Pianos: The Most Challenging Item to Move
Moving companies often describe pianos as the Mona Lisa of their work, both in terms of weight and value. These instruments can weigh over 1,000 pounds and may carry price tags of tens of thousands of dollars, in addition to their emotional and historical value.
Whether you own a grand piano, a spinet, or a concert upright, the process of moving such a delicate, oversized instrument requires expertise, precision, and detailed planning.
Why DIY Piano Moving Is a Risky Gamble
The Hidden Costs of “Saving Money”
To cut costs, many piano owners attempt to move their pianos without professional help. Unfortunately, this often leads to:
- Expensive repairs for internal and cosmetic damage
- Injury to untrained helpers
- Damage to walls, floors, and stairs
The truth is, hiring professionals like Keyboard Carriers is far more cost-effective than risking harm to your investment or yourself.
Pianos Are Awkward, Heavy, and Fragile
Even smaller upright models are difficult to maneuver due to:
- Their top-heavy design
- Delicate internal mechanisms
- Awkward shape that doesn’t easily fit through doors or around tight corners
Moving a piano without proper equipment or training can easily result in broken keys, cracked soundboards, or even more severe damage.
What Professional Piano Movers Do Differently
Step 1: Site Assessment and Planning
Experienced piano movers begin by assessing:
- Distance of the move
- Number of staircases and doorways
- Tight turns, narrow hallways, or steep steps
- Whether lifts or balconies can be used
At Keyboard Carriers, we meticulously plan every detail to ensure a safe and damage-free relocation.
Step 2: Protective Wrapping and Padding
Once the route is assessed, our team:
- Disassembles components (if needed) such as legs, pedals, or the lyre
- Wraps the instrument in industrial-grade padding and moving blankets
- Uses reinforced straps, dollies, and custom equipment to keep the piano stable and secure
This high level of protection helps prevent scratches, pressure cracks, and mechanical issues during transport.
Step 3: Transportation and Setup
We utilize piano-specific vehicles equipped with hydraulic lifts, air-ride suspension, and climate control.
Whether your move is across the street or the state, Keyboard Carriers delivers pianos with expert care and white-glove professionalism.
Choosing the Right Piano Movers: What to Look For
When selecting a moving company for your piano, consider:
- Years of experience specifically with pianos
- Specialized equipment for different piano styles
- Positive customer testimonials and references
- Insurance coverage for peace of mind
Always ask for experience with the specific type of piano you own—moving a 9-foot concert grand is very different from moving a spinet.
Every Piano Is Unique: Know Your Instrument
From concert grands to baby grands, uprights, spinets, and digital hybrids, each piano requires a different approach in terms of:
- Handling and lifting
- Manpower and tools
- Transportation setup
- Post-move tuning and inspection
At Keyboard Carriers, our movers are trained in handling every type of piano, ensuring safety and precision throughout the process.
A Note of Musical History: Beethoven’s Story
To appreciate the care that pianos require, it’s worth remembering the legacy of one of history’s most outstanding pianists and composers — Ludwig van Beethoven.
Interesting Facts About Beethoven
- His Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) was originally dedicated to Napoleon, but Beethoven withdrew the dedication upon learning of Napoleon’s coronation as Emperor.
- He was inspired by Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy,” which became the basis for his monumental Ninth Symphony.
- Despite his fame, Beethoven often struggled financially and supported himself by:
- Giving piano lessons
- Writing commissioned works
- Publishing his music
- He passed away during a thunderstorm at age 56. His death was said to be as dramatic as his music, marked by thunderclaps likened to “hammering on the portals of Fate.”
- Beethoven’s funeral procession drew thousands, and his grave is marked: “BEETHOVEN.”
Trust Keyboard Carriers for Expert Piano Moving in Denver, CO
Whether you’re moving a priceless grand piano or a cherished family upright, your piano deserves the best.
With over 45 years of specialized experience and more than 100,000 successful piano moves, Keyboard Carriers is the trusted name in piano moving and storage throughout the Denver area.
👉 Contact us today to receive a free quote and ensure your piano is handled with care, respect, and expertise.