Lifting upright piano

[pianolady50 at peoplepc.com]

Hi,

I'm only about 5'3" and 120lbs.  I have frequently moved spinets and consoles with the help of the owner/seller/custodian/student/whoever is around.  I built an approximately 6.5 inch tall X15 inch long X 5 inch wide, 3/4 inch plywood, totally enclosed and with one cross support inside box.  It has a screen door handle on one end for carrying and quick, safe use.  It also has neutral color rubber matting on one surface (for the floor bearing surface) and two or three strips of heavy duty coarse sanding belts glued and tacked to the surface that will contact the underside of the piano.  The key is that the 6.5 inch height is slightly taller than the height of my dolly.  I lift one end of the piano just high enough so that the second person can insert the box underneath the bottom board.  Lower that end and then lift the opposite end to the same height.  Second person easily rolls the dolly under the center of the piano, lift the 'blocked' end slightly to remove the box, and off you go....Reverse to get piano off the dolly.

Pic to follow in a bit.

Debbie L.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: James Johnson 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:53 AM
  Subject: Lifting upright piano


  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
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