The Yamaha Solution

If you haven't seen one of these (photo to the right) then you're not alone. It's Yamaha's answer to the Spider Dolly. This thing is for moving concert grand pianos like the CFIIIS around. Apparently, Yamaha felt the need to make an "off-road" type of piano dolly. This thing not only makes rolling around a large concert grand a piece of cake but can also take a concert grand over large door thresholds. What's not to like?

Well, as much as concert grands look indestructible, I have evidence that when lifted on this contraption, a concert grand piano can flex. Yes, flex! Not only do I need to touch up the areas circled in red on a regular basis, I've actually measured a 2.5 cent difference on a piano that's elevated versus being grounded. A440 was initially at 2.45 cents and went up to 5.12 cents. What does this mean for the future of  concert pianos?!

Nothing really. I think there's only a hand full of places around the world that have one of these things. They're cost prohibitive and are generally over-kill. Why is this one in service you ask? It's quite simple really. The concert hall flooring in the New World Center is made of a special type of Cedar which has excellent acoustical properties. It's also really soft! Even the extra large brass casters that are standard on most concert grands would make donuts in the flooring so a dolly with rubber wheels is needed. Hence, the Yamaha dolly.

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