Finding the Serial Number on Your PianoPianos almost always have a serial number somewhere. They can be in unusual places and this page shows some of the places to find the serial number. Dates that are cast into the plate of a piano are dates when the company was founded and not dates for the particular piano. You are usually looking for a 5 or 6 digit number. Some piano have other numbers stamped on them that are used in the manufacturing process.
Yamaha Piano Serial Numbers (how old / what age is your Yamaha piano) The majority of Japanese Yamaha pianos currently in the UK have a 7 digit (sometimes only 6) serial number which can be found to the top right area of the iron frame (you’ll need to lift the top lid of the piano to see it).
Grand PianosThe most common place on a grand piano is stamped on the plate in the V shaped area between the tenor and the bass sections of the plate or at the treble end.Sometimes the number is stamped in the soundboard under the strings.Kimball pianos sometimes have the serial number in a hard-to-find place stamped on the back edge of the keybed. This is looking from the tail end of the piano.Upright PianosUprights usually have the serial number stamped on the plate near the top of the piano or stamped in a window in the plate.
I would appreciate some of your thoughts on my upcoming grand purchase. I'm currently considering a mid 1990s Weinbach (5'-8' serial number 265195) with approximate purchase price of $10,500. Allison and lillia episode 1 indo. Any help on finding the exact year based on the serical number would be appreciated.
This piano seems to play well. I am also considering 2003 Schimmel 169 Konzert with wide tail. The Schimmel has an approximate price of $15,500, but it is out of state and I have not played it. Both are from dealers. I understand Schimmel changed their design somewhere around 2000 - 2004, but I cannot find when this occurred and if I need to be concerned about the 2003 Schimmel.
I also cannot find any similar Weinbach's on the internet to compare prices. Any and all guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!Piano & Music Gifts & Accessories (570)Re: Schimmel or Weinbach09/13/10 01:49 PM 09/13/10 01:49 PMJoined: Mar 2008Posts: 761.
IMO Weinbach was 'European Piano' (I used quotation marks because I'm not sure) built to meet a price point. On the other hand Schimmel has been making pianos for decades and regardless if they change their designs they always made a good piano.The 169 is in the Konzert line which is part of their standard quality and performance versus for instance the C line which is built to meet a price point.I will go for the Schimmel.OTH buying out of your local area is a down-side and at budget of 15,500 there are many nice options in the new market.Best regards. Thanks again for the advice.
I spoke to the dealer with the used Schimmel twice today and he kept trying to steer me into a new piano and didn't want to talk about the used Schimmel. The more research I do, the harder it is to trust a piano dealer. I new I'd pay more through a dealer, but get some sense of help while sorting through the sales pitch. It's looking like I could just take a chance on craigslist.
Does anyone know a trusted dealer in the Chicago area (NW suburbs)? I wanted to make an offer on that Weinbach until the Schimmel peaked my interest. Now, your comments regarding the Weinbach have me back to square one. Whew!Re: Schimmel or Weinbach09/14/10 09:37 AM 09/14/10 09:37 AMJoined: Sep 2008Posts: 695.
Seckst, in 2004 we bought a Schimmel GP169. The dealer also had Weinbachs that were just under 6' and just over 6'. In all respects that Schimmel was a much better piano.That's too bad that the dealer is pushing a new piano. You'd think that they would be happy to sell the Schimmel to free up floor space and funds.Have you tried searching through PianoMart.com? There are a lot of used Yamahas, Baldwins, and Kawais, as well as many other makes.
You might find a nice grand there if you are patient.Dan.