Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Baldwin serial number question

Hello! What does the letter "C" in front of a Baldwin grand serial number depict?

Thank you!

C was the precursor to the Model L, 6'-3", but it may mean something else.

Hmmmm. I was told the piano is 19 years old and they are the original owner but the serial number starts with the C320XXX and it is 5'7". I'm trying to figure out what Model it is.

I'm not familiar with a Baldwin 5'7" model. The Baldwin R is 5'8"; the Baldwin M is 5'2". Is it possibly a D.H.Baldwin?

Maybe others will chime in with a better answer for you.

Rick

No, it definitely says Baldwin on the fallboard. If it is a Model C, does anyone know the quality of those models? The size would work for me but if the quality isn't there, I will focus on the R. Anyone?

I found this info online at http://www.coloradopianobuyersguide.com/baldwin_piano_faqs.htm

"1.There are many connections and similarities between Baldwin, Steinway, Yamaha and Kawai pianos. Like their competitors, Baldwin Piano Company builds a full line of makes and models including a 36" spinet, 40" classic console, 42 1/2" Acrasonic console, 45" Hamilton studio upright, 52" upright and 42" console and 45 1/2" studio Kranich & Bach vertical pianos. Their grand's include the "Classic Line" B1 - 4'10" and the model C - 5'7", the C142 4' 7", the 5'1" C152, the 5'8" C172 models and the "Artist" series that include the 5'2" model M, the 5'8" model R, the 6'3" model L the 7' SF10 and the 9' SD10."

So, there is a Baldwin model C and it is 5'7". I have a feeling it is much older than 19 years though; and, it is not one of the Artist series. I suppose the "C" series, or "Classic" series was more of a consumer grade model.

Good luck!

Rick

It seems there were two model C grands: one is 6'3 and the other 5'7. The 5'7 is a newer model. Does anyone know what type of action the newer one has?

I know that this is an old thread but upon the chance that anyone is reading this thread , I just want to point out that these baldwin model numbers in this thread that contain a C followed by numbers indicate that the pianonis a Chinese piano made for Gibson by Parsons Pianos or some other Chinese firm. It has NOTHING whatsoever to do with the venerable American firm that produced AMERICAN Baldwins.

Here are the American Baldwin sizes:

Baldwin Piano Sizes

A from 1925 5’6”
M - 5'-2" scale SA
M - 5'-2" scale SA*
M-2 - 5'-2" *
G - 5'-6" scale ST
R - 5'-8" scale ST
R - 5'-8" scale ST*
E - 5'-8" (20 bass notes, vs. 26 for the R)
C - 6'-3" scale SC
L - 6'-3" scale SC
L - 6'-3" scale SC*
F - 7'-0" scale SF
SF-10 - 7'-0"*
D - 9'-0" scale SD, SD-6
SD-10 - 9'-0"*
SD-10A - 9'-0"*

The scales marked with an * have vertical hitch pins, which would make them recent models. There are probably other models, some of which Baldwin may not even know about any more.