An introduction to piano diversity and their move
The world of pianos is as diverse and beautiful as the music that is created from them. From its inception at the turn of the 18th century by Italian musician and craftsman Bartolomeo Cristifori, the piano has been a world symbol for art, complex eloquence, and the deepest form of human expression through note and sound.
There are many types of pianos, each with unique sizes, forms, and sometimes shapes, and it is important to know how to best move each kind so that nothing gets damaged in the process. While this is supposed to be an educational piano moving asset, we recommend you only move your piano with experienced professionals who can guarantee its and your safety, like the trained and dedicated team at Perfect Moving.
Remember, for all pianos (and large objects): if you try to move anything, first be sure to measure all dimensions of both the piano and all doorways/rooms/stairs that it may go through! Planning and safety first! That being said, the most safe planning is to always first call Perfect Moving.
Grand pianos (and baby grands)
Grand pianos are the masters of the piano universe, teeming in their respective size, stature, musical power, and high value. And we really mean ‘Grand’: the smallest of the genre, a ‘Baby Grand’ piano, usually sits at around five feet long, a regulation grand piano often sits at seven feet, and a ‘Concert Grand’ can sit at around nine feet. That’s quite the moving job, but no sweat.
A mover needs tools, first and foremost, to successfully and safely move a grand piano. For any and all types and specific sizes and shapes of grand pianos, one must safely unscrew the lid of the piano, its legs, and the lyre (the extending part which houses the foot-pedals).
Once these are all taken off and safely wrapped, the piano can be put safely on its flat side, carefully wrapped in wrapping and moving blankets, onto a moving dolly, to the moving van, and very carefully placed on the bed. Be sure to place the body separate from the parts so no one bumps into each other. Once the piano is very safely and securely strapped onto the bed, we’re set for takeoff! Drive safe, and then reassembly can be carefully done when at the desired location. Front and side legs get assembled first, and when the piano is safely stood up, then the lyre and lid can go back on. Now, it’s ready to play (assuming it’s been tuned, of course).
Upright Piano
An upright piano may be physically smaller, lighter, and less cumbersome than any kind of grand piano, (the average upright piano stands at a bit less than 60 by 60 by 25), but moving one safely is still no small feat. Because the upright piano has a smaller lid, no individual legs, and a built in lyre, there are no extraneous parts to disassemble. This takes some stress and preparation out of the process, but it also means that when moving, you are handling the piano in its entirety, and with all of its weight, usually around 500-800 pounds.
Moving the upright piano can prove to be a physically demanding task, but it is technically simple and doable if you’re professionals like us. Get a moving trolley ready (one which can comfortably hold the upright piano upright with no hesitations, and lots of moving wrapping paper and specialty blankets on hand.
There are not going to be any parts to disassemble, so simply lay a blanket on the trolley so the floor of the piano doesn’t get scratched, take a few strong men and/or women with good cores and healthy posture, wrap the top and sides of he piano with the wrapping and blankets and lift the piano upright to the trolley.
Now, the piano is moved to the truck where it is laid upright carefully on the bed, and securely strapped in from each side. Drive carefully, and when you reach your destination, all there is to do is set the piano in its place and play your heart out.
Electrical Pianos and Equipment
Now, now, let’s not leave our modern and electric piano friends out of the equation! Thankfully, the average electric keyboard is smaller, lighter, and more accessible than an upright or grand piano, so this move is simpler and easier physically, but there are still important things to note.
Make sure to completely condense the keyboard, and if the stand completely separates, then do that. As with moving all electrical equipment, turn everything off and take out its batteries before wrapping it up for the move. Now, you can wrap each individual piece with blankets or specialty bubble wrap and set them aside in the moving van in a place where nothing can fall on them or hurt them.
Why Perfect Moving is the best for all
Whether you’re moving a fleet of concert grand pianos, just one grand piano, an upright piano, or just have your electric keyboard along for the ride when moving your house or studio, there’s no one better for the job than Perfect Moving. With our trained, dedicated, and elite team of movers, you can rest assured that your piano will get to its new home spotless, scratchless, and ready to play in the same condition it was before.
No matter the task, call Perfect Moving to get it moved efficiently and the right way. Your piano will thank you!
