Heavy, fragile, made up of many parts that can be a challenge to restore or add to. What are we talking about? Pianos! Centuries-old or brand-new, traditional grand pianos, sleek digital pianos straight from the music shop, pianos for everyday practice, as well as pianos of great sentimental value - they all have a few things in common, that mean that they need to be well prepared for transport.
Transporting a piano can be a complicated and time-consuming task, but with the right preparation you can minimise the risk of damage to your instrument. Here are some steps you should follow to prepare your piano for transportation:
Secure the keyboard:
Close the keyboard lid and lock it if possible. The lid can be further secured with adhesive tape to avoid accidental opening during transportation.
Remove the legs:
Most pianos have removable legs that must be unscrewed before transporting. Mark the legs so that you can easily fit them back in place after transport. Wrap the legs with protective material or bubble wrap to avoid scratching or damage.
Secure the piano:
Wrap the piano with protective material such as bubble wrap, blankets or removal mats. Try to cover the entire surface of the instrument, paying special attention to the corners and edges. Secure the wrapped piano with adhesive tape to prevent the protective material from slipping.
Prepare a trolley for transporting the piano:
The piano should be transported on a special piano transportation trolley. If you do not have such a trolley, you can hire one or have it transported by a specialist removal company.
Secure the piano on the trolley:
Move the piano onto the trolley, trying to keep the instrument balanced. Make sure the piano is stable on the trolley and secure it with transport straps.
Load the piano into the vehicle:
It is best to transport the piano in a delivery vehicle or a truck with a lift. With help from others, gently bring the piano inside the vehicle, trying to avoid sudden movements or jolts.
Secure the piano in the vehicle:
The piano should be placed in the back of the vehicle, preferably along the wall. Use the transport straps to prevent the instrument from moving during the journey. Fill the space around the piano with shock-absorbing material.
Transportation:
Be careful when transporting the piano, avoid sudden braking or acceleration and driving on bumpy roads. Remember that the piano is a delicate instrument, so it is advisable to take extra care when transporting it.
Unloading the piano:
Once you have reached your destination, gently unload the piano from the vehicle with the help of other people and a piano transportation trolley. Make sure that the trolley is stable and the piano is not in danger of tipping over when leaving the vehicle.
Setting up the piano at its destination:
Remove the protective materials from the piano and transport it to the place where the instrument will stand. Place the piano on level ground, in a place not exposed to direct sunlight or proximity to heat sources. Screw the legs in place according to the markings made before dismantling.
Acclimatising the piano:
After transporting the piano, allow it to acclimatise to its new surroundings. Changes in temperature and humidity can affect the wooden structure and the tuning of the instrument. It is recommended to wait at least a few days before tuning the piano.
Piano tuning:
Once the instrument is acclimatised, have the piano tuned by a professional piano tuner. Transportation and a change in weather conditions can affect its tuning, so it's a good idea to take care of tuning your piano after transporting it to a new location.
Transporting a piano can be a challenge, but careful preparation and caution during transit will greatly reduce the risk of damage to the instrument. If you feel unsure about transporting your piano, consider hiring a professional piano removal company that specialises in transporting these types of fragile items.
Ideally, there should be no staircase to negotiate. However, in many situations you have to carry the piano down a few floors first - this is the hardest part. A minimum of 3-4 people should carry the piano by grabbing the special handles on the sides and the keyboard bench.
When carrying the piano down the stairs, it is best to use the straps, but if you don't have them, remember to keep the correct posture. Most often a transportation trolley is used to carry the piano from place to place.
If you have different kinds of terrain along the way, it is a good idea to use ramps that the piano can ride up or down on the trolley. When bringing the piano into the vehicle, lean one (short) side of the piano against the floor of the bus and then slide it inside. There is definitely less fatigue if you use a ramp or car lift.
Remember! The greatest weight is borne by those who go down the stairs first. It is a good idea to take breaks, stopping every step or every few steps, in order to check the piano's positioning and, if necessary, to prevent bumps and splinters.
Choosing between a transport company and a courier depends on your individual needs, budget and the level of commitment you want to put into the process of transporting your piano. Here are some of the differences between the two options:
Transport company:
Transport companies specialising in removals are often experienced in transporting heavy and fragile items such as pianos. They may offer a full package service, including dismantling, packing, loading, transporting, unloading and assembling the piano.
Advantages:
Professional preparation and protection of the piano for transportation.
Having the right equipment and vehicles for transporting pianos.
Insuring the items during transport.
Disadvantages:
Potentially higher costs than using a courier service.
The need to fit in with the transport company's schedule.
Courier:
If you choose a courier, you will need to secure the piano yourself for transportation and the courier will only be responsible for transporting the instrument. Some courier companies may offer a service to transport heavy and unusual items, but this may require additional charges.
Advantages:
Usually lower cost than transport companies.
Flexibility in choosing pick-up and delivery times.
Disadvantages:
Lack of specialist equipment and experience in transporting pianos.
Need to secure the instrument yourself for transport.
Potentially lower levels of insurance for items in transit.
In summary, if you are looking for a full service and want to ensure that your piano is transported in a professional manner, it is worth considering hiring a specialist piano transport company. However, if you are able to secure the instrument for transport yourself and budget is a key factor, using a courier service may be a more cost-effective solution.
The weight and dimensions of a piano depend on its type and model. Pianos can be divided into two main types: upright pianos (cabinet, pillar) and grand pianos (baby grand, concert grand). Here are the average weights and dimensions for each of these types:
Pianos:
The weight of an upright piano depends on the height of the cabinet and the construction and materials used to make it. Below are the average values for the different categories of upright pianos:
Console piano (smallest): approx. 100-150 kg
Studio piano: approx. 180-250 kg
Pillar piano (largest): approx. 250-400 kg
The dimensions of upright pianos also depend on the model, but can generally be assumed to be about 150 cm wide, about 60-70 cm deep and between 100 cm (console) and 130 cm (pillar) high.
Grand pianos:
The weight and dimensions of grand pianos are much greater than pianos, due to their horizontal construction and larger resonator.
Baby grand piano (small): approx. 225-300 kg
Medium grand piano: approx. 300-500 kg
Grand piano: approx. 500-800 kg
Concert grand piano (largest): may be over 800 kg
The dimensions of piano pianos depend on the length and width of the case and the size of the resonator. Average values are between 150 cm (small) and 275 cm (concert) in length and approximately 150 cm in width.
It is worth noting that the values given are indicative and may vary depending on the specific piano model, manufacturer and materials used. Before transporting your piano, it is advisable to check its exact dimensions and weight in its technical documentation or on the manufacturer's website.
There are a number of reputable piano brands on the market that have gained recognition among professional musicians and amateurs alike. Here are some of the most popular and respected piano brands in the world:
Steinway & Sons: an American company with a long tradition of manufacturing upright and grand pianos. Considered one of the best brands on the market, often chosen by famous pianists and music conservatories.
Yamaha: a Japanese company producing both upright pianos and pianofortes. Yamaha is a well-known and respected manufacturer of musical instruments, and their pianos are prized for their good sound quality and reliability.
Yamaha: a Japanese company producing both upright pianos and pianofortes. Yamaha is a well-known and respected manufacturer of musical instruments, and their pianos are prized for their good sound quality and reliability.
Kawai: another Japanese brand that is renowned for producing high-quality upright and grand pianos. Kawai offers a wide range of models that vary in price and features, but are consistently valued for their sound quality and precision workmanship.
Bösendorfer: an Austrian company with a rich history that produces luxury upright pianos. Bösendorfer is often regarded as one of the most prestigious piano brands, renowned for its exceptional sound quality and beautiful cases.
Fazioli: an Italian company producing exclusive pianos that are exceptional in sound quality and appearance. Fazioli pianos are prized by professionals and are often chosen for their extraordinary tone and dynamics.
Bechstein: a German company with a long tradition in the production of upright and grand pianos. Bechstein pianos are highly regarded for their sound quality, reliability and elegant design.
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