Staircases
Regarding steps and moving any object of size , may present a higher degree of difficulty. More than just the steps itself , there may be a turn on staircase. If it is not a straight flight from the first step to the next floor, we would have turn to complete the staircase. Check gallery for pics like your stairs.
Needs tuning?
Yes the piano will need to be tuned after the move. Any time the piano is moved it changes the the tenseness of the strings , which effects the sound. Normally we suggest to tune the piano full week after new location to adjust to the new temperature of the room.
Are Pianos Affected by the Climate?
Yes, they definitely can be. IF the room is very humid during warmer months or is very dry with wood burning fireplaces, would be a situation to remedy. Being the piano is mostly wood, it is susceptible to environment. A good humidity is 35-40 %. There is also other recourse if the area has heaters directly near piano.
Post Market Additions
Which is an Upright?
Upright
An upright, also refereed to as a vertical piano, is a piano that has a harp that stands vertical. The harp is where the strings are and is in front of the soundboard. Please look to picture to see an upright.
There are several different types of upright: Full size , Console, Spinet and , Studio , are the most common uprights being produced. They all have a standard case style. The main difference in these would be the height of the piano.
Please click on picture to find your upright and some more information on different uprights.
Which is a Grand Piano?
Grand Pianos
A grand piano will have a horizontal Harp, meaning they are laid out in a larger circumference, area above the ground below it.The grand piano tends to have a rounded kidney / triangular shape, with 3 legs at key points for stability. They will range in many sizes , based mostly on the length fronm the keydeck to the opposite end , or the bow. They commonly range from a petite baby grand (under 5ft Length) to Concert grands, which can range from 7’1 to 14 ft (only a few in the world this large).
What i would use to qulaify a piano , for moving purposes at least, is a baby grand is 6 ft or shorter, semi concert grand from 6’1 to 7′ and concert grand from 7’1 to 9 ft. The reason we ask are for purpose of proper equipment needed, to pricing , to the degree of difficulty the move will entail.
This is the most common description of classic cabinet grand piano , but they do differ even further with special model pianos , to the inventors trying different ideas for pianos, please remember piano s are still technically in its infancy , only really making a standard ideology for pianos in the last 100 years or so .
For moving a grand piano we will use a piano skidboard/ stretcher to safely place the piano on its flat side and to remove the remaining legs. For a 5 ft piano we will use a 5ft or 6 ft board. over 6ft to 7ft we use a 7ft skid board. And for over 7ft we will use the 9ft skid board. There are few other practiced methods, which apply differently for circumstances. ie : when doing a C&A , where we would travel with an artist on tour, we likely use a chariot which is similar , with wheels attached to the board, and works out being this is the only piano the crew will being moving for the day, while touring with an artist.
Organs
Organs are also an instrument that we move regularly. Knowledge of moving organs is important , tho similar they are different from pianos. Organs have many different features. Organs have pedals and speakers/ Leslie that would need to be connected, a motor which may need to be secured, on some makes.
When moving an Organ, they tend to be more top heavy, than an Upright piano, which are harp heavy. Knowing how the weight is distributed , is important , being we will know what to expect from the organ when we are carrying. Have the understanding of what to expect, allows us to maneuver a tight turn, or staircases, to just basic transport from the truck to the door of entry.
For organs, we will sometimes use a specialized Organ dollies. These are similar to handtruck with specialized equipment. They will load on the sides of organ and then connect together with straps, which will fasten and bring the organ up onto the lips and be able to cautiously roll. This is sometimes used with the Hammond B3 organ being it will not sit on a normal moving dolly , without a tilt . Top heavy.
Unlike pianos, each maker does not have a standard guidelines that they make their product to. Some companies are larger keydecks, some companies make to a similar upright case , and others have their own basis for the entire case and organ all together. They have pump organs, mechanical organs , pipe organs , and now electric organs, all have evolved as technology has evolved. All require their own no how , when servicing and moving .
Organs are a precious part of the community and can bring joy to each household or congregation. We hope to help move them to where they would need to be , so more days may become great memories .
What do I do With an Older Piano?
Older Pianos
Organs are also an instrument that we move regularly. Knowledge of moving organs is important , tho similar they are different from pianos. Organs have many different features. Organs have pedals and speakers/ Leslie that would need to be connected, a motor which may need to be secured, on some makes.
When moving an Organ, they tend to be more top heavy, than an Upright piano, which are harp heavy. Knowing how the weight is distributed , is important , being we will know what to expect from the organ when we are carrying. Have the understanding of what to expect, allows us to maneuver a tight turn, or staircases, to just basic transport from the truck to the door of entry.
For organs, we will sometimes use a specialized Organ dollies. These are similar to handtruck with specialized equipment. They will load on the sides of organ and then connect together with straps, which will fasten and bring the organ up onto the lips and be able to cautiously roll. This is sometimes used with the Hammond B3 organ being it will not sit on a normal moving dolly , without a tilt . Top heavy.
Unlike pianos, each maker does not have a standard guidelines that they make their product to. Some companies are larger keydecks, some companies make to a similar upright case , and others have their own basis for the entire case and organ all together. They have pump organs, mechanical organs , pipe organs , and now electric organs, all have evolved as technology has evolved. All require their own no how , when servicing and moving .
Organs are a precious part of the community and can bring joy to each household or congregation. We hope to help move them to where they would need to be , so more days may become great memories .
The more details you provide about your piano and location, the more accurate we can make your estimate.
Contact MMS Piano Movers today to schedule your move and experience professional piano moving done right.