Moving a piano can be challenging. It comes with various sizes, weights, and dimensions which should be well-understood by the movers as well as the owner, in order to safely relocate it.
With this, we put up this article to find out which piano type can be moved without professional piano movers easily.
Electric Pianos
The method of sound generation distinguishes an electric piano from acoustic pianos the most. Whenever one of the keys is hit, the electronic piano's amplifiers play sounds that were created using digital technology as it has no strings.
The weight estimates for this type of piano range from 100 to 300 lbs. This makes it the easiest piano to move along with and it requires little to no disassembling and assembling process. Some variations of electric pianos are:
- MIDI keyboards
- Synthesis
- Electrically-amplified pianos
- Beginner's electric keyboards
Upright Pianos
The strings of upright pianos are arranged vertically to render the instrument more portable. Having this unique feature enables the piano to be transported and played in a cramped environment such as a rental unit or a townhouse. This is the reason why it is also called 'vertical piano.' Moreover, upright pianos come in a total of 4 varieties:
- Spinet pianos
- Console pianos
- Studio pianos
- Classic full-sized upright pianos
Grand Pianos
Among all types of pianos, grand pianos are the largest and the priciest. Unlike the upright pianos, the strings of grands are arranged horizontally. This type of piano requires the attention and skills of professional movers when it comes to handling it because of its size. Despite their expertise and experience, grand pianos are definitely one of the toughest to move. Even more, DIY moves would be nearly impossible.
Some of its kind are:
- Petite grand pianos
- Baby grand pianos
- Medium grand pianos
- Ballroom grand pianos
- Concert grand pianos
Weight and Dimensions of 3 Piano Types
The table below summarizes the dimensions and weight ranges of the 3 different types of piano discussed above.
|
Types of Piano |
Dimension |
Weight |
|
Electric pianos |
Length: 5 in. up to 52 in. Width: 50 in. up to 60 in. |
100 up to 300 lbs. (45-136 kg) |
|
Upright Pianos |
Length: 40 in. up to 60 in. Width: 58 in. up to 61 in. |
200 up to 1,000 lbs. (90-454 kg) |
|
Grand Pianos |
Length: 48 in. up to 108 in. Width: 60 in. up to 88 in. |
500 up to 1,200 lbs. (227-544 kg) |
How to Move a Piano Depending on its Type
Electric Pianos
Moving an electric piano is the easiest among other types of piano. Because it is built with the consideration of portability, even a single individual can carry some kinds of electric piano such as keyboards and digital pianos. Considering this thought, moving this piano type can be done by doing it yourself.
However, just ensure that you are equipped with a covering or casing to wrap the piano. By doing this, you'd feel more secure that no scratches will be made when you transport it.
Upright Pianos
This piano type could bring a moderate to a bit of extensive difficulty when moving. Smaller kinds of upright pianos can be moved without professional help if you want to. If you opt to do a DIY move, you should:
- Rent a dolly, ramp, and a truck
- Buy or rent fastening straps
- Get some bubble wrap or plastic and packing tape for wrapping
- Ask some friends or family to help (at least 2 individuals)
When you have bigger variations of upright pianos like a studio and classic full-sized upright pianos, it is suggested to get some help from professional piano movers because it is much heavier and more complex to transport.
Grand Pianos
Whatever kind of grand piano you have, it is best practice to consult and hire an expert piano moving company to move it. Due to the fact that it is much heftier than the other two types, assembling and disassembling this piano type is required. It may sound easy but experienced piano movers know how to do this step precisely compared to anyone without the skills.
More often than not, moving grand pianos would need bigger trucks, multiple dollis with straps, and more packing supplies which would be more costly if you do it on your own.
Risks of DIY Piano Moving
- Expensive or beyond-repair damages might occur.
- It will cost you more bucks rather than save money.
- Mild to severe personal injuries could possibly happen.
- You might also damage your house's walls, floors, and railings.
Conclusion
After considering the weight and dimensions of each piano type, we can conclude that electric pianos and some variety of upright pianos could be transported by DIY move. On the other hand, larger kinds of upright pianos and all grand pianos need to be moved with the help of piano moving companies.
Not all pianos are the same. Every action and task when moving should be customized according to its type, dimension, and weight. Consequently, it is better to pay ample attention and do research on your own as a piano owner on how to properly transport your prized possession and which piano moving company offers high-quality moving services.
