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Hi all,

I just got the Kawai CE-7N I'd posted about and need some advice.

This model does not have casters, just corner glides, and I need to raise it up about an inch (or a tad more).

I was wondering whether to simply put some blocks underneath each end (as in two pieces of 3/4 lumber)? Or perhaps buying very large caster cups?

thanks,

Noel

Be careful Noel, the CE-7N can tip over if not properly balanced.
It was designed with a no leg, no caster Contemporary styled cabinet to be placed directly on a flat surface.

I suggest that you contact Kawai's Acoustic Piano Technical Support Dept. 800 421 2177 ask for Mark Wisner, RPT or E-Mail him: mwisner@kawaius.com Maybe Mark will be able to help you.

Bear

Thank you, Bear. That's very helpful.

Another, no doubt more logical thought is to use a lower seat.

best,
Noel

I see you agree...

I truly like the height of the piano and where my arms come to rest. But I'm six-feet tall, with a 32-inch inseam (long legs) so my thighs are wedged under the keyboard.

I'm thinking of finding a cabinet shop that could shorten the legs on the bench, maybe half to three quarters of an inch. Since the legs are bolted to the box, it seems logical that they'd come off easily enough.

best,

Noel

For what its worth, I am becoming more and more fond of Kawai with every post comming from you bear. Very helpful and great customer service.

I apologize for any of my prior posts that may have been too forward or abrasive regarding the Kawai products to which you are so passionate about. I have learned a lot about them from your posts and others and have developed a great deal of respect for the Kawai piano and there makers.

That would work. But since the bench is designed to be high enough for the average person, you really need a slightly **higher** bench. It might be better to raise the piano, rather than lower the bench.

Consider this ... You could get a sheet of 3/4" plywood, and cut it to a rectangle that's a bit larger than the "footprint" size of the piano. The piano would rest on the plywood. (I would definitely NOT use blocks, because the piano could be pushed off of the blocks. Or the blocks could tip over. Bad news. That can't happen with a full sheet of plywood.)

You could cut out the "foot" region of the board so that you'd be left with an inverted U-shape board, like this:


You could then finish the board to give a nice appearance.

Since this piano does not have casters, it should stay put. But if it has any tendency to slide, you could mill out depressions in the wood 1/8" deep, just under each corner glide.

A 4' x 8' sheet of 3/4" plywood might cost $25. (A 1" thick plywood would be better, but I don't know if they make such a thing.)

The only cutting tool needed would be a circular saw. Finishing would involve some enamel paint (two coats) and maybe a couple of polyurethane coats for scuff-proof durability.

That's an interesting suggestion.

However, I had the movers place the piano on top of large furniture glides and some 3/4-inch board on top, roughly raising the piano about an inch - it looks terrible and I can't wait to have a friend come over to help me lose it all.

While the height is somewhat improved, the foot pedals feel totally wrong. Obviously the piano was designed to function on the floor.

I'm willing to adjust to it since it's so nice and feels so good. Shortening the bench legs might be all I need, then I could put a thin pillow on there for my skinny butt...

best,

Noel

Thanks L Horwinkle for adding that drawing.

It does help, and that may ultimately be the answer.

I've got the circular saw and a power sander.

Finished plywood (cabinet stock) would make it even easier.

best,

Noel

Try moving the bench about 8" further away from the piano and lean forward slightly when playing.

I agree. Sounds like you are sitting way too close to the piano - I also have a 32" inseam (average length legs) and my thighs never come near the underside of the piano. Actually my thighs are hardly under the keyboard at all...

Also sounds like you may be sitting too far back on the bench - you should be sitting on the front part of the bench. I's not like sitting in a chair...

Buy a cost effective adjustable concert bench.

Hi pianobroker,

Can you point me (us) to a source for a cost-effective adjustable concert bench?

Would love that option.

Thanks,

Noel

Found a few:

http://gosuperdvd.stores.yahoo.net/adjustable-leather-concerto-piano-bench-wmusic-storage.html

http://www.pianobenchesetc.com/store/product.php?productid=16863

http://www.andysmusiconline.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PB85&Click=13997

plus eBay:

http://shop.ebay.com/items/adjustab...p;tt_encode=raw&crlp=1921616963_9417

Noel249,

Check with the owner of this forum to see what he can get you.

When you find one, you'll obviously want to check the height range.

But don't forget to check width and length, too.

I say that because my new DP came with a rather small bench. The height was fine, but the length was marginal, and the width was way too narrow for me.

So when I donated my old piano, I kept the old bench, which is the "right" size in all respects.

Thanks to you both for your replies.

Noel