Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Baldwin Howard upright- Is it a Baldwin

http://longisland.craigslist.org/msg/1236711305.html

Hi I am going to look at this piano- Seems like an excellent price, but is it because "howard" by baldwin is "a product of Baldwin" as opposed to a "real" for lack of a better word "baldwin"? THanks for any advice.
Randy

If the tuning pins are tight and there is not too much wear on the hammers this will be a good piano. The general quality of Howards has always been less than Baldwins, but from this time period, this Howard piano quality isn't too bad, as long as it's not too worn.

thank you- for the advice- Do you have a sense of what a fair price for such a piano is?

I also have the opportunity to purchase a Hamilton (1982) for 700- Is that a much better option assuming it's in good condition?? THanks

When I taught at Baldwin Studios for years, we used to get a discount on pianos for family members. Of course now I realize that the discount was for anyone who walked in the store but back to the story.

My sister wanted a Baldwin upright for her children to take lessons on. They came to the store and couldn't quite afford the Baldwin label so were sold the Howard line. The furniture was simple and the quality not quite as good as their Acrosonic line, but sis took really good care of it with tunings twice a year and the children enjoyed playing it.

What year is it and how do they know it is in grand shape?

This piano looks nice, and if you have any concerns have a tech go out and check it. That might cost $100 but would be better to serve you than those on the internet who have not 'seen' the piano's insides. And it IS what is INSIDE that counts! He may suggest tuning PLUS some regulation and could at that time evaluate and give you estimates for what needs to be done.

Don't know the year yet- I have to get the serial number

As lilylady said, it's what's inside that counts. Nevertheless, I have to say that I think that's a strikingly beautiful upright.

Steven

It looks old, probably 1930s.

Just looking at the styling of the case, it resembles more closely the late 60's era Howard I used to have than the early 40's one I also used to have. Check the serial number to know for certain, but I would guess it's no older than the 50's. The case has certainly been well-cared-for. Hopefully, that means the insides will be also, but have a tech look at it. Where I live, a tech will look it over for less than $50. I think Howards are nice instruments, but they were a lower end Baldwin brand.

Even if it needs some regulation and voicing (likely on a piano this old), it looks like a great deal to me!