Old Upright piano fell over in Moving truck

[Stephen Grattan]

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Hi list,
 
I always suggest that if a professional moving company is to move a piano that the customer have me check it over to be sure it is worth moving.  I always take several digital photos of it and note any defects in the instrument.  I also always advise the customer to insure it for its replacement value during the move ( not the sixty cents per pound they automatically insure things for) and give them a written appraisal.
 
So far, I have had two customers get new pianos when the "pros" dropped them down two flights of steps or flipped them over in their trucks.
 
By keeping complete records and doing as you did - you should be able to get the movers to pay to restore the piano to pre disaster condition. Keep records and document every conversation you have.  It may come in handy in dealing with the movers.
 
Steve Grattan
Lost Chord Clinic


> 
> I had looked at a 1913 Cable Upright Piano and found
> it to be in very 
> good condition. The piano was only slightly out of
> tune and all they 
> keys worked and there was no unusual sound (like
> buzzing) coming from it.
> 
> I contracted with a professional moving company to
> move the 
> piano. When they opened the door on the moving
> truck to take the 
> piano out, they found it had fallen over on the
> keyboard side of the 
> piano. Apparently they hadn't secured it properly
> and it toppled 
> over. (I still can't figure out how they didn't
> hear or feel it).
> 
> What I have found so far is that the 3 pedals were
> broken off, the 
> top lid of the piano separated from the top of the
> pin block, Some of 
> the bass keys are not leveled anymore, There is
> buzzing when playing 
> some of the bass strings, and some damage to the
> wood (mostly scraping).
> 
> I looked over the soundboard, plate, strings, and
> the part of the pin 
> block I could see and cannot find any cracks but I
> was unable to find 
> the source of the buzzing.
> 
> I am just beginning as a piano technician and don't
> have enough 
> experience with this type of problem. This was going
> to be my piano 
> to practice on.
> 
> The moving company did put in writing that it fell
> over in their 
> truck and have said they will pay for the necessary
> repairs. I am 
> worried about possible damage I cannot see
> considering how old the piano is.
> Has anyone had this happen before? Any ideas on
> what may have broken 
> or been damaged or what to look for? Any advice on
> dealing with the 
> Moving company?
> 
> I would appreciate any advice on this.
> 
> thanks,
> michael 
> 
> 
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> 


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