The different types of pianos and relocating them

Are you an avid music lover? Then, you are surely very interested in musical instruments. As you might already know, pianos are the most popular among musical instruments. However, do you know there are different types of pianos? If the answer is yes, then you can refresh your memory by reading this article. If you did not know, then it is time to find out. Here we will present you with the different types of pianos. In addition to this, maybe you already have a piano but you need to move. That is why by the end of this article, you will know all the tips for moving a piano safely and easily!

Vertical pianos 

The first type of pianos is called vertical pianos. The reason for this name is due to its height and the strings’ position. The height is usually between 36 to 60 inches. In addition to this, this type of piano is the most common one. It is the most affordable, produces warm sound, and people like it for its compactness. Although they are not as expensive as the grand pianos, they can produce the same tone quality and loudness. Here are subtypes of the vertical pianos. 

• Spinet – popular with people who are living in small apartments/houses 
• Consolette – from 38 to 39 inches 
• Console – has many styles and produces more enhanced tones 
• Studio – mostly found in schools; very durable 
• Full size – the tallest among vertical pianos 

Different types of pianos – Grand pianos 

Already mentioned grand pianos are the largest and the most expensive ones. They are also known as horizontal pianos for the horizontal soundboards they have. In addition to this, these pianos have the standard 88 keys. Most of them do have sheet music platforms. Lastly, they produce finer tones and have the most responsive key action. Here are several subtypes. 

• Petite Grand – it is the smallest one, but still very powerful 
• Baby Grand – extremely popular because it produces quality sounds and it is aesthetically pleasing 
• Living Room/Parlor/Medium Grand – goes 5’7 to 6’4 inches 
• Ballroom/Semi-Concert Grand – from 6’5 to 7’5 
• Concert Grand – just as the name suggests, the largest grand piano from 7’6 to 9′ 

Electric pianos 

The last ones on the list of different types of pianos are electric pianos. They are the best ones for beginners or moving performances. In addition to this, they are also quite affordable. However, the quality of the sound is not as good as with the two previous types, but they have a variety of sounds and settings. This means you can imitate the sound of the organ, guitar, string, percussion, and choir. These pianos can also be used for professional purposes and they are made of good materials. Apart from this, they do not have to be tuned, they have connectors for pedals and they have computer interactive abilities. Lastly, you can practice silently by using headphones, which is perfect if you are living in a building.  

Different types of pianos and how to move them 

Now that you are familiar with different types of piano, you can also learn how to move one. First, you should find good long-distance movers that can help you with relocation. There are several ways to look for reliable movers. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Search on the Internet. Visit the official websites of several moving companies. Look for ads in your local newspapers. In addition to this, if you are searching on the Internet, pay attention to moving reviews. Read mostly 3-star or 4-star reviews as they focus on both the positive and negative sides of one company. In addition to this, when you decide to contact one company, make sure to ask about their special moving services. Moving a piano requires special equipment that many moving companies might not have. 

Steps to follow when you are moving a piano 

If you wish to move the piano by yourself, then here are some very important steps to follow. First, you need to measure the new space to see if your piano can fit. This means doorways, rooms, staircases, and so on. Next, you should clear the path. If there are too many things blocking the way, you can damage either your piano or your other items. In addition to this, before you actually move the piano, review again the path you will be taking. Make sure the stair or elevator can bear the weight of the piano. If not, then ask for another path. Lastly, get moving insurance in case something happens to your piano. 

The right equipment for moving different types of pianos 

You or your moving company should have piano dollies, straps, padding, and other moving supplies. When you are moving an upright piano, you have to make sure that dollies will be able to carry the weight. As for a grand piano, you need to remove the legs. In addition to this, you will need a piano board to move this big piano. It also requires more strapping and padding because of its weight and size. Apart from this, you should check the size of the moving truck. Also, you should load the piano first and secure it properly so it will not move during the travel. 

Things not to do when moving a piano 

There are certain things you should never do when moving different types of pianos. First, do not try to move it by yourself. Pianos are extremely heavy. You can easily injure yourself or damage property and other furniture. For this reason, you need to ask for help. Whether you will hire professionals, or ask your friends and family, it does not matter. Just make sure you have help. In addition to this, do not lift the piano without the proper equipment. Lastly, do not rely on the piano’s casters as they are not made for long-distance. Do not move too fast as well since you can injure yourself. When your piano arrives safely to your home, retune it if it is necessary.