Folks: I'm seeking some input from those with wider experience than my
own. I was having a discussion with a friend about the current values
for various kinds of coin pianos. He told me that, other than high-end
large orchestrions (e.g., Seeburg G, H J, Wurlitzer CX, etc.) and
Pian-orchestras, the value of other such instruments is flat or
falling.
Prices, he claims, for smaller instruments like Seeburg A's, C's and
single roll playing Wurlitzer Pianinos and keyboard styles, are the
same or lower than they were 10 years ago. He believes that this is
due to the lessening number of interested collectors, the high cost of
restoration and the general lack of interest/experience in the public
regarding automatic musical instruments. I myself have bought several
A-roll nickelodeons over the past two years for what previously would
have been thought of (in the 1980s) as ridiculously low prices.
I know that the reproducing piano market is flat (my friend calls it
"dead"), but Steinways, Mason & Hamlins and art cases are at least
holding their values.
Would anyone like to comment on this or possible trends in values?
And yes, I know, my friend is the "opinionated type."
Best regards,
Marc Sachnoff
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