Kimball Piano Value
Most Kimball pianos go for $500 to $1,000. If restored, up to $20,000. Kimball stopped making pianos in 1996.
Founded 1857 in Chicago by William Wallace Kimball. Factory later built in Melrose Park.
- To determine value: age, condition, make, model. Over 60 years old, less value. Vertical over 40 years old, little known brand, less value.
- Locate serial number for date. Pre-Depression Kimball well made, good sound. Logo helps identify.
Assessing Your Piano Value
How do I find the value of my piano?
Appraisers use three methods: comparable sales, depreciation, idealized value minus restoration cost.
- Antique pianos 100 years old. Worth little just for age. Condition important.
- Upright pianos cost $3,000 – $6,000. High-end uprights $10,000 – $25,000. Grand pianos $7,000 – $30,000 entry level.
- Best upright piano brands: Yamaha Arius, The ONE Smart Piano, Casio Privia.
Additional Piano Insights
Unrestored player pianos worth $200-$2,000 depending on cabinet and brand. Non-name brands least valuable.
- Find piano’s age from serial number. Usually on plate, ledge, or back of piano.
- Wurlitzer acoustic pianos worth $600-$1,500. Consoles towards higher end. Company stopped making pianos after Great Depression.
- Honky tonk piano sound from detuned strings. Gives undulating effect.
- Cristofori unsatisfied with harpsichord’s lack of volume control. Invented piano to address this.
- Assess condition first to find value. Age indicates depreciation. Subtract damage value from baseline. $50-$200 common for unrestored Story & Clark piano.