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How to Sell your Piano

  • Writer: Joseph
    Joseph
  • Apr 3
  • 3 min read

The piano market is notoriously complex and challenging to navigate. Many questions come up, such as determining your piano's value, how to advertise it for sale, and whether you're comfortable with strangers visiting your home. How much time can you dedicate? Decide whether it's worth your time and effort to handle the sale yourself or if it might be better to let someone else manage it. Patience will be essential to maximize your piano's potential.


If you need a more hands-off approach and your piano is less than 30 years old, consider asking a retail store about consignment options. These stores attract customers looking to buy pianos, placing your piano in a higher-traffic setting. This makes a lot of sense for sellers who need the piano moved out of their space as soon as possible or if you just don't have the time and don't want strangers in your home. The retailer will need to turn a profit as well, so you won't see that top dollar amount, but they handle pretty much everything for you and send you a check. Easy peasey!


If you have the time and are looking for that top dollar amount, here is a checklist and steps to take when selling a piano yourself:


1. Assess the Piano's Value

  • Technicians with experience in piano sales or appraisal can estimate a piano's market value. Resources like Larry Fine's The Piano Buyer Book offer depreciation schedules for certain instruments. However, factors such as the availability of used pianos on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and the overall condition of your instrument can affect these estimates. A comparable sales model may provide a more accurate idea of your piano's local selling price.

  • If you don't think your piano is worth much and require an approximate valuation without professional assistance, you can try asking ChatGPT. Inquire with: "Find the current market value of a [Brand] [Model] [Type] piano in [City, State]. The piano is [Age] years old and in [Condition]. It [does/does not] hold tuning well and has [mention any cosmetic or functional issues]. Include recent sales or listings for comparison." This will scour the internet for listings, comparable sales, and a value.

2. Choose Selling Methods (as many as you can)

📍 General Marketplaces:

  • Facebook Marketplace (Active local buyers)

  • Craigslist (Local buyers; exercise caution with potential scammers)

  • OfferUp & Letgo (Popular for furniture and pianos)

  • Nextdoor (Local community transactions)

🎵 Piano-Specific Websites:

🏫 Targeted Buyers:

  • Local Music Schools & Teachers – Reach out to piano instructors or post in local music teacher Facebook groups.

  • Promote on Social Media

    • 📢 Post on personal social media – Friends and family may know potential buyers.

    • 🎹 Join Local Music Groups on Facebook – Participate in groups like “Dallas Musicians Buy/Sell.”

    • 📸 Instagram & TikTok – A brief reel featuring a sound demonstration can attract interest.

3. Create a Compelling Listing

  • Provide a comprehensive description, including brand, model, age, condition, and history.

  • Be transparent about imperfections, such as scratches, missing keys, or tuning issues.

    • Title Example: “Beautiful Yamaha M500 Upright Piano – Excellent Condition – Dallas, TX”

    • High-Quality Photos:

      • Include front and side views, and close-ups of keys, pedals, and wood finish.

      • Show the open lid to display strings and hammers.

      • Highlight any brand markings or serial numbers for authenticity.

    • Video: Upload a short video of the piano being played on platforms like YouTube or Instagram and include the link in your listing.

    • Detailed Description:

      • Brand/Model: Yamaha M500

      • Size: 44” Upright

      • Condition: Excellent (or specify any minor flaws)

      • Sound: Holds tuning well, bright and rich tone

      • Extras: Is a bench included? Recently tuned?

      • Delivery: Is the buyer responsible, or is delivery available for a fee?

4. Set an Appropriate Price

While you have assessed its value in step 1, this does not obligate you to try and sell at that price. For a quicker sale, consider pricing slightly below market value. Be open to negotiation but establish a minimum acceptable price.

5. Manage Inquiries & Offers

  • Be prepared to respond to questions and provide additional photos if required.

  • If meeting in person, consider having another person present during the piano viewing.

  • Accept cash or utilize secure payment methods such as PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.

6. Coordinate Pickup or Delivery

  • If the buyer is arranging transport, ensure they employ insured professionals to mitigate potential damage to your home or property.




Joseph Raville, RPT

Dallas Piano Tuner

Up to Pitch LLC

469-554-8863

joseph@uptopitch.services


 
 
 

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