Many people inherit or receive the “family piano.” Often, these instruments are “filled” with memories of holidays and events of the past. The fondness of the gathering is attached to the gift of music. At times, just the furniture’s characteristics bring about an emotional attachment. There was a time when pianos were as much a household item as television is today. They were as much a work of art in cabinetry as they were in musicality. But, you may ask yourself, “Do I have an antique piano?”
Are There A Lot of Antique Pianos?
This leads many to believe that many more antique pianos exist on the market. That belief also fosters the thought that these pianos have a higher monetary value than normal. To dispel these beliefs, they must be approached gently to avoid offending the memories attached to the piano. As significant and valid as they are, those memories do not follow the piano to a new buyer.
There are indeed antique pianos. Since Cristofori created the first “modern” piano in 1704, some instruments are archive-quality and significant. Many are associated with a location or person that has played a major role in the history of the piano. Others have some reason beyond the piano age that makes them unique. These instruments are in museums and collections that document and validate their history.
This means that the family piano, which is, at best, vintage, does not have the qualifications for being antique. There are exceptions, and only dealers of antiquities could note that difference. There are also specialized piano restoration shops that refurbish and restore old instruments. Both are rare, and the number of instruments that qualify is small.
Average Life Span of a Piano
The average life span of a piano is like a person’s life. If properly maintained and refurbished as necessary, many pianos last very long. However, there were and are pianos made inexpensively. There have always been manufacturers focusing only on low prices and not lasting value. Even though we are in an age of disposable consumer products, it is hard to imagine that some pianos are also disposable.
Often, pianos that have not been serviced and kept in peak condition as musical instruments need such a disposal service. Although the look of the piano may be impressive, the piano inside the case is a costly and frustrating project, even for the best piano technicians. The desire to have these be antiques and have an associated value is more of a feeling than a fact.
Regular maintenance on any piano is a learned concept more than an intuitive process. There are no “check engine lights” on the front of any instrument. Most people think their piano is in great shape or even perfect condition based on its external appearance and that the keys make a sound. That is like a car with a great paint job, and the ignition works. There is much more.
What Makes a Piano Antique?
The main reason to emphasize the difference between an antique piano, a working instrument, and just an old one is for the musician. Too many budding pianists have been frustrated to quit music because of an old piano. The past does not equate to the present or future of an artist. History is important, but not to the detriment of what needs to be.
The history of a given piano is not readily evident. A perfectly good piano can become less than perfect very quickly. One that has spent the winter in the garage or basement can be ruined for future use. Others slip into undesirable musical shapes over decades of nonuse or lack of internal care. The qualification of a piano as an antique should be professionally documented and verified. Without the proper verification, the piano is, most likely, simply old.