My keyboard player had a portable B3 and an oversized two-man speaker. It was great, we gave it our all when setting up and breaking down. I had my guitar setup and a PA to carry. Both he and I worked very hard. But I was in my 20’s, 30’s 40’s and 50’s, it is no longer the same.

My Dad and I had to move pianos on occasion, we were both piano tuners. He taught how to handle the weight of what we were transporting. I feel it would be a good idea to share our methods of how we handle our equipment.

How I handle lifting my keyboard:

1-The keyboard bag is placed on the arms of my recliner’s arms.

2-I lift the keyboard with straight arms off the stand on to the bag.

3-Zipped the bag closed.

4-I place my silver hand truck near the front of the recliner.

5-I slide the end of the keyboard on to the floor; the other end is still resting on the recliner. Once it’s on the floor I stand the keyboard up and walk it onto the hand truck.

6-I walk the keyboard off the hand truck next to the door of my car – tilt the keyboard onto the back seat of the car and lift the other end and push it in.

7-On the job I do the same. Two chairs / keyboard on the seats of the chairs / open the bag / lift the keyboard on to the stand. Lifting the full weight of the keyboard happens two times. The distance is short and my arms are straight with a straight back. The system works great and the only time I have a problem is when I am rushing and get careless. Once when I was done playing I placed the keyboard on the floor, I paid a price for what I did.

There was a time when I would grab the handle of the keyboard and walked it to the car, that time has passed.

I hope this helps, John C.