A pianoforte is a large and heavy instrument that requires special transport conditions. Any movement of a pianoforte, either within or between buildings, must be carried out very carefully and professionally to avoid damage to the instrument. Transporting a pianoforte is a complicated process and requires proper preparation.
Preparing a pianoforte for transport requires care and precision to minimise the risk of damage. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a pianoforte for transport:
Securing the keyboard: Close the keyboard cover and lock it if possible. If the lid doesn't have a lock, you can use adhesive tape to secure it, but make sure it doesn't leave glue marks on the surface of the pianoforte.
Removing the legs: remove the pianoforte's legs if possible. On some models they may be permanently attached to the body of the instrument. Mark the legs (e.g. with stickers) so that they can be easily reinstalled after transport.
Preparing the pianoforte to be moved: Prepare the piano trolley that will be used to move the instrument. Make sure the trolley is stable and appropriately sized for the pianoforte.
Scrolling the pianoforte: Scroll the pianoforte using foam tubes, furniture blankets or other soft materials to protect its surface from mechanical damage. Pay particular attention to securing the corners, which are most vulnerable to damage.
Securing materials: Attach the securing materials to the pianoforte using adhesive tape or other suitable securing devices. Make sure the materials are securely attached, but not too tightly so as not to damage the surface of the pianoforte.
Moving the pianoforte: With the help of several people, gently move the pianoforte onto the piano trolley. Make sure the instrument is stable on the trolley and there is no risk of it tipping over during transport.
Loading the pianoforte: Gently load the pianoforte into a transport vehicle such as a van or truck. The piano should be placed in the vehicle on a pianoforte trolley to make it easier to move.
Securing the pianoforte in the vehicle: Secure the pianoforte in the vehicle with lashing straps or other suitable restraints. Make sure the instrument is stable and there is no risk of it shifting during transport.
Unloading the pianoforte: Once you have reached your destination, gently unload the pianoforte from the vehicle using a piano trolley. Take care to avoid unevenness, which can cause the pianoforte to move uncontrollably.
Moving the pianoforte to its destination: Move the pianoforte to the room where it is to be placed, taking care to avoid unevenness, thresholds and other obstacles that may impede the movement of the instrument.
Mounting the leg: Mount the legs back onto the pianoforte according to the markings you placed earlier. Make sure all screws are tight and the legs are stable.
Removing the securing material: Remove all protective materials from the pianoforte, including adhesive tape, furniture blankets, foam and other materials. Check the surface of the instrument for any damage that may have occurred during transport.
Piano tuning: Once the pianoforte has been transported, it is a good idea to book a tuning service for the instrument from a professional tuner. Transport can affect the pianoforte's tuning, so it is important to adjust it to its new surroundings.
It is worth noting that transporting a pianoforte can be difficult and risky, especially if you are inexperienced in moving heavy and fragile items. If this is the case, you may want to consider hiring a specialist transport company that is experienced in transporting pianos and pianofortes.
Moving a pianoforte from home to car is a process that requires precision, strength and the right equipment. Here's what you'll need to move a pianoforte and a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Equipment needed to move the pianoforte:
Piano trolley: A special trolley for moving heavy instruments such as pianofortes, which is equipped with large wheels and soft pads to protect the instrument from damage.
Fastening straps: These are used to secure the pianoforte on the trolley and to hold the instrument while moving it.
Furniture blankets, foam tubes or other soft materials: To protect the surface of the pianoforte from damage during transport.
A team of people to assist: Moving a pianoforte usually requires at least 3-4 people who are experienced in moving heavy and fragile objects.
Step-by-step on how to move a pianoforte from home to car:
Prepare the pianoforte for transport as previously described (securing the keyboard, removing the leg, etc.).
Move the piano trolley to the pianoforte's location. Make sure the trolley is stable and well secured.
With the help of several people, gently lift the pianoforte, trying to keep the instrument balanced. If necessary, use lashing straps to help move the pianoforte.
Carefully place the pianoforte on the piano trolley. Make sure the instrument is stable and there is no risk of tipping over.
Secure the pianoforte on the trolley using the fixing straps. Make sure that the straps are well tensioned, but not too tight so as not to damage the surface of the pianoforte.
Move the pianoforte on the trolley through the house, trying to avoid bumps, thresholds and other obstacles that may impede the movement of the instrument. If necessary, additional people can be asked to help open doors or clear obstacles out of the way.
When you reach the car, gently load the pianoforte onto the loading platform using a piano trolley. Make sure the pianoforte is stable and there is no risk of it shifting during transport
Remember that moving a pianoforte can be difficult and risky, especially if you are inexperienced in moving heavy and fragile objects. If this is the case, you may want to consider hiring a specialist transport company that is experienced in transporting pianos and pianofortes. A professional company will have the right equipment and a team of skilled workers, which will minimise the risk of damage to the instrument during transport.
Transporting a pianoforte is a process that requires a lot of commitment and the right approach to minimise the risk of damage to your valuable instrument. The choice between a courier service or a specialist transport company depends on the individual needs and expectations of the instrument owner.
Courier companies usually deal with the transportation of a variety of items and do not necessarily specialise in handling such delicate and heavy instruments as pianofortes. For this reason, when using the services of a courier company, it is important to bear in mind that the staff may not have the necessary experience and knowledge regarding the safe transport of pianofortes. However, some courier companies do offer musical instrument transport services, which may be an option for those looking for a cheaper option.
On the other hand, specialist transport companies offer pianoforte transport services with more precision, attention to detail and professionalism. They have qualified staff and the right equipment, such as piano trolleys, lashing straps and furniture blankets, which are essential for the safe transport of the instrument. In addition, specialist transport companies often offer additional services such as insurance or assistance in preparing the instrument for transport.
The choice between these two options should be based on factors such as budget, the need for a specialist service and the pianoforte owner's level of involvement in the transport process. If budget is a key factor and the instrument owner is able to prepare the instrument for transport themselves and monitor the transport process, a courier service may be a suitable option.
However, if the safety of the instrument and professionalism in handling is a priority, it is worth considering hiring a specialist transport company. With more experience in transporting pianofortes, such a company will be able to better protect the instrument from damage and guarantee greater precision and attention to detail throughout the process.
The dimensions of a pianoforte vary depending on the model of the instrument. The height of a pianoforte is usually between 90 and 130 cm, the width is between 140 and 180 cm, while the depth oscillates between 50 and 70 cm. The size of the piano usually affects its weight, which is why the weight of a pianoforte varies from around 150 to 600 kg. The weights of concert pianofortes, which are larger and more elaborate, can reach up to 1,000 kg.
It is worth noting that the weight of a pianoforte depends not only on its size, but also on the materials from which it is made. The weight of the instrument can also vary depending on the presence or absence of a piano leg. Most pianofortes have three legs, which can be removed prior to transport to make the instrument easier to carry.
When you are preparing a pianoforte for transport, it is important to accurately measure its dimensions and weight in order to choose the right equipment and transport methods. If transporting the piano through a door, make sure the door is large enough to accommodate the instrument without damaging the pianoforte surface and walls. If transporting over longer distances, it is also important to ensure that there is adequate protection, such as restraining straps, to prevent the instrument from shifting during transport.
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