WARNING: Modern Piano Moving recruits its "expert" piano movers from internet trucker recruiting websites (bigtruckdriving jobs, and 1owneroperator, see links below). We paid Modern Piano Moving top dollar for safe transport of our piano and what we got was a truck driver with big, bad attitude, and a helper who was hired LITERALLY days before. They used customer pianos, including ours, to train the new guy! That's not a story with a happy ending. see 10/15/12 review below. Negative stars. Our move was more than a year ago, but Modern Piano Moving is still recruiting CONTRACTOR truck drivers. Here are their current recruiting ads (http://www.bigtruckdrivingjobs.com/companies/profile/139.html) (http://new.1owneroperator.com/companies/profile/808.html). They expect their drivers to cover 2,800 miles a week and also load/unload pianos. No wonder stuff gets damaged. Google "modern piano moving truck driving jobs" and you can see for yourself. They claim on their website that they have "no outside parties" in a piano move. B.S! What exactly do they call an owner-operator, hired without benefits, paid on pickup/drop pay?! The rest of the world calls this a contractor/outside party. HOW TO MOVE A PIANO LONG DISTANCE: There don't seem to be many good choices for long distance piano moving. My current piano tuner, who has repaired lots of long haul damaged-pianos, recommends moving pianos long distance by hiring the best regular mover you can afford, insuring your piano as a scheduled item with your homeowners insurance, and hiring reputable LOCAL piano movers on both ends to load and unload the piano. Put the piano on the truck first, right behind the driver, and buy the specialty piano restraining devices needed to secure the piano to the truck yourself. If we ever have to move long distance again, that is exactly what we are going to do to get our piano there. This is the update on my 10/15/12 review below, and a response to the third owner response pretending that they never moved our piano. Me thinks the merchant doth protest too much. If the owner is going to publicly call me a liar, well, I supply the trucker ads above to show my experience is credible, and not unusual. I'm sure Yelp readers can decide for themselves exactly who is lying here. For the record, Modern Piano Moving had photos, record numbers, to and from addresses, my name, all the details they could possibly want BEFORE I gave up on them, and wrote a Yelp review. I spent close to 3 months going in circles their "claims" process during which they were rude, dismissive, unhelpful, unapologetic, unavailable, and finally unresponsive. Their parting shot was a very snarky, "We consider this matter closed." Fine. Already wasted enough hours of my life talking to these people. They had close to 3 months to resolve this. They were jerks at every possible juncture. THEY terminated contact. Turnabout is fair play. Now they get a good solid dose of their own medicine. I am not supplying further details in my Yelp review because it is clear from their response to Matthew R in NYC, that the ONLY thing Modern Piano Moving will do with the details is give a very long list of excuses on how they get to do everything for their own convenience. Besides, how many times did they deploy a total newbie on a truckfull of customer pianos? That detail alone should narrow it down to ONE truck unless they do it all the time. cough cough. If they can't figure out who I am from that, whose fault is that? Anyone who thinks this is a reputable piano mover, check out their COMPLAINTS page on the BBB site (http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/piano-and-organ-moving/modern-piano-moving-in-sullivan-mo-310016148/complaints) , not just the rating. I don't know how many complaints they are allowed before they lose their A+ rating, but they currently have 8, which is the highest number of complaints of all the businesses in their BBB category. read more

Modern Piano has moved my grand piano three times; 2006, 2018 and 2020. Each time, the two man moving crew has been courteous, organized and hard working. I can't even imagine the physical stamina needed to jockey an average 4-5 pianos/day relative to all sorts of environmental hazards such as stairs, tight corners, dragging them in/out of the semi, etc. Even with a dolly and a few other physical assists, it's still an incredibly hard job. But, each time, the two delivery men came through. I'll never forget the 2006 move from NY to TX. There was a middle aged and a young guy, late teens-early twenties. They had already moved four-five pianos that day and showed up at my house well into the evening. After moving other pianos out of the truck, they were able to get to mine. After it was set up, the older guy got under the piano and situated himself near a leg. He arched his back and lifted the piano at a mild angle, which also elevated a single leg. Then, the younger guy slid the caster under the leg. He did this back arch/lift three times!! I'm still in awe. Special thanks to the Jones Brothers/2018 and Jared Jones and his helper/2020. Jared didn't lift the piano by arching his back during the 2020 move, but he braced and lifted, while standing up, so his helper could place the casters. Try doing that multiple times/day/weeks/months/ years and remaining injury free. And that's only one 'small' component of the heavy duty moving process. Throughout this span of fourteen years, Modern Piano Moving staff at the home office has always been helpful, knowledgeable and courteous. Face it, moving a cherished piano takes alot more umph! than most other items. Having to figure out delivery routes and schedules for these thousands of musical behemoths that are moved every year has to be a monumental chore. Once again, my piano's in place and sounds great. A big thanks for the entire Modern Piano Moving staff. Brian Katy, TX read more

We move A LOT. In 40 years we have moved 24 times............coast to coast. We know and understand the difficulties of the moving process. From my first phone conversation with Julie, I knew this was a major piece of the moving puzzle that I would not have to give another thought.....the moving of a grand piano. Cordial, civil, professional,,,,,,,,,,,she made me realize we were in good hands. I had gotten two other bids,,,,,,,,,,on line,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,both lower; I didn't trust the interface,,,,,,,,,,,,,of which there was none. Moving a grand piano made in 1880 om Vienna,,,,,,,,an incredible piece of furniture as well as a respected mucical instrument,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,is not a simple task. I thought the price fair,,,,,,,,,,,reasonable give the task,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I thought it a good buy, reinforced by Julie's professionalism. The route men called 30 minutes ahead of their arrival in St Petersburg, Fl, arrived on time, were pleasant and cordial, went right to work and did an amazing job of preparing the piano for shipment. They were immensely competent. It was taken to St Louis for storage for a month, made contact the week of the scheduled delivery, called 30 minutes out, two immensely capable men moved the piece into the house,,,,,,,,,,,,,,in beautiful condition. I can not imagine doing this any better, making this any easier..............I thought it a GREAT buy of service. Do your homework,,,,,,,,check around...............then call Julie and the guys at Modern Piano so you can go on to other things in your life. Russ K. P.S. The typos are all mine. read more

Our experience with Modern Piano (MP) in moving a Yamaha upright about 600 miles from upstate NY to central Virginia was positive the whole way through. I did my research and looked into 5 piano moving companies prior to choosing MP. I read a lot of reviews and decided that MP had the best overall reputation and as it turned out also had the best price, by about a hundred dollars. From the very beginning, my interactions both via email and phone calls were handled professionally and courteously. I worked mainly with Julie Gorman and she was great, answering my questions and addressing my concerns promptly and efficiently. Both the pickup and delivery went very smoothly. The LARGE truck arrived right on time and the 2 gentlemen were very cordial (made fast friends with our pug), but knew their business and were quick in wrapping up the piano and bench and getting them out of the house and into the truck quickly but safely. The 6 wheeled contraption they use made easy work of our front steps. The drop off was equally smooth - although they got stuck in traffic around the Richmond area and they were delayed about an hour - that didn't affect the ease with which the piano was placed on a tile floor in its new home. All in all, I was very pleased in having chosen Modern Piano for this move and when it comes time to move our baby again we will be calling on them. read more

I used Modern Piano Moving to move an old and large 1912 piano from California to Arizona. Their pricing was significantly lower than two other major interstate movers. IN thinking that "you get what you pay for," I was suspicious about why their pricing was hundreds less than their competitors. After thorough vetting, I could see there would be no degradation in promised service quality. They spelled everything out on the contract and, via email, kept me informed at all stages in delivery. Contacting a life voice for a contact change was surprising... a pleasant and knowledgeable person quickly took care of my request. Pickup was made by two very competent and polite movers who assured me about care and delivery. As promised in the contract, they contacted me about tracking and were right on with their delivery date window. They arrived when they promised and set the piano up. No damage. Everything worked. No problems. Just courteous and professional service. No question... their service was impeccable and the quality of service was worth the 5-stars given. Because of my experience with them and how I checked them out before signing a contract, I can attest with credibility to the value they provided. Can't go wrong with these folks! read more

I inherited my Grandmother's 1936 Baldwin Vertical (Upright) Piano, all I had to do was get it from New Jersey to Colorado easy - Yah right. We researched how to move pianos specifically Upright Grands - every website described the best way to move pianos almost without fail all the sites started their descriptions with "Hire professional piano movers." So we changed our search - first we checked a local company - they told us since this was going to be cross country - it would be quite expense so they gave us an alternative - Modern Piano Moving. From the first contact to the final placement we felt that they cared about my Piano and keeping me informed. Telling me about when it was picked up in New Jersey - transfered to a different truck - then when it got to Colorado - the driver called when they were close. One of the things we judge delivery people/companies on is how they treat my mother. Both drivers were polite and respectful. They looked both of us in the eyes. Genuine courtesy it was very nice to see. Thank you for taking such good care of this family treasure that I hope to one day pass on to the next generation to enjoy. read more

Modern Piano Moving truly lives up to their motto! I called for information about a state-to-state piano move about 30 minutes after hours on a Saturday, and was pleasantly surprised to find Cory not only willing to answer all of my questions, but also to get my order started on what he knew was a move for such a priceless item to our family. From that first phone call, to order confirmation, scheduling confirmations, pick-up and delivery, every one I spoke with at Modern Piano Moving was professional, courteous, and helpful. We lucked out and had the same two gentlemen, Patrick and Gabriel, for our pick-up in one state and delivery in another state (which may happen often, I am not sure...) and each time we were impressed with how polite, skilled, and personable they were. They got both the pick-up and delivery accomplished quickly and efficiently, while taking great care of both the piano and our other belongings in their path. I can't say enough good things about this company, and am so glad that we found them for our piano move...the piece of mind of their help with this move was as invaluable as our precious family piano itself! read more

After calling these folks to move my wife's mothers piano from VA to NY I knew her piano was in great hands. The sales person I spoke to (Cory) was very knowledgeable about the whole process. He explained how the guys would wrap and disassemble the grand piano and how it would go up the stairs at our apartment in NYC. The two guys that came to pick up the piano (Dan and Lou) were nothing less the complete professionals and had years of experience. They also delivered to us in NYC. I was amazed how they could even get such a large truck around downtown but they said it's just a normal days work. They off loaded the piano and padded the steps and had it to the third floor almost as fast as if they weren't lugging a 600 pound piano up the steps along with them. Absolutely amazing to watch them work. What I thought would take hours only took 45-50 mins from start to finish. After it was set up they went over piano basics with me since this was my first piano and my wife was out of town for a few days. They even helped move a grand father clock to another room for us. These guys are truly the best in the business. A+ read more

1 star is to high! My mother had hired this company because of its high claims to professionalism and work ethics. this could not be more false. wed moved a piano from cali to wis. and the pick up was done by an extreamly rude redneck and what had to be a newly released tattoed convict, who was also very dismissive. Theyd scuffed up her walls and put a hole in the drywall, then slammed the corner of the piano into the cement creating a huge dent all along the bottom corner. Upon delivery there were 2 kids and one stunk so badly of POT and BO.. let me stop there a moment. this person is driving a large truck and he's stoned? despite the smell you could see it in his eyes so badly that I was half tempted to call the police! Speaking of smell, you couldn't get within 3 feet of him without wanting to cry. Theyd scuffed up the entire side of the piano so badly that it looked as though it was in a car accident! The office staff is very good at giving you the run around as well, no accountability what so ever. I wouldn't recommend this company to my worst enemy. read more

I used Modern Piano to move my mom's 1925 Baby Grand Piano from Fort Wayne, IN to Naperville, IL. They had the best price and came highly recommended by Cleat at Sweetwater. The two movers took their time to thoroughly wrap & protect the piano, including piano legs and bench. They treated the piano as if it was their own family heirloom. Definitely "white glove" care was taken! Also, the movers were courteous and respectful of my mom's home. Piano was picked up on 8/22 and delivered on 9/15, well within their 30 day time period. I received confirmation 2 days before pick up & delivery which included a 3 hour window when movers would arrive. The movers also called 1 hour before arriving on the designated days. The two movers who delivered the piano were just has conscientious as the two movers who picked up the piano. The customer service representative (Misty) was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. The quote I received was exactly what I was charged. If I ever need a piano mover in the future I will be calling Modern Piano! read more

Great experience so far. Am in NYC and needed to move a Steinway upright to CA. A cousin is loaning it to us so we felt the need to take care of it and go with a specialty piano mover (instead of using our household mover). Happy we did. Got the rec from the Steinway showroom. 2 guys showed up and easily moved the piano out of our apartment - straightforward - wrapped up the piano, covered the floors, were courteous and professional. Their website is very informative - talks about their service, handling etc. We also have to store the piano and they offer that service which is a great help and is reasonably priced. Timing isn't an issue for us because we don't need it right away, but best to call in advance to figure out their pick up/delivery timing in your area. They don't offer daily pick up/delivery. Very different experience from when our cousin delivered it to us from a general mover - there were 4-5 guys, they had loaded the piano onto a dolly on it's side and they struggled to move it and place it. read more

Modern Piano Moving is a superbly professional company that treats your piano as if it were their own. After the passing of my father I needed to ship the family piano clear across the country from California to Virginia. Kimberly Craft at the main office did a super job of coordinating the entire evolution, and was always available and able to answer any of my questions or concerns. I was kept informed of the piano's shipping status, and when to expect its arrival. I was very nervous the day of its arrival because we were having a new porch built, and I was afraid they would not be able to get the piano inside. Danny Joe and his partner moved the piano into our home with so much care that my fears quickly vanished. They are very polite, skilled professionals that went out of their way to ensure the move was executed the way I wanted. I am so grateful that the family piano is now a part of our home, and will be a pleasant reminder of my dear parents. read more

We stored our piano about a year ago with Modern Piano and just had it delivered to a remote location in CA. All of the service was beyond any expectations. We would highly recommend Modern Piano for anyone who wants to move or store a precious piano in a professional way. Julie Gorman was always there to answer any questions along the way. The pick up from our NYC apartment was amazing with the care they gave in packing up the grand piano with precision. Then the delivery on the other end was even more remarkable. They drove the huge transport truck to the bottom of the property on a mountain road and then Steve expertly attached the wrapped piano to his ATV and drove it to the back stairs of our log cabin. Then somehow they got it flawlessly up the stairs and into the living room to its new home. Needless to say, we are thrilled to have our piano safely set up in the new location thanks to the tireless efforts of Modern Piano. read more

I had the best experience I could have possibly imagined! From the initial phone call with Misty, I felt good about the decision to go with this company. The guys who delivered, Cameron and Ryan were great. Professional, nice, great sense of humor. I have lots of steps and felt bad about how much harder they'd have to work but they had a great attitude about it and far exceeded my expectations. The entire process from beginning to end was great. The only negative thing I could think of is the fact that they couldn't wear the slippers that I require to walk in my home with shoes on, and they don't have any of their own. I'm not upset because I do understand the liability and want them to be safe. Ryan did offer to use wipes to clean the bottom of their shoes but I just let them go ahead without doing so and everything was just fine. I would highly recommend Modern Piano Moving, and I would use them again if needed. read more

We had an antique grand piano moved from a private home in Columbus, Ohio, to a museum in Monmouth, Illinois, and had a terrible time trying to find a piano mover that would call us back or follow up on a quote. Modern Piano Moving followed up immediately, kept us apprised of the entire process, and patiently answered all of my questions along the way since I was arranging but would not be present for any part of the move. They were kind, courteous, and professional to me on the phone and to the parties on both ends of the move. They even offered to pursue an on-site bid to remove another piano while delivering. I only wish all of the vendors with whom we work were so helpful and took such initiative. They handled the piano with kid gloves; got it out of a 3rd-floor walkup; and safely delivered to an 1865 house museum without any issue. Oh, and the price was better than any of the other quotes we received. THANK YOU! read more

We moved a priceless family piano from Chicago to Grand Rapids in December 2019. To say I was anxious would be an understatement, but the folks at Modern Piano are so good at what they do, there was no need to worry. First, they were the most cost effective company. Unfortunately my shipment took the maximum time, but if the truck is starting in the opposite direction, well, that's what happens. For us, it wasn't a problem to wait. (And to be honest, if I had gotten my act together sooner, it could have arrived before Christmas). The gentlemen who picked up the piano were efficient, knowledgeable and professional. These were people who knew exactly what to do to disassemble and prepare for moving. Same thing on the other side. I don't think they were there more than a half hour from when they pulled up, unloaded, assembled and left. Gave me great tips as well re: tuning. TL;DR: Highly recommend. read more

Our summary of Modern Piano Moving: These are professionals who care for your piano as if it were their own. Don't make the mistake of allowing inexperienced, general home movers to move your prized piano. They don't know what they are doing and it will show - - - on your piano! Our grand piano was built in 1939. It has been part of our family and moved with our parents and now my wife and I. Modern Piano Movers are the most gentle, most professional movers we have ever encountered in the 10 times we have moved our piano since we inherited it from our parents. We had the unique experience to have the owner of the company bring the piano to our home with our last move. He was teaching his young assistants how to move pianos. He was kind and a positive coach. No wonder his company is so effective at what they do! We are so pleased with Modern Piano Moving and would highly recommend them to anyone!! read more

I worked with Julie Gorman at Modern Piano Moving - very professional and most of all, very responsive. I needed to move my grand piano from northern California to southern California - though the routing seemed a bit unconventional, going from NorCal to SoCal via St. Louis, but it all worked. The guys that came and picked up the piano were terrific - you can tell they've been doing this for awhile. It was also comforting to know that they specialize in moving pianos and that their trucks are climate controlled. I had concerns on moving the piano into its new location - it had to be moved across a tumbled marble floor and I was worried about cracking the tiles. No need - Julie made a note for the guys that were getting the piano to SoCal and appropriate padding and protection for the floor was put in place. I would not hesitate to use Modern Piano Moving again. read more

I inherited a large and heavy player piano from my late mother-in-law. I had not seen the piano in the last ten years and did not accurately remember its situation. The movers arrived when expected and when they discovered there were more steps than I remembered, they were able to quickly get another man for their crew (at additional expense). They padded the piano so thoroughly that they had to unhinge two doors to get it out (and they promptly rehung the doors). The piano arrived at the restoration shop, 300 miles away, in the same condition it left the house. Modern Piano Moving is an outstanding choice for a cross country move. I was not present at either end of the move and that did not matter. The entire process went according to plan. There may be movers that can do the job for less money, but why take the risk? They are the true professionals. read more