Moving an antique or heirloom piano

An antique or heirloom piano is a different proposition from a modern instrument. The casework, the finish and the internal components can all be fragile in ways that a modern piano is not, and a move that would be straightforward with a current production upright needs more preparation when the instrument is 100 years old.

What makes antique pianos different to move

Victorian and Edwardian uprights typically have decorative casework that includes marquetry, inlay work, silk or fabric fronts, carved legs and ornate music desks. These elements are often original and irreplaceable. The case veneer on older instruments can be thin and brittle, and the glue joints that hold decorative elements in place may have weakened over time.

The structural components, including the frame, the pin block and the action, can also show their age. Cast-iron frames are generally very durable, but the wooden rails and hammer flanges in an older action may be more brittle than on a modern instrument. Rough handling can dislodge hammers or break flanges in ways that are expensive or impossible to repair with original materials.

Getting a valuation before you move

Before moving an antique piano, it is worth getting a written valuation from a piano technician or a specialist auction house. The value determines the appropriate insurance level, and it also helps the moving crew understand what they are dealing with. A piano with decorative elements worth more than the instrument itself needs to be handled differently from a standard move.

What a specialist crew does differently

We assess the specific risks for an antique piano before the day. That means looking at the case condition, identifying any loose or fragile decorative elements, and deciding whether any components need to be removed for transport rather than moved in place. On a Victorian upright with a detachable music desk or removable candle holders, we will take those off and pad them separately rather than leave them to rattle in transit.

Every antique piano travels in a top-of-range, triple-thickness fitted transit cover. The piano moves on a padded skid board and is strapped securely. For particularly fragile instruments, we can arrange piano crating, which involves a custom timber crate built around the instrument for maximum protection.

Piano crating for high-value antiques

For very fragile or very valuable antique pianos, piano crating is the right approach. A crate is built around the instrument after wrapping, so the case never contacts any hard surface. This is especially appropriate for instruments with original painted or lacquered cases, instruments with significant historical value, or pianos travelling a long distance or into storage.

Practical steps before the move

• Have the piano tuned and inspected by a technician before the move, not just after, so you have a record of its condition
• Photograph the instrument in detail before collection, including any existing damage or wear
• Tell the booking team the approximate age, make and any known fragility when you book
• Remove any items stored on or inside the piano, including music books and ornaments

After the move

Wait two to four weeks before tuning an antique piano after a move. Older instruments can be more sensitive to humidity change than modern ones, and rushing to tune before the piano has settled can cause the pitch to drift again quickly. If you notice any damage on delivery, report it before the crew leaves so it can be properly documented.

For a quote on moving an antique or heirloom piano, go to book.pianospeed.com or call 020 7164 0000. PianoSpeed is rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 77 reviews. If you think your piano may need crating, mention that when you book and we will discuss the right approach for your instrument.