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About Ralph Onesti
Expertise
I am a Registered/tested member of the Piano Technicians Guild with 45 years of experience in all phases and levels of the acoustic piano. I will answer any questions regarding acoustic piano only. Electronic keyboards and player/reproducing pianos are outside of my expertise. Anything to do with: Construction, Service, Tuning, Purchasing, Selling, Insurance Appraisal, Rebuilding, Repairs, Legal issues, Maintenance, Environmental issues, Finish issues with acoustic pianos. My full resume can be found at: http://www.onestipiano.com

Experience
In business since 1964, Extensive Rebuilding/Repair/Service facility. A certified, tested, member of the Piano Technicians Guild, Member of the Technical Advisory Service to Attorneys. Have performed piano service on Concert Stage, Recording Studios, and in the home. Http://www.onestipiano.com

Organizations
The Piano Technicians Guild, Master Piano Technicians of America, Technical Advisory Service to Attorneys. (TASA), IAPBT.

Publications
The Piano Technicians Journal

Education/Credentials
Attented Temple University, Drexel University, Philadelphia Community college all in the areas of engineering and Music. I taught a two semester course in Piano Technology and the related acoustical physics at Temple University. I have taught extensively for the Paino Technicians Guild and the Master Piano Technicians of America.

Past/Present Clients
The list is rather extensive. I would suggest you go http://www.onestipiano.com where there is a comprehensive list of clients past and present.

You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Musical Instruments > Piano, Organ, and Keyboard > Identifying a Piano

Piano, Organ, and Keyboard - Identifying a Piano

Expert: Ralph Onesti - 11/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: My mother is looking to sell our piano.

We purchased it brand new when I began lessons probably in 1965 or 1966.

It is an upright and states "Clayton" and "73550" or "73660" on the back.

It is in very good condition>out of tune a little and a couple ivory's need to be replaced. Do you have a price range it might be worth?

Thank you so much, I tried e-mailing other sites like this but have not received any answers...so I would love one from you!

Lise

ANSWER: Hi Lise:

These pianos were assembled by Grinnel 1910 to 1940 in Detroit and shipped to Canada.

mid to higher hundreds if the piano is in serviceable condition.

Regards,

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

QUESTION: Ralph, Thank you so much for the quick reply..and I will certainly give you a high rating. My mom gave me some more info. It is 57" wide and 36"high, walnut wood/satin finish with bench/lid opens for storage.
She actually said she bought it from Grinel on Woodward in Detroit:)
Number inside piano lid was 73550-is it the model #?

She lives in FL, house on stilts, so it would have to be moved down about 15 stairs/narrow/outside home or railing removed and hoisted down.

Again, it is in very good condition. Any idea on the cost of moving it versus what it is worth? I just don't want someone taking advantage of her, she is in her mid-70's and I live in Michigan. Thanks so very much for all your help! Lise

Answer
Hi Lise:

No...we don't want Mom taken advantage of.

I'll be the cost of the move is more than the worth of the piano.

The number is a run from Clayton and does not match any from Grinnel.

So...if Mom wants to sell...tell her to list it for 550.00.

And, the cost of the move is on the buyer, NOT on the seller.

Whatever Mom gets will be a plus.

good luck!

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