Lifting upright piano

[Conrad Hoffsommer]

James Johnson wrote:
> I frequently move  console, spinet and studio upright pianos and I have 
> trouble lifting one end of the piano up the first 10 or 12 inches.  Once 
> I get it up where I can regain my purchase, I can easily lift it up the 
> rest of the way to where the dolly will fit under the middle of the 
> piano.  Do any of you know of any type of lever system that would lift 
> the piano that first amount?  It needs to be portable and easy to use.  
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
> Thanks, Jim Johnson


Get a helper?


I move consoles around by myself, a lot, and use the following procedure:

I put the dolly up against one side, blanket under the other end, then, 
with one foot through the dolly, I lift using the handle and keybed 
until I can kick the dolly under the end. Then, I squat down and lift 
from under the bottom and toe block until I balance the piano on the 
other corner. At this point, since the piano is balanced, I move the 
dolly to the middle and up against the bottom board and let it piano 
down onto it. A cloth covered dolly will tend to slide along the bottom 
board, but keeping a foot on it will keep it in place.

Getting it down is basically the same, except that I usually skip the 
intermediate step, kick the dolly clear and lower the piano all the way 
to the floor, being sure I don't have my fingers under the wheels.

Use legs, not back when lifting, of course.

Donning latest model flamesuit... ;-}


-- 
Conrad Hoffsommer, RPT - Keyboard Technician
Luther College, 700 College Dr., Decorah, Iowa 52101-1045
1-(563)-387-1204 // Fax 1-(563)-387-1076


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