How to Price a Richmond Piano

Richmond-brand pianos were built by the Starr Piano Company in Richmond, Indiana, in the later years of the 19th Century. Established in 1872, Starr Piano manufactured instruments carrying brands names, such as Gennett, Cumberland, Krell, Remington and Richmond, among others. Richmond pianos, which Starr began to produce in 1878, are often considered to be antiques, as they were discontinued around the 1950s. When you find a Richmond piano you wish to purchase, do the legwork to determine a fair price for this rare, musical gem.

Find the serial number or determine the age of the Starr Richmond piano. A piano's serial number, if it even has one, may be located at various places on the back or on the inside of the piano. Visit PianoAtlas.com and click "Finding the Serial No." for a map of possible locations for the number. If you cannot find the serial number yourself, ask a tuner or piano dealer for help. The age of the piano may be determined by locating a manufacture date on the piano keys; this will help you determine, within a few years, when the piano was built.

Make notes of the piano's wear and tear. Antique Richmond pianos that have been kept in good repair and haven't been banged up by moves overs the years are likely to be worth more than pianos with dings and nicks in the wood.

Hire a professional piano tuner. Tuners will determine whether the piano is in proper playing condition or if the instrument is relegated to life in the corner of the room as a decorative piece. Richmond pianos that are still playable will be worth more than those that aren't.

Contact local piano dealers to discuss pricing options. Dealers will have lists of what pianos of the same make and model have been sold for recently. They will be able to guide you as to whether you are paying or offering a fair price for the piano.