BALDWIN HOWARD PIANO

Hello all.
I inherited a Baldwin Piano from my grandma. I have the serial number so I know there is a way to find out when it was manufactured. I also have a question about this little bag that is stapled to the back of the piano. If any of you can tell me how I can use this information it would be greatly appreciated.
T hank you

 

Hello Jeralynn. According to my research, your piano is a Baldwin Acrosonic model dating from around 1969.

Regards.

 

Thank you so much.
It really needs to be tuned and could use some touch up with the Finish, but do you think it is worth restoring?

 

I also don't see Acrosonic anywhere on there. All I see is Howard.

 

According to records, the Acrosonic range (ie smaller models made by Baldwin) is the only series with a six-digit serial number starting with '8'.
Sorry, but I can't advise on whether restoration is viable or not. Depends on various factors, and proper restoration is not cheap.

 

Thank you so much. That means a lot. Also you don't happen to know what would be in that bag on the back do you

 

Won't hurt to open the bag and find out. Spare parts of some sort I suppose.

 

Baldwin Acrosonic serial numbers

1895 - 2000
1900 - 9000
1905 - 31000
1910 - 57000
1915 - 83000
1920 - 127000
1925 - 172000
1930 - 217000
1935 - 251000
1940 - 304000
1946 - 365000
1947 - 385000
1950 - 450300
1955 - 559490
1960 - 679844
1965 - 784017
1970 - 912986

I had one given with a number in the 10'000 range a few years back by an old lady. don't know how that came to Switzerland, must have been an error.
very fine tone, but very heavy and couldn't sell it. gave it for free to a student community.

 

It could be an original part that was replaced by a professional tuner. Just open it and mystery solved. I suppose they also use a tool for tuning.

 

Likely the bag is spare parts, felt pads or such. Best way to find out whether it is worth having any work done would be to contact a local piano dealer or tuner, but I'd think finish touch-up would not be very difficult, and piano-tuners generally have fixed rates. A piano-tuner could also probably give you some idea about other work needed and cost.
I'd mention that often used pianos are worth less than zero; it would cost more to move them than they are worth. In most cities you'll find ads for "free piano - you move it."
Sad - but I heard that the garbage dump in Vancouver BC generally receives 4 pianos per day - regardless of condition, they've been replaced by electronic keyboards, and almost nobody wants a real piano these days.
There are exceptions, so of course it would be worth checking.