Piano Serial Numbers
Each piano manufacturer uses a serial numbering system to uniquely identify each piano. Much like a vehicle’s VIN number, the piano’s serial number serves as a valuable tool for dating the instrument, determining its production factory, and confirming whether it is subject to recalls or other known issues. This information can be particularly important to verify before purchasing a piano.
Serial number conventions vary by manufacturer and factory. Most serial numbers consist of 4-8 numerical digits, though some may incorporate letters. Because some manufactures have multiple factories and recognizable piano brand-names occasionally undergo changes in ownership, making sense of a piano’s serial number can be a complex task. If you’re interested in knowing when your piano was manufactured and cannot find information online, Brad Fant Piano Service may be able to assist in dating a piano if provided the serial number.
Where Do I Find My Piano's Serial Number?
FIGURE 1a. The serial number of a vertical piano
can usually be found in #1, either stamped on the plate or engraved in the pinblock and showing through a cut-away portion of the plate. #2 and #4, also on the plate, are other possibilities. On newer pianos, the serial number is sometimes on the top of the piano back (#3) or stamped on the back of the piano (#5).
FIGURE 1b. The serial number of a grand piano
is usually in position 2, stamped on the plate or engraved in the pinblock; elsewhere on the plate or soundboard (such as #1 and #3); or stamped on the front of the key frame (#4). Access to the key frame is gained by removing the keyslip.
Photo courtesy of Piano Buyer Press LLC.