Buying Steinway never played

[tinctoria88]

Does nayone have advice about considering the purchase of 110 yr. old Steinway 6 ft. grand that's never been played?  It's in immaculate condition, not any wear at all on the felt of the hammers.  And it's been kept in a family home.  A technician connected with the owner is  offering notice of this piano being for sale.  I'm wondering if there would be considerable use needed to "break it in". Thanks for any observations.  This is my first major piano purchase.

[lostinidlewonder]

Never been played? Wow thats like... ridiculously rare. I would love to see photos of the piano and its insides! ahah

[iansinclair]

Yike.  Well, the obvious question is: is it in tune, more or less, and can it be brought in tune and will it hold?  If the answer is yes, then I would go for it if the price is decent.  Yes, it will need some breaking in.  In fact, it may be rather stiff at first.  But it will relent remarkably quickly.

[tinctoria88]

This instrument has been regularly serviced by a Steinway specialist, who also takss special interest in "vintage."  And actually it's not so rare that an older instrument has not been well played.  I have one that's 65 years and was hardly played (for sale).  I'm not keen about having to "break in" a vintage piano.  And the price is rather unpleasant.
Does anyone have experience "breaking in" a piano that's 50+ years and VERY lightly played?

[lostinidlewonder]

And actually it's not so rare that an older instrument has not been well played.

Well that is different to what you first said that it has "never been played"

If you are going to invest in a piano that will cost you a few thousand its not a bad idea to pay a piano technician to go out and evaluate the piano for you like you might do when you hire a mechanic to check a car you want to buy.