Colburn Piano Sale
When is the sale?
The Piano Sale is ongoing; please email philanthropy@colburnschool.edu to schedule a private appointment to try out select pianos for sale and speak with a piano technician.
How many pianos are for sale?
10 pianos are currently for sale, and there is the potential we will add more. We will update our online inventory when a piano is no longer available.
What are the manufacturers and models?
The majority of pianos are Steinway models L, M, and O. There are also two Steinway concert grands and several Yamaha uprights.
Where did these pianos come from?
Many pianos were generously donated by members of the Colburn community. A few pianos are being retired from Colburn practice rooms.
Is this piano in perfect condition?
These pianos are designed by top manufacturers and crafted with quality materials, but they are not in perfect condition. All pianos have received basic servicing from our piano technicians and are playable, but will need some level of restoration work in order to achieve their full potential. We encourage you to connect with our piano technicians for more information on rebuilding and restoration services.
I found my dream piano: what do I do next?
Fantastic! The first step is to find a Philanthropy officer or piano technician, who will have a sales agreement for you to sign and who will arrange delivery of the piano to your home.
We accept check, ACH, and credit card. If your preferred payment method is a credit card, please note that the total price of your piano will include a 3% charge to cover merchant fees. All sales are final.
Is my purchase tax-deductible?
No, purchasing a piano is not considered a charitable contribution, so we are not able to issue tax receipts.
Will you deliver the pianos to my home?
Yes, the price includes delivery within a week for residences in Los Angeles County. We can also assist with delivery anywhere in the U.S.
How much is sales tax on the piano?
The sales tax rate is 9.75%.
Do you offer tunings and touch-ups?
Our team is happy to offer recommendations for technicians offering routine maintenance in your area.
How does the Piano Sale support the Piano Investment Fund?
Proceeds from the Piano Sale benefit the Piano Investment Fund, which will help us acquire pianos for Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall, new dance studios, and the Colburn campus.
How many pianos are needed for the new Colburn Center? Do we need additional pianos for our current campus?
With the addition of the Colburn Center in the Fall of 2027, the School’s piano inventory will grow by approximately 20-25 pianos. The Colburn Center will house around 16 of these instruments; this includes concert grands for Kohl Hall, Dance Studio pianos, dressing room pianos and even an instrument for the Rooftop Garden. For our current campus, we anticipate adding five or six pianos to our current fleet. These instruments will mainly go into spaces that have been vacated by the Dance Department. Additionally, we are considering adding two or three concert grands to the current campus fleet as two our premier concert instruments are now in their sixth and seventh season (Fazioli 278 and Hamburg Steinway). While the Piano Tech Department works tirelessly to maintain the school’s fleet of pianos, new instrument acquisitions are pivotal to the development of young pianists, guest artists, and the experience of our audiences.
What is the approximate cost of a concert grand?
Depending on the manufacturer and model, brand-new concert grands can cost between $185,000 and $325,000. The cost is even higher when you consider the labor hours required for these pianos to be “performance ready.” New instruments take time to acclimate and stabilize; they need several rounds of tunings, voicing, and regulation of the action*. New pianos change constantly, and require hours of repetitive work as they settle and stabilize. Typically, technicians will invest 40-50 hours preparing these instruments for their first appearance in the concert hall.
*In the modern grand piano, more than 5,000 individual identifiable components control the “action,” which is the mechanism that transfers and amplifies the key touch to the approximately 240 strings. For more fun facts about pianos and an inside look at one of our concert grands, watch these videos featuring our Director of Piano Technology, Neema Pazargad:
How Colburn keeps our nearly 200 pianos in tip-top shape – October 28Latest addition to our stellar fleet of pianos – June 20Concert grand, direct from the manufacturer, traveled more than 2,700 miles – June 24
How many pianos are at Colburn?
The Colburn School stewards 175 keyboard instruments, dispersed between the Olive and Grand buildings, in the concert halls, faculty, rehearsal and dance studios, as well as the rebuilding shop and onsite storage. The fleet is composed of harpsichords, fortepianos, upright pianos, five- to seven-foot modern grand pianos, and nine-foot concert grands. A variety of high-end piano manufacturers are represented, such as Steinway, Kawai, Fazioli, Yamaha, Mason & Hamlin, Bosendorfer, Steingraeber, and more. Colburn’s inventory of pianos is among the finest in the world; approximately $500,000 annually is invested in maintaining the keyboard instruments to the highest standard of care.
What is the Piano Technology department?
The Piano Technology Department is responsible for the care and maintenance of the school’s acoustic keyboard instrument collection. This includes the day-to-day service, maintenance, repair and tuning of the School’s practice rooms, classrooms, teaching studios and performance hall instruments.
How often do Colburn’s pianos need service/maintenance?
The majority of the school’s pianos are used heavily during the 12-month academic year: fall, spring and summer. As our students have access to pianos for rehearsal 24/7, some instruments are in use in excess of 10 hours per day, requiring a minimum of weekly tuning and maintenance, as well as constant mechanical adjustments. The level and consistency of service and maintenance is directly proportionate to the longevity and long-term quality of the instruments.
Does the department rebuild and restore pianos?
Yes! The Department’s workshop is located in the Olive building and is used for the repair, rebuilding, restoration and reconditioning of the School’s instruments. Much of the major restoration work is addressed during the summer months; the Department’s focus during the academic school year is on maintaining the fleet at its optimum level for rehearsal, teaching, and performance usage.
The Department rebuilds or restores an average of 3-5 pianos per year through a combination of in-house shop work and local piano rebuilders. All of the school’s pianos are manufactured by known, high-end brands, therefore the Department has ready access to rebuilding materials, and most importantly, replacement parts. High-usage practice room and teaching studio pianos require new action components every 3-5 years, and complete restringing every 5-10 years. Concert instruments may require new action components every 2 years for peak performance. Complete restoration, which can include structural components such as the tuning pin block and sounding board, may need replacement every 10-25 years.
So long as the piano rim, beams, and cast-iron plate are in excellent condition, a piano can be completely rebuilt and/or restored!
Who do I contact with questions about the sale?
For any and all questions, please reach out to philanthropy@colburnschool.edu.
Who do I contact for more information about the pianos?
The best way to contact our Piano Technology team is by email: pianotech@colburnschool.edu.
Buy a Piano and Support Colburn’s Future
Thank you for exploring this rare chance to bring home a gently used upright or grand piano from Colburn. The on-campus sale features Steinway & Sons and other premier makers. Proceeds support the Piano Investment Fund, helping us acquire new instruments for Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall, the dance studios, and locations across the Colburn campus.
Once you indicate interest, a member of the Philanthropy Department will follow up with you. Or, you can call 213-621-4535 or email philanthropy@colburnschool.edu for up-to-date information.
Steinway M 245160
MAKE: Steinway
MODEL: M
SERIAL NUMBER: 245160
YEAR: 1927
LISTED FOR: $13,000 + tax
This Steinway M, built in 1927, features its original soundboard, bridges, pinblock, and action, all in excellent working condition. The soundboard is extremely resonant and responsive, and the piano delivers exceptional sound quality with a rich, resonant tone. The action is fully functional, responsive, and plays well, making it a great fit for intermediate to advanced players.
A rare find, this instrument offers significant musical and restoration potential, even more so than similar vintage instruments because of its exceptionally vibrant soundboard and bridges. It also includes original ivory keytops, adding to its character and value. The satin black case shows signs of wear and is distressed, giving it a vintage look. While it is in playable condition and still serviceable, we recommend eventual restringing and an action rebuild to restore it to peak performance.
A comparable new Steinway M retails for approximately $99,000.
Steinway D 259121
MAKE: Steinway
MODEL: D
SERIAL NUMBER: 259121
YEAR: 1927
LISTED FOR: $52,500 + tax, or best offer
Built in 1927, this Steinway D concert grand piano is in overall excellent condition, featuring its original soundboard, bridges, and pinblock, all in excellent structural shape. The soundboard has one visible crack, which is non-structural and does not affect tone. It has been recently restrung and the action has been rebuilt, ensuring reliable performance and a responsive touch. The damper felts are also in excellent condition, contributing to clear tonal separation and smooth pedal control. The case is finished in a classic satin black, with only very mild cosmetic wear consistent with careful use.
We recommend routine regulation and maintenance to maintain optimal playability. For those looking to take this instrument to the next level, upgrading to high-quality hammers in the future would significantly enhance tonal clarity and dynamic range. This is an excellent entry-level concert grand, well-suited for serious students, teaching studios, or performance venues.
A comparable new Steinway D retails for approximately $230,000.
Steinway D 381056
MAKE: Steinway
MODEL: D
SERIAL NUMBER: 381056
YEAR: 1963
LISTED FOR: $65,000 + tax, or best offer
This Steinway Model D, built in 1963, has been completely restored recently with a new soundboard and bridges, ensuring exceptional structural integrity and tonal richness. It features a full restringing and a completely new action, incorporating high-end composite components for enhanced durability and performance.
The piano is fitted with New York Steinway hammers in excellent condition, delivering the signature Steinway touch and powerful, resonant sound. This instrument produces a huge, commanding tone, making it an excellent piano for professional performance and serious students alike. The case has a distressed black satin finish, giving it character and a vintage appeal.
A comparable new Steinway D retails for approximately $230,000.
Yamaha U1 375646
MAKE: Yamaha
MODEL: U1
SERIAL NUMBER: 375646
YEAR: 1965
LISTED FOR: $2,500 + tax
This Yamaha U1 is an original-condition Japanese market piano, known for its excellent quality and reliability. The case shows signs of distress consistent with age, giving it a vintage character, but the piano remains serviceable and fully playable—an excellent choice for beginner students or those seeking a dependable practice instrument. It also comes equipped with a humidity control system, helping to protect the piano from climate-related issues and ensuring consistent performance.
A comparable new Yamaha U1 retails for approximately $12,000.
Yamaha U1 412649
MAKE: Yamaha
MODEL: U1
SERIAL NUMBER: 412649
YEAR: 1965
LISTED FOR: $2,500 + tax
This Yamaha U1 is an original-condition Japanese market piano, known for its excellent quality and reliability. The case shows signs of distress consistent with age, giving it a vintage character, but the piano remains serviceable and fully playable—an excellent choice for beginner students or those seeking a dependable practice instrument. It also comes equipped with a humidity control system, helping to protect the piano from climate-related issues and ensuring consistent performance.
A comparable new Yamaha U1 retails for approximately $12,000.
Yamaha U1 610841
MAKE: Yamaha
MODEL: U1
SERIAL NUMBER: 610841
YEAR: 1967
LISTED FOR: $2,500 + tax
This Yamaha U1 is an original-condition Japanese market piano, known for its excellent quality and reliability. The case shows signs of distress consistent with age, giving it a vintage character, but the piano remains serviceable and fully playable—an excellent choice for beginner students or those seeking a dependable practice instrument. It also comes equipped with a humidity control system, helping to protect the piano from climate-related issues and ensuring consistent performance.
A comparable new Yamaha U1 retails for approximately $12,000.
Steinway M 178018
MAKE: Steinway
MODEL: M
SERIAL NUMBER: 178018
YEAR: 1916
LISTED FOR: $7,000 + tax
This Steinway Model M, built in 1916, features a classic mahogany brown finish with a very distressed case showing its age and character. The piano needs restringing and requires a complete action rebuild, including replacement of the back action. Additionally, the pedals, lyre, and trapwork will need a thorough overhaul. This instrument is an ideal project for someone looking to restore a vintage Steinway to its full glory.
A comparable new Steinway M retails for approximately $140,000.
Steinway A 200718
MAKE: Steinway
MODEL: A
SERIAL NUMBER: 200718
YEAR: 1920
LISTED FOR: $8,000 + tax
This Steinway Model A, built in 1920, features a beautiful walnut finish in light brown, complemented by a distressed case that reflects its vintage character. The piano is currently in need of restringing, keytop replacement, and a complete action rebuild, including back action replacement. The pedals, lyre, and trapwork also require a thorough overhaul. Priced at $8,000, this Steinway is an excellent restoration project for a serious pianist or collector looking to bring a historic instrument back to life.
A comparable new Steinway A retails for approximately $176,000.
Steinway M 153717
MAKE: Steinway
MODEL: M
SERIAL NUMBER: 153717
YEAR: 1911
LISTED FOR: $15,000 + tax
Built in 1911, this Steinway M grand piano features its original soundboard and bridges, with a newer pinblock and strings installed as part of a recent restoration. The action has been fully rebuilt, offering exceptional responsiveness and control, including German Renner (Hamburg-style) hammers. This is a player’s piano with a rich, full tone and excellent dynamic range—ideal for intermediate to advanced students or serious players. The action is highly responsive, and the sound is warm and full. The case is finished in satin black with a heavily distressed, vintage-style patina. Whether you’re looking for a performance instrument or a well-restored piano, this instrument delivers on both fronts.
A comparable new Steinway M retails for approximately $99,000, making this an outstanding value for a fully restored instrument.
Boston GP163 157756
MAKE: Boston
MODEL: GP163
SERIAL NUMBER: 157756
YEAR: 1997
LISTED FOR: $18,000 + tax
This Boston piano, built in 1997, features a beautiful light mahogany finish and is in excellent overall condition. The case is very well maintained, presenting beautifully and making it suitable for any home or studio setting. This model was produced before recent design changes, making it a highly sought-after instrument known for its quality components and reliable performance. Ideal for intermediate and advanced students, it offers excellent value for the price.
We recommend regulation and voicing to ensure optimal touch and tone. With a starting bid of $18,000, this piano represents a fantastic opportunity to own a finely crafted Boston instrument.
Steinway M 454437 - SOLD
MAKE: Steinway
MODEL: M
SERIAL NUMBER: 454437
YEAR: 1977
LISTED FOR: $9,900 + tax, or best offer
This Steinway M, built in 1977, piano features a charming French Provincial style with a warm walnut finish case, making it both a musical instrument and a beautiful furniture piece. It retains its original pinblock, bridges, soundboard, and strings, all in good condition, offering reliable tone and structural integrity. The action is also in good condition, providing a smooth and responsive touch for everyday playing.
Equipped with a PianoDisc player system, it allows for full recording and playback functionality, making it ideal for entertainment or self-study. The case shows mild distressing, consistent with age and style, adding character to its classic aesthetic. Comes with a matching bench, which is structurally sound but could benefit from refinishing.
A comparable new Steinway M retails for approximately $140,000.
Kawai K50E 2529346 SOLD
MAKE: Kawai – SOLD
MODEL: K50E
SERIAL NUMBER: 2529346
YEAR: 2005
LISTED FOR: $4,695
This Kawai K50E, built in 2005, is in excellent, lightly used condition with a sleek satin black finish. It’s a high-quality instrument well suited for beginner and intermediate students, offering reliable performance and rich tone. With its taller 51″ height and advanced design (similar to the K-500 Professional Upright), it delivers a rare combination of power, dynamic range, and tonal richness—ideal for any home or studio environment.
For comparison, the current new piano pricing for a model like the K-500 is around $15,000, making this lightly used K50E an excellent value.
Steinway L 426687 SOLD
MAKE: Steinway – SOLD
MODEL: L
SERIAL NUMBER: 426687
YEAR: 1972
LISTED FOR: $18,000
Built in 1972, this Steinway L is in original condition, featuring its original soundboard, bridges, and pinblock, all in good structural quality. The soundboard shows minor pressure ridges, and the bridge has light cracking at some bridge pins, though both remain stable and functional. The original action is in good condition, offering a responsive touch and consistent performance—ideal for intermediate to advanced students or dedicated pianists.
The piano has been recently restrung and fitted with new dampers, providing excellent tone and sustain. As part of our recommendation for long-term performance, we suggest replacing select action components, such as hammers, repetitions and key bushings, as needed in the future. Bass strings may also benefit from replacement within the next 5–10 years to maintain tonal depth. A full regulation is advised to optimize touch and responsiveness.
A comparable new Steinway L retails for approximately $110,000.
Steinway L 240333 SOLD
MAKE: Steinway – SOLD
MODEL: L
SERIAL NUMBER: 240333
YEAR: 1926
LISTED FOR: Auction, starting bid $28,000 + tax
Built in 1926, this beautifully restored piano features a striking Tiger Mahogany finish with just one visible scratch, preserving its elegant, vintage character. It has undergone a complete restoration, including all new strings and a fully rebuilt action equipped with premium Hamburg Steinway hammers—known for their rich, nuanced tone. The piano also retains its original ivory keys, adding both historic value and authenticity. A matching bench is included.
This is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced students, offering expressive depth, responsive touch, and lasting quality. For optimal performance, we recommend a complete action regulation and voicing to fully bring out the tonal potential of the new components. A truly beautiful 1926 instrument, restored for a new generation of music-making.
A comparable new Steinway L retails for approximately $150,000.
Yamaha U1 375636 SOLD
MAKE: Yamaha
MODEL: U1
SERIAL NUMBER: 375636
YEAR: 1965
LISTED FOR: $2,500 + tax
This Yamaha U1 is an original-condition Japanese market piano, known for its excellent quality and reliability. The case shows signs of distress consistent with age, giving it a vintage character, but the piano remains serviceable and fully playable—an excellent choice for beginner students or those seeking a dependable practice instrument. It also comes equipped with a humidity control system, helping to protect the piano from climate-related issues and ensuring consistent performance.
A comparable new Yamaha U1 retails for approximately $12,000.