Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Piano Moving Experts in Northern California
Howard's Piano Moving is a family-owned and operated business serving Northern California since 1982. With over 38 years of hands-on experience, we specialize in moving all types of pianosfrom small spinets to 9'1" concert grandswith meticulous care and technical expertise. Our owner, Rick Howard, personally oversees every move, leveraging decades of experience, specialized equipment, and a deep understanding of piano mechanics to ensure safe, stress-free relocations.Licensed by the California PUC and fully insured with a $1,000,000 policy, we prioritize customer satisfaction through transparent communication, competitive pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our services extend beyond local moves to include long-distance transportation, climate-controlled storage, and challenging multi-story or stairway relocations.
Services
Local Moves
Long Distance Moves
Grand Piano Relocation
Piano Storage
Upright Piano Moving
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 38 years of hands-on experience moving all piano types.
- Owner Rick Howard personally handles every move with specialized expertise.
- Fully insured with a $1,000,000 liability and cargo policy.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee on all piano moving services.
- Specialized equipment for safe handling of grand and upright pianos.
Associations and certifications
- California Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
What people say
Quick and professional
Amazing and reliable
Stress-free experience
Highly recommend
Expert handling
Services
Grand Piano Moving
Specialized relocation of grand pianos, including disassembly, padding, and secure transport. Our expertise ensures safe handling of heavy, fragile instruments, even in multi-story buildings or tight spaces. Decades of experience protect your investment during every move.
Long Distance Moves
Safe transportation of pianos across states like Arizona, Nevada, and beyond. Climate-controlled vehicles and secure crating protect instruments during extended travel, maintaining their condition and value throughout the journey.
Piano Storage
Secure storage solutions with temperature and humidity regulation to preserve piano integrity. Each instrument receives cotton-lined blankets and individual wrapping to prevent damage from environmental factors or handling.
Upright Piano Moving
Efficient moving of upright pianos up to 800 lbs. Using specialized dollies and protective gear, we navigate stairs and narrow spaces while minimizing risk to the instrument and property surfaces.
Difficult Access Moves
Expert handling of complex moves involving stairs, tight corners, or uneven terrain. Custom tools like stair-climbing dollies and cranes ensure safe piano transport in demanding environments without property damage.
People
Rick Howard
Owner & Operator
Rick Howard, 'The Piano Mover,' has over 38 years of experience in piano relocation. He founded Howard's Piano Moving in 1981 and personally oversees every job, combining physical strength with meticulous planning to ensure safe, efficient moves.
Questions
What types of pianos do you move?
We move all types, including uprights, baby grands, and concert grands up to 9'1" and 1,300 lbs.
Do you offer long-distance piano moving?
Yes, we transport pianos across the Western US, including Arizona, Nevada, and cross-country.
Are you licensed and insured?
We are licensed by the California PUC and fully insured with a $1,000,000 liability policy.
How are pricing estimates determined?
Cost depends on piano size, distance, stairs, and maneuvering challenges. Contact us for a free quote.
Can you store my piano?
Yes, we offer climate-controlled storage with protective wrapping for short- or long-term needs.
Reviews (4)
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
Chris F.
Jul 18, 2020
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Just hired Rick to move my piano. He was punctual, professional, quick and easy to work with. I caught myself audibly saying "Wow" as he smoothly moved my piano into its new home. Excellent service worth every penny.
Barry W.
May 13, 2019
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Totally Professional Service! Moved my Priceless (and very delicate) 1890's Bosendorfer Large Baby Grand over 150 miles from a City Church to my Home here in Santa Cruz. Everything about the way Rick Howard did the moving was perfect, from the time of arrival to the meticulous wrapping, padding and strapping in the truck, to the delivery and set-up. The Piano was so carefully handled, that it stayed in tune. He has the right equipment and has a flawless procedure. Great Guy, very knowledgeable and stuck to his estimated original price. 100% Awesome!!!
