Pianotech

  • 1.  Piano Unload Help: Longmeadow, Mass.

    Posted 05-16-2013 14:26
    I'm delivering a small-size console player piano to Longmeadow, Mass on June 7th. Could anyone suggest a helper in that area I could hire to assist unloading? Not a big job. I use a ramp off my pickup truck. No steps. Thanks!

    Phil Jamison

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    Philip Jamison
    Philip Jamison Pianos
    WEST CHESTER PA
    610-696-8449
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  • 2.  RE: Longmeadow, Mass.

    Posted 05-16-2013 17:11
    Insured, driver,, helper, & piano best way to go. Cost a lot more anything goes wrong. Your business reputation is protected. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID Philip Jamison wrote: > >I'm delivering a small-size console player piano to Longmeadow, Mass on June 7th. Could anyone suggest a helper in that area I could hire to assist unloading? Not a big job. I use a ramp off my pickup truck. No steps. Thanks! > > Phil Jamison > > ------------------------------------------- > Philip Jamison > Philip Jamison Pianos > WEST CHESTER PA > 610-696-8449 > ------------------------------------------- > >


  • 3.  RE:Longmeadow, Mass.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-17-2013 09:40
    U-Haul told me about a website that has just that sort of thing available.  I don't remember the URL but is was really simple like helpyoumove.com or some such thing.  They're expensive for pianos with minimums being around $200 but if you were to call a few of them maybe they'll understand your spot and cut you a better price.

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    Larry Fisher
    Owner, Chief Grunt, Head Hosehead
    Vancouver WA
    360-256-2999
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  • 4.  RE:Piano Unload Help: Longmeadow, Mass.

    Posted 05-17-2013 10:01
    A trailer is much easier to load and unload with the lower deck height. Contact a local mover to see if they could supply the help or ask the customer if they have an able-bodied friend to assist.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page


  • 5.  RE:Piano Unload Help: Longmeadow, Mass.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-17-2013 11:08
    A professional charges a professional price and sub contracts to other professionals. The liability alone should scare the dren out of you. ------------------------------------------- Larry Messerly, RPT Bringing Harmony to Homes www.prescottpiano.com larry@prescottpiano.com 928-445-3888 -------------------------------------------


  • 6.  RE:Piano Unload Help: Longmeadow, Mass.

    Posted 05-18-2013 09:17
    Am I the only piano technician that also moves pianos? I've used a pickup truck for the past 40 years and, before that, I rented trailers. I have a pretty good system using a ramp and tie-downs. The pianos don't fall, and they stay dry. The height of the truck bed is often an advantage, as we can unload straight off onto porches, loading docks, etc. I even have a winch that allows me to load pianos myself, though I rarely use it. 

    I'd bring my helper to Mass. on this move, but it's a ten-hour trip. Hiring someone up there to help for for 10 minutes would be cheaper. Almost no work to it, really. Hopefully, I can find a helper for less than $200! If you can suggest anyone in the Springfield/Longmeadow area, let me know.

    Thanks,

    Phil

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    Philip Jamison
    Philip Jamison Pianos
    WEST CHESTER PA
    610-696-8449
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  • 7.  RE:Piano Unload Help: Longmeadow, Mass.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-18-2013 09:31

    Hi Philip,

    Even with an 8 foot ramp you've quite an incline to deal with off the back of a full sized pick up.  The smaller versions are closer to the ground and can handle your piano adequately but you've still got quite an incline to work with.  One other able bodied person could be the answer to your quest.  Call some contractors  .......  handymen, household repair guys, roofers, painters, gutter guys, etc.  Around here anyway they use guys that will do lots of different things to make a few bucks.  Craigslist should produce plenty of names and numbers.  From their point of view, it's an easy twenty bucks.

    Trailers are indeed closer to the ground but adds to the cost.  I really like mine and it has generated lots of income for me but there's the initial investment and the bodily beating that piano moving enhances our lives with.  200 miles south of here I called a local piano moving company and had a young stud show up by bicycle on time in nice duds.  He was a tremendous help, nothing got dinged and I paid him forty bucks. 
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    Larry Fisher
    Owner, Chief Grunt, Head Hosehead
    Vancouver WA
    360-256-2999
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  • 8.  RE:Piano Unload Help: Longmeadow, Mass.

    Posted 05-18-2013 14:25
    Thanks for the replies. I think I found a helper; a PTG member nearby.

    Yes, you would think pickup truck moving would be risky and tricky, but it's actually quite convenient and safe. I came to it gradually and discovered what works and what does not. Four Ford F150's and thousands of pianos later, I'm still going. It's a nice way to stay busy when other piano work is scarce.

    Phil

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    Philip Jamison
    Philip Jamison Pianos
    WEST CHESTER PA
    610-696-8449
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  • 9.  RE:Piano Unload Help: Longmeadow, Mass.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-18-2013 23:22
    I'm glad you found someone. 

    It took me a while but I finally remembered how I've done this.  It's a console so lay it down between the wheel wells on top of lots of moving pads.  Remove the tailgate and lay more pads on the ground below your rear license plate.  With trailer hitch removed slide the piano out of the bed of your truck, pads and all, and lay it down on it's side on the street on top of all those pads you laid there earlier.  The weight of the piano is controlled by the pivot point.  As it tips further push up and into the truck to control it's fall on to the pads. Then tip it over on to a dolly in a traditional fashion  .........  rotational vector to the truck  ...........  if you know what I mean.

    The experienced help you've found is invaluable.  Good luck and I hope all goes well Philip.

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    Larry Fisher
    Owner, Chief Grunt, Head Hosehead
    Vancouver WA
    360-256-2999
    -------------------------------------------