If you’re unsure about what to do with an unwanted piano, contact the Sheffield piano tuner for an evaluation. Send images via text or email for a potential free assessment. If the piano retains value, selling it may be straightforward.
Some pianos are unsalvageable due to age-related issues like structural decay, rusted parts, or worn action components, requiring disposal. While certain older pianos may be worth restoring, low-quality models (e.g., straight-strung, over-damped Victorian pianos with the aforementioned issues) may not justify restoration costs, as a better piano could be purchased for less.
If you have an unwanted piano with no market value, here are your options:
- If salvageable, consider donating the piano to a charity shop or giving it to a beginner. That said, If any of my customers wanted a free or inexpensive piano, I would urge them to find a 1950s - 1980s Knight, Kemble, Challen, Chapel or John Broadwood & Sons (or something of a similar age and quality)
- Recycle or Dismantle. Some recycling centres are happy to accept the metals and woods from you, although you’d have to dismantle the piano yourself. For a helpful guide, there are videos to be found on YouTube such as Burke Makes Stuff or those by Heirloom Pianos
- Hire a company to dispose of the piano for you - if the piano is located in Sheffield or anywhere else in Yorkshire, then Yorkshire Piano Logistics in Wakefield is a good bet, as is Morris Clearance Company in Chesterfield
- Please, please, please avoid illegal dumping. This can lead to a £100 - £1000 fine depending on your location