A piano is not only a tool for creating art but also a work of art itself. Veneer and silver finishes, ivory and ebony keys, and intricate carvings make many models look like they belong to an art museum. This versatile musical instrument also deserves a status of a “fragile beauty,” as it is notoriously delicate when it comes to shipping. What should you do if you want to ship a piano? Below you will find some tips from professional art handlers.
Safety note: before you start, please keep in mind that shipping a piano is a responsible task for qualified professionals. Shipping it by yourself is a great risk for your musical instrument and your health.
How to Ship a Piano: Tips from Professional Art Handlers
Ask for help
Pianos are cumbersome and awkward to carry, even in disassembled forms. Moving it by yourself will do more harm than good, so you need an extra pair of hands, whether these are hands of professional piano movers, your neighbors, or friends. Share the weight with others!
Learn what equipment you need in particular
There are quite a few piano moving pieces of equipment, including skid boards, board straps, piano dollies, and stair rollers. However, the abundance of choice doesn’t mean that you need all of that specialized stuff. Your moving needs should be based on your house plan and interiors. As the practice shows, the combination of piano dollies, blankets, and heavy-duty straps works perfectly fine most of the time.
Measure the whole way to a truck in advance
Measure seven times, ship a piano once. You need to check all access points to and out of the house and map out the route to a truck. Pay attention to the uneven floor, narrow hallways, and door openings – these are the riskiest places for dropping an instrument.
Save your time by disassembling a piano first
By taking apart the lid, lyre, and legs of a piano, you can significantly reduce the weight of a load. It will be easier and safer to detach parts of a piano first, then move items separately, and assemble everything together in the end. Otherwise, you have to deal with one bulky piece, which is pretty dangerous. You wouldn’t want to face the music of such irrelevant moves, would you?
Once It Is Done
When the shipping is over, don’t forget to tune a piano as its inner mechanics are sensitive. Otherwise, your instrument won’t sound as great as it should. If you have any questions on how to ship a piano or want to hire Fine Art Shippers for shipping one in the future, let us know at once.