We need to move a few grand pianos within our music department at school. No stairs are involved, just breaking down, relocating via dolly and elevator, and setting up again. In the past, the department has used outside professional piano movers, both from a dealer and independent. I have suggested that this is not cost-effective, and indeed we now don't have the money for imminent required moves. I have previously put forth the idea of using either students or physical plant/maintenance staff. Of course the student idea was shot down because of liability issues. But what about maintenance staff? Although I am not a piano mover per se, I've probably witnessed enough moves and stood by insisting on removal of the lyre, etc. to be able to instruct and provide guidance to those with the brawn I lack. What do those on the list think? How do your schools move pianos internally, and what is your personal involvement? Do you supervise or instruct/teach proper moving techniques? At $250 for one standard move, it seems to me that a change in policy here could save our department literally thousands of dollars. While we're on the moving topic: Do you yourselves ever move uprights, or lend a hand positioning pianos on a recital stage or in a studio? Just curious. Paul Milesi RPT Washington DC (202) 246-3136 Cell/Text paul at pmpiano.com http://www.pmpiano.com
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