Your piano is much more than just a musical instrument; it’s a great investment, possibly a beloved antique that’s been passed down from one family member to another, and something that you are proud to show off in your house. When it’s time to move this treasure, you should find a piano moving company that offers climate-controlled transport (and storage, if needed).
We know how complex moving a piano is at Modern Piano Moving. Many things can put your piano at risk when it is moved. These can include large temperature and humidity fluctuations, road vibrations and so much more. That’s why we only use climate-controlled moving vehicles and warehouses. Here’s why this approach is so critical.
Protecting Your Piano from Temperature Fluctuations
The temperature can affect pianos quite a bit. In cold weather, especially during the winter relocation, the wood, felt and adhesive materials may become brittle and crack. The carefully calibrated strings also contract in the colder temperature and may break. Conversely, heat presents its own set of challenges. Wood parts grow when temperatures go up and the dampers start to fall apart. Piano mechanisms of all sorts can get damaged by the trauma of a piano being constantly transported on very hot or very cold days.
To ensure your pianos are warm or cool enough in winter and summer, we have temperature-controlled trucks that keep the temperature at 55-70 degrees. The modern heating and cooling technology precisely adapts the vehicle’s interior. By shielding your piano from temperature shock, it protects its components as well as its sound quality.
Managing Moisture Levels
Humidity is another important factor for piano condition. Moisture damages metals, wood, and adhesives: Rust develops on metal parts. Wood expands. Adhesives are weakened. When the air is not humid enough, wood dries out and cracks. Also, leather and felt will get spoiled. Your instrument is under a lot of stress from changes in moisture.
We keep the humidity between 45% and 55% within our climate-controlled piano trucks. We safeguard all of the piano’s moisture-sensitive components such as the wood, felt, glue, and leather parts from major humiditys fluctuations. There will be less chance for costly repairs post moving.
Protecting Your Piano During Road Transport
Moving your piano may still be disturbed by road imperfections and irregular surfaces despite climate regulation. We solve this with the use of air-ride suspension systems and thick carpeted floor cushioning. The technology neutralises the vibrations of the road and the thick padding absorbs all the bumps. Your piano remains in a safe environment for the whole ride.
Preserving Optimal Conditions During Storage
When moving, temporary and long term storage climate also matters for the warehouse. Clearly, keeping your piano in a cold place during the cold winter months has issue. Also, leaving your instrument in a hot summer storage unit that is not climate-controlled can cause serious damage.
We deliver the same climate-controlled temperature, humidity control and protection as our vehicles in our piano storage facilities. When your piano is in storage, we can create a custom crate, protective covering, and provide ongoing tuning and maintenance. Your instrument is safe against the elements until we bring it to your new location.
The Dangers of Environmental Extremes
You might wonder – don’t pianos have some built-in slack to handle changing circumstances? To some extent, they are. But, prolonged or greater exposure can cause a lot more damage. Consider these significant risks.
The wood structure of the piano has either split or distorted. This can happen with abrupt exposure to cold or heat.
The wooden rim becoming disconnected from the rest of the structure due to expansion and contraction.
The metal parts inside the instrument, such as the harp supports and strings, have corroded. Changing humidity speeds up this process.
Felt or leather that has became tighter, stiffened or splits. Dry conditions are especially harmful.
- The stickiness of the glue may wear off making it shaky. Excessive moisture gradually softens adhesives.
Ivory keys are fragile, thus the Bob and crack quite easily. Cold, arid environments increase brittleness.
Lessens the stress and probable failure of the high-tensile steel strings because of their expansion and contraction.
Distorts the piano’s soundboard which affects the quality of sound This happens with humidity changes.
The metal strings on this instrument have been detuned. Temperature fluctuations interfere with the exact tuning.
As these samples show, climate control is really the only way to avoid progressive, possibly permanent damage to your piano during a move.
Professional Equipment and Expertise for Safe Transport
Whether it’s our climate-controlled trucks or our unique moving equipment Modern Piano Moving has everything it takes to move a piano safely.
The vehicles would use soft-tread tires to minimize the vibrations through the chassis.
We provide hydraulic lift gates for easy loading and unloading of your piano.
Specialized blankets and padding designed to cover your piano entirely.
Our professional dollies have pneumatic wheels ensuring smooth maneuvering of your piano.
Our highly trained piano movers know how to prepare your piano, handle it and secure it in the truck. We take every precaution to make sure that your piano arrives safely and soundly.
Complete Piano Services
Modern Piano Moving offers complete piano care. We can handle your local move, cross country transport, storage service, tuning service, or maintenance service. Through our climate controlled services, we provide superior protection tailor-made for your treasured piano. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your next piano move. We look forward to safely delivering your piano to its new destination!
