Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Jansen vs. Andexinger hydraulic bench

I have owned a Hidrau Duet style bench for a number of years now. It still adjusts very easily no effort required. At first I liked the fact it was made of metal, however it is rather heavy. I think now a wooden one is a better choice. It still looks good and is very comfortable.

I'm glad you're liking the bench. FWIW, Hidrau's metal duet benches weigh far less than a wood frame scissor lift (crank style) duet bench.

There are some small, light duty scissor lift, wood frame benches that weigh less (~19 lbs) than a heavy-duty metal frame solo bench (26 lbs) from Hidrau. However, as soon as you compare any better quality scissor lift with wood frame with a metal frame Hidrau, the metal bench will weigh less. Comparing Hidrau models, their traditional wood frame, tufted top artist bench weighs about 10% more than the metal frame of the similar width.


A 43" wide Hidrau super-duet weighs just under 33 lbs. For perspective, the smaller 21.5" wide Jansen Standard Artist bench weighs just over 40 lbs. I don't have a 33" wide Jansen Duet Artist bench in my showroom to weigh, but I know it weighs significantly more than the Standard size.

Has anyone ordered from Popplers Music in South Dakota? They have Hidrau 26" ERGO Top with leather for $660.00. Still a couple hundred more than Europe prices but still better than what I've found so far in the US.

Is there any particular reason why you want an hydraulic bench ?

Yes. But if I try to explain, it gets complicated.

Sorry for the PM situation - I should be less sloppy about that. We've connected since.

Regarding the Jansen model, I asked them since writing so I do know 100%. They wrote me that they have never had a problem (I guess meaning they've not had complaints). At this point it became a toss-up between Andexinger and Hidrau.

I'm leaning toward Hidrau atm even if it's pricier because I suspect that after-care might be better in case it's ever needed (for that kind of investment), and also range of choices. I don't like the idea of a super-wide bench. I wrote the distributor of the And. asking if there is something less wide but am sure there isn't: it being night time across the pond no answer came yet. That said, I'm still torn between the two.

For price considerations: in my notes per today's exchange rate: I see $475 = $640 USD (that was the Jansen) etc., and I have other numbers scribbled down. There's an instant eek-factor.

Gombessa Thank you for the picture of the feet. That looks good and solidly made.

I live in Canada and bought the K&M one in 2022 from Amazon. It is very well made, gets a lot of use in our family (5 on the piano every day) and has worked really well. I bought it for $535 in Nov '22, so perhaps it will go on sale, though prices have gone up.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B007PF2IBC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have an Andexinger hydraulic bench. It's good, but the operation isn't smooth anymore. I bought it in 2013.

Hidrau have different ranges, with different hydraulic mechanisms. I have a heavy wooden Hidrau with an old-fashioned screw mechanism and it's great.

I'd love to get the hydraulic version of the top concert bench, but it's very expensive.

Yes you are correct, actually my Roland wooden bench is heavier than my metal duet bench.

John, this is why WD40 was invented.

Good point.

I feel as if it's worn, as I can feel a bump when it moves up and down past the heights it has previously been set at.

While we are on this subject:

Has anyone purchased THIS hydraulic Piano bench with back rest?

https://benchworld.com/product/adagio-chair-piano-chair-with-backrest-pneumatic-piano-bench/

let me know what you think of if - does it really help your back?

thanks
brdwyguy

I missed that one earlier. Gombessa has had his for 5+ years - 2013 is twice as old. I now know that if something goes wrong over time, H can sell a replacement mechanism (the cylinders in this case). I asked Thomann (Andexinger) who said the issue has never arisen but got the answer "However, it is possible to get a complete spare metal frame with the cylinders inside if needed." - maybe that can solve your problem johnstaf - but that's also no longer just the cylinders.

So far from my experience and what I've been told, PianoWork/Hidrau is very approachable - a co. can 'never have encountered an issue' if they're less approachable, simply because they don't hear from their customers. I know very little about the overseas co.

Thing is that for Americans, Hidrau is sold in the same country and the same currency. In Canada, in both cases we've got the international aspect and exchange rates. There is quite a price difference but how long a thing lasts in good order or the possibility of putting it back in proper order is also a "cost consideration". Things have been crazy-busy and that's not a good time for making decisions. I have a slow brain for such things.

Thanks Keystring. I appreciate you sharing that.