Business Details
45 Years
experience
Professional Piano Moving Services in Santa Cruz, CA
Howard's Piano Moving is a family-owned and operated business with over 38 years of experience specializing in piano relocation. Founded in 1981 by Rick Howard, known as 'The Piano Mover,' we combine decades of expertise with specialized equipment to ensure safe and efficient moves for all piano types. Our services cover local and long-distance moves across the Western US, including challenging scenarios involving stairs, multi-story buildings, and tight spaces.We are licensed by the California Public Utilities Commission and fully insured with a $1,000,000 liability policy to protect both your instrument and property. Our commitment to personalized service, meticulous planning, and 100% customer satisfaction guarantees a stress-free experience for every client.
Services
Piano Moving
Local Relocation
Long Distance Moves
Grand Piano Handling
Staircase Moves
Climate-Controlled Storage
Craning Services
Upright Piano Transport
Difficult Access Moves
Piano Disassembly
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- Over 38 years of specialized piano moving experience
- Owner-operated service with personalized attention
- Customized equipment for safe handling of all piano types
- 100% satisfaction guarantee on all moves
- Fully insured with $1,000,000 liability coverage at no extra cost
Associations and certifications
- California Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
What people say
Quick, professional, reasonably priced
Amazing, timely service
Prompt communication
Decades of experience
Careful handling
Services
Piano Moving
Howard's Piano Moving specializes in safe transportation of all piano types. Our expert team handles uprights, grand pianos, and concert grands with specialized equipment and techniques. We protect your instrument and property during local, long-distance, and complex moves across the Western US.
Local Relocation
We professionally relocate pianos within homes or businesses. Our services include temporary moves for construction or events. With customized dollies and protective gear, we ensure safe transitions between rooms while preserving flooring and architectural features.
Grand Piano Handling
Specialized service for grand piano transportation. Our process includes disassembly, vertical positioning, and secure transport using hardwood carry boards. We handle baby grands (5'6" or less) and concert grands (over 6'6") with expert care for both instrument and property.
Difficult Access Moves
Expert solutions for complex piano relocations involving stairs, multi-story buildings, or tight spaces. Our planning includes craning operations, weight distribution techniques, and specialized equipment to navigate sloped driveways, narrow hallways, and historic architecture.
Climate-Controlled Storage
Secure storage solutions for short or long-term piano preservation. Our climate-controlled facility maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels. Each piano receives cotton-lined blanket wrapping to protect finishes and prevent damage from environmental factors during storage.
People
Rick Howard
Owner/Operator
Rick Howard, 'The Piano Mover,' has specialized in piano relocation since 1978. With over 45 years of experience, he personally handles every move using customized equipment and meticulous planning techniques developed through decades of service in Northern California.
Questions
What types of pianos do you move?
We handle all piano types including uprights, baby grands, and concert grands weighing up to 1,300 lbs. Our equipment and expertise accommodate instruments of every size and value.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we're licensed by the California Public Utilities Commission (MTR0170197) with full insurance coverage including $1,000,000 liability protection for your piano and property.
Do you handle long-distance moves?
We provide piano transportation services across the Western US, including Arizona, Nevada, and cross-country moves. Our climate-controlled storage options support temporary piano preservation during relocations.
How are move costs determined?
Pricing depends on piano size, distance, and access challenges. Base rates start at $100 for simple moves, with additional charges for stairs, craning, or special equipment requirements.
What makes your service unique?
Owner-operated service with 38+ years of experience, specialized equipment including electric stair-climbing dollies, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Rick personally plans and executes every move.
Can you move pianos in difficult locations?
Yes, we specialize in challenging moves involving stairs, narrow hallways, and multi-story buildings. Our planning includes weight distribution techniques and customized rigging solutions for complex scenarios.
Reviews (4)
Brian B.
Aug 28, 2021
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Rick arrived and was fully prepared to move our piano, on his own! He knew exactly what to do to navigate our steps and carefully load it. I can't say enough about his professionalism & manner. When he delivered it to our daughters he took the time to completely blow out the dust that had accumulated in it over the years. Highly recommend him!!
Tin L.
Apr 25, 2021
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Reached out to Rick Howard last week, we kept missing each other's phone calls. No big deal, called him Saturday (yesterday) afternoon, he was in Petaluma finishing up a job. I told him I needed someone to move my baby baby grand from one room to another due to upcoming renovation. He asked if today (Saturday afternoon) was convenient - I said YES! He said, he'll be there in 1.5hrs. He rocked up by himself, huge truck, tools, was masked and got straight to work. Less than 30min later he was done. Piano was pulled apart, moved and restored in another room. It was like magic! Definitely
Mira A.
Feb 06, 2021
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Rick was 100% wonderful, moved a piano from my friend's house in Happy Valley near Santa Cruz to my place in San Jose. He was prompt, excellent communication, and phenomenal attention to detail on both ends. He noticed that the music stand had been previously attached backwards and took it apart and reattached it to the piano facing the right way so I could use it properly. Friendly, kind, and highly skillful, smooth, gentle job. very grateful, and we'll definitely use him again. Thank you!
Mary M.
Nov 20, 2020
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WOW - What an awesome job Rick Maurice Howard and Lonnie did this week, moving my granddaughter's Spinet piano across the bay to her home! Timely, friendly, competent.. Rick had several dollies, blankets, straps.. clearly experienced in moving pianos!! And very communicative.. he called back within 2-days to schedule the job, called when he was 15-min out from arriving to load it and then called again on his way to deliver. And very fairly priced.. $350! I can't thank you enough, Rick.. We are so appreciative of you and your outstanding piano moving service! And thank you to the other
