He says " I'm probably not gonna play the piano , just gonna sit on the bench " I didn't think it was possible for him to sit in front of a piano and not play it , glad to see I wasn't wrong . ;-)
Thank you for this timely and well-rounded review! I JUST happen to be shopping around for a replacement bench. There are other nice Chinese brands on EBay that are non-hydraulic and have the knobs on each side. The variation comes to the size of the bench itself. Also those that have storage have a height variation in the storage area from about 1.4” to 3.2”. Some are leather and others are vinyl. I think all the EBay benches are from China but this is not stated in their descriptions. I called one company who have a brick and mortal store, but also sells all the benches on EBay for a slightly reduced price. I asked specifically if the benches are made here in the U.S. and he “sort of” gave a statement meaning “yes.” I strongly suspected the opposite because of something else I enquired about, which are recorders that are listed on the site. The recorders bare the name of their business. I am an experienced recorder player and NEVER heard of this make. He said they make the recorders, but on further investigation I found these generic recorders with no branding and companies do their branding as needed. This leads me to believe both the benches AND the recorders are from China, which doesn’t mean it’s a bad bench, but the reviews of this specifically branded recorder received poor comments from players that own them. I narrowed my bench quest to one that has a large enough to hold two stacks of music going up just a little over 3”.
James, I am a piano tuner/technician with over forty years experience, and I recently experienced using a Steinway bench at a customer's house with his grand piano. It broke when I leaned over to tune the bass strings. The customer was not all that surprised, as he told me it had broken before. He is an engineer and has a shop, and he let me know later that he had fabricated a part and fixed the bench, so I was glad. Still, it should not have broken... YMMV
One thing to think about. You are a pretty lightweight guy. So for someone with your build it may not make a big difference, but I'm 6'8" 280# so the more firmer bench may be a big deal. I just bought a Boston and the bench that comes with it is nothing like the Steinway bench. It wasn't very firm or thick and the fabric just pushed right down. My back doesn't like it at all. (Thus why I'm looking at bench videos :) ). I fear that the same would happen with this cheaper bench. I used to have a Steinway bench on an old Model M and it was a great bench. So just keep in mind that different bodies may make a big difference in how the bench performs. Thanks for the videos !
Back a few decades when I was taking piano lessons, my teacher was very demanding of correct posture and height when playing. I have found height is even critical when sitting at the computer for a long period of time. Interesting enough, I happened to see a video on RUclips last week where a young man was playing piano in a concert situation. He had to adjust the hydraulic style bench before he started playing. It seemed to take an eternity to get the height set to his liking. First it would go too high, and when he pushed pushed it down it would go too low. If you are critical of height the adjustment, the more expensive bench is going to be better in the long run.
Well, James, I'm dating myself but the piano bench I had was one of those long, wooden benches with a solid wood top and a very deep storage area for the music. I am somewhat concerned about the Chinese bench's top being more "squishy" as you say, as I think the foam innards will fatigue before the more expensive bench's will but even at that the quality differences seem to be small -- the price differences are large.
Now that’s somewhat of a different video. I like the Chinese one because I really don’t like to turn that knob forever until I finally got the right hight. For the rest the only thing that really matters is the music. And the piece you played sounds really good. So thank you for sharing!
Great comparison video, James. For me it’s all about the bench comfort. I have a more expensive bench that came with my piano. But if I had to buy, I might go with the less expensive one because you could get multiple replacements and still pay less than $1,000, right? 🙂
I have spinal problems, so a cushy bench is a MUST...mine came with my used Boston and it works well BUT, I really wanted the double seat for my teacher ...but is way too spendy, so maybe I'll order one like this.
I wonder how comfortable these benches. Is it as cushy as riding in the back seat of a Lincoln Town Car? Is currently sitting on top of a hard wood bench.
Love the Chopin piece. Your video is much appreciated. In a recent cross country move, my double bench was lost. I loved that bench, it came with the K Kawaii grand bought in the mid 80's. When I was teaching children, the double bench was perfect. It was great for singing with my kids and grandkids, and our cat also loved sitting next to me. I will look into the Chinese bench. Thank you.
Positioning at the the piano/keyboard is so critical. I find if height is off even a bit, it throws me off. Went through that in a session a few weeks back. Right now in my own studio , im using the bench that came with my Hammond and positioning is right , but has lost it in the comfort department. I will keep in mind that Chinese bench .Looks much like the bench came with the Baldwin SD-10 back in the day. And that was comfortable. Thanks James for this !
Was the black top of the $125 bench leather fake (faux) leather or real leather? That can determine how long the top of the bench will remain in good shape. It could only last several years....if that....
I've found drum benchs to be way more comfortable and cheaper than the Steinway one. Of course if you want to sit with someone beside you or even if you a really really big guy then you may want the piano one. Anyway the drum bench it's easier to take to the gigs
I think the Chopin prelude in Em makes for a better test piece than your other, the Moonlight. The dynamic variations are more critical to the piece, and so may show up differences between pianos better.
I bought a 60€ bench from the online Thomann store. I just wanted an adjustable bench to sit on. What could go wrong? Well as it happens, it squeaks under me whilst i play. It is distracting and infuriating at the same time. I'll spend a little more for my next bench.
My university has those terrible piano chairs with the backs. It doesn't sit the pianist at the right angle and they look stupid on stage. The Steinway bench doesn't adjust high enough, it's a major downside for such an expensive bench. Plus they are too heavy for children to move. It's one of my pet peaces that a lighter bench should be provided for children performing at festivals or adjudications. I literally purchased a piece of junk amazon bench and carry it around with me everywhere. I might look stupid doing it, but proper posture (which is reliant on body build and personal preferences, not the silly stereotypical chart you see online) is the first important thing to get right. If you can't get that right, you cannot get the other things like technique right.
Is there a recommended or average height adjustment range for adjustable benches? My daughter is 5 and starting piano lessons and I am designing a motorized duet bench I will be building for her made out of mahogany hardwood to match our piano. Not sure whether to go with linear actuators with 4 or 6 inches of height adjustment.
I think that that prelude is a very good test piece. Another suggestion as a test piece: Schumann's Gesange der Fruhe no. 1 - not sure how much you like that piece, but it's a very colour-dependant piece and it requires a very rich tone to sound well.
I would kill to see you review some VST pianos, like Native Instruments Noir or the giant. I'm curious to know how they hold up when judged by someone with the ear to really review them.
James, Kinda like Stickley furniture solid, practical and comfortable. Has lasted for generations. Let's say, for example as one other commentator did, that the padding in the Chinese bench deteriorates after X years, say 5. So after 25 years you've spent 500, big deal. I think practical wins unless one just has to have the very best. Will it make one a better pianist...???? Cheers, Rik Spector
Hi, James. I am not super wealthy, not even a little wealthy, but am still inclined to go for the Jansen bench (It would have been nice to know which specific model of Jansen you had here). I think that over time it will hold up, while the other one will not, and that kind of quality is always worth the initial investment. Still, I would like to see a "two years later" review of these very same benches to see how they hold up. Thanks!
Not a moment too soon. My back is about to go all al Qaeda on me. The thing that was bundled with my Yamaha P-515 is not so much a piano bench as a torture device.
Hi James, thanks for a helpful review. My son and me practice the same piano and we prefer to change the bench height quickly. Can we know the brandname of the Chinese one so we can order online (we are not in US)? Thanks a lot, James.
This still begs the question, Why spend £1000 or more on a piano bench? as long as it's Strong, Stable and Comfortable who cares about anything else? I'm a guitarist so I seriously don't understand this.
Ha, I'll take a stab at this one. The strength, stability and comfort you mentioned are all important, and then on top of that I would add "adjustability" because proper height is essential for good posture and injury reduction. Outside of that I think the biggest factor is how well everything on that list holds up over time. Like a lot cheap furniture, some cheap piano benches have a tendency to squeak as things loosen up over time, or they just squeak period due to the design or manufacturing tolerances. If you do any kind of home recording this can be a deal breaker. Even if you don't it can be annoying. Some adjustable benches have a tendency to shift their position over time and that can also be annoying if you like to feel dialed in every time you take your seat. Comfort (again, like any chair) may also not hold up over time. That super comfy cushion might be flat as a pancake after a couple years of use. All of that being said, not everyone cares about this stuff and I know plenty of people that love to play the piano using their guitar or drum thrones, office chairs, kitchen chairs, their grandma's ancient solid oak bench, etc. Personally, I wouldn't spend $750 or $1000 on a piano bench, but I did get burned on a relatively cheap $125 bench because I didn't know any of this stuff mattered. Now my butt hurts, I'm sick of the squeaks, and I'm in the market for a new bench!
The Chinese bench looks really cool next to a Pearl River or a Young Chang piano, but only the Jansen looks good next to the Steinway D all the way from the back of the auditorium.
There will always be people who will only buy a Steinway because that is what they have been told to do and they will only buy a Steinway branded bench as well.
scuffed bach eh sorta. I went through many cheap benches first before shelling out a grand for a good bench (hidrau). The foam quality, ergonomic tilt, sturdy build, and foam comfort are very worth it.
@@KyleHohn quite literally I sit on a wooden bench with a wooden slab to extend the height so I can reach the keys. sure, a good bench like the two my professor has in her room along with her bosendorfers are very nice, but the $500-1000 they would cost is most certainly not worth it for a student like me, makeshift ftw. also edit: nice kapustin performances, really love his music. :)
Cool comparison, thanks. Hope it's not for naught. Emailed the address in the notes below the post expressing interest- so far, no reply. No luck finding an online website either.
ThePianoforever Thanks again, I have seen some online but not the one you described ( pneumatic height adjustment, music storage, same #of buttons) perhaps if you find out more you could "share the where", if I find it online or get an email reply- I'll do the same. It's ironic that you might have sold a bunch for them and they are making themselves scarce.
Jensen offers better quality for a whopping $1000.00. The Chinese bench isn't as good, but for it's quality and features an acceptable product for an affordable $125.00. I'm voting for the Chinese guy👍🎼.
The music produced from the $125 one was extremely good.
Ha ha ha...sweet music.
He says " I'm probably not gonna play the piano , just gonna sit on the bench " I didn't think it was possible for him to sit in front of a piano and not play it , glad to see I wasn't wrong . ;-)
LoL...gotta love this awesome "Kid"..i used to live in Grass Valley, where he's from!
Glenn Gould always used an old rickety wooden (heirloom) chair. He could never play without it.
Thank you for this timely and well-rounded review!
I JUST happen to be shopping around for a replacement bench. There are other nice Chinese brands on EBay that are non-hydraulic and have the knobs on each side. The variation comes to the size of the bench itself. Also those that have storage have a height variation in the storage area from about 1.4” to 3.2”. Some are leather and others are vinyl. I think all the EBay benches are from China but this is not stated in their descriptions. I called one company who have a brick and mortal store, but also sells all the benches on EBay for a slightly reduced price. I asked specifically if the benches are made here in the U.S. and he “sort of” gave a statement meaning “yes.” I strongly suspected the opposite because of something else I enquired about, which are recorders that are listed on the site. The recorders bare the name of their business. I am an experienced recorder player and NEVER heard of this make. He said they make the recorders, but on further investigation I found these generic recorders with no branding and companies do their branding as needed. This leads me to believe both the benches AND the recorders are from China, which doesn’t mean it’s a bad bench, but the reviews of this specifically branded recorder received poor comments from players that own them.
I narrowed my bench quest to one that has a large enough to hold two stacks of music going up just a little over 3”.
That prelude would indeed be a really great addition to your repertoire of piano test pieces, such a beautiful piece :)
James, I am a piano tuner/technician with over forty years experience, and I recently experienced using a Steinway bench at a customer's house with his grand piano. It broke when I leaned over to tune the bass strings. The customer was not all that surprised, as he told me it had broken before. He is an engineer and has a shop, and he let me know later that he had fabricated a part and fixed the bench, so I was glad. Still, it should not have broken... YMMV
One thing to think about. You are a pretty lightweight guy. So for someone with your build it may not make a big difference, but I'm 6'8" 280# so the more firmer bench may be a big deal. I just bought a Boston and the bench that comes with it is nothing like the Steinway bench. It wasn't very firm or thick and the fabric just pushed right down. My back doesn't like it at all. (Thus why I'm looking at bench videos :) ). I fear that the same would happen with this cheaper bench. I used to have a Steinway bench on an old Model M and it was a great bench.
So just keep in mind that different bodies may make a big difference in how the bench performs.
Thanks for the videos !
Back a few decades when I was taking piano lessons, my teacher was very demanding of correct posture and height when playing. I have found height is even critical when sitting at the computer for a long period of time. Interesting enough, I happened to see a video on RUclips last week where a young man was playing piano in a concert situation. He had to adjust the hydraulic style bench before he started playing. It seemed to take an eternity to get the height set to his liking. First it would go too high, and when he pushed pushed it down it would go too low.
If you are critical of height the adjustment, the more expensive bench is going to be better in the long run.
I choose the 20 dollar one from Walmart.
I choose a comfy overstuffed chair, lol
Well, James, I'm dating myself but the piano bench I had was one of those long, wooden benches with a solid wood top and a very deep storage area for the music. I am somewhat concerned about the Chinese bench's top being more "squishy" as you say, as I think the foam innards will fatigue before the more expensive bench's will but even at that the quality differences seem to be small -- the price differences are large.
I got my bench for $12 because it's broken. Works for me though. I loved the Chopin, and by all means use it as a test piece. Lovely.
Now that’s somewhat of a different video. I like the Chinese one because I really don’t like to turn that knob forever until I finally got the right hight. For the rest the only thing that really matters is the music. And the piece you played sounds really good. So thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the review.The pneumatic piano bench seem very usefull since I have 3 kids, different ages, but dificult to find at that price range.
I always clean the dust out of the holes with Q tips.Works well.
That's a good idea!
Great comparison video, James. For me it’s all about the bench comfort. I have a more expensive bench that came with my piano. But if I had to buy, I might go with the less expensive one because you could get multiple replacements and still pay less than $1,000, right? 🙂
I really like your channel. great content ! 👍
Im surprised that Yamaha does not have it's own bench or was not shown at the NAMM Show
I have spinal problems, so a cushy bench is a MUST...mine came with my used Boston and it works well BUT, I really wanted the double seat for my teacher ...but is way too spendy, so maybe I'll order one like this.
Thank you for this. I like how you tell it like it is.... You are not very heavy. I need one reated for at least 250.
I wonder how comfortable these benches. Is it as cushy as riding in the back seat of a Lincoln Town Car?
Is currently sitting on top of a hard wood bench.
Love the Chopin piece. Your video is much appreciated. In a recent cross country move, my double bench was lost. I loved that bench, it came with the K Kawaii grand bought in the mid 80's. When I was teaching children, the double bench was perfect. It was great for singing with my kids and grandkids, and our cat also loved sitting next to me. I will look into the Chinese bench. Thank you.
Positioning at the the piano/keyboard is so critical. I find if height is off even a bit, it throws me off. Went through that in a session a few weeks back. Right now in my own studio , im using the bench that came with my Hammond and positioning is right , but has lost it in the comfort department. I will keep in mind that Chinese bench .Looks much like the bench came with the Baldwin SD-10 back in the day. And that was comfortable. Thanks James for this !
Was the black top of the $125 bench leather fake (faux) leather or real leather? That can determine how long the top of the bench will remain in good shape. It could only last several years....if that....
I've found drum benchs to be way more comfortable and cheaper than the Steinway one. Of course if you want to sit with someone beside you or even if you a really really big guy then you may want the piano one. Anyway the drum bench it's easier to take to the gigs
I think the Chopin prelude in Em makes for a better test piece than your other, the Moonlight. The dynamic variations are more critical to the piece, and so may show up differences between pianos better.
Hey hey hey, we are testing benches, not pianos
I bought a 60€ bench from the online Thomann store. I just wanted an adjustable bench to sit on. What could go wrong? Well as it happens, it squeaks under me whilst i play. It is distracting and infuriating at the same time. I'll spend a little more for my next bench.
My university has those terrible piano chairs with the backs. It doesn't sit the pianist at the right angle and they look stupid on stage. The Steinway bench doesn't adjust high enough, it's a major downside for such an expensive bench. Plus they are too heavy for children to move. It's one of my pet peaces that a lighter bench should be provided for children performing at festivals or adjudications.
I literally purchased a piece of junk amazon bench and carry it around with me everywhere. I might look stupid doing it, but proper posture (which is reliant on body build and personal preferences, not the silly stereotypical chart you see online) is the first important thing to get right. If you can't get that right, you cannot get the other things like technique right.
Is there a recommended or average height adjustment range for adjustable benches? My daughter is 5 and starting piano lessons and I am designing a motorized duet bench I will be building for her made out of mahogany hardwood to match our piano. Not sure whether to go with linear actuators with 4 or 6 inches of height adjustment.
I think that that prelude is a very good test piece. Another suggestion as a test piece:
Schumann's Gesange der Fruhe no. 1 - not sure how much you like that piece, but it's a very colour-dependant piece and it requires a very rich tone to sound well.
.Rachmaninov's popular C Sharp Minor Prelude..its based on very dark stuff, little creepy...but gosh, he was 14 when composed it?
Great video. I wish we had talked bench when you guys were in NC!
Thanks for helping me find a good bench for my kids
I use an armless task chair. It has pneumatic lift so I can adjust to the correct height.
How do you keep it from rolling away from the piano? I'm thinking other than that complication, this is a brilliant solution.
I would kill to see you review some VST pianos, like Native Instruments Noir or the giant. I'm curious to know how they hold up when judged by someone with the ear to really review them.
we have reached a new level
James,
Kinda like Stickley furniture solid, practical and comfortable. Has lasted for generations.
Let's say, for example as one other commentator did, that the padding in the Chinese bench deteriorates after X years, say 5. So after 25 years you've spent 500, big deal. I think practical wins unless one just has to have the very best. Will it make one a better pianist...????
Cheers,
Rik Spector
Trying to buy the cheaper piano bench where do I find it ???
Did you happen to find it?
Hi, James. I am not super wealthy, not even a little wealthy, but am still inclined to go for the Jansen bench (It would have been nice to know which specific model of Jansen you had here). I think that over time it will hold up, while the other one will not, and that kind of quality is always worth the initial investment.
Still, I would like to see a "two years later" review of these very same benches to see how they hold up.
Thanks!
Not a moment too soon. My back is about to go all al Qaeda on me. The thing that was bundled with my Yamaha P-515 is not so much a piano bench as a torture device.
Lol, yes, same with my Kawai CA78. It's better than not having a bench at all, but not by much. :-)
I totally read the title wrong thought it said $125.00 Piano Bench vs. $1,000.000 Piano Bench :)
I will definitely go for 125, it looks valued.
What is the brand of the $125 bench? Do you know where it can be bought in US? Thanks. Alan
The contact information that I have seems not to be working at this time.
I can not wait when you start teaching music.
Maybe Jensen have a particular bench that have storage for 2000 usd more .
I’ve been searching and reviewing benches this past month and I have not seen a Jensen bench with storage.
Hi James, thanks for a helpful review. My son and me practice the same piano and we prefer to change the bench height quickly. Can we know the brandname of the Chinese one so we can order online (we are not in US)? Thanks a lot, James.
The only contact information I have is below.
Alisa Wang
alisawong@xinghuiyp.com
ThePianoforever Thanks again, James
This still begs the question, Why spend £1000 or more on a piano bench? as long as it's Strong, Stable and Comfortable who cares about anything else? I'm a guitarist so I seriously don't understand this.
Ha, I'll take a stab at this one. The strength, stability and comfort you mentioned are all important, and then on top of that I would add "adjustability" because proper height is essential for good posture and injury reduction. Outside of that I think the biggest factor is how well everything on that list holds up over time. Like a lot cheap furniture, some cheap piano benches have a tendency to squeak as things loosen up over time, or they just squeak period due to the design or manufacturing tolerances. If you do any kind of home recording this can be a deal breaker. Even if you don't it can be annoying. Some adjustable benches have a tendency to shift their position over time and that can also be annoying if you like to feel dialed in every time you take your seat. Comfort (again, like any chair) may also not hold up over time. That super comfy cushion might be flat as a pancake after a couple years of use.
All of that being said, not everyone cares about this stuff and I know plenty of people that love to play the piano using their guitar or drum thrones, office chairs, kitchen chairs, their grandma's ancient solid oak bench, etc. Personally, I wouldn't spend $750 or $1000 on a piano bench, but I did get burned on a relatively cheap $125 bench because I didn't know any of this stuff mattered. Now my butt hurts, I'm sick of the squeaks, and I'm in the market for a new bench!
Apple stand:- Ah,.. finally a worthy opponent
I have a Yamaha P-121. I am not paying more for a bench than I payed for my digital piano
The Chinese bench looks really cool next to a Pearl River or a Young Chang piano, but only the Jansen looks good next to the Steinway D all the way from the back of the auditorium.
There will always be people who will only buy a Steinway because that is what they have been told to do and they will only buy a Steinway branded bench as well.
this is literally the equivalent of an apple monitor stand that cost $1000, ridiculous premium for no reason other than a brand name.
scuffed bach eh sorta. I went through many cheap benches first before shelling out a grand for a good bench (hidrau). The foam quality, ergonomic tilt, sturdy build, and foam comfort are very worth it.
@@KyleHohn quite literally I sit on a wooden bench with a wooden slab to extend the height so I can reach the keys. sure, a good bench like the two my professor has in her room along with her bosendorfers are very nice, but the $500-1000 they would cost is most certainly not worth it for a student like me, makeshift ftw.
also edit: nice kapustin performances, really love his music. :)
I happen to have too many unless piano benches!
More Chopin on your videos, my friend.
Cheers from Mexico.
Cool video
Great leather jacket. I see that you wear leather in most of your videos? Very interesting videos
Cool comparison, thanks. Hope it's not for naught. Emailed the address in the notes below the post expressing interest- so far, no reply. No luck finding an online website either.
Any chance there is any other contact information- the bench seems too be otherwise unobtainable .
Sorry, but it was the only contact information I had. I do believe you can buy them online as well.
ThePianoforever Thanks again, I have seen some online but not the one you described ( pneumatic height adjustment, music storage, same #of buttons) perhaps if you find out more you could "share the where", if I find it online or get an email reply- I'll do the same. It's ironic that you might have sold a bunch for them and they are making themselves scarce.
@@klavier1us Did you ever manage to get the bench?
Hidrau bench is the best, change my mind.
Is it Wong or Wang? You said Alisa Wang, but the email address says Wong.
Jensen offers better quality for a whopping $1000.00. The Chinese bench isn't as good, but for it's quality and features an acceptable product for an affordable $125.00. I'm voting for the Chinese guy👍🎼.
Le Grând Piano