Well now I am pretty new at this game but my back is as sensitive as
anyone else's!

Firstly I would like to comment on putting players on end. Only do it
as a last resort.

I have done it with small players but it is tricky and you need a proper
dolly and at least one assistant. Getting it vertical is the least of
the problems. The biggest area for potential injury to the person (let
alone the instrument) is returning the piano to a horizontal position.
The enormous weight will become apparent as soon as the piano moves
beyond its balance point. It's downward travel may well become
unstoppable unless you have some serious muscle around.

As a general rule when removing players prior to restoration, I remove
the case parts, upper action, main pedal exhaust bellows, and piano
action. It is only a fifteen minute  job and it saves an awful lot of
effort. Beware, though, it alters the centre of gravity of  the piano
towards the rear of the instrument. Have an assistant always on hand
to steady the player whilst moving it on the dolly.

In tight corners it is simpler to remove the keybed to gain that extra
few inches. If you are familiar with piano assembly then it should not
be too much trouble. I have just done this with an upright Duo-Art. The
only problem is likely to be how the cheeks are attached to the case
sides. Screws are fine, but have probably never been removed before,
so are likely to be tight.  If the cheeks are glued that is a problem.

As far as moving players without disassembly, I use one of two
techniques depending upon whether or not I have an assistant.  With one,
I give them the dolly and position them at one end of the piano, behind
me.  I line up the dolly so that its edge if flush with the piano back.
I the lift the piano slightly so as to clear the downward tilted end of
the dolly, just sufficient to get the dolly underneath it, beyond the
castors.

I have a rest. I then lift again to get the dolly a third of the way
under.  I have another rest.  I then do the final lift to get the dolly
half way under.  Job done.  To remove, I tilt the piano up and have the
assistant pull the dolly out and then immediately help take the strain
by grabbing the front end of the piano whilst I take the main weight
using the grab handle at the rear. We lower it together.

Doing it on my own is much more interesting!   Firstly I take my time.
I have three lengths of wood. Simple square posts. I lay two parallel
at one end of the piano, as an extension of it, and the same distance
apart as the wheels of the dolly.  I then lay the third post
transversely beneath the other two, so as to tilt them.  I then put the
dolly on top of these two so that its front wheels are on the ground
and its back wheels are on the posts. Its front end is resting against
the piano end. I then lift.  The dolly rolls forward under gravity and
settles as far as it can. I then release the piano and have a rest.
Next I push *all* posts forward to tilt the dolly even higher. Another
lift.

Repeat until dolly is central. Job done. It is surprisingly easy, and
very satisfying to watch that dolly roll forward without touching it!
For removal, I find a slight slope. I tilt the piano up against the
slope and let the dolly roll backwards slightly. I lower the piano to
have a rest,  then repeat until the dolly is out.

It all requires effort, but it is not back breaking. However, I might
change my mind in a few year's time!

Roger Waring

The Pianola Workshop
Solihull
England
Pianolas@cableinet.co.uk