CAUT

  • 1.  Artist Benches for Practice Rooms

    Posted 01-30-2018 16:31
    My school, UNC Greensboro, is planning on buying some new artist benches. As expected, we desire a balance of quality vs cost! Planning on purchasing 15-20. Any input as to specific brands, etc will be appreciated! 



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    Stephen Duncan
    Registered Piano Technician
    University of North Carolina at Greensboro
    College of Visual and Performing Arts
    336-847-6310
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  • 2.  RE: Artist Benches for Practice Rooms

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-30-2018 16:35
    Stephen,

    We recently put a half dozen Hidrau Model artist benches in our practice rooms. The pianists are happy. So far, so good.

    Alan

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    Alan Eder, RPT
    Herb Alpert School of Music
    California Institute of the Arts
    Valencia, CA
    661.904.6483
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  • 3.  RE: Artist Benches for Practice Rooms

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-30-2018 17:00
    Stephen,
    Hidrau is what I have chosen as well. Far preferable to anything else, for ease of use, durability, and cost. export@hidraumodel.com is the email to use for inquiries, which gets to Patrycja Piechota, who is friendly, helpful, and reasonably fluent in English. Cost is in the range of €315 - 250 (the euro is currently $1.24) for the smallest, lowest price, depending on quantity (1 - 10), shipping included. There is also an "ergonomic" model, with a flatter top at a small tilt, for not too much more - I like it, and the faculty I gave it to are also pleased. Hidrau now takes credit cards, which is a major convenience compared to earlier experiences.

    I also love the "Concert Hall bench," which looks like a standard Jansen, but has a GREAT pneumatic action. The faculty and students love it too, almost everyone uses it be preference. Price is a bit steep, at nearly €800, but I'm not sorry I took the plunge. Adjustment in seconds is such a boon for studio recitals and the like, and it's solid and comfortable.

    (Give my best to Alejandro Rutty.)
    Regards,
    Fred Sturm
    "Since everything is in our heads, we had better not lose them." Coco Chanel






  • 4.  RE: Artist Benches for Practice Rooms

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-30-2018 17:18
    Second that from Alan.  Yesterday we took delivery of another 10 Hidrau benches and haven't heard a single bit of negative feedback. They hold up great with heavy use, the legs do not break, and the cost is reasonable.  You can also get a brown vinyl covering also if desired. 

    best,

    Dennis Johnson
    St. Olaf College





  • 5.  RE: Artist Benches for Practice Rooms
    Best Answer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-30-2018 17:02
    I suggest you talk directly with Bill or Paul Jansen and see if you can get a bulk rate discount. 920-231-5433

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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  • 6.  RE: Artist Benches for Practice Rooms

    Member
    Posted 01-31-2018 08:52
    What kind of service down the road will be available ? will parts be available as well ? I believe the Jansen benches can be repaired and am not so sure about others especially obvious knock offs. As far as hydaulic benches go the idea sounds great but I have had 3 computer chairs and all three had hydraulic failures.

    Maybe you should get a dozen Jannsens and the rest from the other company. I like the duet models that allow you to have lots of real estate , sit side by side

    Be prepared to argue your case and get ahead of the curve before some admin bean counter orders chairs from office depot

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 7.  RE: Artist Benches for Practice Rooms

    Posted 02-01-2018 05:50
    Thank you for all comments and recomendstions. Will be making suggestions to our Dean this spting.

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    Stephen Duncan RPT
    UNC Greensboro
    College of Visual and Performing Arts
    School of Music
    336-847-6310
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  • 8.  RE: Artist Benches for Practice Rooms

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-31-2018 16:15
    Totally agree with all of the Hidrau praise.
    I just put some in faculty rooms and piano practice rooms as well as the concert hall.
    Nothing but praise, ease and durability!

    :}
    M

    Michelle Stranges
    Piano Technician
    Western Washington University
    PAC/516 High Street
    Bellingham, WA 98225
    Ph: (360) 650-2485