Steinway Model V Upright Piano

The Model V, sold new as the V-125, is a compact Steinway upright made in Hamburg. The number is its height in centimetres, so it stands 125cm tall, about 4ft 1in. It gives you the Steinway name, build quality and tone in a piano that fits in an ordinary home.

How to tell if you have a Model V

Lift the lid and look inside. The model is often stamped on the cast iron frame. If not, measure the height from the floor to the top of the lid. At about 125cm, a Hamburg Steinway is very likely a Model V.

Your serial number is on the frame too, and will tell you the year it was made.

Who it suits

The Model V suits a family home, a keen learner or a teacher who wants a quality upright in a modest room. It is a little smaller than the Model K, so the bass is not quite as deep, but it is still a lovely piano to play.

What a Model V is worth

Used Steinway uprights in the UK vary a lot in price. An older piano needing work may sell for a few thousand pounds, while a restored or recent one can be well over £15,000. Condition, age and finish make the biggest difference.

What to check

• Hammers. Grooves in the felt mean they are worn.
• Keys. Sticking or uneven keys usually need regulating, which is a routine job.
• Tuning. Ask when it was last tuned and whether it held.
• Damp. Rust on the strings or a musty smell can mean it has lived somewhere damp.

Thinking of selling your Model V?

We buy Steinway Model V uprights from private owners across the UK, in any condition. Send us the serial number, a few photos and your postcode, and we will come back with an honest offer. There is no obligation, and collection is free from a ground floor room.

Related pages

Steinway Model K · Steinway Model Z · Steinway upright pianos · Selling your Steinway