1912 Knabe Grand

[pianogal86]

I am a serious piano student looking to buy a grand piano as I currently own an old Mehlin & Sons spinet which is driving me crazy.    I've found a piano that I've played, love, and sings for me, a 1912 Knabe.  It has had a lot of the insides redone and is in fairly good condition.  I'm just wondering:
1. is a piano this old something to avoid?
2. does anyone have experience with pre-depression Knabes?
3. are they considered "good" (the owner classes them with Steinways)?
3. is $7000 too much to pay?
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
H.J.

[Plaz]

I haven't had the pleasure of playing one, but Baltimore-built Knabe pianos from that era had a great reputation.  I'd be more worried about how well it was restored than about the original quality.  I think they were considered on par with Steinway back in the early 1900s.

What size is it?  Depending on the size, $7000 might be reasonable or a little high.  I'd recommend having a tech look it over closely before buying.

[Hmoll]

Do yourself a favor, and but "The Piano  Book," by Larry Fine.

Plaz is right, get a tech to look at it. Try to find out specifically what was done - complete rebuild, restoration, increments in between.
The last thing you want is to spend $7000 for a piano with a cracked soundboard.

Keep in mind that pianos are like people, they are under a lot of stress, and have a limited lifespan. They don't last forever. The good news is, unlike people, you can replace parts on a piano as they wear out.

[scsiraid]

We just purchased a possibly similar age Knabe Grand for $3800.  Still looking for sn to validate age.  Dealer says its 90 years old.  Here are some pics:

https://home.nc.rr.com/dkeener/

The only number we can find is 2440 which says it is VERY old so I dont believe it is actually the serial number.

Is sounds and plays beautiful

[pianogal86]

Looks beautiful! Thanks for sending the pictures.  It is in a lot better condition than the one I am looking into.  The price you payed is definitely more pleasing too!

[scsiraid]

Thanks,  I changed some of the pictures last night probably after you viewed them.  We also determined that the number we found was the case number not the serial number.  Piano is likely from 1910-1920... pretty much the same era as the one you are looking at.  It has some damper issues that the tech will be out next week to address.  

[classicarts]

Definitely, I woud stay away.  Try to find something alot newer.  For that kind of money, I suggest something smaller and newer in the market. 

[iumonito]

Depending on the size, you may be in front of a gem.  Old Knabe pianos are simply fabulous when properly rebuilt.  If the piano you are considering is not in need of re-stringing and the soundboard is not cracked, the price sounds about right.  You may need to spend so extra money on the action.

In my opinion, a fully operational Knabe (that is, one with perfectly rebuilt everything) should be worth between $15,000 and $25,000 depending on size.

It compares very favorably to any new Asian-made piano.

BTW, Knabe was Godowsky's favorite piano.