Player Piano Value – What is Your Piano Worth?

Discover the True Player Piano Value!

Player pianos have been a popular and entertaining addition to homes and establishments for over a century. These self-playing instruments are fascinating to watch and listen to, providing a unique blend of mechanical precision and musical artistry. But if you have one you’re looking to buy or sell, do you know how to determine the true player piano value?  If not, it’s never too late to learn which is exactly what we’ll do today!

The Value of Player Pianos

Vintage player pianos are unique instruments, and are therefore highly valued. In the forthcoming examples that we found, you’ll notice that a player piano can be sold for as little as $2,000 or as high as $50,000. A player piano with a very high asking price ($50,000) is likely a restored piano. The one we found features the coverted AMPICO player system, as well.

Examples of Player Piano Value

#1: Yamaha DGB1KENCL PE Disklavier Player Piano

The Yamaha Disklavier Enspire DGB1K ENST is a baby grand piano that incorporates the innovative Yamaha Disklavier Player Piano System. It is available at a special price due to some key feature differences. With the Enspire, you can enjoy flawless piano performance with the Piano Soft Solo feature and the elegant piano pieces that are performed for you on your piano. It also has Piano Soft Plus, which includes piano performances with MIDI background tracks. 

The Enspire also features Piano Soft Audio, which is new and has piano performances accompanied by real vocals and instruments. This piano comes pre-programmed with over 500 songs in multiple genres, and you can choose from over ten thousand song titles.

The Yamaha Disklavier Enspire DGB1K ENST in polished ebony finish has an MSRP price of $25,499. It has a streamlined control panel that allows for simple tactile control while remaining hidden from view, providing the elegant look one would expect from a finely crafted Yamaha acoustic piano. Its wireless network connectivity and seamless compatibility with mobile devices, smartphones, and computers allow intuitive access to all of the instrument’s exclusive content and unique capabilities. 

The Enspire is the only piano that can truly reproduce every nuance of a piano performance, precisely recreating all of the details that other player pianos cannot. With its unmatched reproducing capabilities, advanced AccuPlay DSP technology, and proprietary video sync technology, this piano is definitely worth the price for those who seek artistic excellence in their living room.

To learn more about Dislavier pianos, check out the video below:

#2: Schwechten Player Piano (Pianola)

The Schwechten Player Piano (Pianola) is a stunning and classic upright piano that is in perfect working order and has been built with detailed German precision. Priced at $8,495, this exquisite instrument is a rare find that has lasted the test of time and has been restored internally, regulated and tuned to A440 concert pitch.

Standing at 139cm tall, this Schwechten Player Piano is a true beauty to behold with its burr walnut color and intricate design. 

Built in 1926, it is not only a piece of musical history but also a valuable addition to any period style home or venue. This piano’s sound is nothing short of remarkable, with a full and resonant tone that will fill any space with music. Its player system is fully functional, making it a versatile instrument that can be played manually or with the Pianola system. Whether you’re an experienced musician or just looking for a unique and beautiful piece of furniture, the Schwechten Player Piano is an exceptional choice.

#3: Knabe Grand “AMPICO” Player Piano

This rare and exquisite Knabe Grand “AMPICO” Player Piano is a testament to the finest technology of the early 20th century. Built in 1923, this 5’7″ grand piano is constructed with imported Honduran mahogany wood and features the iconic “AMPICO” player system. Once restored, it is priced at $50,000 (not including applicable sales tax and shipping charges) and is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history.

The “AMPICO” player system is an advanced pneumatically operated mechanism that allowed a player piano to play with real expression and dynamics, creating the impression of a real person playing the piano. This Knabe piano is being restored to factory-new condition, inside and out, and once complete, will rival the tone and touch of most better baby grand pianos built today. 

The buyer has the option of restoring the original mechanical “AMPICO” player system or updating it to play the computerized Pianomation player system. The Knabe Grand “AMPICO” Player Piano is a stunning instrument that exudes an overall classic and elegant appearance with its classic lines and beautiful wood grain, and it comes with a matching mahogany piano bench. 

If you’re curious what an Knabe Ampico player piano can look like in motion, check out the video below:

#4: Duoart Ukelano Player Piano

The Duoart Ukelano Player Piano is a used but fully functional instrument that comes equipped with ukelano, priced at $2,500 after a recent $200 price drop. This upright piano has a few minor cosmetic defects as pictured and needs a polish to bring back its original shine, but these small nicks and scratches do not affect the overall functionality of the piano. The seller is open to offers for this local pickup only item.

With 200 rolls of music included in basically new condition, this player piano is a great option for those who want to experience the beauty of a player piano at an affordable price. It has a strong sound and is listed in very good condition. As a listed item, it has been available for 5 days and has been viewed 8 times with 1 watcher, but no offers yet. The Duoart Ukelano Player Piano is a unique instrument with a rich history and the convenience of a player piano, making it a great addition to any musical collection.

#5: Wurlitzer Self Player Piano 

This Wurlitzer self player piano is a stunning piece of history that was made in 1969. Measuring at 56″x24″x39″, this upright piano features amazing old paper roll technology and has been recently tuned to concert pitch. The piano is accompanied by rare Wurlitzer old fashioned paper rolls player, which allows you to experience the music as it was meant to be played.

The price of this self-playing piano is $2,455.00. The piano has been restored to its original condition, and the result is a magnificent piece of craftsmanship. The stunning appearance of the piano coupled with the amazing sound quality makes it a great addition to any music lover’s collection. 

Please note that once the piano arrives at your home, it will need to be tuned at your cost, as pianos can go out of tune during shipping. Don’t miss the chance to own this amazing piece of history and experience the classic sound of an old paper roll player piano in the comfort of your own home.

The Reproducing Piano

The reproducing piano’s legacy is impressive, as it allowed for music to be enjoyed in homes and public spaces like never before. It allowed people to experience live music performances at any time and helped to popularize the piano as an instrument.

As well as preserving musical works, the reproducing piano enabled accurate and detailed recordings of performances. Today, reproducing pianos are still enjoyed by music enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the unique and rich history of this instrument.

The Pianola

The Pianola, also known as the player piano, was first developed in the late 19th century and quickly became a popular addition to households around the world. The Pianola is a self-playing piano that uses a pneumatic mechanism to operate the keys, pedals, and even the soft and loud pedals of the instrument. The technology behind the Pianola was groundbreaking at the time, as it allowed for recordings of famous musicians to be played back on the instrument with accuracy and expression.

The Pianola had a significant impact on music, as it allowed people to listen to music in their own homes without having to play an instrument themselves. The ability to reproduce the performances of famous musicians brought the experience of live music to many who would not have had access otherwise. 

The Pianola also became a popular tool for teaching and learning music, as it allowed students to follow along with recordings and learn from the best musicians in the world. Today, the Pianola remains a beloved piece of musical history and is still enjoyed by many music enthusiasts around the world.

The Ampico

The Ampico player piano, short for “American Piano Company,” was first introduced in 1908 as a response to the growing popularity of player pianos. The Ampico used a sophisticated mechanism that enabled it to play with dynamics and expression, and it quickly became the preferred choice of many professional pianists. The system worked by recording a pianist’s performance onto a perforated paper roll, which could then be played back on the piano with remarkable accuracy.

Notable pianists who used the Ampico include Sergei Rachmaninoff, who made a number of recordings for the Ampico, and George Gershwin, who owned one and used it to record his own performances. 

The Ampico was also known for its ability to capture the nuances of a performance, making it a valuable tool for pianists and composers alike. The legacy of the Ampico lives on, with many of the original instruments still in use today and a renewed interest in the technology among collectors and enthusiasts.

The Duo-Art

The Duo-Art player piano was first introduced in 1913 by the Aeolian Company, revolutionizing the world of pianos with its sophisticated technology. The Duo-Art used perforated paper rolls that could be recorded with great accuracy, allowing the piano to play back performances with precision and nuance. The Duo-Art was unique in that it could also record and play back the touch of a particular pianist, allowing for a personal touch that other player pianos could not match.

Notable recordings and performances by the Duo-Art include a recording of George Gershwin playing his own Rhapsody in Blue, as well as performances by renowned pianists such as Ignacy Paderewski and Sergei Rachmaninoff. The Duo-Art’s influence on the world of music was significant, as it allowed for a wider distribution of music and performances to people who did not have access to live concerts.

The Duo-Art also had a significant impact on pianists, as it allowed them to hear their own performances and make improvements to their playing. It also allowed pianists to share their performances with a wider audience and showcase their unique styles and interpretations. The legacy of the Duo-Art lives on today, as the technology has influenced the development of modern player pianos and continues to inspire musicians and piano enthusiasts alike.

How to Identify Your Player Piano

If you have a player piano and you’re not sure what kind it is, there are a few things you can do to identify it. First, you’ll want to take a look at the instrument’s overall style and design. This can give you an idea of the era in which it was made and the general type of player piano it is. From there, you can start to narrow down the specifics, such as the brand and model. Once you have the brand and model number then you can determine your player piano value. 

Understanding the Basics of a Player Piano

A player piano is a type of piano that is able to play music on its own through the use of a mechanical device called a player mechanism. The player mechanism can be powered by a foot pump, an electric motor, or a combination of the two. When the piano is played manually, the player mechanism remains dormant. When the player mechanism is activated, it reads the perforations on a roll of paper or plastic, which then triggers the keys and pedals to play the corresponding notes.

Identifying the Type of Player Piano

There are several different types of player pianos, including the upright player piano, the grand player piano, and the reproducing piano. Upright player pianos are designed to be placed against a wall, while grand player pianos have a horizontal orientation. Reproducing pianos are equipped with a more advanced player mechanism that allows for even greater control over the expression and dynamics of the music being played.

Determining the Age of Your Player Piano

The age and brand of your player piano can often be determined by looking for identifying marks or labels on the instrument itself. This can include a piano serial number, which can be used to look up the piano’s year of manufacture, as well as a manufacturer’s logo or nameplate. Other factors, such as the style and design of the piano, can also be helpful in identifying the age and brand.

A Note on Player Rolls

Player piano rolls, which work alongside player pianos

Player rolls are the perforated rolls of paper or plastic that are used to program a player piano to play a specific piece of music. These rolls can vary in size and length, and they may be specific to a particular brand or type of player piano. When purchasing player rolls, it’s important to ensure that they are compatible with your specific instrument to ensure proper functionality. It’s also important to note that player rolls can vary in quality, with some being more durable and longer-lasting than others.

You may also enjoy reading our new article on the value of player piano rolls here.

The Future of Player Pianos

The future of player pianos looks promising, with modern advancements in technology expanding the possibilities of these classic instruments. Today’s player pianos can be equipped with features such as touch screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and even the ability to stream music from the internet. 

Players pianos are also gaining popularity among younger generations, who are discovering their charm and convenience. As player pianos continue to evolve, they have the potential to become even more integrated into modern music production, performance, and education. With their rich history and continued innovation, player pianos are sure to remain a beloved instrument for generations to come.

Conclusion

The player piano has a rich history and has made a significant impact on music. From the early days of the reproducing piano to the modern advancements in player piano technology, these instruments have played a role in bringing music to life for generations. With the ability to recreate performances by legendary musicians, player pianos have helped to preserve and extend the legacy of music.

As we look to the future of player pianos, emerging trends in the industry suggest that these instruments will continue to evolve and adapt to changing times. With the potential for further technological advancements, player pianos may become even more accessible and customizable, allowing for greater creativity and experimentation in music. Despite the changes that may come, player pianos will always hold a special place in music history and remain an important part of our cultural heritage.

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