Expert: Todd Lindeblad - 10/7/2009

Question
In January of 1942, my mom graduated high school.  She bought herself a P.A. Starck piano that was once a player piano but it was converted.  She paid $900 for it at the time and I still have the receipt.  

The last time it was tuned has to be over 20 years ago.  It hasn't been played in the same amount of years other then me goofing around on it alittle.  When it was tuned last the piano tuner said it had to be restrung.  There is also a piano key that had been burned by a cigarette (don't ask, wasn't very happy when that happened)

What I'm wondering is if this piano is worth anything for someone to purchase and have it restrung.  I cannot afford to fix the piano and as everyone else in the world am having financial problems.  I would like to sell it but if it's not worth fixing up or selling should I just break it up and throw it out.

It has a lot of sentimental value as my mom played it when I was a little child and when I took piano lessons I played it as well.

Please let me know at your earliest convenience as your opinion is valued.

Thank you for your time

Jamie Alonzo

Answer
Hi,
   Thank you for using allexperts.  The piano is probably worth around $500. My recommendation would be that you try to sell it privately.  Here are several websites you could try selling it on:

http://www.pianomart.com
http://www.ebay.com
http://www.pianoworld.com/exchange.htm
http://www.craigslist.org

  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
Todd Lindeblad
www.lindebladpiano.com
"Specializing in the sale & restoration of vintage pianos"