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So I've finally bought a piano. It's a 5'1" Kawai. I plan to move it myself. I understand we will be taking the legs, peddles and top off. Any other advice. Will parts come loose when it is turned on it's side?

Wilf

Get a professional. The life you save may be your own, as well as the piano's.

I agree with BDB, get someone that's experienced in moving them.

I completely agree with the advice offered above, Wilf. It simply is not a good idea, especially after the investment in the purchase. You'd need equipment, and skills, that the internet will not provide. Please consider having a professional assist in your move.

Sincerely,

I moved my first grand in grad school. I had some verbal suggestions from a tech and a couple of guys and a tolerant helpful wife. I borrowed the piano board from the college and a dolly as well. It went pretty much without a hitch. Just remember not to allow the piano to rest on the lid hinges or the lid, lest you tear the hinges out of the case when the long part of the piano gets laid over and onto the piano board. As a newbie mover you might ponder removing both the lid and hinges just in case. It DOES help to see pros do this at least once. None of it is rocket science, but like many things, "easy for men that know how."

Why? Are you trying to save money? I watched three pretty strong guys struggle to get my piano into my house. I would also suggest not risk damaging the piano or your safety. And even if you get in safely, it really doesn't look like fun.

It will cost $500.00 and I figure it will take about four hours. Do you have to go to piano moving school? It seems to me that most movers aren't too bright and they don't likely care about my piano as much as I do. I moved my 1 1/4" slate pool table and set it up very successfully. That was estimated at similar cost.

Time is also an issue here. The people have to move in a few days and the movers in this area are booked because of the recent flooding.

A two man job if you know what you are doing.

Remember, when a piano starts moving you won't stop it.

Good luck!

Yes indeed. Two men, not really strong looking moved my grand with ease but they KNOW what they are doing. So no, you dont need to go to "piano movers school" but if you mess up you'll wish you have paid for movers so people here is showing interest on your well being and your piano, no need for attitude I think.
In any case, good luck.

If you've never moved or assisted in moving a piano before, or borrowed equipment from a mover to do the job, I would advise against doing it yourself.

Even with experienced movers, the most common issues I've experienced are related to the structure and functionality of the pedals/lyre.

I'm notorious for DIY projects, and I like to learn and try new things; having said that, and having been involved in the move of a couple of grand pianos, I'd say hire the pros for this one.

I've moved a few uprights, without a problem, but you need special equipment for a grand; more than a furniture/piano dolly. You'll need a 6’ skid-board, quilts, tie down straps and some tools/sockets to disassemble the legs and lyre. And, you will definitely need some help.

You shouldn’t have to remove the lid, but I’ve been told it is best to remove the music desk and transport it separately rather than leave it in the piano. The lid should be secured closed with large rubber bands or nylon strap, as well as the fall board, if it doesn’t have a working lock.

Once the lid and fall board are secured/strapped closed, and the lyre removed, position the skid board near the left of the piano (long side); have someone remove the left front leg while lifting/supporting the corner; once the leg is removed, lower the corner down to the skid board. Next, lift the right side of the piano up so it rests securely on the skid board, (edge of lid off to the side of skid board); remove the right and rear legs; rap it with blankets/quilts. Make sure the piano is strapped securely to the skid board. Next, lift one side of the skid board and place the dolly underneath. It can now be rolled out to the truck or wherever. Follow the reverse for reassembly.

This is what I remember.

Good luck!

Rick

I realize the risks. I'm not trying to be flippant, but realistically, people who do this for a living weren't born knowing the secrets. That is why I asked for advice. I am an electro-mechanical technician and I run a fabrication shop where we work with large finely finished high priced painted products all the time. There is no forgiveness for making mistakes in my business. If movers were more readily available I would probably have them do it but we had the biggest flood in Alberta history two weeks ago with 14,000 people being forced out of their homes. Half are still out and every truck in the area plus many from out of town are committed to massive cleanup activity. If interested, google " High River flood."

Thanks for your advice and input.

Wilf

I quit watching my movers when they were bringing it in (didn't want to add any additional pressure) but someone had to hold the piano up while someone else went under to bolt in the legs? I can't even imagine. My piano is 740 lbs, how is that even possible? I think I've seen someone at the gym curl about 150lbs which I thought was pretty amazing. Maybe there's some trick.

Here, found some YouTube videos:
http://www.youtube.com/results?
search_query=how+to+move+a+grand+piano&oq=move+a+grand+piano

Good luck!

You just identified yourself as part of a very high risk group for piano disasters: someone who has significant expertise in their field and assumes that expertise transfers to other fields.

Hire a professional mover.

I know someone who is a professional automobile technician (and a very good one, over 30 years experience and has held about every certification). Good thing we had some paddles in the boat when we tested the boat motor he fixed. Long time rowing back to shore.

One person doesn't lift the whole piano at once, and you're using more muscle groups than just the biceps.

Condolences to everyone in your area, I hope you and yours are safe.

Every piano mover I've interacted with was a specialist that moved only pianos. So they weren't out moving couches and entertainment centers. So perhaps the disaster wouldn't have as much impact on the piano movers as it would first seem. Or... perhaps every person forced out of their home has a huge grand piano they're trying to get out...

I watched one man (professional mover) alone move my 5'10" Kawai from one room to the next using a skid board and/or dolly. When reassembling, he lifted the piano with his back but needed me to slip the final caster into the left front leg. I agree with everyone who suggests you hire a piano mover.

Musicpassion,

Thanks for your concern and advice.

Since you asked, yes we are safe. Four people lost their lives, in the vicinity. I live 300 yards from the river. My Mom and Dad were evacuated out of High River and have had to find new lodgings.

Although It may be possible to find one, the majority of movers are booked until the end of the month. This piano has to mover in the next week. My tech tells me there were a lot of pianos affected and they will be very busy over the coming months dealing with the ones that are salvageable.

As for transferable experience, I move and install sleepers on vehicles worth half a million dollars. These units are about the size of a large grand. The work involves risking damaging them when working in confined spaces. We use padding, straps, muscle power, skids etc. as required. As a side note, I am a gliding instructor and part of that sport involves regularly moving, disassembling, reassembling and working on high performance sailplanes worth 150,000.00. A small mishap last year cost us 6,500.00. So I do
understand the risks.

Thanks again for your concern. We will be careful.

Ok - glad you're safe.

If there's no other option then best suggestion I have is to watch several videos about it.

This one is particularly good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?annota...mp;src_vid=vs-zc8XWTKM&v=Lz9vpRg2OQo

I think all modern pedal lyres can support the piano in the way shown in this video, but some historic ones can't.

Most pianos I've seen do use a wooden "lever" to hold on the legs, so be sure to have the rubber mallet. When you reassemble this type, strike the the wooden "lever" with sufficient force to ensure the leg is well attached. I've seen some DIYers with wobbly piano legs. This could be very dangerous. Think children crawling under your piano when you install the legs.

You will need the piano skid, as shown in the video, and obviously one could be crafted easily enough.

Again, I don't actually reccomend anyone do this on their own. Console or spinet pianos, ok. But a grand...

If you have no other options it can be done - let us know how it turns out.