Ventura - Concert Grand Piano Move

The Move

Steinway concert grand piano (model D, 9 feet) relocated between two private residences in Ventura. The instrument belonged to a working concert pianist who had a performance the following week, so condition and timing were both critical.

Distance: under four miles. Complexity: significantly higher than the distance would suggest.

The Challenge

Concert grand pianos weigh approximately 1,200 pounds. The lid and pedal lyre must be disassembled correctly, the body wrapped without scratching the lacquer finish, and the legs removed in the correct sequence to keep the body balanced on the piano board.

The destination home had a 90-degree entryway turn from a narrow garden path. Standard piano handling techniques would not work.

The Approach

Four-person specialty crew assigned. Custom piano boards, four-wheel dollies, and ratchet straps. The piano was disassembled at the origin in approximately 45 minutes, wrapped in heavy pads, secured to the board, and rolled out via the main entrance.

For the destination entryway, we used a portable hoist system to lift the body over the garden wall rather than navigating the 90-degree turn. Total time at destination: under three hours including reassembly.

Partner piano technician scheduled to tune the instrument 72 hours after placement, after the wood had settled into the new climate.

The Result

Piano moved, tuned, and performance-ready four days before the concert. Pianist reported no measurable difference in tone or action after the move.

This pianist now refers other musicians in the Ventura and Santa Barbara classical scene. We have moved several professional-grade instruments since.