Grand pianos are large and delicate, so its essential to know how to properly disassemble it when moving it to a new location. These instruments may weigh as much as 800 pounds, so moving them in separate pieces makes the move safer and protects the piano from damage. Here are tips on how to properly disassemble your grand piano for a cross-country move:
Assemble the Tools
Before you start the process of disassembling the grand piano, you will need to assemble the proper tools for the job. These include:
- Non-abrasive gloves
- Furniture pads
- Rubber Mat
- Screwdrivers with both flat ahead and Philips’ heads
Remove the Piano Lead
First, Cheap Movers Boston (cheapmoversboston.net) indicates you will remove the piano lead by unscrewing the hinges, and this will help you separate the lid from the rest of the body. You should leave the straps of the piano attached to the cover as this will make reassembling of the keyboard much easier.
Remove the Music Stand
The second piece you need to remove is the music stand. You do so by pushing it forward towards the piano bench to separate it from the body of the piano. Using a furniture pad, you need to wrap the stand to secure it from any damage.
Take Off the End Blocks
For you to remove the end blocks (which are pieces of wood on the left of the lowest key and the right of the highest key) you will have to unscrew the bolts at the bottom of the piano since these blocks are attached at the bottom. Make sure to place all the bolts and pieces into a plastic bag, so they don’t get lost.
Detach the Front Board
This piece is either attached to the bottom by wooden pegs or by screws. If it is by the bolts, then you will grip it up and lift it straight up considering that you shall have removed the end blocks. If they are attached to the bottom by screws, by the use of the screwdrivers, unscrew and lift up from the body.
Remove the Keys
The piano’s action or keyboard is the board that contains the keys and their matching hammers. Disassembling this part is especially critical. First, you will need to lift off all the keys of the piano carefully by releasing the hammer. This is achieved by removing a couple of bolts and screws which hold the keys to the body of the piano. Wrap the screws and bolts in a non-abrasive cover for to keep them safe during transport.
To finish removing the action, you will need an extra person so that you simultaneously slide it out from the right and the left in an even manner so that the hammers do not interfere with any of the keys. Cover a table with non-abrasive material, so you have a place to set the action once it is removed.
Now, your grand piano is disassembled and ready to load onto the moving truck.
