OT-Would you or wouldn't you?

[Styxx]

I have an opportunity to acquire a six foot grand piano (I dunt know the make as of yet but I will do sum splannin later, Huh huh huh!) for free. Well, not exactly free I would need to hire a reputable company to move unless I can find some big strong burly Shwartzenheimer :D guys to move with a big truck.

From what me twin brother tells me it is in great playing condition but there is cat hair all over and inside plus the finish would need attention. I've never moved one or had one moved but I hear it has to be somewhat taken apart?

Well, my question ezz simple (just like me :D) Would you or wouldn't you take this if an opportunity such as this came your way? The reason I asks is formost I have limited space in my home right now and may have to store it in the garage until a decision is made.

Just thought I would ask. Just thought you may have some ideas. Just thought I would have some ice cream. Just thought I would drive yas all a wee bit nuts this marnin! :wow:

[lunker]

Hi Styxx,

I say go for it! My recommendation is to look for a piano moving company, not a general moving company. They will know what they are doing, and will have the right size board to put the piano on (although a 6-foot piano is probably pretty common). Perhaps contact your local piano store to see if they can recommend someone.

A few years ago, we bought a 9-foot Civil War era piano (John Broadwood & Sons) from an antique market, and it wasn't too bad to move. It would have taken about 10 of me to move it, but one BIG burly guy from the local piano moving company did it all by himself. The only disassembly was to take the legs off.

It was amazing to see him lift the entire piano by himself, carry it in the front door, and place it gently on the living room floor (on its side, so that he could put the legs back on). The piano was 130-something years old when we bought it, with a very thin wooden veneer that survived the move beautifully. The move went so well, that we used that same company again a few years later when we moved to a different house.

[Styxx]

Wow, one guy! What was his name, King Kong? :D Good advice well taken sir. I haven't seen this piano as of yet. My twin brother owns his own chimney service and was working on the gentleman's house. The owner of the house said the lady who sold him the home had no interest in the piano and didn't want to "waste" the money to move it. So, she left it there, the new owner doesn't want it either, offered it to my brother, my brother called me and asked if I want it, I said yes but need to see it. It is supposed to be in good playing order and in tune but the finish needs attention.
There is a local piano store here in town. I will pay them a visit this afternoon and discuss it with them. You have a good point having someone who knows how to move them, move it.

[LFO]

Hey Styxx,
Moving the piano should cost around $200 - $250. At least that was the going rate in Atlanta six years ago. :)


Refinishing a 6 footer will cost around $2,000. At least it did in Atlanta around six years ago. :)


So, if you live in Atlanta and you are six years behind, expect to pay about $2,250 to have your piano refinished and moved to your home. Is that helpful? ;)


Seriously, I'd go have a listen to the piano before committing. If it sounds like garbage it will just become a huge piece of junk in your garage that you will have to pay someone to get rid of it. If it sounds nice and is in working condition then you have a great deal.

-Kevin

[Styxx]

Refinishing I can do myself I'm pretty good at it. Yeah, I just called me brother and he will make arrangements to have a look and play it to see if it's worth the cost to move. I can live with $200 to $300 for the move as long (as you say) sounds nice and in playing condition.

[pcor]

Styxx,

I will make a plea on the piano's part! Don't store it in the garage for long! The wood in the piano will expand and contract excessively if there is no temperature and humidity control. I have seen pianos reduced to trash by exposure. Even low winter humidity in a well heated room will ruin a pinblock over time (10 years). It may cost a little, but see if your mover can store the piano appropriately until you decide where to put it. Otherwise I agree with the above opinions-take it if it sounds good and plays well, there is nothing like having a real piano to play.

Paul

[Styxx]

Styxx,

I will make a plea on the piano's part! Don't store it in the garage for long! The wood in the piano will expand and contract excessively if there is no temperature and humidity control. I have seen pianos reduced to trash by exposure. Even low winter humidity in a well heated room will ruin a pinblock over time (10 years). It may cost a little, but see if your mover can store the piano appropriately until you decide where to put it. Otherwise I agree with the above opinions-take it if it sounds good and plays well, there is nothing like having a real piano to play.

PaulThanks, advice well noted. :) My original idea was to use my garage which is heated but admit not humidity controlled and refinish the piano. However, given the reasons you present I will consider an alternative.

[rwayland]

Well, here I am in my devil's advocate role again! Be careful! A free piano can become expensive. You must be aware of brand names!! For instance, if it is a Kimball, nothing will make it a good piano! If there is sign of cat presence, check the interior. I recall one piano where the owner used the inside for cigar ashes and cat urinal. Look at the bass strings, and listen. If they sound flabby, it could be either badly detuned, or they need replacement. Hammers, if badly grooved, can destroy tone and drastically reduce volume. Seriously degraded tuning can mean either gross neglect, or loose tuning pins. If you take it, you absolutely must get a piano mover. It is not a difficult job, generally, two people will do it, but it can be done by one person. I have moved many pianos, and it is always a little tricky. But an experienced small person can do quite well with some understanding of balance and a little coaching. If you must move it, key rule is, slowly!! Don't show off your strength by giving a shove, because it is quite easy to break a piano leg, as I have seen. Plan your move, a SHORT distance for each increment. A dolly is very useful.

If you do the finishing, don't make the usual mistake! Disassemble! Lid, fall board, cheek blocks, key slip, lyre, and legs!!

I am not trying to scare you off, but remember that I was a dealer and technician, and this is a rough idea of what I would do as a cursory first inspection before haggling over a price. I have seen quite a few people get a piano free or cheap, and who have been so disappointed.

Final caveat -- don't overlook cracked plate or cracked soundboard!!

Richard

[rwayland]

Hi Styxx,

I say go for it! My recommendation is to look for a piano moving company, not a general moving company. They will know what they are doing, and will have the right size board to put the piano on (although a 6-foot piano is probably pretty common). Perhaps contact your local piano store to see if they can recommend someone.

A few years ago, we bought a 9-foot Civil War era piano (John Broadwood & Sons) from an antique market, and it wasn't too bad to move. It would have taken about 10 of me to move it, but one BIG burly guy from the local piano moving company did it all by himself. The only disassembly was to take the legs off.

It was amazing to see him lift the entire piano by himself, carry it in the front door, and place it gently on the living room floor (on its side, so that he could put the legs back on). The piano was 130-something years old when we bought it, with a very thin wooden veneer that survived the move beautifully. The move went so well, that we used that same company again a few years later when we moved to a different house.

Well, a Broadwood of that era might not have have a cast iron plate, which would make it a lot lighter. But it would also make it more difficult to maintain tuning, and the tail of the instrument might twist and distort. The sound, however, ought to be quite mellow and woody, and the action a bit primitive. And, I think the legs on those instruments were huge by today's standards, and removing them would also significantly reduce the weight. I would guess that it should not be tuned at A440.

Richard

[Styxx]

Well, in respect to all the replies my brother and I are going to view the piano and we are taking a friend who has been playing piano all his life. He graciously offered to inspect, play and give his truthful assessment. I'll keep you informed!
Maybe I can post a picture of it as well.

[rwayland]

Well, in respect to all the replies my brother and I are going to view the piano and we are taking a friend who has been playing piano all his life. He graciously offered to inspect, play and give his truthful assessment. I'll keep you informed!
Maybe I can post a picture of it as well.

Good move! On the brighter side, a 6 ft piano (probably it is 6'3") is a good size for a home. Seven foot would be max for nearly all homes, and smaller than six tone quality and power degrades.

Richard

[klassical]

Other people have already given you good advice.

I'll add a personal anecdote about tuning:

I used to have a Steinway Model M Cherrywood baby grand. I loved it when I first got it and would play for hours. With time, I found myself playing my synths more. I didn't know why at first. I thought the novelty had just worn off.

Then I would get it tuned and would love it again for a few months and then lose interest again. I finally figured out that I loved it when it was in tune! When it would start to go out of tune, I would drift over to the synths which were always in tune.

[To those that might wonder, no, it didn't have loose pins. No piano stays in tune for more than a few months. Some might argue 'weeks'.]

- k

[LFO]

Refinishing I can do myself I'm pretty good at it. Yeah, I just called me brother and he will make arrangements to have a look and play it to see if it's worth the cost to move. I can live with $200 to $300 for the move as long (as you say) sounds nice and in playing condition.

I hope it works out for you Styxx!

-Kevin

[rwayland]

I'll add a personal anecdote about tuning:

[To those that might wonder, no, it didn't have loose pins. No piano stays in tune for more than a few months. Some might argue 'weeks'.]

- k

Right you are! Many of the clubs have their pianos tuned weekly. The Steinway D at Davies Hall is tuned before every performance. A new good quality piano or a restrung piano needs about 5 or 6 years for the tuning to stabilize. Thereafter, for home uses, quarterly tunings are advisable, depending on usage. If the piano stays in the same spot for years on end, with good temperature and humidity control, tuning will hold very well. But I have known people who could destroy the tuning on any piano in a very short session, and maybe break a string or two at the same time. Breaking strings is not so difficult. Franz Liszt could do it at will, and did so whenever he was displeased with the instrument offered by the concert hall for his performance.

Richard

[Styxx]

Right you are! Many of the clubs have their pianos tuned weekly. The Steinway D at Davies Hall is tuned before every performance. A new good quality piano or a restrung piano needs about 5 or 6 years for the tuning to stabilize. Thereafter, for home uses, quarterly tunings are advisable, depending on usage. If the piano stays in the same spot for years on end, with good temperature and humidity control, tuning will hold very well. But I have known people who could destroy the tuning on any piano in a very short session, and maybe break a string or two at the same time. Breaking strings is not so difficult. Franz Liszt could do it at will, and did so whenever he was displeased with the instrument offered by the concert hall for his performance.

RichardWell now Richard I never knew piano strings could be broken so easily? How is this accomplished? Always thought that the strings on a piano are so that the never break. Wow, so that explains why so many piano's during the Al Capone days were missing notes! :D

[Styxx]

I'll move to Miami to play me pianie.:D

[Styxx]

you can tune a piano but ya can't tune a fish!

[Styxx]

What does a piano and a tuna have in common?





They both have scales. :D

[rwayland]

Well now Richard I never knew piano strings could be broken so easily? How is this accomplished? Always thought that the strings on a piano are so that the never break. Wow, so that explains why so many piano's during the Al Capone days were missing notes! :D

Well, some people have a special talent for it. However: it is something like pushing a child on a swing. The first push is not so easy. If you catch it at the right instant, and push again your push will add to the force, etc. Each push is a little easier, and eventually, you could easily push the child over the top. On a piano, repeated hard blows with the pedal down accomplish much the same thing. The string, being anchored at both ends, simply snaps. Other causes: strings weakened by rust, or rust welded to the pressure bar. This last cause is usually discovered by the tuner, although the tuner should be observant and take precautions.

The most frequent string breakers (in my experience) were the pianists at the black churches in San Francisco. Those people played with some fantastic enthusiasm and snapped bass strings freely!



Richard

[Styxx]

The most frequent string breakers (in my experience) were the pianists at the black churches in San Francisco. Those people played with some fantastic enthusiasm and snapped bass strings freely!That's amazing to me! Never experienced anyone braking any piano strings even after playing in percussion ensembles with prepared piano.
Now, what happens when a string with such mass as a bass string breaks? Must be one heck of a song! I hope Gary included a sample of a string breaking on the Steinway Library! :D

[Styxx]

Stopped in at a piano store slash music store and talk to the owner about moving and restoration (if needed). The moving wasn't bad at $200 but it depends on how far out he must go to pick it up. Restoration can be costly and he would need time to inspect the piano thoroughly.