Stairs are one of the few reasons I will pass on a move. I just don't have three gorillas sitting around waiting for something to do. David Stocker, RPT Tumwater, WA -----Original Message----- From: Greg Newell Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 14:45 To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Round bottom Steinways and other David, I've done something similar but that doesn't help much on stairs. Best, Greg -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of David Stocker Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 2:58 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Round bottom Steinways and other Most of the piano movers I know, including myself, always have a "Steinway Stick" in their moving supplies. Often just a 1" x 2" x 2' piece, it is wedged between the dolly and the front edge of the bottom just under the pedals. That is usually enough to render the piano stable enough for an easy move. I've seen fancier ones chamfered to fit the angle, but if the 1 x 2 makes it lean toward the back of the piano, that is perhaps more stable. My moving trailer is outfitted with e-track, and my dolly has e-track fittings as well. On such a piano, I will wedge it, and then put a strap around the length of the piano attached to the dolly to help keep the stick and dolly in place. Steinway doesn't need a why. It's Steinway, therefore it must be better / right. Mostly, I think it has to do with the plate sticking out the bottom of the piano, leaving less width for the bottom board. David Stocker, RPT Tumwater, WA -----Original Message----- From: Douglas Gregg Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 11:37 To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: [pianotech] Round bottom Steinways and other Yesterday, I had a rough move with a 1918 Steinway V. This is the third time I have moved this piano. It may be my last. Many full sized uprights from this period have only about a 6 inch wide flat portion on the bottom board and the edges are rounded. On top of that, they are front heavy. I put it on a skid and used a 5 foot long 5/4 x 6 decking plank under the legs and pedals to help support the front and stabilize it, but it was still tippy. Does anyone know why they put these "round bottoms" on these pianos? Did movers do something different back then? Or were the designers just sadistic? Are there any special tricks to moving them. I considered moving it on its side but that risks some shifting of the old action parts and it would be even taller that way, and more top heavy. I had to take it down two short staircases (8 steps each) this time. What a Bi#@*. Doug Gregg Classic Piano Doc Southold, NY
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