Would I be able to have a piano upstairs?

[Becky1680]

Hi there, first time posting!

Joined for the purpose of asking a specific question - I live in a smallish semi-detached house. There's not really room downstairs for a piano so for the past few years I've had a digital/electronic one upstairs. There's nothing wrong with it but I don't really like the feel and I'm sure most people on this board will agree you just can't beat an old-fashioned acoustic one for the quality of sound and expression you can get when playing!

My question is, would I actually be able to have one upstairs? Obviously it would depend on the weight of the piano I ended up getting and I know that modern ones do tend to be lighter but what if it was an older model? I'm thinking of going for a second hand one as I can't really afford brand new at the moment.

I doubt actually getting it upstairs would be a problem, we do have a corner on our stairs but it's still fairly roomy and if the stairs weren't possible the room I'm thinking of putting it in has a rather large window that we could just pop out of the frame and crane it up. I'm just concerned about my floor giving way! I've looked at the layout of our downstairs and there is a wall which runs lengthwise almost directly underneath the middle of the room which should provide some extra support.

Anyone got any advice on this?

[Gill the Piano]

I had a little 1970s Reislan piano in my bedroom at home for many years, against both outer (preferable - the floor is stronger where joists abut the outer walls)) and inner walls. My mum still lives there and it hasn't caused the house to fall down yet!

[istillgotit]

First post for me too!

You won't have any problems with a piano upstairs. I have moved many from the second floor in all types of houses over the past 20 yrs and I have never heard of any problems.

[Barrie Heaton]

On the whole its OK I have clients with Grands upstairs the main problem is getting the piano up the stairs
Some modern home have very narrow stairs and a bad turn at the top, so the piano has to come in by the window not a problem for the big piano removal company's as they tend to have specialist window removal teams.

Barrie,

[DT6011]

Yes you can. There are people who get paid for doing those kind of job. Or you can visit this site for some instructions.
http://www.student-movers-forum.com/Pia ... tml#Moving Tips (Articles)

[NewAge]

I'm convinced you'd have no problem at all regarding the weight of an upright piano (or even a large grand). Does your neighbour below really think that ceiling and floors are constructed from Lego and tissue paper? Those Victorian houses had extremely strong joists and floor boards.

The hammond organ and floor warping story sounds fishy to me. If the floorboards were in fact warping I would guess that it was from many dozens of litres of spillt beer and other alcoholic drinks rather that the weight of an instrument.
So get that piano out of the hall, up to your flat and enjoy! Although as it was a gift, I do hope it doesn't turn out to be a poisoned present in terms of maintenance, as so many old 'gift' pianos turn out to be.

[Colin Nicholson]

Yeh, as I always say, there is no such thing as a "free" piano! - and sometimes is the case, the burden may be passed to you now ---- its free for a reason.
I would get it checked over first b4 hauling it upstairs. If later it turns out to be condemned, or un-tunable (loose tuning pins/ wrest plank problems) - then I suppose its quicker & easier to launch it out the bedroom window.... happy moving!