Piano Moving - Can I move it with my buddy?
Posted on Wed, May 04, 2011
Get that thought out of your head. The last thing you want to do is to get injured, damage the piano or house. Piano’s can range from 300 to 2,000 pounds. Hiring an expert piano mover will save you in the long run. Not every mover is an expert with pianos. You want to look for a mover who specializes in moving pianos. Ask how many pianos they move in a week. Ask how they protect the piano during the move.
There are many types of pianos, all with different handling needs. Make sure your mover is experienced in handling these needs.
If your mover tells you that your piano won't fit up or down the stairway, listen to them. (sometimes stairways have been remodeled after the piano is in place) You may need piano rigging out a window or basement hatchway. These types of moves should only be done by the experienced mover. Remember, after a piano is moved it will need to be tuned by a piano tuner. When all is said and done, you'll be glad you hired a professional. You will be able to continue enjoying that piano you treasure most.
Piano’s comes in many different styles, designs, shapes and sizes. Pianos have two basic categories: the vertical and horizontal pianos. To help inform your mover on what type of piano you have, see below list provided by about.com.
Vertical Pianos
They are called vertical pianos because of their height and the position of the strings.
The height of these piano types ranges from 36 to 60 inches. There are 4 types:
Spinet - With its height of around 36 to 38 inches, and an approximate width of 58 inches, spinets are the smallest of the pianos. Given its size, it is the popular choice of many people who live in limited living spaces such as apartments.
Console - Slightly larger than the spinet, its height ranges from 40 to 43 inches and is approximately 58 inches wide. This type of piano comes in various styles and finishes. So if you're particular about your furniture complementing, consoles give you a variety of choices.
Studio - This is the kind of piano you usually see in music schools and music studios. It is around 45 to 48 inches in height and has a width of approximately 58 inches. Because of its larger soundboard and longer strings, it produces good tone quality and is very durable.
Upright - This is the tallest among the vertical pianos, with a height ranging from 50 to 60 inches and an approximate width of 58 inches. This is the type of piano your great grandparents or grandparents used to play. When cared for properly, it stands the test of time and maintains its rich tone.
Horizontal Pianos
Also known as grand pianos. They are called horizontal pianos because of their length and the placement of their strings. Grand pianos are said to produce finer tones and has the most responsive key action. There are 6 basic types:
Petite Grand - This is the smallest of the horizontal pianos. It ranges in size from 4 feet 5 inches to 4 feet 10 inches. It is indeed small but still powerful.
Baby Grand - A very popular type of piano which ranges in size from 4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 6 inches. Baby Grand’s are a popular choice because of its sound quality, aesthetic appeal and affordability.
Medium Grand – Is larger than the baby grand at around 5 feet and 7 inches.
Parlor Grand - These ranges in size from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 1 inch. The parlor grand piano is also called living room grand piano.
Semi-Concert or Ballroom - Next size up from the Parlor Grand piano, it is approximately 6 feet 2 inches to 7 feet long.
Concert Grand - At around 9 feet, this is the largest of all the grand pianos.