Moving a Grand Piano - Removing the Lid

by Derek
(Missouri)

Removing the lid is a BAD idea. If you are a professional piano mover, you do not remove the lid. By doing that, you are exposing the action, soundboard, and hundreds of moving parts. The hinges will not be hurt because the hinges should not be sitting on the skid board. They should be offset by about 1". The straps you use actually hold the lid up and no damage will occur.

Nov 22, 2009
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The different methods of using piano moving skid and shoe
by: stephen

I think that Derek's comments show that in the USA, Piano movers tend to use a piano moving skid.

This is flat and will allow you to tip the piano onto it so the lid never connects with the board.

In the UK and Europe, a grand piano moving shoe is often employed. This has a back bar connected at right angles, and the lid would of necessity contact the shoe. Should this happen there is a certainty of damage to the lid, to the hinges (which overlap the side of the piano) and also the casework of the piano which may be torn up by the hinge screws.

But as to exposing the innards of the piano: we would use a quilted cover..as I am sure he would, and I am sure he would conceed that the lid plays no role in keeping the mechanisms in place.

All in all, we are just talking about different tools and how to use them.

Stephen from SW Home and Piano Removals, South London.

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Moving a Grand Piano - Removing the Lid

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Moving a Grand Piano - Removing the Lid