The piano is a popular musical instrument that is known for its impressive sound and timeless beauty. The first piano was made by Bartolomeo Cristofori in 1700, and since then it has evolved to include a variety of different styles.
The piano was the first electronic musical instrument and it celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008. In this blog, we’ll have a look at the interesting history of this instrument, from its first public use to its evolution.
Do people still buy upright pianos that are 100 years old?
Yes, people still buy upright pianos, even pianos one hundred years old… and older.
However, you have to understand that back in the late 1800s and early 1900, there were well over a hundred piano makers in the United States alone. And not all of them were great pianos.
Weber, Steinway, and a few others were of high quality and remain valuable, at least in the sense of playability and sound – if they are well maintained.
A number of other brands are also of good quality, enough to be worth purchase if they have been well maintained.
You may see no buyers, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t being purchased. I don’t see many Ferrari buyers… but the company is still churning out cars, right?
Suffice it to say, not everyone can afford the space a baby, medium or full grand piano occupies. I have a 1910 Weber 7 foot 4 inches medium grand in my living room. It is an imposing sight when you first come into the house. But I have the room, so I can do this.
(I had an opportunity to buy a Steinway Model D at 9 feet, but it was too much for my space.)
So, space is a consideration for a lot of people, so they buy the upright piano. They are also a lot easier to move than a grand piano. Here’s a pick of my Weber being delivered…
She’s a beast to move. Those four guys earned every penny that day… and my grateful thanks.
The 100 year old piano teacher continues to give lessons
- Olive Haffner, a piano teacher from Moscow Mills, Missouri, was still teaching at the age of 100.
- Be careful buying pianos that old. Unless they have been meticulously maintained your money might be better spent on another piano.
- The soundboard can change shape over time and 100 years is a LONG time. Incidentally, pianos must be 100 years old to be called an antique. Unlike people!
- What do the hammers look like? Rusted tuning pins? Bridge ok? Soundboard intact, free of cracks? How close is the piano to the standard pitch (A440)?
- These are a few things to consider when purchasing a piano no matter its age.