Expert: Theron Ice - 1/14/2005

Question
My sisters friend has a Currier upright piano, serial number 62330 (A website I saw earlier said it was made in 1975).  It appears to be in good shape, has all the original paperwork, and sounds decent.  All in all, it looks like it was kept away from hammers and falling hard objects :)  I was wondering if you could guess at a ballpark figure of what this piano is worth.  The finish looks good, rehabilitation wouldn't be required.  Thank you!

Answer
Justin,

   Market value on the piano you describe is around $400 to $600 if it has the original matching bench. This is of course market value, musical value is much less. Out of 7300 brand name pianos produced, Currier is considered second from the bottom in quality. Only one other piano ever made (Kincaid), is considered worse in touch, tone, serviceability and musical enjoyment.
    I normally don't relay such information about an individual piano, but these pianos are considered among musicians and technicians as P. S. O.'s. (Piano shaped objects) The scaling and design does not allow for anything close to a "good tuning" and some pieces simply can not be performed on these pianos because of the remedial actions they have.
    I say this in case you were considering purchasing the piano. Your money would be much better spent on just about any other piano.
                                Sincerely, Theron ice