When you think of a piano, you probably imagine elegant melodies filling the air. But behind that enchanting sound is an incredibly heavy and complex musical instrument. Whether you’re considering moving your piano or just curious about its weight, it’s important to understand just how heavy these instruments can be. Not only is this knowledge practical, but it also helps you appreciate the craftsmanship involved. Let’s dive into the details of how much does a piano weigh, how its weight varies depending on its style, and some helpful tips for moving a piano.
How Much Does a Piano Weigh?
Pianos are known for their beauty and grandeur, and their average weight depends on several factors like their size, type, brands, style, and the materials used in the construction. And moving a piano is not easy because it is made of various heavy parts like a lid, rim, pedals, and prop stick. That being said, the average weight of most pianos falls between 300-1200 pounds.
Let’s understand this aspect in more detail.
Average piano weight by style
If you are wondering how heavy is a piano, here we have classified them on the basis of their styles –
Upright Piano
The most common type of piano is the upright piano, which doesn’t take up much space compared to the other ones. And many people prefer to keep them in their homes. But here is the catch: they are not as lightweight as it seems. They often weigh between 300-500 pounds. Also, the taller the upright piano is, the heavier it is to move. So, you need to hire a piano moving service for upright piano moving.
Baby Grand Piano
The next on the list is the Baby grand piano, having a curved design and is larger than the petite or miniature grand piano but still quite hefty. Their length can be up to 5’7″ with a weight between 500-650 pounds. It takes 3 to 4 people to move the baby grand piano once its legs and pedals have been removed. They are ideal for living rooms and smaller performance spaces due to their balance between size, sound, and quality.
Grand Piano
Now comes the concert grand piano. They are the heaviest of all in the piano family, which you may have often seen in professional concert halls. They weigh somewhere between 900-1200 pounds. Due to their larger size, they have more resonant sound. But moving them is a greater challenge. It is said that lighter semi-concert grands weigh somewhere around 900 lbs, whereas bigger concert grands are somewhere near 1300 lbs.
Tips for Moving a Piano
When it comes to piano moving, many people underestimate the challenge. Moving such a heavy, delicate, and expensive piece of equipment requires thoughtful planning, the right tools, and a whole lot of muscle. Before you attempt to relocate your piano, consider the following tips –
Ask for help
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If you are someone who believes in doing everything alone, you have to change your philosophy here for some time. Handling it all by yourself without the help of professional movers can pose a serious risk of injury. Ideally, you must hire professional Piano Movers to tackle this job without getting overwhelmed by this task, as the professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle the heavy lifting without damaging it.
Collect the Right Moving Supplies and Materials
Gather the right moving supplies and materials before executing your piano moving. The most important materials you will need for cushioning your piano are dollies, moving blankets, straps, and piano boards. Now, how to move a piano? For the smaller ones, use thick towels or blankets and packing tape to wrap them securely. Then, use a heavy-duty dolly for an upright piano and a piano board for a baby grand or grand piano. Using these supplies will make moving a piano much safer and help ensure that neither the instrument nor your home suffers damage.
Keep a Measure Before Your Move
Do you know where you are going to place your piano in your new home? If yes, measure the spaces where you want to put it. These spaces include doorways, hallways, and staircases where you have to pass through your piano without any issues. Plan your route and see how many sharp turns, low ceilings, and tight corners you will come across to navigate this piano-moving process easily. Moving a piano need not be difficult if you take all the necessary steps, and it keeps away the frustration of moving day.
How to Hire a Moving Partner?
Given the complexity and physical effort required, it’s often best to hire professionals to move a piano. Professional piano moving services specialize in moving, and their staff is equipped with the skills, tools, and know-how to relocate your piano safely and efficiently. Here’s how you can get in touch with the right team of Big Apple Moving and what to expect in terms of cost –
Find a moving partner
When you come across professional movers like Big Apple Moving, visit their website and find their contact details to contact them. Also, read about their experience and reviews to have proper knowledge about them before hiring them for your move.
A general idea says that you need 2-4 movers for upright pianos, 3-4 for baby grand pianos, and 4-6 movers for concert grand pianos.
How Much does it cost to Move a Piano?
Piano moving service charge an average of $150-$1000, depending on how heavy is a piano. How much does it cost to move a piano take into account the size, complexity and distance of the move. It is important to contact a reliable and professional moving company for an accurate piano moving estimate.
Having said that, Big Apple Moving is your trusted moving partner when it comes to moving heavy items or heavy musical instruments with intricate designs. We assure you that we will handle your piano moving with utmost safety. Our team will bring all the needed equipment and services like packing and transportation with us and will handle the weight and size of different piano models seamlessly. Let our expert NYC Movers handle your piano moving and ensure your peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
A piano is not just a musical instrument but a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Its weight indicates the complexity of the move, and moving one is no easy task. Whether you choose to tackle the move yourself or hire professionals, knowing how heavy a piano is and planning accordingly can make all the difference.
If you decide to hire a piano moving service, be sure to get a free piano moving estimate and find experienced movers who know exactly how many people to move a piano safely. With the right preparation, your beloved piano can be relocated without a hitch. Did I forget to mention the expertise of Big Apple Moving in moving your things? Well, contact us to know more and we will make piano moving a breeze for you.