Kimball Baby Grand Pianos: A Modern Look at a Classic Mini Grand

Kimball baby grand pianos remain desirable for their sound and value on the used market, but buyers must consider space, weight, maintenance, and potential restoration costs. Always obtain a qualified pre-purchase inspection and budget for tuning and servicing after purchase.

Kimball baby grands: a concise reassessment

Kimball built a strong reputation in the American piano market for much of the 20th century. Many players and homeowners still seek Kimball baby and small grand pianos for their tone, classic styling, and value on the used market. At the same time, buyers should balance admiration with practical considerations about size, cost, and upkeep.

Why buyers still consider Kimball

Vintage Kimball grands often deliver a warm, full sound that suits homes, teaching studios, and light performance. They were produced in large numbers, so used examples are relatively common and can represent good value compared with higher-end makes.

However, condition matters. Age, previous repairs, and how well the instrument was maintained influence tone and playability. A well-regulated, recently-serviced Kimball can be an excellent instrument; one that has sat without care may need substantial work.

Practical trade-offs: space, weight, cost

A "baby" or "mini" grand is smaller than a full concert grand but still occupies significant floor space and is heavy. Think about where the piano will sit, how it will be moved, and whether the room's humidity and temperature are stable. Moving a grand requires professionals and proper equipment.

Price is another trade-off. While used Kimballs typically cost less than premium new grands, a fair purchase price should account for any repairs, action regulation, or a new set of strings and hammers if needed.

Maintenance and longevity

All pianos need ongoing care. Expect routine tuning (more often in the first year after moving), seasonal humidity control, and periodic voicing and regulation to keep the action responsive. Older instruments may also require larger interventions - such as pinblock work or action rebuilds - if they haven't been maintained.

Buying advice

• Get a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified piano technician. They can assess soundboard cracks, pinblock stability, action condition, and any hidden issues.

• Budget for immediate servicing after purchase: tuning, regulation, and basic cleaning.

• Consider how long you plan to keep the piano and whether restoration costs fit that timeline.

Final note

Kimball baby grands remain a practical option for many families and players who want grand-piano presence without the price of high-end new instruments. As with any used piano, condition and a technician's report should guide the purchase.

Kimball company production history and current brand ownership.
¹ Typical length ranges that define "baby" or "mini" grand classifications in current piano industry standards.

1. Confirm the current corporate status of Kimball pianos, including whether the original company still manufactures instruments or whether the brand ownership has changed.
2. Verify contemporary industry definitions or typical length ranges that classify a grand piano as a "baby" or "mini" grand.