I've never posted in the Piano forum before, but my neighbour has an old Bluthner piano which she is trying to sell. Not knowing anything about them I thought I'd ask here.

I haven't seen it myself as its currently in storage but she says its an upright, in good condition and apparently weighs a ton! Having done a little Googling on her behalf, it seems that there are a respectable brand.

She's tried (to no avail) selling it in local papers. There must be a market for good quality second hand pianos, so where would you suggest that she try in order to sell it?

Are there companies who would buy them or what would you think is the best approach?

thanks in advance!

Bluthner is one of what used to be the "Big Four" makers, (Steinway, Bechstein, Bosendorfer, Bluthner) but all those makers are best known for their grand pianos, not their uprights. (Bluthner were/are famous for adding an extra string to each note (called an aliquot) tat was not struck but was supposed to vibrate in sympathy giving a richer tone.

The name is worth something, but original quality (most companies went through periods of poor materials and/or poor workmanship) and present condition are more important.

The only way to find out what it is worth is to get it valued, but beware of a dealer that undervalues it in the hope of buying it himself (as I have found at least one such dealer).

She should probably get it looked at and evaluated by a trusted piano technician - ask some local piano teachers who they would recommend - one name is bound to emerge. The teachers might also be aware of students that are looking to buy a piano or may even be interested themselves.

Even if there were some repairs or maintenance work to be done, it would probably be worth the investment for a Bluthner. My local piano shop has a new Bluthner upright for sale - I have a little go every time I'm in there and it is really lovely...

Perhaps she could try ringing round some local piano shops to see if they would be interested?

I think if it's a Bluthner, there's a chance that your friend has something quite valuable, and should be wary about getting fleeced by an unscrupulous dealer. I regularly play on Bluthner grands, and think that they are wonderful. I don't know about the uprights, but can't think of any reason why their uprights should be of materially lower quality than their grands.

I would suggest that your friend looks on Bluthner's website (www.bluthner.co.uk) - they should be able to get an idea about what price you would pay if you bought a used piano from Bluthner (but also be aware that you won't get that price if they buy the piano - they need to make a margin to stay in business). I would also suggest that your friend tries phoning Bluthner in London - they're a very friend, helpful group of people.

Our piano tuner is always happy to informed when someone wants to sell a piano - he's often been asked to look out for one, for individuals or local ballet schools.

This is great information, thank you everyone. I'll pass it along

I have only played Bluthner grands, but loved them.
The black keys always felt slightly narrower..but I have no evidence to back that one up

Miffy, in light of our thread on violin size yesterday, I'm sensing a pattern here

Maybe I need to take up the piano instead. It might suit my small hands much better

or maybe I'm just a funny shape
I'll invent some leg stretching exercises for my pedalling foot just in case..

I did first think that the softer end of the response was not as good as a Steinway, although I now realise that most of the problem is with me - the Bluthner Grand I get to play on is great. I still prefer Steinways by a country mile, though!

Wonderful pianos. I wonder if you ring the Bluthner shop in London if they will be able to help you.

I'd like to pop down there at some point but I'm a bit put off by their website with the "please call us beforehand so we can give you our very best attention"... It just conjures up visions of a salesman breathing down my neck while I'm trying things out...

The Bluthner shop in London will be able to give you an idea of price they would pay for it if you quote the serial number (which will be stamped inside somewhere) and the condition it's in.

Check out www.pianoauctions.co.uk . You can almost always sell any piano there, but of course would have to pay to get it transported to London. From their last sale, I see there were three 'old' Bluthner uprights. One went for ?200, one for ?50 and one was unsold. So in general market terms they're not too popular at present. Of course if it has a beautiful case, or it's in good playing order/reconditioned, it could be worth much more. The uprights are very nice pianos (as are the grands). She could try any local music schools/colleges, or a google for piano rebuilders or pianos bought will show lots of options.

Played a Bluthner upright yesterday. It had just been acquired by the piano shop for resale / reconditionning. It was a really great piano.