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Secrets of the Piano Movers

Secrets of the Piano Movers

Secrets of the piano movers by Britannia Sandersteads

When moving home, it goes without saying that all of your possessions need to be transported carefully and safely to avoid any damage. However, there are certain items that require an extra degree of care, or specialist practices to keep them in pristine condition while they travel between homes, and pianos certainly fall into this category. There are several different types of pianos, and each one requires specialist care when being transported.

pianos

Large upright pianos

These are the biggest pianos available. The tallest upright pianos can reach 60 inches in height, and they weigh a staggering 800lbs, so they are not something anyone can move by themselves.

Small Grand pianos

The smallest of the grand piano family measures at around 54 inches in length (not even as long as the large upright is tall!) These pianos weigh between 500-600lbs, which, despite being much lighter than an upright piano, is still far too heavy to be moved by anything less than a team of people!

Grand pianos

Grand pianos can be as long as 108 inches – these concert pianos weigh between 1000-1200lbs. To move these behemoths, sometimes an elevator is used, to which the piano is hooked, because the sheer weight and size of these instruments makes it near impossible for a removals team to lift and carry it safely.

Electric Piano Upright Piano Grand Piano
Weight C. 60kg (132lbs) 136-226kg (300-500lbs) 360-545kg (800-1200lbs)
Dimensions 91 x 21 x 60cm

36” x 8.4” x 23.6”

121 x 150 x 58cm

48” x 59” x 23”

152 x 190 x 101cm

48” x 59” x 58”

Starting price from new £400+ £2,000+ £15,000+

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Liberace’s piano

This is a whole different level to other pianos. This instrument, made especially for Liberace himself, was an incredible 12 feet long, weighing 1500lbs! The reason the piano was three feet longer than a standard grand piano is that Liberace knew that bass notes are improved by longer pianos.

One of his most famous pianos was adorned with rhinestones and decorated with peacock feathers – so you can imagine that this already prestigious instrument had its value and fragility increased exponentially!

Whilst we have never moved a piano like this ourselves, it truly was a one of a kind and gives you an idea of how fabulous these instruments can be.

liberace

Piano casters

Casters is the name for the small metal wheels at the bottom of the piano legs. However, they are not designed to be used for transporting the piano; they are purely decorative. If you do attempt to roll the piano on the casters, you may well damage hardwood flooring or tear carpeting. Over time, the casters will weaken, so pushing an older piano is particularly risky – the legs of grand pianos and upright pianos can be broken if pushed on casters.

Piano dolly

A piano dolly is the perfect way to transport a piano, for a number of reasons. The weight of the instrument is supported centrally, so there is minimal human strength required, as the weight is perfectly balanced. Grand pianos and upright pianos should be balanced on their sides for maximum ease of movement.

Before putting them on the dolly, the pianos must be taken apart – that is to say, three legs, the lid, the lyre and the music rack must be removed – and then placed on their longest side, onto a piano shoe.

Once the piano is on the removals truck – this will involve some very careful lifting and tilting, especially if stairs are involved – then it will be strapped into place securely to be moved to your new home, where the dolly process begins again!

piano movers

Sandersteads Removals are experts in piano removals,offering first rate services for jobs of all sizes. Our friendly team are always happy to help you, so please get in touch with us today to find out more.

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