before releasing the piano.
- 06
Plan professional delivery
Agree in writing on who pays for moving, stairs, insurance, and timing before the sale.
WHEN EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Should you sell it yourself—or let us take a look?
A private sale may be right if maximizing the price is your priority and you have time to manage the process. But if you would rather avoid repeated showings, complex negotiations, and arranging a specialized move, contacting an established piano dealer first can save time.
Hollywood Piano has been part of Southern California’s musical community since 1928. We selectively consider pianos for outright purchase, consignment, and trade, depending on the instrument and our inventory needs.
See whether your piano is a fit06 / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Good questions.
Clear answers.
Every piano is different. These are the questions owners ask us most often.
Do pianos appreciate in value?
Some desirable, well-maintained or historically significant instruments may hold or increase their value over time. Many ordinary pianos depreciate, and repairs, moving costs, and changing demand all influence net resale value. Appreciation should never be assumed.
Is a very old piano automatically valuable?
No. Age alone does not establish value. A common antique upright may require expensive work and attract little demand, while a properly maintained or rebuilt instrument from a desirable maker may be more marketable.
Should I tune or repair my piano before selling?
Basic cleaning and good photos usually make sense, but do not commit to major repairs without considering whether buyers would pay enough extra to justify them. A technician’s inspection may be worthwhile for a valuable piano.
What if I cannot find the serial number?
Send photos of the maker’s name, piano front, and accessible interior. Many models can be identified from these details. Never dismantle parts of the piano to find a number.
Will Hollywood Piano buy any piano?
We review submissions selectively. Purchase, consignment, and trade opportunities depend on the instrument, its condition, and current showroom needs. Submitting information is not a commitment or a guaranteed offer.
Who should pay to move the piano?
There is no single rule for private sales. Agree before payment on who arranges and pays for a qualified piano mover, stair or crane charges, and moving insurance. Dealer and consignment terms should be clarified in writing as well.
A SIMPLE NEXT STEP
Thinking of selling your piano?
Tell us a little about the instrument and send a few photos. If it is a fit for our current needs, we can discuss purchase, consignment, or trade possibilities.
