1908 Steinway Model B

by J. Londono
(Mexico City, Mexico)

I need to move this piano from a 2-story house (the piano being on the 2nd floor) to a 5th-floor apartment.
Can the piano legs be removed for moving purposes?
Is this recommended?

Reply Yes, the Lyre (pedals), legs, as well as the key cover, desk (music stand) lid and hinges are all removed for moving.

Grand pianos are moved using various items of equipment, which you are unlikely to have to hand.
A professional quality piano trolley, a skid or shoe onto which the flat side of the piano is lowered, plenty of blankets and straps, blocks and boards and more.

You absolutely should not consider project this without access to the proper tools.

The combined cost of these makes using an experienced company advisable, not least because
you are going to begin learning on such a nice piano, but mainly because it will cost less than buying the proper equipment.

In America pianos are often moved using a flat skid board which allows the lid to remain on... but strapped closed. In Europe we tend to use a shoe which being constructed differently, requires the lid and hinges to be removed.

As always - if you are going to do this yourself - seek out and read all the Piano moving articles and Q and As which may be found individually on each page... they are not the same Q and As on each page.

Finally: Taking time to plan the moving route is important... measure turns, elevators or stairs. The gradient of any stairs is as important as the weight of the piano in determining the amount of muscle needed.

Answer by Stephen of SW Piano Movers, South London UK.


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