Estey Piano Value – Assessing an Estey Piano’s Worth

Discover the true Estey piano value!

Whether you own an Estey piano and are ready to sell, or you’re thinking about buying a used piano soon, I’m going to break down (and give examples) of the true Estey piano value.  My hope is that you’ll walk away with a larger understanding of how to assess the worth of these pianos, and whether or not an Estey being sold by a retailer (or individual) is really worth its asking price.

Estey Piano Value – What Are They Worth?

What is the worth of Estey pianos.

Let’s begin with a quick overview of an Estey piano’s valuation. Estey pianos are generally valued between $200-4,500. These values are influenced by:

• Age of the piano (new, vintage, or antique)
• Condition and any flaws in exterior or interior
• Piano type or model (example: upright, spinet, baby grand, and grand) 
• The piano’s color and wood 
• Who is selling (an independent seller or a Piano distributor).

So here is something that comes as a shocker to many people, pianos tend to depreciate in value over time instead of appreciating. Understanding this aspect is crucial when evaluating the worth of an older or used Estey piano and determining whether you’re paying a fair price.

Examples of Estey Pianos on Sale

Okay, so now that you have a solid foundation and idea of an Estey piano’s true value, it’s time to explore some tangible examples of Estey pianos currently on the market.

1) First up is the Estey Royale vertical piano, although to me it looks like a Spinet, not a vertical or upright body, but I digress.  This smaller Estey piano is listed for $1,288 and is a light wood color, possibly pine, based on its appearance. 

Not much is shared about this piano, and there aren’t many pictures either, so it looks like I have to—dare I say—judge a book by its cover. The appearance is clean and appears to have been taken care of through the years, the body is similar to my own spinet actually, and even though there is not a given serial number, it appears to be from the 1970s. 

This, along with its outer appearance and body (spinet), would, in my opinion, make it not worth the $1,288, as many pianos with this look, body, and year, are only worth around $600 (unless it is a renowned piano brand that is). So, unfortunately, I would pass on this one.

2) Now, let’s evaluate an example of what is a good deal, such as this SOLD Estey Ebony Satin Baby Grand, as shown on AmroMusic. This lovely baby grand sold for $3,995, had financing available, as well as a 2-year warranty. 

I would say this is a decent deal, considering many baby grands in good condition are worth higher amounts of money (and do not offer financing unless you buy it new). 

The satin finish and the body, it being a baby grand, is what I believe sold the piano itself. This piano is 5’, and described as being refinished and restored, and ideal for those on a budget.  I may even browse this site now that I know this is an option!

Below, check out a different Estey Ebony Satin Baby Grand being beautifully played by a pianist:

3) Okay, so we’ve covered a spinet and a baby grand example today, now let’s take a look at an upright for sale, as these are what many people buy for financial, and space purposes. This lovely antique mahogany Estey Upright is an example of a beautifully restored piano, and in my opinion, worth the $4,995 they are asking for it. 

Now, would I usually spend over a thousand on a brand of piano that is not super well-known? Usually not. However, in this case, the condition and lovely red and black mahogany finish are so unique and stunning to look at, and the matching bench is just the cherry on top! 

Aside from the looks, there is a 10-year guarantee, giving the buyer a sense of ease and loyalty when purchasing this lovely upright.

4) Next up, we have probably the best deal for an Estey that I could find on the market. American Listed has an Estey spinet selling for only $200! It is an older piano, roughly older than 50 years, deep brown wood exterior, and based on the description, has a nice sound and the keys were replaced around 5.5 years ago. 

Despite this, they are only selling this piano for $200. Now that is what we call a real “steal”! It does have a few minor scratches, but you get what you pay for at the end of the day. If I were a beginner, I would choose this piano due to its size, brand, as well as sound and price.

5) Finally, I will show you another Estey Baby Grand that has been sold! Thomas Piano Service had a lovely black Estey baby grand for sale that sold for $4,800. 

Now, was this a good deal for the buyer? Well, the piano was rebuilt around 20 years ago, meaning even if it were quite old (which we don’t know because a serial number was not provided), it would still be worth more now due to its refurbishment.  The ebony finish is also a selling point, and looks prestigious and glamorous in the photos, giving elegance to the Estey name. So yes, this seems to be a good deal.

Below, check out a pianist playing a different Estey baby grand piano:

The Power of Brand Recognition

The value of an Estey piano can significantly vary based on multiple factors, however, it’s crucial to recognize that this brand is not super sought-after, and to be completely honest, not many people have heard of this brand. 

It is not similar to Yamaha or Steinway, where even non-musicians will recognize it. That being said, Estey pianos are still lovely pianos, and deserve some credit, however, their value lies in their condition and usability, not solely in their brand name.

Other Factors Influencing Piano Value

Restoration

Restoration plays a vital role in increasing the value of pianos, even vintage ones (Vintage implies that it is over 20 years old). For Estey pianos, restoration typically costs up to $1,500, which is actually on the lower side for pianos.  

Investing in restoration, although requiring patience before selling, can prove rewarding in the long run, as Estey pianos tend to sell quickly when tuned and restored. Nonetheless, restoration might not always be the best choice depending on individual circumstances and affordability.

Significance of Serial Numbers

The piano’s serial number holds the key to unlocking its true value. It’s like a secret code that reveals the piano’s fascinating history – its birth year, brand, model, and sometimes even its place of craftsmanship. It’s these small details that can set your piano apart from another one that appears to be the same.

Age as a Vital Factor

In addition, age is a critical factor in determining a piano’s worth. Antique pianos exude a unique charm with their distinctive features, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich historical significance. It’s no wonder collectors and enthusiasts are drawn to them with such fervor. 

The Condition of the Piano

However, let’s not forget that age alone doesn’t dictate a piano’s value, as many would believe by default. The overall condition is equally significant. Think about it – how it looks, its internal components, the soulful melodies it produces, and the smoothness of its playability all come into play. 

I’ve encountered older pianos that, despite their age, have retained their value due to diligent care. On the flip side, if a once-magnificent piano has been neglected or poorly maintained, its value might not resonate in the same harmony.

This is a common misconception, as I’ve appraised many antique pianos in very poor condition, and their owners often hope for high valuations. Delivering the news that their piano’s worth is limited by its condition is always a challenging task, and you know what? This came as a shock to me too! 

Other vital aspects to consider, as highlighted earlier, include the piano’s condition, sound quality, color, material, and, of course, the brand.

Mahogany or jet-black pianos tend to command higher prices, especially in the case of Estey pianos, where these pianos rely on more than their name in order to sell.  

So, How Do You Determine the True Value?

Evaluating the Piano Yourself

Estimating the worth of an Estey piano encompasses various factors, as discussed throughout this article. Even armed with this knowledge, where does one begin? Novices often utilize checklists including age, brand, color, and condition to obtain a rough estimate on their own. 

They then compare these findings to sold prices on platforms like Craigslist, eBay, and most likely Reverb.com. However, arriving at a final valuation can be challenging, how does one finalize a value, or “make up their mind?” This often leaves beginners unsure about the actual Estey piano value. 

Professional Appraisals 

This is where professional appraisals play a pivotal role, and some can even be obtained for free if you’re considering donating your piano to a used piano store. However, in-person evaluations and appraisals typically cost at least $100 or more. 

These assessments involve testing the piano, scrutinizing its condition, soundboard, tone, finish, brand, and production year. At the end of the appraisal process, you’ll receive a value range, explanations for this range, insights into the likelihood of selling, and recommendations on where to sell or donate the piano based on the estimated value and brand.

Wrapping It Up

It’s essential to note that you should be cautious of individuals or businesses that offer to “take your piano” after conducting an appraisal, as they often lowball the valuation to maximize their profits upon resale.

This is quite common and will often lure in people who are in a hurry to sell, or not familiar with the process. So, you heard it here first folks, after an appraisal, walk away! (And kindly thank them for their time of course.)

So, are Estey right for you now that you’re more well-read on them? If so, feel free to use the links provided in this article to help you find the best bang for your buck. Thank you for reading, and until next time, happy piano hunting!

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This article was written by Morgan and edited by Michael.

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