Last spring, we received a call that tested every skill we've developed over 15 years: move a 990-pound Steinway Model D concert grand up three flights of stairs in a historic downtown Steamboat building with no elevator.
The Challenge
The 9-foot Steinway D needed to reach a third-floor music studio. The stairwell was 42 inches wide with 90-degree turns at each landing. The building's historic designation prohibited any structural modifications.
The Plan
- Remove legs, pedal lyre, and lid to reduce width and weight
- Custom-build a piano board with adjustable angle supports
- Use a 6-person crew with designated roles
- Install temporary corner protectors on all stairwell walls
- Stage the move in three phases with rest breaks
The Execution
The move took 4 hours from truck to final position. Two crew members guided from above, two supported from below, and two managed the middle section through the turns. After reassembly, our client played a few bars — perfectly in tune, not a scratch on the finish.
Have a Piano to Move?
We handle uprights, baby grands, and concert grands. Stair carries are our specialty.
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