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Can you take a piano apart to move it?

Yes, it is possible to take a piano apart to move it. The task is typically best left to experienced professionals, as there may be parts of the piano that require special attention when handling. In order to properly disassemble the instrument, one should start by removing the lid, legs and pedal lyre.

The strings and soundboard can then be carefully removed. Further dismantling may require the use of specialized tools. Once disassembled, the pieces will need to be wrapped up for moving, either in blankets for smaller pieces or in furniture moving covers for the larger parts.

Depending on the size and type of piano, it may also be possible to move it as a whole. For example, some grands can be moved on rollers, with caution taken to not lose any of the pieces. If using a mover, make sure to first check their qualifications.

How much does it cost to disassemble a piano?

The cost to disassemble a piano can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size of the piano, the complexity of the task, and the need for specialized tools or expertise. With a DIY approach, the cost for basic disassembly could range from $30 to $200 for standard upright pianos.

For larger pianos, such as a baby grand, the cost could be significantly higher. If professional services are required, a piano mover could charge anywhere from $50 up to $1000, depending on location, size, and potential hazards.

Additionally, the cost to move and redeliver the piano after disassembly could be extra.

How do you remove the guts from a piano?

Removing the guts or strings from a piano requires a few simple steps. First, turn the piano over so the strings and soundboard are facing upward, with the bottom of the piano towards the floor. Next, using the appropriate tools, remove the screws that hold the steel frame and strains in place.

Once the screws are removed, you can carefully lift the strings and frame out and away from the piano. After the strings and frame have been removed, you will need a drill to remove the pins that hold the keys in place.

Once the pins are removed, you can gently take the keys and action out of the piano. Finally, use a screwdriver to unscrew and remove the soundboard from the piano. Once all of the components have been removed, you should have a bare piano body with no remaining guts or strings.

How much is the metal in a piano worth?

The exact amount of metal in a piano varies, depending on the type and size of the piano. An acoustic grand piano, for example, contains approximately 150kg of metal, while an upright piano contains around 70kg.

The metal in a piano can include brass, aluminum, copper, nickel, chrome, and steel. The value of this metal varies based on current scrap pricing and the type of metal in the piano. On average, the metal in a piano is worth approximately $600, though it can range from $400 to $800 depending on the specific piano and current prices for scrap metal.

In addition to the metal, pianos also contain a variety of other materials such as wood, plastic, felt, rubber, and strings worth a few hundred dollars, in total.

What is the heaviest part of a piano?

The heaviest part of a piano is the cast iron plate, which supports the tension of the strings. The piano plate or harp is made of a cast iron alloy, usually containing about three parts iron to one part carbon.

It usually weighs between 250 and 350 pounds, but can be as heavy as 500 pounds in concert grand pianos. Though it is difficult to move, the plate is designed to vibrate and resonates with the strings, enhancing their volume and tone.

The plate is also the foundation on which the tuning pins, hammers, and all other piano parts are mounted. Without a sturdy plate, the piano would not be able to hold its proper tuning and create the desired sound.

Does a piano have brass in it?

Yes, a piano does have brass in it. All pianos have several strings that produce a sound when they are struck by a hammer. The strings are wrapped around tuning pins that are housed in a brass plate.

This brass plate is part of the frame of the piano and is also responsible for protecting the tuning pins as well as providing additional strength to the piano frame. Each tuning pin passes through its own hole in the brass plate and is held in place by a knurled nut.

The piano action rests upon this brass plate and the strings are attached at both ends to it. Additionally, some piano makers use brass sonic plates in their vertical pianos. These plates are placed between the hammers and the strings to enhance the sound of low notes.

How do you Destring a piano?

Destringing a piano involves taking off all of the strings, dampers, bridges, and action from the piano. This process is typically done when a piano is being restored, or when the internal mechanics of the piano need to be fixed or replaced.

To start the destringing process, the tuner will remove the strings. This requires turning the tuning pins and cutting the strings with a special tool. Once all of the strings have been removed, the dampers, bridges, and action can then be taken out of the piano.

This is typically done by removing the pins that connect them to the piano, although sometimes additional tools are required.

Destringing your piano is a delicate process and should be done by an experienced technician. It can be a long and difficult process, but is absolutely necessary to keep your piano in good condition and preserve its internal components.

Are old piano parts worth anything?

Whether or not old piano parts are worth anything depends on various factors related to their condition, rarity and historical value. While some individual parts may have a monetary value, many times it may be difficult to determine or even impossible.

In the case of parts from antique pianos, they may have a certain value due to their historical importance, especially if they’re from a particular composer or period piece.

In regards to parts that are still functional, they may have a certain value depending on their age and condition. Parts that are in mint condition or that come with a provenance of origin could be valued higher, as could parts made from rare or top-of-the-line materials.

Additionally, there may be some within the piano restoration community who are interested in purchasing authentic parts for use in the restoration process of a unique or vintage piece.

In the event that you’re unsure of the value of an old piano part, you could look for listings of similar parts on auction sites or forums for guidance. If its historical value is what you’re looking for, there are researchers and appraisers who are well-versed in such topics and could provide information on the part’s worth.

Ultimately, the value associated with a part or pieces of an old piano will depend upon the specific conditions, so researching its history and condition are key steps in determining value.

Can I scrap a piano?

Yes, you can scrap a piano provided you follow the appropriate safety precautions. Before attempting to scrap a piano, it is important to make sure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, and a hammer.

Furthermore, depending on the type of piano, you may need additional tools to take it apart. Next, begin by taking the keys off the piano, as well as any decorations or hardware. Carefully disassemble the piano and separate the metal parts from the wooden parts, making sure to put the metal parts in a separate container.

You can then take the metal parts to a scrap metal yard and get a quote for their price. You may also need to take the wood pieces to a landfill or a wood recycling facility. In either case, it is important to make sure you follow all laws and regulations when it comes to disposing of the piano.

Do pianos have gold in them?

No, most pianos do not have gold in them. They are usually made of other materials such as wood, metal, plastic, felt, and thin metal wires. The piano strings are typically made of high-grade steel, while the tuning pins are usually made of brass or nickel.

There are some types of pianos, most notably grand pianos, that can feature gold hardware on the exterior. These gold accents are mostly for aesthetic purposes, such as for the ornamental designs on the legs, feet, or lid of the piano.

However, these accents are typically made of brass or silver-plated, not actual gold.

In rare cases, the music wires in grand pianos can be made of a type of gold-plated brass, but this is not a common occurrence. In summary, while gold hardware may be featured on the exterior of some grand pianos, it is not common to find it inside the piano.

Is the inside of a piano brass?

No, the inside of a piano is not usually brass. The majority of acoustic pianos are made with either spruce or maple wood, but the interior can also include other hardwoods. The strings, tuning pins, and screws are typically made of steel.

The soundboard is usually constructed of spruce, and the action and keys are primarily made of plastic and wood. The hammers that strike the strings are typically covered in wool, but can also be made of plastic, felt, or leather.

While there may be some brass components found inside of a piano, such as screws and knobs, it is not a common material used in the interior.

How much can you get for scrapping a piano?

As with all items that can be recycled or scrapped, the amount of money you can get for scrapping a piano depends on a variety of factors including the type of piano (grand, upright or electric), condition and age.

Generally, scrapping a piano will fetch anywhere from $50 for an old, broken upright to a few hundred dollars for a good, undamaged grand. It may be possible to earn more for some piano models with special characteristics.

Additionally, a buyer may also pay more if they require a certain number of parts from the piano to complete their own project, as each part in itself might have an additional scrap value. To maximize your earnings, start by contacting local scrapyards and salvage yards to determine the specific value they place on pianos.

What do you do with old pianos?

The most common are definitely finding a new home for it and donating or selling it, or having it upcycled into something else.

If it’s in working condition, there are a few ways to find a new home for it – looking on websites like Craigslist and eBay for someone in the local area that’s looking for an old piano, listing it in a local paper’s classified ads section, or asking around at music stores to see if anyone is in the market for a used piano.

If it’s an antique or a more expensive piano brand, it might be worth the time to locate a professional pianist or collector who can give it a new home.

If the piano is too far gone to be repaired, then there are a few other options. Depending on the condition and make of the piano, it might be possible to have it upcycled into something else such as a bar, bookshelf, or even a work of art.

Additionally, there are services available to donate or dispose of pianos.

No matter what option is chosen, it’s important to make sure that the piano is handled carefully, properly, and ethically from beginning to end. With some research and planning, that old piano can get a second life and be enjoyed for years to come.

How heavy is a upright piano?

On average, an upright piano can weigh between 350 – 450 lbs (or 159 – 204 kg). However, the exact weight of a specific upright piano can vary significantly depending on its size, type, and construction.

Upright pianos range in size from 41″ to 46″ in height and may measure up to 59″ deep. As a result, upright pianos can weigh as little as 300 lbs (136 kg) or as much as 650 lbs (295 kg). Additionally, the material construction of the cabinet and the type of action affects the overall weight of the piano.

Generally speaking, upright pianos tend to be heavier than grand pianos due to the size and structure of their cabinets.

Will an upright piano fit through a door?

Whether an upright piano will fit through a door depends largely on the size of the piano and the size of the door. An upright piano typically measures around 48″ in width, and a standard interior door is approximately 30″ wide.

Therefore, if the piano is larger than 30″ wide, it will likely not fit through the doorway. It is also important to consider both the width and height of the door when determining if a piano will fit through it, as pianos are typically around 36″ in height.

Additionally, if the hallways or staircases leading to the doorway are tight, a piano may not be able to navigate through them. If you are unsure, it is always best to take measurements of the door and piano, as well as walk through the path that the piano must take to the doorway to determine the feasibility of fitting a piano through the door.

Can an upright piano be transported on its side?

Yes, an upright piano can be transported on its side as long as certain steps are taken to ensure the safety and security of the instrument. When transporting an upright piano on its side, any awkward moving or forcing should be avoided in order to protect the structural integrity and finish of the piano.

It is important to use adequate padding and secure binding materials to secure the piano in a stable position. If the upright piano is equipped with locking pins or brackets, they should be unlocked to prevent them from clamping down on the side of the piano as it is being moved.

A piano dolly may be used to make transportation easier on the instrument and the people doing the moving. Additionally, the piano should be well balanced on the dolly, and straps should be used to hold the instrument in place.

It is important to ensure the upright piano is covered with a heavy duty blanket or furniture pad provide some protection from damage.

How do you move an upright piano to another room?

Moving an upright piano to another room is no easy task and requires a lot of patience and muscle power. First, make sure to have enough help from experienced members in whom you trust as moving a piano is a two-person job.

Secondly, obtain some equipment such as dollies, straps, and a good quality moving blanket. Once you have everything ready, make sure to plan out the route carefully and clear any possible obstructions that you might encounter along the way.

Carefully lift the piano onto the moving blanket and secure it in the correct position with the help of a few straps. Use the furniture dollies attached to the bottom of your piano’s legs to lift it off the ground.

From here, you can either roll the dollies towards your destination or carry the piano if your arms and shoulders can manage the weight. Once in the new room, carefully lift the piano off the dollies, making sure not to twist your back in the process.

Then, slide the dollies away from the piano and make any necessary height adjustments.

Finally, make sure to make the surrounding area safe for both yourself and your piano. This includes checking the floor for any scratches or uneven surfaces, and ensuring the piano can’t move after it has been placed.

With the help of a few people and the proper equipment, you can easily and safely move your upright piano to another room.

Can you lay an upright piano on its back to transport?

Yes, it is possible to lay an upright piano on its back to transport, however it is not recommended as it can cause damages to the piano. Moving a piano requires attention to detail and a lot of effort.

To move a piano safely, you should use a special piano skid or a moving dolly that are designed to safely and securely hold pianos in place. Additionally, it is also important to protect the piano from damage by using blankets, furniture pads or shrink-wrap to provide adequate protection from dirt, moisture and bumps during transportation.

It is also important to secure the transportation vehicle properly, so that the piano will not move or slide around during the transit. Lastly, it is important for the people lifting or moving the piano to use proper lifting techniques, so as to avoid back injuries or other damages.