A piano is one of the most beautiful instruments ever
created but moving a piano is quite a task. It can never be
underestimated. With an average weight of about 800 pounds,
these instruments require special attention and expertise
when adding or removing them from a location. Unless you
want to be flattened by a falling piano like something out
of Tom and Jerry cartoon, you might want to use these useful
tips on piano moving.
1. Pianos are sensitive to climate/temperature changes such
as humidity and movement as well.
If you have one stored in a damp garage against a cold
wall, I suggest you move it quickly into a warmer dwelling.
Why even bumping a sensitive piano can put it out of sorts,
so to speak. Plus, a cracked or damaged part of the wood can
affect the overall sound tone as well.
You might want to consider a professional licensed piano
mover who has all the right equipment with crates, ramps,
blanket coverings, and pads ramps to prevent shock damage if
bumped a bit during the move. No slipping and sliding and no
runaway pianos allowed!
2. Measuring
When it comes to moving a piano of any size, the important
thing to do is measure the instrument as well as the
surroundings through which it is going to be moved. After
all, you don't want to have your new piano stuck on a flight
of stairs.
Properly count the stairs. If climbing down, count the
stairs by standing at the top and by counting how many times
you will have to put your leg down (including the last step
which is ground and usually not taken as a step). When
counting upstairs, stand below and count how many times you
will have to lift your foot until you stand on top of the
landing.
- Check the length, width and height of the piano.
- Compare the measurements with any doorways, paths,
stairways and rooms to see if it will fit.
- Ensure that the piano will fit comfortably in the truck
that you are using to move it .
3. Equipment
You might want to consider a professional licensed piano
mover who has all the right equipment with crates, ramps,
blanket coverings, and pads ramps to prevent shock damage.
Check that all your equipment is capable to handle any
situation that might pop up during the move. It is essential
for the safety of the piano, and more importantly for the
safety of the people moving it. Here are some of the things
you will need.
- Heavy duty straps(nylon preferably).- Furniture dolly.-
Padding and plastic sheets to protect the piano.- Gloves.-
First aid kit (in case).
4. Protection
Most pianos have a sturdy lid that covers the keys. Before
moving the instrument, shut the lid and lock it in place. If
there is no locking mechanism, ensure that the lid is shut
so that the keys are not damaged during the moving process.
Protecting the piano is important because even the slightest
bump can cause damage to the instrument. Wrap the piano with
padding or blankets(especially the corners, and then secure
the padding with plastic and duct tape. Do not let the tape
touch the wood surface.
5. If you're moving the piano outside and transporting it on
a vehicle, cover it in plastic to protect it during the move.
-Make sure the lid is closed and securely locked and any
items on top of the piano are removed.
-Ensure the piano is accessible from all sides so it has the
maximum amount of support.
-Roll it where you can and lift gently over more difficult
surfaces such as carpet.
5. Moving
This is the most important part of the transportation
process. You should be very careful about how you plan to
move the piano. After all it is an expensive instrument and
one that will cost a fortune to repair. Most pianos have
legs that keep the instrument upright, but these legs are
the weakest area of the piano. Before moving it, try and
remove the legs(if they are detachable) so that they don't
break. This will even make it easier to move.
-Lift the piano and have someone place the dolly underneath
it.
-Fasten the piano to the dolly using the nylon straps.
- use piano skids to stop it from slipping, This works well
in slippery surfaces.
- Keep the piano upright at all times to maintain the proper
functioning of the inner mechanics.
-While moving the piano, all the people's have to work as a
team. Also, the moving equipment should be used properly.
There should be just the proper balance in carrying the
piano. It should not be allowed to wobble much from
left-to-right and from front-to-back when carrying it up or
down the steps.
7. Make sure the piano's path is clear so that there are no
obstructions.
-Move carefully and slowly; moving a piano slowly is the
best way to ensure that neither it nor any surrounding
people or items become collateral damage.
- You can buy special dollies intended for the sole purpose
of moving pianos. This does NOT mean that moving the piano
will be easier; it just means that it might make
transportation SLIGHTLY easier.
8. Loading and offloading
After you have successfully got the piano out of the room
and near the moving truck , you will need atleast three
people to get it on successfully.
- Have one person on the truck to guide and pull the piano
up the ramp.
- Two or more people should be behind to piano for pushing
it up.
- Using the dolly makes it easier to move the piano into the
truck.
- Once the instrument is in the truck, remove the dolly and
secure the piano properly with straps.
Here's what to do when getting the piano off the truck.
- Make sure all the straps are removed.
- Lift the piano and place the dolly underneath it.
- Have 3 helpers at the heavy end when rolling the piano
down and 1 or 2 helpers to keep it steady.
After your new piano is esconced in your new home, it's a
good idea to hire a piano tuner to come and tune your
instrument. A change in environment will often result in the
piano going out of tune, and the tuner will be able to
adjust your piano so that you get the best performance from
it. |
