How we protect an instrument

Four layers. First soft moving blankets over the whole body, doubled at the lid, the keyboard and the corners. Then wooden battens as edge protection wherever a strap will later sit, so no strap presses into the finish. Then stretch film, which holds the blankets in place and keeps out rain and road salt. The finish itself never has direct contact with film or strap.

Positively against the bulkhead first, then by friction with ratchet straps to the lashing rails of the body. Uprights stand on the piano dolly and are strapped crosswise; grands lie in the skid and are additionally fixed to the skid itself so instrument and base cannot move against each other. Anti-slip mats under dolly and skid stop them wandering under braking. We drive defensively — a strapped instrument does not forgive an emergency stop, so we plan so that none is needed.

Nothing happens to the instrument: it is wrapped all round in several layers of blankets and stretch film and stays dry and protected underneath. We also shorten the route from door to vehicle, and in frost the instrument stays wrapped until it is standing in the warm destination room. Rain, snow and cold are everyday business for us — no reason to move an appointment.

Yes, before we touch anything. On parquet, stone and screed we lay protective fleece along the entire route, adding edge protection at doorframes and handrails in tight hallways. The piano dolly runs on soft wheels and the skate is padded. When set down, the instrument goes onto felt or castor cups, never straight onto the floor.

The transport is covered by our transport insurance with Wiener Städtische, on top of statutory liability. Cover includes damage to the instrument and damage to the building and furnishings caused during the move. For valuable instruments we declare the current value beforehand and state the sum insured in the quote — which is why we ask for make, model and year. If something does happen, we document it on the spot with photos and report it the same day.

Please do. Most customers do, and we prefer it to an empty room — you see how the instrument is secured and we can answer questions as they come up. On request we photograph the condition before wrapping and after setting up and send you the pictures. Only during the carry itself do we need the route clear.

At least three for an upright, three to four for a grand, five for concert instruments or difficult access. All of them are our own trained staff — no day-hire helpers. Anyone who carries an instrument for us has spent at least six months securing, guiding and wrapping first.