How to Move a Player Piano

Moving a player piano can be a difficult task. Many piano owners hire professionals to do this, but it can be attempted at home with the help of some good friends. Player pianos have complex and delicate internal mechanisms that can be easily broken if jarred too much, so extreme care must be taken when attempting any move. They are also very heavy instruments and can cause or worsen back injuries.

Instructions

1. Select a new location for your player piano, making sure the location is away from heating and cooling vents.

2. Remove any objects from around your player piano so that it is accessible on as many sides as possible.

3. Position people on each side of the piano and move it in a vertical line so as not to disrupt any of the piano's internal components.

4. Move the instrument very slowly, just inches at a time. Be sure that you and your helpers lift with your knees to avoid serious back injury as pianos are heavy pieces of equipment.

5. Lift the piano's legs over bumps in the floor or entryways one leg at a time to help accommodate the weight of the piano and to protect the piano's internal structure.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to move a player piano or any piano if you have back problems.

References

• Player Piano Care: Basic Rules of Player Piano Care