Hello,
Assuming the piano I get doesn't come with an adjustable bench, I'd like to get one. I'm looking for recommendations. My 6 year old son and I will be beginners; so, our bench height requirements will be quite different.

As for criteria, other than cost, comfort, color, and height adjustment range, should I be considering anything else? Any brands to stay away from? Most of the adjustables I've found are over $400. Is there anything out there worth having for less $$$ ?

Also, I'm wondering if I should be looking at a pedal extender for my son. I see pianosupplies.com sells them for $60.00. On average, do teachers start their young students on pedals during the first 6-12 months?

Thanks for any advice.

My son started piano at 4 and we bought him a pedal extender about a year or two into lessons . It was well worth the money. He learned to pedal early and accurately.

Ours was about $200 and we donated it to the studio when he outgrew it. If I had to do it all over again, I definitely would.

p/s...he still uses an adjustable bench so that is important too.

I have found this to be the best all around extender. Many places now carry it.



Read more about the PE-2 here.

I use them for any and all students whose feet cannot reach the floor when properly sitting on a properly adjusted bench.

If you are purchasing the piano new, insist on an artist bench or at least a fully adjustable bench. If the dealer hems and haws, or cannot oblige you, you can always order one separately. But you must have one if you're going to learn to play properly.

Thanks for the link to the PE-2 pedal extender. Whoa, it's $248!

I'm sure I paid a lot less than that - shop around.

"Assuming the piano I get doesn't come with an adjustable bench, I'd like to get one. I'm looking for recommendations. My 6 year old son and I will be beginners; so, our bench height requirements will be quite different."

To cut to the chase: Janssen. The most expensive, but the most comfortable, handsome, and stable. The travel distance of the adjustment mechanism is only three inches; you have to order a different-height set of legs (about $100) if that doesn't suit. They fasten on with a single hex nut; easy enough, but not an everyday adjustment. You might need two benches, or one with a good, thick cushion, to accommodate both you and your son.

My piano dealer sold me an adjustable bench for about $400 which adjusts about six inches, but the bench is skimpy (and therefore not so stable), and the upholstery buttons started to pop within a year. No maker's name at all--- only "Made in China."

It's an end table now.

The Janssen was worth more money; its quality shows and can be felt where it counts.

I'm not sure if you are shopping for a new piano as well but when we bought our piano we 'gently recommended' that they include both a standard duet bench AND an adjustable model for the little guy.

A general word about piano benches.

Piano benches are not for sitting on; that's what chairs are for.

Piano benches provide support for the pianist's weight, while the pianist is positioned forward enough that their thighs are totally free to move. Thus, if you watch a top pianist, you'll notice that their placement is generally on the forward third of the bench.

A piano bench needs to be deep, as Jeff notes, so it doesn't topple backwards, not so children can sit back comfortably and dangle their legs.

I am truly amazed by:
1. How much there is to learn
2. How helpful you all are

Thanks so much...