I was curious about the new bench they have. I will probably get the the more traditional Jansen bench for my new BB but I did try out the new Mason bench and found it very comfortable(even more than the Jansen). The styling was a little too contemporary for my tastes.

Is this bench exclusive to the Mason Hamlin or is it made by another company? Has anyone else tried it out for comfort/appearance?

Here is a picture of the bench:
http://www.masonhamlin.com/pianos/details.aspx?id=15658

I am editing my previous post:

I have now learned that Mason & Hamlin no longer uses benches or bench components from the Hailun factory. They have a new source for their sitting apparatus!

Even when you think you're in the mix, it’s hard to keep up...

The bench in your photo looks identical to the bench I have with my M&H A (that I bought in Sept. of 2005). I can vouch that it is exceptionally comfortable. As to appearance, I wouldn't call it "contemporary", but maybe that's because it's sitting in front of a very traditional looking grand piano.

The only negative I have about the bench is that there is a brass accent running all around the bottom of each leg, and it creates a little ledge that is quite sharp. My 7 year old wasn't watching what he was doing once and gouged himself good on it.

EDIT: Ooh, must not be myself tonite...sorry.


I HAVE the bench. It appeared last Thurs Evening!

Comfortable? Yes. Thank Goodness that they supply a comfortable bench.

Is it my choice of benches? Nope.

I would like a Jansen, heavy solid concert bench. Then I would feel like a queen on her throne while sitting there playing her new MH AA! My choice was to get the rosewood/ebony keys instead.

The only other issue I have is asthetics. I don't like seeing an open space between the leather top and the wood base. But that is only because I see the piano upon entering the outside door and at eye level to the space.

A heck of a lot more comfortable than what I am now sitting on at the computer though! LOL!

LL

I, too, have an M&H bench. I like it because one, it is very comfortable, and it is in a macassar ebony finish to match my Model A.

One thing I noticed though immediately upon the bench's delivery, the font used in the Mason & Hamlin on the bench is slightly different than the one on the fall board (the 'h' is different). I have been wondering if I got a true blue Mason & Hamlin bench or an Asian knock-off. Maybe the Hailun vs. Haverhill point of origin is the answer to my question. Monica and Lililady, how do the h's look on your benches?

Belated congratulations, by the way, Lililady on your new arrival. You must be twice as happy as I am with my Model A.

The M&H bench blends in perfectly with the fallboard and the concert stage decals.

Go with the Mason bench and keep it all looking uniform; plush it's really cooshy too!

The "h" on my bench is slightly different, too, Moe, but I sure didn't notice it until you pointed it out!

I also have the M&H bench and noticed the "h" difference right away. The bench is very comfortable. As for the sharp brass edges on the legs, Monica warned me about them, so I had the dealer round the edges off for me to get rid of the sharpness. They did a great job!

I had a Jansen bench with my Steinway and really loved that heavy bench, but the M&H is just fine.

I am perfectly happy with the Jansen bench that came with my BB (no M&H labeled bench available at that time). I think the M&H bench in the pictures would look too insubstantial next to the massive BB...

HA!

Doubly so!!!

So, this morning I had to go look at the logo on the bench out of curiousity. Guess I was too busy before still looking at the piano! Looks like a capital 'H' instead of the small 'h' look fancied up on the fallboard.

If I ever get a Jansen, I know where the MH bench will go. Butt gets sore on my old twirl around round 1890s piano stool here at the computer. (No room for the bank chair I used to use)

I think with the BB, a Jansen would look super hunky!

LL

Hi Super Hunky:

Is your beautiful BB in satin or gloss(I'm guessing it's satin)? In another thread I asked about using caster cups on rugs. Since I notice you use them, what do you see as the advantages/disadvatages of doing so?

By the way, I wasn't considering angling my new BB with the wall until how beautiful yours looks in that position!

Thanks!!

I noticed it when it was first delivered. The factory could easily make it smooth with a better mold.

This is a safety issue. If a young child got hurt really bad, M&H might get sued.

Pianoloverus:

My "BB" is actually ebony gloss. It looks very attractive in this color, (As I search for my duster!!).

Beware of positioning the piano at an angle like mine. The "BB" is a very big 7 footer and you will need a very large room to make it fit this way. (don't forget about the bench distance and clearance as well).



As far as the sharp edges on the legs of the bench, I currently have a deep gash on my right big toe from it. The sharp edge actually sticks out and when you get off the bench to walk away, you can easily cut your foot or toe on it; very badly.

I weigh 200 lbs and put my full weight on my foot as I stepped away and it left a very deep cut, and it hurt !. Maybe I should call the eagle or something!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am editing my previous post:

I have now learned that Mason & Hamlin no longer uses benches or bench components from the Hailun factory. They have a new source for their sitting apparatus!

Even when you think you're in the mix, it’s hard to keep up...

Do you know who makes their new benches?

They seem to be keeping this informatin very close to the vest, or shorts rather!

My bench says "Laul Estonia" separated by a horizontal line.
On the fallboard it says "1893 Estonia".

I never noticed this difference before.

I can't stand it!

The font is the same in both places though. That's something...

Our dealer didn't like the fact that the M&H bench might pinch fingers when adjusted. They supply as part of their piano deals a new Jensen bench with the same aggravating sharp ridge mentioned by others. :rolleyes: We now have two Jensen benches since we bought one for our upright several years prior to purchasing the Mason. Since my wife teaches piano SHE sits on the ‘sharp ridge’ bench and has the children sit on the ‘all-wooden-legs’ Jensen that matched our upright. I like the idea of filing the edges on the sharp bench but wonder if it will leave obvious marks on the feet?

music4me2 was your bench left with any obvious marks?

- Nelson