Piano transportation 200+ miles

[cman]

Hi all,

We have some very niche expertise here, so I know it's definitely worth asking!

We are in need of safely transporting a piano (and old Kawai CX-5H for those knowledgeable) from one residence to another, having never moved it since it was delivered decades ago. Around 210 miles from Plymouth to Buckinghamshire.

Can anybody recommend the best way to do so? Would like to avoid a typical 'man with a van' service on account of the care required.

Anybody have personal recommendations for such a service? or on the off-chance provide a service like this?

Thanks in advance.

[Saint-Just]

No man and van.
Google piano movers as results will depend on where you live.
It is definitely a specialist job. You may need to get it tuned once it has set in its new home.

[jwillans]

I can't see any other solution than a specialist piano removal company. I can make a recommendation, but ideally you would want a reputable company either close to the source or destination.

[cman]

No man and van.
Google piano movers as results will depend on where you live.
It is definitely a specialist job. You may need to get it tuned once it has set in its new home.

Great advice regarding tuning especially. I wouldn't have a clue (can you tell I'm not the musical one...)

[cman]

I can't see any other solution than a specialist piano removal company. I can make a recommendation, but ideally you would want a reputable company either close to the source or destination.

Yep, that's the problem I'm seeing. It will be either someone 'reputable' close to the source or destination. Hence reaching out on here for someone, perhaps halfway, but trustworthy/careful enough! Personal recommendations count for a lot these days...

[Jeremy67]

These chaps:

[petethegeek]

...or perhaps Jack Nicholson might be free to help.

[Mr Curta]

Would like to avoid a typical 'man with a van' service on account of the care required.

Icarus Removals?
"Yellow Car!"

[reecie]

Based on the client list and testimonials these guys https://gandrremovals.co.uk/testimon...hestra-moving/. Pretty sure our piano came from Chris Venables at Ringwood so they would have delivered it by the looks of it. If they did then it was a tight squeeze that they managed with no issues.

[hughtrimble]

I used Butler Smith for a journey of 230 miles just last year; I'd use them again any time, and they were recommended to me by a rather more regular user of piano moving services.

Professional and very reasonably priced compared to others I asked at the time. You will need to check about stairs and steps up to the house and within the house as it makes a difference.

https://www.butlersmith.com/

[cman]

Thanks very much reecie and hughtrimble- great info - will definitely enquire with both in the near future.

[jwillans]

I used Butler Smith for a journey of 230 miles just last year; I'd use them again any time, and they were recommended to me by a rather more regular user of piano moving services.

Professional and very reasonably priced compared to others I asked at the time. You will need to check about stairs and steps up to the house and within the house as it makes a difference.

https://www.butlersmith.com/

Butler Smith is who moved my piano and I would also highly recommend them. They move a lot of high end pianos all over the country particularly to private schools.

[jordan-arch]

Icarus Removals?
"Yellow Car!"

What a wonderfully obscure reference. Well done that man

[Maysie]

These chaps:

Beaten to it....

[nickk]

Icarus Removals?
"Yellow Car!"

Thanks Mr C, could you now help me explain to Mrs K how I've ended up ordering a 10 CD box set, a story that begins, 'I was on the watch forum reading this thread about piano removals...'

[Mr Curta]

Thanks Mr C, could you now help me explain to Mrs K how I've ended up ordering a 10 CD box set, a story that begins, 'I was on the watch forum reading this thread about piano removals...'

These things just happen. You won’t regret it

[cman]

Butler Smith is who moved my piano and I would also highly recommend them. They move a lot of high end pianos all over the country particularly to private schools.

I used Butler Smith for a journey of 230 miles just last year; I'd use them again any time, and they were recommended to me by a rather more regular user of piano moving services.

Professional and very reasonably priced compared to others I asked at the time. You will need to check about stairs and steps up to the house and within the house as it makes a difference.

https://www.butlersmith.com/

Many thanks for this - we booked Butler Smith last week and they transported this week. Cannot fully comment on their service as.....

The piano arrived damaged in 2 separate areas, not scratches but actual chips! There was no record of these on their collection/inspection notes yet the the delivery guys argued it wasn't their fault/couldn't have happened during transit. The pre-collection and post-delivery photos show otherwise. Fortunately the proprietor has taken full responsibility and is now arranging for a company to come out to address the damage. Their reaction from this point onwards will speak volumes. Additionally, on the day of delivery they demanded payment in full prior to delivery, via telephone and SMS (3 times). This contradicts their T&Cs of payment upon receipt. Given the damage present, we're glad we stood firm and refused to pay until we saw our piano in our home.

Lesson for others: always take before/after photos , in their presence during collection and delivery, so the condition cannot be argued against!

[hughtrimble]

Blimey. Not good at all.

[jwillans]

Many thanks for this - we booked Butler Smith last week and they transported this week. Cannot fully comment on their service as.....

The piano arrived damaged in 2 separate areas, not scratches but actual chips! There was no record of these on their collection/inspection notes yet the the delivery guys argued it wasn't their fault/couldn't have happened during transit. The pre-collection and post-delivery photos show otherwise. Fortunately the proprietor has taken full responsibility and is now arranging for a company to come out to address the damage. Their reaction from this point onwards will speak volumes. Additionally, on the day of delivery they demanded payment in full prior to delivery, via telephone and SMS (3 times). This contradicts their T&Cs of payment upon receipt. Given the damage present, we're glad we stood firm and refused to pay until we saw our piano in our home.

Lesson for others: always take before/after photos , in their presence during collection and delivery, so the condition cannot be argued against!

Really really sorry to hear this - I dealt with the owner and he was extremely good. I hope that everything gets sorted.

[JGJG]

Good luck with the resolution to this one... shame to hear that the chaps were trying to wriggle out of responsibility for the damage.