Expert: Todd Lindeblad - 12/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I recently acquired an Upright Weber Piano from around 1900. It was used in an elementary school, and then given away. It is in very good condition, but when I sat to play it, my arms were way up in the air. I measured the height of the keyboard, and it is 32" off the ground! Most keyboards are apparently 28.5' off the ground, and  I am a small woman (5'2"). I had a piano tuner come, who said he had never encountered such a high keyboard height before, and we both speculated that it could have been made as a standing piano, especially since it was used in a school. Do you know anything about piano's that may have been made for this purpose, and also what worth it may have since it fits into such a specialty niche? I was thinking that schools are church choirs may have an interest in such an over-sized piano, or a very tall person.

Any information you have would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi,

Thank you for using allexperts.

I am afraid that a "standing" piano does not increase the value of the piece. It being an antique Weber means it'd probably be valued at around $500.

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

Sincerely,
Lindeblad Piano
Please follow us on Twitter - http://twitter.com/lindebladpiano
http://www.lindebladpiano.com
"Specializing in the sale & restoration of vintage pianos"

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your appraisal. I'm still curious if you know the history of "standing Pianos". Is there such a thing? How common were they?

Thanks,

Suzanne Greenberg

Answer
Hi,

Thank you for using allexperts.

They've been around as long as pianos have been around. There used to be manufacturer's that would only  manufacture standing pianos, eg Sauter. But, they are essentially extinct now.

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

Sincerely,
Lindeblad Piano
Please follow us on Twitter - http://twitter.com/lindebladpiano
http://www.lindebladpiano.com
"Specializing in the sale & restoration of vintage pianos"