How to Identify a Baby Grand Piano

Know the value of your baby grand by identifying it properly.

Piano manufacturers introduced the smaller, more affordable baby grand pianos following the Great Depression. Baby grands measure between 5 feet and 5 feet 6 inches in length. To identify your baby grand, you must measure the piano, locate the manufacturer’s name and ascertain the serial number. Piano makers affix a name decal near the keyboard or inside the piano. The serial number consists of five to seven digits. You may need to investigate numerous areas inside and outside your piano to find the piano maker’s decal and the serial number.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Flashlight

Instructions

Measure Your Piano

1. Close the piano's lid. Find the center of the piano’s tail, which is the back of the piano, directly opposite from the keyboard.

2. Secure a measuring tape at the center.

3. Extend the measuring tape to the edge of the keyboard.

4. Determine if your piano is between 5 feet and 5 feet 6 inches to confirm that it is a baby grand.

Manufacturer's Name

1. Check for the manufacturer’s decal located just above or below the keyboard.

2. Lift the lid of the piano. Using a flashlight, look inside to see if the decal is on the soundboard.

3. View the underside of the piano.

Serial Number

1. Clean any accumulated dust and dirt from the inside of the baby grand to make sure you can see the serial number.

2. Look for the serial number on the top of the soundboard or the underside of the soundboard.

3. Try looking all along the front of the plate, which is the gold, metal frame that the strings are attached to. The front of the plate is directly behind the keyboard.

4. Locate a plaque on the inside of the case, either on the side or the tail.

5. Check the front of the keyframe, which is behind the panel in front of the keyboard. You may need to remove the panel to view the keyframe. Removal may involve simply pulling the panel up or removing screws underneath the panel.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire a piano technician if you are uncomfortable removing the panel to view the keyframe.

References

• Cantos: Piano History: Technical History of the Piano
• Concert Pitch Piano Services: Types of Pianos
• Concert Pitch Piano Services: Finding the Serial Number: Grand Pianos
• Piano Education: Purchasing and Caring for a Piano or Keyboard