[pianotech] not for the feint of heart or anything else

[William Truitt]

Why not ask the obvious question:  What's wrong with hiring a full time,
fully insured professional piano mover, assuming such an animal exists in
your area, Gene?  

 

If I had any interest in being the go to person for any repairs the piano
might need, I would go to the site to see the piano and the accident scene
before engaging the services of the mover.  Perhaps have contacted him prior
and told him of the situation, then call on your cell at the site.

 

The 5 or 6 strong backs and weak minds are not a good idea.  All you are
doing is moving a big slice of liability pie onto your plate, both for the
piano and your workers.  It sounds like the client tried to move it himself
rather than engage the services of a mover, probably to save money.
Otherwise, it would be the responsibility and liability of the mover to
correct the mistake.

 

It is likely that any method used to right the piano will likely (and
unavoidably) cause some further damage to the case as you begin to right the
piano.  Your client may want to blame you for that too.  

 

At this juncture, it is important to ask yourself how your own interests are
served by directly participating in moving this piano.

 

Will Truitt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Terry Farrell
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2010 4:56 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] not for the feint of heart or anything else

 

I'm not sure my comments or any other method is really a "good" way to go
about this. Probably the only real good way to do it would be to hire a
suitable truck-mounted crane. However, not that I have direct experience
with temporary labor pools, but it seems to me that last thing you want is a
bunch of guys that have never handled a piano doing this. I wouldn't be
comfy with it anyway......

 

Terry Farrell

 

On Jun 21, 2010, at 3:08 AM, tnrwim at aol.com wrote:





Gene

 

This sounds like a prank. Who was moving this piano? Where are the movers? 

 

But if it is for real, and the customer is really panicked, I would
reschedule my first two customers on Monday morning. But don't try to do
this yourself, and I wouldn't use any mechanical tools. Call the local labor
pool and hire five or six strong backs to help you pick up the piano. 

 

Wim

-----Original Message-----
From: Gene Nelson <nelsong at intune88.com>
To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Sun, Jun 20, 2010 6:12 pm
Subject: [pianotech] not for the feint of heart or anything else

Got a call from a frantic client.

Piano fell off of a dolly and is lying upside down and wants me to get
involved to right it.

It is a 9' concert grand.

Will not be able to see it till late tomorrow or Tuesday.

I have a portable engine puller and an overhead winch/snatch block mounted
on a trailer than is probably usable and it sounds like there is good
clearance around the piano for access. Have plenty of straps, blankets and
pads.

Anyone care to share experience or give advice would be appreicated.

Gene

 

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