In the company Mr. Piano We know very well that transporting instruments isn’t just about moving heavy items. Very often, it involves transporting priceless memories and family heirlooms. Recently, we had the pleasure of completing a job that required not only physical strength from our team, but above all, extraordinary precision and empathy.
Transport of a beautiful, pre-war Bechstein piano from Długołęka to Kiełczów, near Wrocław.
Transport of the Historic Bechstein Piano
A customer contacted us to request that we transport a piano that had been in his family for generations. The sentimental value of this instrument was immense, and his concerns about it being damaged during the move were entirely understandable.
We were looking at a classic, tall model from the brand C. Bechstein. Based on our experience, we knew right away what that entailed. Older, pre-war instruments are characterized by a sturdy cast-iron frame and a solid wooden cabinet (often with turned, decorative legs that are very susceptible to damage). Such an instrument weighs approximately 250–270 kg.
Although the weight may seem really high—some models can weigh nearly half a metric ton—we still had some leeway 🙂 Nevertheless, the transport required specialized transport straps.
The Journey and the Challenges Encountered: From the Second Floor to the Dream Cottage
The logistics of the job involved carrying the instrument from an apartment on an upper floor in Długołęka and transporting it to a single-family home in Kiełczów.
What challenges did we face along the way?
- A narrow staircase in Długołęka: Antique pianos are tall, which makes it difficult to maneuver them on narrow landings. We had to carefully “bend” the instrument around the corners, being careful not to scratch the finish or the staircase walls.
- Center of gravity: Due to its construction, the piano’s weight is distributed unevenly (the rear section, with its cast-iron frame, is significantly heavier). Three experienced porters from PanFortepian.pl They had to work together perfectly at the crosswalks.
- Protection against temperature changes: The older wood and the action are very delicate. We carefully wrapped the piano in moving blankets and stretch wrap to protect it from any moisture and mechanical damage in the van.
Just getting to the cottage in Kiełczów was a pure pleasure—the driveway was easy to navigate, and we only had to climb a few steps to get inside.
How long did the shipment take?
The entire operation went extremely smoothly. From the moment we entered the apartment in Długołęka, through careful packing, carrying the items down the stairs, loading them onto the car lift, and the drive to Kiełczów (about 10–15 km), all the way to carrying the furniture inside and precisely positioning it in the new living room—it took about 2.5 hours.
Costs: How much does it cost to transport a piano on a route like this?
Many customers wonder how we price these services. The cost of transporting pianos depends on several key factors: distance, the weight of the instrument, and the loading and unloading conditions (number of floors).
The estimated cost breakdown for a similar project is as follows:
- Basic Services (vehicle provision, equipment, transportation within Wrocław and the immediate surrounding area up to approx. 20 km): approx. 350–450 PLN.
- Carrying items down from the second floor: The standard rate is usually 60–80 zł per floor (for a weight of about 260 kg). If you’re moving items down from the 2nd floor, the cost is about 120–160 zł.
- Carrying it into the house (ground floor/a few steps): about 50–80 zł.
- Wages for a 3-person crew: the crew’s labor cost per hour is approximately 475–570 PLN.
The total cost of professional, insured transportation of such an instrument on the route from Długołęka to Kiełczów was in the range of 1,300–1,400 PLN. For the customer, this was an investment in complete peace of mind and a guarantee that the family heirloom would arrive at its destination in perfect condition.
What Should You Keep in Mind After Transport? (Advice from PanFortepian.pl)
Finally, we shared the most important tip with our clients: We don't tune the piano right away! After the instrument has been moved to its new location, it needs to “rest” and acclimate to the new temperature and humidity. It’s best to wait about 2–3 weeks before calling a tuner.
Do you have a cherished instrument at home that needs to be moved? Don't risk your health or the safety of your instrument.
Contact the professionals.
Call us: 605-627-532
Visit the website: panfortepian.pl – Your instrument will be in good hands!
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