Searching "piano movers near me" reveals a truth: most LA moving companies either refuse pianos entirely or quote astronomical prices without understanding the fundamental differences between piano types. An upright and a grand piano aren't just different shapes—they require completely different moving approaches, equipment, and expertise. SOS Moving specializes in both, charging a flat $200 piano fee because we know exactly what each type demands.
Understanding Piano Types
Upright pianos (300-500 lbs):
- Vertical string frame
- Weight concentrated at back
- 4-5 feet tall
- Unstable when tilted
- Fits through standard doors upright
Grand pianos (500-1,200 lbs):
- Horizontal string frame
- Weight in cast-iron plate
- 5-9 feet long
- Must remove legs
- Requires turning sideways for doors
Baby grand (500-600 lbs):Smallest grand but still needs full disassembly
Concert grand (900-1,200 lbs):Requires 6-person crew minimum
The moving approach differs completely between types.
Upright Piano Moving Process
Step 1: PreparationLock keyboard lid. Secure moving blankets with shrink wrap. Never tape directly on finish.
Step 2: Equipment setupFour-wheel piano dolly required. Standard dollies damage pianos. Straps rated for 1,000+ lbs.
Step 3: Loading techniqueTilt carefully backward onto dolly. One person guides, three support weight. Never lift by keyboard or decorative elements.
Step 4: NavigationRoll slowly. Stop before thresholds. Clear path mandatory—no "we'll squeeze through."
Step 5: Stairs nightmareEach step requires coordinated lift. Rest every 3-4 steps. Why piano movers charge extra for floors.
Common damage: Keyboard misalignment from improper tilting.
Grand Piano Moving Process
Step 1: DisassemblyRemove music rack. Detach lyre (pedal assembly). Unbolt legs in specific order. Document everything.
Step 2: Prepare bodyWrap entirely in blankets. Double-wrap corners. Secure with bands, never rope.
Step 3: Piano boardPlace on special piano board. Regular furniture pads insufficient. Strap at specific pressure points.
Step 4: The flipMost dangerous moment. Body goes vertical on its side. Four people minimum. One wrong move = $5,000 soundboard crack.
Step 5: TransportTravels on its side. Straight edge down. Curved edge up. Secured to truck walls.
Step 6: ReassemblyReverse process. Legs must align perfectly. Lyre adjustment critical for pedal function.
Common damage: Leg threads stripped from improper reassembly.
Why Standard Movers Fail
Lack proper equipment:
- Piano dolly ($500)
- Piano board ($800)
- Professional straps ($200)
- Moving blankets quantity
Insufficient training:
- Weight distribution physics
- Disassembly sequences
- Pressure points knowledge
- Tuning impact awareness
Underestimate complexity:"It's just heavy furniture" destroys pianos daily.
Cost Breakdown
SOS Moving piano pricing:
- Base moving rate (4 movers required)
- Plus $200 flat piano fee
- Total for upright: ~$600-800
- Total for grand: ~$800-1,000
Why so expensive?
- Specialized equipment
- Extra crew required
- Additional insurance
- Expertise premium
- Time intensity
DIY attempt costs:
- Equipment rental: $200
- Friend bribes: $200
- Chiropractor: $500
- Piano repair: $1,000-5,000
- New piano: $3,000-100,000
Piano Moving Myths Debunked
"Remove all strings first"NEVER. Releases 20 tons of tension, warps frame permanently.
"Pianos can lie flat"Only during transport. Storage flat = permanent damage.
"Any dolly works"Furniture dollies concentrate weight wrong, crack casters, damage piano base.
"Friends can help"Unless your friends are piano movers, no.
"Insurance covers damage"Standard moving insurance pays $0.60/pound. Your $10,000 piano? You get $300.
Stairs and Piano Moving
Upright piano stairs:
- Straight stairs: Manageable with technique
- Curved stairs: Extremely difficult
- Narrow stairs: May be impossible
- Each floor adds $100-200
Grand piano stairs:Often requires crane through window. Not joking. Crane service: $1,500-3,000.
Distance Considerations
Within same building:Simplest scenario. Still needs professionals.
Across LA (under 50 miles):Standard rates apply. One trip sufficient.
Long distance:Special climate-controlled trucks. Tuning required at destination.
International:Customs documentation. Climate crating mandatory. $5,000-15,000.
Piano Placement Planning
Before moving, consider:
- Interior wall placement (stable temperature)
- Away from windows (sun damage)
- Not near heating/cooling vents
- Level floor mandatory
- Humidity control important
Space requirements:
- Upright: 5 feet wide × 2 feet deep
- Baby grand: 5 feet × 7 feet
- Grand: 5 feet × 9 feet
- Plus bench space
- Plus opening clearance
Choosing Piano Movers
Questions to ask:
- "How many pianos monthly?" (Should be 20+)
- "What equipment do you use?"
- "Is piano damage specifically insured?"
- "Do you tune after moving?" (Not required but shows expertise)
- "Can you provide piano-specific references?"
Red flags:
- "We'll figure it out"
- No specific piano experience
- Extremely low quotes
- Won't discuss process
- No proper equipment
Post-Move Requirements
Let piano acclimate:Don't play for 2 weeks. Seriously. Temperature/humidity adjustment needed.
Tuning necessary:Even perfect moves require tuning. Wait 1 month minimum. Budget $150-300.
Check for damage:
- Sticky keys
- Pedal response
- Unusual sounds
- Cabinet scratches
- Leg stability
Document everything immediately for insurance.
Protect Your Investment
Pianos aren't furniture—they're precise instruments where millimeter misalignments create permanent damage. The difference between upright and grand moving isn't just weight, it's completely different physics requiring specific expertise.
SOS Moving's piano specialists understand these differences. Our $200 piano moving fee covers the specialized equipment and expertise your instrument deserves. We've moved hundreds of pianos across LA without a single soundboard crack.
Call 909-443-0004 for professional piano moving. Whether your upright or grand, we have the equipment, experience, and insurance to protect your investment. Don't trust your piano to "regular" movers—the repair costs far exceed professional moving fees.
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