Sometimes we’ve got to part ways with our old pianos, no matter how much they’ve been a part of our homes and lives. Perhaps it’s broken beyond repair or maybe it’s just not in use anymore—whatever the reason is, you’re likely wondering how to get rid of a piano?
To get rid of a piano, you can either sell it, junk it, trade it, or donate it. Each way to rid yourself of this huge headache depends on your circumstances.
Since there are so many options available, you might be surprised to learn that even if your piano is old and unwanted, you could potentially repurpose it into something new and exciting.
So, before jumping into the disposal process though, it’s worth considering whether your piano (especially if it is an antique upright piano) still holds any value.
In this article, I will go through a few things to keep in mind before you make a very costly decision.
How to Assessing the Condition of Your Piano
Before you decide what to do with your old piano, it’s crucial to assess the condition.
It’s easy to let sentimentality cloud our judgment, but when it comes to pianos, not all are created equal. The value and potential uses for your piano hinge on several factors, so I would recommend hiring a piano technician to take a look.
To start with, take a good look at your instrument.
- Is it an upright or a grand? Upright pianos tend to be less valuable than their grand counterparts but there are exceptions.
- Next up, consider the brand. Some brands like Steinway & Sons or Yamaha hold their value incredibly well over time.
- Does your piano work? If it’s broken, don’t lose hope just yet! There are countless DIY projects out there that give new life to damaged instruments.
- But before giving away or selling your instrument, make sure you’re aware of any restoration costs involved as these could significantly impact its worth.
- Finally – age isn’t always indicative of value when it comes to pianos. Yes, antiques can fetch high prices but only if they’re in good shape and from reputable manufacturers. So next time someone asks you “are old upright pianos worth anything?”, remember: it depends!
In short, assessing the condition of your piano involves evaluating its type, brand, functionality and age among other things.
Whether you have a shiny grand piano or an old battered upright nobody seems interested in – understanding its true state will guide what steps to take next.
Project Music Insider Tip:
Don’t just write off your piano. Even if it is old and broken down, it may be worth something to someone. But set a date, and if you cannot make money off of it by then, just junk it.
Disposing of Your Piano Through Donation
Rather than letting these huge instruments collect dust in your home or hiring a piano disposal service, consider donating it.
Donating a piano might sound unusual, but it’s actually an increasingly popular solution for unwanted pianos.
Various organizations accept piano donations and put them to good use such as:
- community centers
- schools
- churches
- charities
They’ll often fix up or even completely refurbish broken pianos, turning your problem into a treasured learning tool for others.
Just remember that old doesn’t mean worthless when it comes to pianos.
There are charities out there specifically dedicated to finding homes and will do the heavy lifting for you for unwanted pianos. These organizations have networks of teachers and students who would love to give your old instrument new life.
Depending on the make and condition of your instrument, its value could range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Even if your piano isn’t in playing condition, parts like the keys and strings and steel wires can be valuable commodities for repair shops or artisans.
Are Piano donations tax deductible?
We at ProjectMusic do not claim to be tax professionals, so please consult your tax professional to be sure.. but many times piano (even digital pianos) donations are tax-deductible!
That means not only are you freeing up space in your home and giving your old piano a new lease on life, but you could also get a little financial relief come tax season. It’s truly a win-win solution!
So before giving up on that hefty heirloom or neglected keyboard and calling a junk removal service, remember this:
Your unwanted piano might just be music to someone else’s ears!
Selling Your Unwanted Piano: Tips and Tricks
Let’s talk about selling your piano.
This is often the first option that comes to mind when you want to dispose of this old and beautiful instrument. But before you place it on sale, there are a few things to consider:
- Assess its condition: A well-maintained vintage upright can indeed fetch a good price in the market, but if it’s not in good shape or needs extensive repairs, its value might take a hit.
- Get it appraised: To know what your old piano is truly worth, consider getting an expert appraisal done. They can provide an accurate valuation based on current market trends.
- Clean it up: A clean and polished look could give your potential buyers a better impression and potentially increase its value.
Don’t forget about Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace as potential spots to get a lot of people to see that you have a piano available.
Selling or disposing of an unwanted, outdated, or broken instrument doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal anymore. With these tips at hand, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect solution for any old piano no one wants!
Hiring Professionals for Safe Piano Removal
Another piano disposal option is simply to hire a professional to move it.
The first thing I’d advise is to consider hiring professionals for safe removal. It might seem like overkill but trust me when I say it can save you from potential injury and damage to your home.
Professional movers are trained to navigate large items through tight spaces without causing harm or destruction. They have specialized equipment designed specifically for moving pianos safely and efficiently.
- The typical cost of removing a piano or hiring a professional piano mover can range between $100 – $2,000 depending on factors such as size, location, difficulty of removal and distance to disposal site.
- Some companies even offer eco-friendly disposal options ensuring your unwanted instrument doesn’t end up in a landfill unnecessarily.
Remember though, not all moving companies are created equal. Be sure to ask about their experience with pianos specifically and request references if possible.
After all, we’re talking about potentially entrusting them with an object that could hold significant emotional or financial value.
Eco-Friendly Disposal Options for Old Pianos
Now let me show you some eco-friendly options that’ll not only rid you of your bulky musical piece but also contribute to a greener planet in the process.
Think recycle when dealing with a broken piano.
Many parts of a piano can be reused – the wood can be converted into furniture pieces, the keys can become jewelry and even the strings have found their way into art installations!
Creative recycling projects aren’t just limited to Pinterest boards – they’re real-life solutions for unwanted pianos.
I remember recently driving by a neighbor’s house and seeing a used piano in their garden.
Sometimes it’s all about utility and creativity. For instance, transforming your old piano into something new and unique is another environmentally friendly solution.
DIY enthusiasts have turned these musical beasts into bookshelves, desks and wine racks!
If none of these options seem feasible for you, there are professional services that specialize in eco-friendly disposal of large items like pianos.
They ensure each part of the instrument is disposed of responsibly, minimizing environmental impact.
So, What Is The Best Strategy to Get Rid Of a Piano?
I’ve covered some strategies throughout this article, and now it’s time to wrap things up.
If your old upright piano isn’t worth anything on the market, don’t worry! There are plenty of other options.
You could consider donating it or recycling its parts for DIY projects. Remember, even if no one wants your old piano in its current state, many people might find value in its components!
So consider donation, recycling, and even common disposal with movers.
As always though, choosing the best strategy really depends on your personal circumstances.
My advice? Try selling or donating first – there may be more interest than you think!
Finally, remember that getting rid of an old piano doesn’t necessarily mean it’s reached the end of its life.
It could begin a new chapter as part of someone else’s music journey or as recycled material for creative crafts.
So those are my tips and hope they have been helpful in figuring out what to do with an old piano no one wants,. check out our blog for other piano information.
