Certain music instruments (such as piano) and setups (such as multi-tiered keyboard stands) can be too heavy to move around. But there are times when you have to move them around a bit (at home, in studio or on stage). Besides, there’s always the risk of ruining the flooring (be it carpet, hardwood).
You may consider using furniture slider, piano casters, piano dolly to move heavy instruments an equipment around.
Furniture Sliders
A furniture slider is commonly used to move heavy things around at home – sofas, desks, bookcases, TV stands, and more. Furniture sliders don’t use wheels at all (but it still works like a charm). You can also use it to move your recording desk around a bit, or your piano, or a multi-tier music stand/keyboard stand.
The “lip” or edges (height) of these sliders are also pretty low so you can slide these under the furniture with minimal lifting. But with very heavy furniture, these won’t slide under so easily (you may require help from one more person probably). Having said that, its still a great option, because once its under the furniture, its easy to slide the furniture around.
Piano Casters
All the heavier pianos generally have casters (with wheels) attached to them which make it easier for you to move your piano around. But you can also buy casters separately.
Casters come with non-marking black rubber wheels that protect your flooring. The ones with larger wheels tend to work better. You also get removable casters with pop out sockets, they’re easy to deal with.
Some pianos come with brass castors; however, they can leave some mark (depending on your flooring) so you can replace brass castors with rubber ones easily (trading looks for ease of moving).
Casters are available in various sizes. Several amps come with 2″ casters straight from the factory, but most experienced musicians feel that the 2″ casters are too small, and work great only if you push on smooth concrete or hardwood floors. Most experienced musicians are comfortable using at least 3 1/2″ casters, especially if they know they’re going to use them over uneven terrain.
Piano Dolly with Wheels
Pianos are great for practicing and playing but it can be challenging to move them around. A piano dolly makes it easy to move upright/grand pianos and other heavy objects.
A piano dolly consists of a platform with wheels or casters which makes it so easy to move around the piano. Rubber bumpers on the dolly protects the piano finish, provides complete protection to the piano legs. These come with rubber, non-scratch swivel wheels that are easy to roll and allow for easy maneuverability of the piano.
You will find piano dollies/movers in various designs and sizes to fit different piano models.- Grand Piano Leg Dollies (Comes in a set of 3. Recommended for for pianos up to 72″)
- Upright Piano Dolly (Fits up to 15-5/8″ piano base, Max weight capacity 1,000 Lbs.)
- Best Inexpensive (1000 lb. weight capacity)
Piano Floor Protection Mats
Piano floor protection mats/rugs are placed under the pedals of the piano and provide protection to the carpet and wood flooring. The design and color is such that it nicely blends with the other home furnishings. The back of the mat is designed in such a way that ensures secure placement on carpet or hardwood floors).
Leave a Reply