The firm is most famous for their “Betsy Ross Spinet”, a small spinet piano manufactured for years after The Great Depression. It is speculated that the huge success of the Betsy Ross Spinet saved The Lester Piano Company from closing with the Great Depression along with the majority of other American piano manufacturers. Piano serial numbers identify the (1) age of your piano, the (2) piano's year of manufacture, as well as (3) the circumstances surrounding the production of your piano, including factory history, manufacturing processes, and company ownership and oversight. Hi Allen, I've found Lester Besty Ross piano maker, but not just Lester, and it seems thatr your serial number doesn't work with their timeline. The Lester Piano Company was a major contributor to the American piano industry during the Golden Age of piano building.
Baldwin Piano Value
New to pianos. Any information would be appreciated. I got a free (freecycle.org) piano, in “fine” shape by the ‘bluebook’ guide. It is a Lester Betsy Ross Spinet. By browsing the forums it doesn’t seem to be a popular model. (but the bluebook seems to rate it well quality wise) But space wise and cost wise it will do. My wife used to play and would like our children to play (at least offer it to them). Looks sorta like this except that the front legs are round with grooves (running up and down) and it does not have a “key lid”, it doesn’t look like it ever had one. http://www.antiqnet.com/search/images.jsp?id=774671&dealerSite=N It does have holes in it which I think that music holder thing goes (like in this picture) http://www.craftsmenpiano.com/Piano%20Pages/lesterspinet.htm It is 56 inches wide, 25 inches deep and 37 inches high Serial number is 2281(or4)65 so if I figured it out right it was made in 1952, correct? On each side of the case it has these numbers 85948 and down further 329, (under the lid on the top of the sides) what do they mean? There is a damp chaser (which I am leary to plug in until it is serviced, if I plug it in at all) And it has I believe plastic elbows (actions?), yellowish (a few are broken) and it looks like two were replaced by a clear plastic piece. Which seems to be a knock on the Lester. The tuner/repair guy said to let it ‘settle’ in the house for a few weeks before he comes out to fix the keys and tune it. What ever info you all can provide would be great (epsecially those other numbers), value I am guessing is rather low, but I didn’t get it to sell/invest.
The Value of Your Piano This Virtual Appraisal will give you a rough idea of what your piano might be worth. Included are general values based upon formulas used in my 35 years of experience buying, selling, tuning and restoring pianos. A large part of my job has been to assess the condition of a piano and what it will need before I go on the service call.
The Formula for older pianos When I calculate value on an older piano, I am really estimating condition and cost of repair, coupled with brand names and models.
$$ How much the piano could sell for in mint condition -$$ The cost of getting it into mint condition _____________ $$ The estimated wholesale value (if you sell to a dealer) x Two or Three _____________ $$ The estimated retail value (if you sell to an end user)
Young Pianos What is a “young” piano? Think of a piano like a person. A 30 year old should be in great shape, all things being equal. If you have a piano that is 30 or younger, you can usually get a good idea of what it may be worth by doing an on line search for other pianos for sale similar to your own.
Software serial numbers. Age of your piano The age speaks volumes, and many times determines the overall quality level. To find the age of your piano, you will need the name and serial number. click here.
Service Records If you have had the piano serviced on a regular basis, find those tuning receipts as proof the piano has been well maintained. This will also give the prospective buyer a professional contact to verify the condition of your piano. The original purchase price, if available, will help determine its present value as well, giving you a starting point in the formula.
Restored Pianos A receipt for the work performed is vital to determining the value. It tells us who did the work, what was done, how well it was done, and how long we can expect it to last. Exceptions to Condition Name Brand: You may own a very good name piano, such as Steinway. What does crack smell like when you smoke it. Even in the worst condition, most Steinway Grand pianos can sell for $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Other names of valuable pianos would include: Mason and Hamlin, Boosendorfer, Bechstein, Baldwin, Blunther, Sauter, to name only a few. A quick web search will reveal if your piano's name alone carries value. Ornate or Unusual Case Design: If your piano is very ornate with carvings and inlays, or a very unusual case design, this can make the piano more valuable no matter what the name of the piano is.
This example is common Winter Spinet piano, but the ornate carvings and inlays on the case give it more value than an ordinary case.
If you think your piano falls into one of these categories, you may need our personal assistance. Click here.
Lester Spinet Piano Value
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An upright piano (shown left) has vertical strings and soundboard. Can be 3–5+ feet tall. Click here if you have an upright. A grand piano (shown right) has horizontal strings and soundboard and has 3,4, or 6 legs. Click here if you have a grand.