Bench Design

[dinosaurtales]

OK OK.  As long as you've all got me going on piano colors and such, I'll bring up another topic that bugged me while I was doing my piano quest:  Benches.

Most top brands of grands *come with* an *artist* bench.  It's the adjustable kind with the padded top that you see at all the recitals.  Supposed to be the best.

But you aren't supposed to adjust them while your weight is on them.  AND they are UGLY (I think.  There is disagreement here. My piano teacher likes them)

But what I don't get is, why is this the best you can get?  For starters, has nobody bothered to beef up the design so you can adjust them with OR without weight?

Also, pianos are made in FURNITURE factories for crying out loud.  So you would think somebody would have said *my GOD!  That thing is UGLY next to our spectacular piano!* , and call over a designer and an engineer and said *Design a bench that's worthy of this piano, (and to the engineer) and make the darned thing sturdy enough so I can adjust it while I am sitting on it!*

Am I the only one thinking this?

[Bosendorfer_214]

Personally I don't think that there is anything wrong with the look of the artist bench.  My Bosendorfer came with one.  However I still prefer my Jensen Artist bench.  Jensen Artist benches are the only artist benches that are designed to be adjusted while you sit on them.  Ith knob turns easily, up or down.   A single leather Jensen that matches your piano wil probably cost you around $500.  

Nic

[frederic]

Whats wrong with not adjusting it while sitting on it??
Are you saying you're too lazy to get off when you need to adjust it??

[dinosaurtales]

Well, OK, maybe I AM lazy, but the point is it's a dumb design spec if it doesn't tolerate any weight.

[amee]

But at least its a bench that can be adjusted.
Some benches can't and if you don't like the height then you're kind of...stuck.

[rachfan]

Hi Dino,

I got a kick out of your complaint about the artist bench.  I guess that the artist bench, in addition to performing an essential function, has a look that is a hallowed tradition among pianists.  And it sure beats sitting on a wooden bench during long practice sessions.  You have to admit that!  On aesthetics, years ago there were padded taborets offered by furniture companies, but I haven't seen any around for a very long time.

On my artist bench, I can turn the adjusting knobs with my full weight on the bench.  The important thing (at the business underside of the bench) is to make sure that you have the "sissors-action mechanism" and not the worm screw type.  It operates more surely and smoothly.

The dealers will tell you that the wear factor is the same for the leather or the vinyl.  I don't believe that for a moment, so got the leather, although it is more expensive, around $600 if memory serves.  I was also able to get the style with the brass ferrules on the feet to match the piano (Baldwin).

Dino, although you keep fighting with your bench, I know you two are bound to reconcile one of these days.  

[dinosaurtales]

I suppose I should reconcile with my bench. After all, I own the darned thing!  It IS more comfortable than regular wood bench I have for the upright, but I sure wish it looked better.  It even has "Fazioli" knobs, which doesn't help much either.  But - how do you guys do duets?

[frederic]

Simple..... get another chair!

[amee]

What are Fazioli knobs?

Yeah, get another chair like Frederic said...and if it's too low or something then pile cushions on it

[frederic]

                           

[rachfan]

Hi Dino,

I'm feeling that you and your artist bench need to sign a peace treaty before much longer.

[dinosaurtales]

Let's just say we have a peaceful coexistence.  BUT first chance I get (next time I'm hangin' with Paolo) I will bring up the idea.  Can't believe HE didn't think of it!

[rachfan]

Good grief!  Hopefully Paolo won't be at war with the artist bench too.  

[natasha]

at school to match the grand piano they have this fancy embroided top for the bench in blue and yellow(school colours) and the piano cover is blue with a yellow rim!!
my bench is not adjustable and it does get annoying sometimes!! my piano teacher teaches students from 3-16 year olds, so every lesson she does not want to waste time adjusting the bench, so she puts cushions on the bench, and there is a box where you place your feet, and if you need it, cushions on the box!!but the box has this naily bit and it unravells your socks if you don't have cushions!!