Any Organ Movers Out There? I Need Advice....

[rpking]

I just bought a Hammond D with a HR-40, and I am pulling it back here to Detroit from NY.  I plan to place the organ and cabinet in dollies and strap them to the floor of a trailer used for landscaping (it's enclosed).  Should I buy covers for the organ and cabinet, or are they okay as long as they are strapped.  Someone's going to show me how to tie down the tone generator as well.  Are there any professional movers out there who could give extra advice?   

[TheReturn]

ALWAYS COVER UP NATURAL WOOD AND ITEMS THAT HAVE NATURAL WOOD ENCLOSED INSIDE THEM. (like drum cases)

AND ALSO, ALWAYS COVER UP ITEMS THAT OPENINGS ON THE OUTSIDE AND HAVE REAL METAL INSIDE OF THEM. (like you tone genorator)

IM NOT A PROFESSIONAL MOVER OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT BUT SOMEONE TOLD ME THIS AND IT MAKES SOOOO MUCH SINCE.

EVAN THOUGH YOUR TRUCK IS ENCLOSED, ITS GOING TO BE TRAVELING A LONG DISTANCE. SO WIND MAY HAVE A CHANCE OF DRAFTING INSIDE OF THE TRUCK FOR THE WHOLE RIDE BACK TO THE DEE.

AND ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOU COVER THE BACK OF THE TONE GEN. SPERATLY. (a piece of wood or cardboard would do fine) YOUR TONE GEN. HAS WIRES INSIDE OF IT, AND ALSO IT HAS OILS INSIDE OF IT.
BOTH OF THESE ITEMS CAN BE DAMAGED PERMANATLY IF IT IS HIT AGAINST THE TRUCK WALL ON THE TRIP.





TheReturn

[rpking]

Thanks alot....I really appreciate it.  I guess you all aren't in to moving organs....you just play them.   I don't blame you all, because it's alot of work. 

[lorenz_j]

Contact a few places in your hometown and/or the internet that sell pianos/organs and ask them how to move it.  Im sure they can give you the appropriate advice.

I would definitely cover up everything with blankets.  You can buy heavy duty blankets and straps at uhaul.

[praizeHim]

Contact a few places in your hometown and/or the internet that sell pianos/organs and ask them how to move it.  Im sure they can give you the appropriate advice.

I would definitely cover up everything with blankets.  You can buy heavy duty blankets and straps at uhaul.

I went through this when I moved my piano... no fun!  You can also actually call piano/organ moving companies and just make an inquiry, and they'll let you know exactly how they do it!

[SupremeSaltine]

If you're going to be moving it frequently then a set of organ dollies are your best friend.

http://www.astorclub.com/detail.aspx?id=2898&mcat=131&cat=140

Your trailer should be fine.  Just take a bunch of blankets to stuff around your organ and to cover all the exposed wood.

Remember Leslies must be transported upright--I dunno about tone cabinets.

I used big heavy rubber stoppers under the tone generators to isolate it.  I left them in there because the organ gets rolled around and set up 1-2 times a week.

Hammonds can take a ridiculous amount of abuse.  Find a guy in your area who services them and start buying him lunches now.  When it gets to its end destination, have him come out and go through it all and make sure everything is correct.

Congrats!!!

[rpking]

Thanks everyone!!!  Success!!

My father and I just got back from NY with the organ.  The organ is cosmetically better than I thought (7.8 out of 10), and the sound of it with the HR-40 has great potential.  I will really be in business when my Leslie 122 comes in from CA.  The organ and speaker was a steal at $268  , so I am VERY pleased.  Thanks for all of the advice.......

[Big_Al]

I moved my organ w/ leslie. This is what I did and the move was a success.

a. use plenty of covers.
b. take out the tubes
c. COVER your foot pedals especially the pins
d. use 8*16 inch cement blocks one corner of the organ. this way it wouldn't move
and FINALLY, drive carefully. This is your investment. Remember, every bump, curve, and strop will cause the organ or leslie to shift.

GOD Bless.

-Al