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FREE PIANO IDENTIFICATION & SERIAL NUMBER LOOKUP TOOL
What Year Was My Gulbransen Piano Made?
Serial Number Lookup + Guide)
DIRECT ANSWER
Most Gulbransen pianos can be dated approximately from the serial number. On many instruments, the number is stamped on the cast-iron plate inside the piano; on some compact spinets, it is stamped into the wood behind an opening in the plate.
Dating depends on the production era. Earlier Gulbransens generally follow more traditional serial-number sequences, while later instruments may need to be identified by a broader production period. The current lookup does not verify the later Asian-production Gulbransen models made around 2005–2010.
GULBRANSEN SERIAL NUMBER LOOKUP TOOL
WHERE IS THE SERIAL NUMBER ON A GULBRANSEN?
Gulbransen serial numbers are typically located inside the piano on the cast iron plate or on the wood behind a hole in the plate.
Depending on the piano type and production era, the number may also appear on:
• a stamped wooden rail
• a decal or metal tag
• the rear of the piano cabinet
• internal action components
Because Gulbransen produced many compact spinets and consoles, serial number placement can vary considerably.
GULBRANSEN GRAND PIANOS
On Gulbransen grand pianos:
• open the main lid
• inspect the cast iron plate near the tuning pins
• look along the bass-string area or plate edge
• check near the center of the plate castingThe serial number is usually stamped directly into the metal plate.
On older instruments, refinishing, oxidation, or accumulated dust may partially obscure the digits.
Some grands may also have matching numbers stamped onto action components beneath the music desk or keyslip.
GULBRANSEN UPRIGHT, CONSOLE, AND SPINET PIANOS
On Gulbransen upright and console pianos:
• open the top lid
• inspect the cast iron plate inside the piano
• check near the tuning pins or upper-right section of the plate
• remove the front panel if necessaryOn spinet models:
• the serial number may appear lower inside the cabinet
• some instruments place the number on the back of the piano
• stamped into the wood through a hole in the plateBecause many Gulbransen spinets have compact cabinetry and limited visibility, a flashlight is often necessary.
It is also common to find unrelated assembly or part numbers inside Gulbransen spinets. These should not be confused with the actual production serial number.
DO NOT USE THESE NUMBERS
Cabinet or model numbers.
Numbers stamped on individual action parts.
Assembly or part numbers found inside spinet cabinets.
A number from a decal or tag unless it is clearly identified as the piano serial number.
If possible, verify the number on the cast-iron plate or in the wood behind the plate opening before using the lookup.
WHAT A GULBRANSEN SERIAL NUMBER CAN TELL YOU
A Gulbransen serial number can usually place the piano within an approximate manufacturing year or production era. It may also help distinguish an earlier instrument from a mid-century console or spinet.
It cannot reliably establish the original purchase date, original owner or dealer, cabinet options, or later rebuilding and restoration history. Later instruments affected by manufacturing transitions may be identifiable only by a broader era.
GULBRANSEN PIANO HISTORY
Gulbransen was a major American maker of home pianos during the 20th century. Its instruments changed substantially over time, which is why serial-number interpretation depends on the piano’s production era.
Early production included traditional uprights and grands.
The company became especially associated with mass-market consoles and spinets in the mid-century home-piano market.
Gulbransen also expanded into player pianos and electronic organs.
Later corporate and manufacturing changes mean that not every instrument follows one uninterrupted serial-number sequence.
Reviewed by Joe Kemple, Master Piano Technician, Burd and Sons Piano Service · Updated September 2026
Our database includes Gulbransen serial numbers spanning early Chicago production, mid-century consumer-era instruments, and later production periods.
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