Pianotech

  • 1.  Jansen Artist bench vs Jansen Petite

    Posted 10-16-2021 18:39
    I have a client, good pianist, Kawai grand, who records a lot. She asked me to find her a stool that doesn't squeek in her recordings. My recommendation was the Jansen Artist bench. She is asking if the Jansen Petite, which she prefers the look of, would fit the no squeek bill.  Also, do folks have complaints with the Artist bench with squeeks, at all, or any other squeekless suggestions?

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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  • 2.  RE: Jansen Artist bench vs Jansen Petite

    Posted 10-16-2021 20:18

    Jim, while at BU I exclusively bought Jansen benches for the Concert  Hall and the major teaching studios and classrooms so probably around 25 or so total on inventory, and for some of my private clients I did purchase the Petite bench. For the most part I was very satisfied with the sturdiness of construction and squeak free, and these were tested by heavy usage of multiple users wanting slight variations in height etc. Routinely every few months I would go on patrol around all these locations with just the tools required tighten and lube. So if it's just one person user I wholeheartedly  recommend them, I was tempted to try the  Hidaru benches just for variation but I never did.
    www.snowpianos.com



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    Martin Snow
    South Burlington VT
    617-543-1030
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Jansen Artist bench vs Jansen Petite

    Posted 10-16-2021 22:15
    Martin, specifically with the Petites, were they also as squeek free and reliable as the artist benches. The client seems partial to the Petites, if squeek-safe

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Jansen Artist bench vs Jansen Petite

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-16-2021 23:23
    Jim,
    The mechanism for the Petite seems identical to the standard Artist bench.
    The Petite has no skirt, which leaves a gap between the top and bottom, so the mechanism is exposed.
    The more you raise it, the bigger the gap. 
    Also, the buttons are installed without any tufting. 
    The Petite saves quite a bit of money, but the durability and squeakability should be the same.
    The standard Artist bench is much more elegant and substantial looking.

    Jerry Cohen
    Coral Springs, FL

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    Jerry Cohen, RPT
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Jansen Artist bench vs Jansen Petite

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-17-2021 12:17
    The Hidrau benches are very nice, and have two long feet as opposed to 4 legs, so the chance to rock on uneven floor is minimized. Also, the base is welded, not screwed together. The hydraulic lift is much easier to operate that the Jansen knob for height changes. And there are no bushing sleeves to wear out as on the Jansen benches (I replace a lot of these at the University I work at.) Worn bushings cause rocking too. But for a single person using the piano, there’s not much wear on the height mechanism.

    My only complaint about the Hidrau is the vinyl covering delaminates after a few years of heavy usage.

    Joe Wiencek
    NYC


    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Jansen Artist bench vs Jansen Petite

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-18-2021 10:59
    Hi Jim, Here at WMU we have many older petite Jansen benches and standard artist benches.  
    I held a technical class on a squeaky standard bench at Interlochen Center for the Arts, when I was there. The bench was from a local pianist that another PTG member brought in.  This bench had all of the usual repairs done to it (rails cleaned and greased, bushings replaced, everything tightened).  It took some time to find the noise but it came from the top most cleat in the bench.  I had to remove everything and repair a hole in the top where the cleat was attached.  By this time the pianist wanted a new bench.  

    I have found that there are more squeaks and creeks in the standard bench but the petite benches clunk more side to side when the bushings get loose and things need work. Also the shoulder bolts seem a bit harder to set just right.  I like the smooth top of the petite bench.  I think it allows a smoother shift of the body to the far ends of the keyboard.  Maybe the length of the standard bench and the rails have a tendency to need more work.  
    Jessica Masse RPT
       



    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Jansen Artist bench vs Jansen Petite

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-17-2021 07:26

    Jim-

     

    I got this one a couple of years ago:

     

    https://www.thomannmusic.com/andexinger_klavierbank_lift_o_matic_484.htm

     

    At the time, it was under $300 including shipping from Europe. I suppose eventually the gas piston will leak or the canvas (not vinyl) upholstery will tear, but this baby will never squeak! It's also much quicker/easier to adjust the height. It's fairly wide, but not really quite enough for duets, so we bought the Hidrau 43" monster from Piano Works in Atlanta. Same deal, well made, rock solid, just more expensive (though not prohibitively) and bigger. Now we're ready for Rachmaninov's Waltz and Romance for 6 hands!  I believe Jansen is also selling these imported "hydraulic" benches, but have not seen one for comparison.




    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Jansen Artist bench vs Jansen Petite

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-17-2021 08:15
    Jim,
    I believe the "petite" is a cheaper mechanism and can’t be rebuilt. Talk to Jansen about that. The biggest problem with all artists benches is that most people don’t know how to adjust them. They need to be adjusted without any weight on the bench. Most times the player sits on the bench and starts cranking the knob. WRONG!! Pick your tush up, get the weight off the bench, make adjustments, sit and play. Rinse and repeat. This will keep the mechanism from getting sloppy and wobbly, which causes most of the squeaks.

    Stewart

    Sent from my iPad


    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Jansen Artist bench vs Jansen Petite

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-18-2021 10:04
    JIm-

    I have Jansen Petites in all my piano major practice rooms. Aside from the cosmetic differences mentioned the mechanisms are identical to their bigger cousins. No squeaking. Just as durable.

    DB

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    David C. Brown RPT
    Garland TX
    tunermandb88.com
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    Original Message