Could someone comment on the George Steck baby grand piano? One is advertised locally as having been made in 1922, around 5'6'', with ivory keys and in very good condition. The seller is asking $1,600 and notes that it was appraised for $2,800. Thoughts? What is the general consensus about George Stecks of this vintage? Good long-term value or not? Possibilities to consider instead?

Would appreciate any help knowledgeable posters could provide. Thanks.

What reconditioning or rebuilding work, if any, has been done on the piano? With an asking price of $1600, I'm guessing not much... which would suggest that considerable work would be needed, if not right away then in the near future.

When you say that it is in very good condition, was that your opinion after playing it, or what the seller told you? If the latter, go play it, and if you like it, have a technician inspect it.

Thanks, Monica. "Good condition" is per the ad. I'm not familiar with the George Steck name. Is that a good manufacturer?

I would have a trusted technician check it out for you.

Stecks were an average piano - the tuning pins will be on the loose side unless it's been restrung, the felts will be worn unless they have been replaced. You will spend almost as much as a comparable new Chinese grand to rebuild this piano. If it will stay in tune, the price is perhaps a bit high - and the $2800 appraisal is just a sales tactic. Have a tech look at it and try to pay only about $1200 if it will hold a tune.

Im with Bob and everyone else - have a technician look at it.
- and here is some further information on a pdf file as well
http://www.esteypiano.com/bt_grand.pdf
to help you ask the right questions to the seller. You can then review the answers with a Piano technician in your area. You also need to check to see if it used to be a player piano - instructions in the pdf file.
This is my own personal formula for determining the value of a piano. When I calculate value on an older piano, I am really estimating condition and cost of repair, coupled with brand names and models.

$$ How much the piano could sell for in mint condition with a guarantee, delivery etc (that would be the $2800)
-$$ The cost of getting it into mint condition
_____________ (if the tuning pins are tight, and the action just needs regulation and reconditioning + tuning, you will probably be into about $1500-$1800)
$$ The estimated wholesale value (if you sell to a dealer) (12-$1600)
x Two or Three
_____________ (about $2800 the "appraised" value)
$$ The estimated retail value (if you sell to an end user)

The numbers seem ballpark correct to me, but you are in what I call "the danger zone" as far as price point. If you dont have a TEch look at it and confirm its condition, you could get cooked.

Thanks, all. This is very helpful.

To be more precise, Steck was the #2 brand of the Aeolian company, after Weber. When Aeolian made the deal with Steinway to install players, they agreed that Weber was not to compete with Steinway. So by that thinking, Steck was no better than a third-rate piano, but that was quite decent at the time.

I find myself regretting many of the critical statements I have made of various brands in the past when I compare them to some of the pianos made in the last few years. Yikes!