Those of us who are in the piano servicing part of the music industry
have seen moves done tilting the  grand piano over on its lyre, and on
the other hand, letting it down without the lyre.  Each has its possible
horrendous consequences.  However there is a higher authority and I
have always wondered what methods those gods use, i.e. what the factory
procedure is.

On grand pianos I owned and rented all were tilted on the lyre. In fact
I discovered with my trailer, only one leg had to be removed.  (think
about not having to assemble the lyre and two other legs upon delivery.)
Of course I made sure the lyre was secure to my satisfaction.  OK so
I am talking about  30 moves so that does not make me an authority.

But I have seen concert grands tilted on lyres in world name venues.
On the other hand I have seen concert grands in the same venues tilted
without the lyre.

In regards to this forum, where most of the pianos will be over 60 years
old, with a substantial weight of the player mechanism, the mover must
determine which method is the safest. Otherwise his insurance rates can
and will put him/her out of business.

Thus an agreement for procedure should be discussed with the movers
before their arrival.

Although it must have happened, I haven't seen a lyre damaged by tilting
the piano on it.  (since 1772). On the other hand I heard the owner of
another piano rental agency wondering about the stress lyre tilting would
put on the key bed and how that might affect regulation.  Then he said,
"It depends on how the piano is designed".

Richard Moody   piano technician