Comments on: How to Move a Piano

on 6/20/2008 Pianos should not be moved on there back as this can damage the internal workings. They can however be moved on there end. This can be benificial for manouvering around tight starwells or anywhere where there is limited turning space. (Information is for upright pianos only)

on 1/31/2008 What damage, if any, can be done to an upright piano it is transported flat on its back in the bed of a truck?

on 1/9/2008 Can an upright piano be moved on it back?

on 4/12/2008 Moving an upright orchestral grand piano from house to house:

What you will need:
1 x Hydraulic Lift Gate Truck ($30 for overnight rental)
2 x 4 wheeled furniture/piano dollies
6 x Moving furniture pads
8 x Medium weight ratcheting straps

1. Lift one end of the piano being sure to use the built in lift points. Place this end on one of the dollies.
2. Lift the other end of the piano using the built in lift points Place this end on the other dolly.
3. Drape the piano with the furniture pads to prevent rubbing and scratching. A felt blanket, that is free of debris, should be used for highly polished pianos.
4. Secure the piano to each dolly strapping completely around and under the dolly so that the strap secures the dolly to the piano.
5. Run a strap across the key lid and down under both dollies. This will secure the lid and the dollies from moving during transport.
6. Piano should be freely movable now over most surfaces. The piano will remain secured this way for the rest of the journey. The rubber or inflated wheels also act as a vibration and shock dampening during transport.
7. Wheel piano to hydraulic lift.
8. Raise lift with one or more persons securing piano on lift. Do NOT leave piano unattended at any time.
9. Wheel piano to the farthest forward part of the truck. Center piano with the back of the piano against the farthest forward wall.
10. Strap piano to walls with 2 straps making certain that forward and side to side motion is COMPLETELY prevented.
11. Reverse procedure for moving piano into new home.

on 11/22/2005 Get one person at each end of the piano, fold the lid back and have one person pull back on that panel and lean back, while the other person lifts the other side of the piano to it's balance point. The person pulling back will make it a lot easier for the person lifting. This technique will allow you to get a piano trolley under the piano properly (uprights only).

on 11/22/2005 Pianos are knocked out of tune very easily. If a perfect pitch is a priority for you, consider getting your piano tuned after the piano has endured any significant moves or has gone over small bumps during a move.

on 11/22/2005 Piano dollies (four large casters mounted on a sturdy frame) are usually available for rent from do-it-yourself centers (same place you'd rent a tractor or floor sander). The dolly simplifies moving an upright piano while protecting the floor.