Dear list, I have been assigned the difficult task of appraising the value of an 1858 Bosendorfer grand (5' 5", serial no. 4503). This is an extraordinarily well crafted instrument but, apart from the deterioration we expect to find on any 'vintage' piano in our climate, it has the arguably primitive Viennese grand action. Once properly restored, I'm certain it would be at the very least a 'nice' musical instrument. However, what strategies do you employ to determine a fair 'as is' value and a realistic 'best case scenario' value (totally rebuilt, perhaps shipped to less of a bargain-basement market as the one I live in). For those who are interested, it has iron-wrapped bass strings which are noticeably 'tubby' in tone. Soundboard has about 2 mm crown along the longest rib and detectable bearing along all points of both bridges. Sustain on plucked treble strings is encouraging. 3/4 plate with open-faced pinblock and original pins turning at 50 - 60 inchpounds torque. Very rebuildable!! The case is black and fairly plain except for the hexagonal tapered legs with fancy turned 'collars' top and bottom and the ... well ... lyre-shaped lyre. Is there a market for this type of instrument/furniture/antique? Best regards to all, Stan Kroeker Registered Piano Technician
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