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Now that I've been here a while, I'm thinking about shipping my piano over from Texas. It's an upright, 48" tall.
I've done some searching on here and haven't found a good answer to these two questions - if anyone can recommend:
1) A shipper who can get it here in one piece? Understanding I'll have to figure out how to get it to port and all. It would be nice if I could ship from Galveston instead of Miami, but may not be possible. If I found a shipper who could handle the entire transaction from Texas door-to-St. Croix door, even better.
2) Does anyone have advice for keeping a piano on STX with the humidity? I'm sure I'll have to have it tuned more often - any recommendations for tuners on island (if there is one)? I've read about people replacing the hammers with special ones - any advice?
I really love this piano and want to have it here, but if the logistics are too much of a challenge/expense then I'll have to sell it and buy one on island. 🙁 But I'm really hoping I can bring mine.
Thanks everyone!
Posted : February 8, 2012 1:40 pm
Julie...think of your piano like this.....the Piano would say .."how could you do this to me"!!You inner voice is correct tooo much risk for permanent damage. jmo:-)
Posted : February 8, 2012 2:16 pm
Topic starter
Yes, I know. It's not a valuable antique, just mine. 🙂 I do miss it though!
Posted : February 8, 2012 2:25 pm
From what I've heard over the years the climate can be pretty rough on a piano, and the upkeep hard (even if you can find a tuner) and it can't be an inexpensive proposition to ship it down, either. And then when you go back to the mainland, shipping is such a hassle and apparently more expensive thattaway than thisaway! Could a simple electronic keyboard keep you going? I know it's not the same but ...
Posted : February 8, 2012 2:56 pm
JulieKay,
Well, I would leave it as we did. Unless you keep in the A/C, it will lose it's tune frequently and you would be lucky to find a tuner, as OldTart says. You can't afford to run the A/C here so just leave it in Texas and purchase a portable electric piano for here.
Posted : February 8, 2012 5:10 pm
Topic starter
Yes...*sighs*...I've pretty much resigned myself to that.
We don't have A/C, don't need it.
I don't like electric pianos - don't like how they feel. And I'm quite a piano player. 🙂 Sad that I'm going to have to give it up for now, but probably what is going to have to happen.
Posted : February 8, 2012 5:12 pm
I can't remember the name but the man who plays piano frequently for Caribbean Community Theater also tunes pianos (so I've heard). You could call CCT & get his name and see what his advice is.
Posted : February 8, 2012 9:44 pm
Julie,
I moved my baby grand here from the states and it is certainly possible. There is a person here who is a master technician and can advise about any piano issue. Check your private message box.
Posted : February 8, 2012 10:08 pm
How "firm" is your move? Can you afford the expense of a luxury item move? Can you afford the upkeep? If the answers are all positive.....go for it! I grew up with a piano (one in every home in my little hometown) and appreciate the value. The biggest negative is a lot of people leave island after a relatively short time, and what a shame to have to turn around and move it back!
Posted : February 9, 2012 2:56 am
Julie, have you thought of joining a musical group which has a piano on site? I know it's not the same as having a piano in your own home but might fill a gap!
Posted : February 9, 2012 12:24 pm
Topic starter
Thanks everyone for all the help! And yes, my move is "firm," which is why I'd like to figure this out for the long term. I'm going to move slowly with it until I know the right thing to do. But I'd hate to not be able to play for years and years - or longer. 🙁
Posted : February 9, 2012 4:10 pm
Topic starter
I have thought about joining a musical group - or playing for a church or another organization. I'll be looking more as I get more into things. 😀
Posted : February 9, 2012 4:11 pm
There are piano tuners on STT and I would believe on STX as well. Most of the piano owners here will have a piano heating rod - I use one in my closet - to keep the humidity level drier and commonly cover it when not in use - they do come up for sale occasionally so maybe placing a wanted ad and keeping yours in storage or at a musical friends home could be an option - I have seen and heard some beautiful concert grands here both 7 and 9 ft. - even a Bosendorfer that suffered major damage in Hugo and was rebuilt and returned from Germany.
Start looking to buy one here - it is likely to be close to the shipping cost for an upright.
Posted : February 9, 2012 6:28 pm
