We’ve all seen those scenes in movies where a beautiful baby grand piano is being carefully hoisted up into an apartment window or delicately moved across a room. It’s no secret that moving such an elegant and complex instrument can be a challenging task, even for the most experienced movers. Whether you’re upgrading your living space or simply reorganizing, relocating a baby grand piano requires meticulous planning, proper equipment, and attention to detail.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through the entire process of moving a baby grand piano safely and efficiently. From gathering the necessary tools to disassembling, transporting, and reassembling your prized possession – we’ve got you covered!
Gathering the Right Tools
Before starting any part of the moving process, it’s crucial to gather all of the necessary tools and materials. Here are some items that will be essential in ensuring a smooth move for your baby grand piano:
- Piano board: Also known as a skid board, this specialized piece of equipment helps distribute weight evenly while protecting both the piano’s delicate inner workings and its exterior finish.
- Moving straps: These sturdy straps will help secure your piano onto the board during transportation.
- Furniture dolly: A large dolly with rubber wheels ensures easy movement across floors without causing damage.
- Soft padding or blankets: Protective padding will prevent scratches on surfaces during disassembly and transport.
- Tools for disassembly: You’ll need various wrenches (including one specifically designed for pianos), pliers, screwdrivers, and possibly allen keys depending on your specific model.
- Stretch wrap/plastic wrap: This helps protect against dust particles settling inside the instrument when it’s being moved.
Once you have everything together, make sure to clear out enough space around your piano for easy access during disassembly and packing.
Preparing the Piano for Disassembly
Before you begin taking apart your baby grand piano, it’s important to take a few precautionary steps:
- Take photos: Documenting each step of the process will make reassembling your piano much easier.
- Protect the floor: Lay down a large blanket or moving pad under your piano to protect both the instrument and your floors.
- Close and lock the keyboard lid: Make sure it’s securely latched to prevent any potential damage.
Now that everything is set up, let’s move on to disassembling your baby grand piano!
Disassembling Your Baby Grand Piano
Disclaimer: If you’re not comfortable with this process, it’s always best to consult with professional movers or a qualified technician.
Step 1: Remove the Music Rack (aka Music Desk)
The music rack is typically held in place by two brackets on either side of the piano. To remove it, simply lift one end and slide it out from its slot. Wrap it in protective padding before setting aside.
Step 2: Detach the Lid Hinges
Using a wrench or other appropriate tool, carefully unscrew and detach each hinge located at the back of the lid. Once all hinges are removed, wrap them in padding and store them safely away from other parts.
Step 3: Remove The Lid
With assistance from another person (due to its weight), carefully lift off and lower the lid onto padded blankets below. Then proceed to wrap it entirely in protective materials.
Step 4: Remove Lyre Support (Pedal Box)
The lyre support holds up your piano’s pedals assembly beneath its body; using pliers or an adjustable wrench, disconnect any screws or bolts that secure this piece in place. Gently slide out lyre support from under the instrument while being mindful of any connecting rods or other delicate components. Wrap the lyre assembly in padding.
Step 5: Remove Legs
For each leg, you’ll need to locate and remove its mounting bolts which are usually accessible from underneath the piano body. With assistance, carefully lower one side of the piano onto a stack of soft blankets – making sure not to put pressure on the keys – while your helper removes that leg. Repeat this process for all three legs.
At this point, your baby grand piano is now ready for secure transport!
Moving Your Baby Grand Piano
With your piano disassembled and safely wrapped, it’s time to move it onto the skid board:
- Positioning the skid board: Place it next to your piano with its padded side facing up.
- Lifting the piano: With help from others, lift one end of the instrument (where the bass strings are) and slide it onto the board. Then proceed with lifting and sliding until fully atop.
- Secure straps: Use moving straps across various points on both sides of your baby grand piano (avoid placing them over dampers or hammers). Ensure they’re tight enough without causing any damage.
- Transportation: Carefully roll your secured piano onto a furniture dolly for easy movement through doorways or loading onto moving trucks.
With these steps completed, you’ve successfully moved your baby grand piano! Now all that’s left is reassembly at its new location.
Reassembling Your Baby Grand Piano
To reassemble your baby grand after transport:
- Roll it into position on its furniture dolly before gently lowering back down onto its designated spot within the room.
- Follow disassembly instructions but in reverse order: attach legs first, then pedal lyre assembly, lid hinges and finally music rack.
- Double-check screws/bolts are tightened securely; however, be cautious not to overtighten.
- Unlock the keyboard lid and carefully open it, ensuring that no components were damaged during transport.
Once your piano is successfully reassembled, you may want to consider having a professional tuner readjust its sound as transport can sometimes affect tuning.
In conclusion, moving a baby grand piano can be an intricate process involving many steps and careful attention to detail. However, with proper preparation, the right tools, and patience, you’ll have your beautiful instrument safely relocated in no time!
