| Piano aficionados, especially those who appreciate the | | | | As an investment, Steinway pianos appreciate in value. |
| sound and quality of vintage Steinway grand pianos, | | | | And a vintage instrument presents an even shrewder |
| are discovering they can have their cake and eat it | | | | investment opportunity. Take for example one of our |
| too. They're enjoying the superb sound and | | | | former customers, Alan Cox. When he purchased a |
| exceptional quality of a Steinway piano at a more | | | | 1923 Steinway grand piano with an African mahogany |
| affordable price via total piano restoration. | | | | wood cabinet that we helped him find, he was simply |
| Steinways have the reputation for offering an | | | | looking for a superlative instrument for his New Jersey |
| uncompromising standard of exceptional quality since | | | | home. But the instrument that cost him $15,000 in 1996 |
| 1853. Steinway pianos are famous for their | | | | is worth twice that today. A new Steinway that |
| incomparable sound, intuitive, responsive touch and are | | | | retailed for around $33,600 at the time would have |
| the preferred choice for more than 90% of the world's | | | | inched up to a present value of slightly over $36,000. |
| performing artists. In a hand written note, famous | | | | Of course, avid musicians aren't in it for the money. |
| inventor and Steinway owner, Thomas Edison wrote, "I | | | | They're interested in the pleasure of playing, the |
| have decided to keep your grand piano. For some | | | | enjoyment of listening to and the satisfaction of |
| reason unknown to me it gives better results than any | | | | owning the finest instrument available. But it's still nice to |
| so far tried." | | | | know you made a prudent investment. |
| The Benefits Of Restoring A Vintage Steinway | | | | Putting Your Piano In The Right Hands |
| A new Steinway grand piano today costs around | | | | Piano restoration is not just a skill, it's an art. And the |
| $60,000. Restoring a vintage Steinway grand piano is | | | | best in the business consider it more than a business. |
| around half that. And there are other advantages as | | | | They have a genuine love and appreciation for music |
| well. Vintage Steinway pianos (generally built in 1942 | | | | and are committed to creating the finest instrument |
| and before) are constructed of solid, naturally | | | | possible. |
| seasoned wood and many possess real ivory | | | | Even though restoration is less expensive than buying |
| covered keyboards. They also feature elegant | | | | new, it's still a significant investment. So make sure |
| cabinets with beautiful veneers and sometimes, | | | | you're confident in those doing the work. Research the |
| intricate engravings. | | | | company. How many years of experience do they |
| Skilled artisans invest many hours of painstaking work | | | | have? What are their qualifications? Ask for |
| into the process that takes several months to finish. | | | | references and check them. Whoever restores your |
| Yet, when complete, the beautifully restored piano will | | | | vintage piano should give it the loving attention it |
| look and sound like it's right off the showroom floor. | | | | deserves. |
| Vintage Investment Provides A Higher Payoff | | | | |