I am wondering what is the value of this Heintzman grand piano in upright form, which was made in 1926. I have uploaded 39 photos and videos showing the details on my Picasa album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/115132506798721083711/Piano?authuser=0&feat=directlink

1. Most of the bridle strap is broken.
2. Several key will hit and miss when is hit quickly.(Video is available)
3. Two thin cracks on the bottom of the piano.(Photo available) Is that a big deal?

How much do you think it is worth?

I checked FAQ and still can't get the picture shown in my post. Any hint? Thanks.

The piano looks to be in working condition. My only concern is if there is rust on the strings. Take a close look at string tails and seriously consider restringing. The noise you are getting from the dampers i don't think will happen during normal play, although, the damper travel looks that it might be too long.

These old uprights are a lot of fun to play and are usually the best for playing rag and stride styles. Have fun and enjoy it.

The strings are fine. No rust has been noticed.You can see it clearer when you switch to 720p mode for the video.

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. Maybe we will learn rag and stride style later.

I can't comment on this piano, but I love those big old Heintzman & Cos. There are three in our family, and I know of many others, still very musical and going strong.

If you want real definitive answers as to value, you need to hire a local tech to take a look first hand, examine tuning pin torque (tightness) and other essential and structural detail which cannot be conveyed by photos or video.

But here is what I see from what you post:

This was a top of the line upright piano when it was new in 1926. It has a good action in it. The piano seems entirely original, as can be seen by the broken bridle straps and the patina (corrosion?) on the strings and tuning pins. Everything is 85 years old, and none of it is performing as it did when it was new. The damper felts are "leaky" and the bass strings are mostly dead. There are a number of action issues which are an impediment to proper playing. These go beyond regulation.

These pianos are worth re-furbishing, but that can easily involve a lot of money, depending on how far a person wanted to take it.

Depending on your local market, you might be able to realize a few hundred to one thousand dollars.

Many thanks for your comment. If there is no further tuning pin or structual issue, How much do you think I need to spend to bring it to proper working condition.what are those for each portion? (I am not planning to do further cosmatic job)

1.I can replace the bridle straps by myself. so $20 for that.
2.How much to do the regulation? Can I learn to do it by myself easily?
3.What should I do to the damper felt and bass strings? How much will be that?

I really don't want to spend too much on it. Can someone enlight me?

1) You can probably do this
2)Yes you can learn this. Easily? No. There are schools and courses.
3)You can leave them and do nothing or have it done. If you have it done it will surely go way beyond your budget, which I get the impression is very low.

Generally speaking, a piano like this is like an old car. You replace the tires, have the brakes done and get the engine tuned up. But the rust is eating at the fenders, the upholstery is worn and torn, the transmission is making funny noises. Where do you start, where do you stop? If you are selling it, you cannot increase your net take by restoring it first.

If you want quotes, you can't go on-line for that. What's the use of finding someone who can do it for cheap, but lives on the other side of the country?

To find out the costs you would be faced with, you need to pick up the phone, call some local piano tuner/technicians.

Apparently now they are planning on repairing this one themselves because it isn’t that difficult.

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