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Hi,
there is a post somewhere in this forum that states the prices for Steinway cores. Searched, can't find it. So, would anyone help?
What would be in your opinion the minimum and maximum value of a Steinway (Hamburg) that needs everything except plate or structural repairs?
More specific, needs new pin block, new SB, refinish of chipped and damaged case, new keytops, in short everything that can be replaced. I'm thinking shorter models up to 6''.
The way I see it, minimum means: whatever the condition (except cracks in plate and case structural damage) it's worth
at least x thousand $
Maximum is: unless you know the condition but suspecting the worst (short of cracks in plate and case structural damage) shouldn't pay more than x thousand $. Thanks for any feedback!

Are the fitting of a new pinblock and a new soundboard not both structural repairs?

I think it's very difficult to answer a question about values. Depends what second-hand pianos sell for in a given area.

It really is largely dependent on the cost of a proper restoration. Simply for illustration, if the cost of restoring it is roughly $40k - $45k (I don't know where you are located so you'll have do the conversion if needed) what would then be it's street value in your area? If there is a profit motive involved you need to add that. Whatever is the difference (if any) would be what it's worth for the core.

We don't generally recommend rebuilding pianos for fun and profit these days. It's pretty risky and time consuming. We recommend it primarily for personal use and enjoyment, emotional satisfaction, etc. There is no price tag on that.

Pwg

Yes, but I was thinking of those structural repairs that are rarely worth doing, like welding cracked plate, disintegrating case, rim.
I know it's difficult to answer, but I expect only subjective opinions anyway.

Hi Peter,
you are absolutely right. No, not for profit and I wouldn't call it fun either. A project for me to practice on. I think I could spend up to 3-4k on such an object, as I can always get that back, whatever happens.

Are you planning on doing the work yourself?

Actually I have some knowledge of this from a friend who is a piano rebuilder.

About 3 years ago a customer wanted a model O in rosewood, and the piano needed everything done: new action, new keys, new pin block, new soundboard, refinished, resprayed frame, new strings blah blah... The model O he restored for the customer cost £8000 for the core. It was just playable but in terrible condition.

About 2 years ago the same rebuilder had an old-style B, in fact it was the slightly longer Style III I think, 7ft 1 inch, 85 keys. It did have a crack in the body of the piano, that ran for about a foot long the left side from above the keyboard back the way. It was determined that the crack went right through and so he opted not to rebuild this piano which he'd got through a part exchange on a Steinway D restoration. Anyway just as he was about to junk the piano, a call came in from a restorer somewhere in Scandinavia, they were looking for this specific model of piano, and they paid him £4000 for it (their suggestion, not his). Whether this piano was then restored or not I have no idea.

It depends where you're buying the piano from. It seems that American cores being sold in America cost less than Hamburg cores being sold in Britain. The results of a full and proper rebuild are equally good whether the piano is NY or Hamburg. The disadvantage with buying an American piano and shipping it over is you might have customs duties to pay on it depending on how long it stays in your country.

Hi Ed, not necessarily alone. And there wouldn't be any time constraint. Part of it, like finishing the case could be done by another company.
Hi Joe80, it's not feasible to buy a core in US. Would have to be from around here.

Well I would say depending on what you can find, you'll be looking at about £4000 to £10,000 or the same figure in Euros.

The rule has always been that something is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it, AND what a seller is willing to let it go for. If you find something that you like, there is nothing stopping you from negotiating in good faith for the lowest price the seller will take. Just don't get emotionally involved. (Easier said than done, I know).

Pwg