What is Piano Moving?
What is Piano Moving?
Piano moving covers the methods, skills, and equipment that it takes to relocate a piano from one place to another.
While most furniture can be easily packed and transported, some pieces, like a piano, require more expertise and effort for safe transport.
Pianos, together with some other less common large musical instruments, are in a unique category due to their intricate internal components and off-balanced heavy weight.
This makes moving them both more difficult and more risky to both the piano and the mover.
What do Piano Movers Do?
Professional piano movers use techniques and equipment that are specifically used to safely relocate pianos. Special consideration is needed to ensure that all the movers involved are safe and the piano is secure.
The combination of the type of piano, its condition, and the locations tend to be unique, and as a result, each piano move can be slightly different. Since pianos can weigh upward of 1,000 pounds, the weight alone could lead to the use of specialized equipment and skills. In addition, the often irregular shape and fragility of the internal components increase the complexity and need for experienced professionals.
What is a Piano Board versus a Piano Dolly?
A piano board is a flat, compact board with straps attached to it. This specialized moving tool is typically only used for pianos, though it could be used to move other large and heavy items.
Getting a piano on and off a dolly during the transportation phase is made easier by using a piano moving board.
A piano board can be slid underneath the instrument to facilitate its movement. Once it is secured to the board with straps, movers can use other straps to more safely lift the board with the piano on top.
How Do Pianos, including Grand Pianos, Get Moved?
Moving any piano, and even more so a grand piano, is a challenging feat. General movers will typically not cover the risk and refer you to those who specialize in pianos.
Piano movers have specialized equipment that includes straps, flat rolling dollies, and a tool known as a piano board, that accomplish the task using tension and tensile strength rather than brute force.
When moving a large piano, the first step is to disassemble any removable pieces in the frame. Most of the exterior pieces such as the legs, pedals, and music stand can be unscrewed and set aside. Once disassembled, these pieces will be wrapped for transport. This disassembly reduces the overall weight of the piano and makes it safer and easier to move. Once the components are in the new location, these pieces can be reassembled..
What remains is the large main section that houses the internal components. It is imperative to be extremely careful when moving this section so these workings do not become damaged. The body of the piano is then wrapped, strapped to a piano board, and safely loaded onto a vehicle.
Note: Make certain to keep track of all parts that are disassembled, especially any screws that are removed.
Some older or antique pianos will be too difficult or fragile for disassembly, in which case the piano mover will make a recommendation as to the best way to go about the move.
