OSP Artist Piano Bench Review: 3 defining features

In the last 5 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of imported piano benches from China. Not all benches are made equal though, and there is a distinctive difference in quality between piano benches from different factories. Of all the imported artist benches we have examined, the OSP Artist Piano Bench is the highest quality and best deal for the money. There are a number of qualities that set the OSP bench apart from other imports.

1. High Polish, Wood Adjustable Knobs

Perhaps the most striking characteristic that sets the various imported artist piano benches apart are the two adjustable knobs on the side of the bench. Cheaper benches used small, plastic knobs, where you see about 1″ of the metal bar between the knob and the side of the bench. The plastic makes the bench look cheap. OSP on the other hand, uses a high polish wide wooden knob, which really ties the entire bench together.

2. 10 tufted buttons on the upholstered top

An upholstered top of a standard artist bench is available with either 6 of 10 tufted buttons. Using only 6 buttons makes the bench less expensive, but it also doesn’t look as nice. Additionally, the tufted buttons and structure and stability to the top.

3. Spade legs

Imported artist piano benches are available in either square tapered or spade legs. Of the two, the square tapered legs are cheaper. In our opinion, spade legs are more attractive, and gives more proportionality to the piano bench. Additionally, OSP includes rubber bumpers on the bottom of all their legs to prevent damage to the floor.

 

OSP Black Artist Piano Bench

In sum, the OSP artist piano bench is the nicest on the market, and is a steal for only $129.99. What sets their bench apart is their attention to detail, and their use of slightly more expensive parts. While you can find imported artist benches for $10-$15 cheaper, in our opinion it really is worth spending the extra few dollars to get a much more attractive bench.

Steinway Piano Bench Buying Guide

Steinway has been making the finest pianos for over 150 years, and people often look for a piano bench to go with their top-of-the-line, beautiful instrument. Steinway & Sons however, only make the pianos: they do not make their own piano benches. Thus, they contract out to Jansen Piano Benches, who manufacturer the highest quality, American made piano benches in today’s market (and have been doing so for 60 years).

If you own a Steinway piano (or for that matter, any high-end piano), the bench you will want to purchase is the Jansen Artist Bench. If you’ve seen a Steinway in a concert hall, the bench you have seen with it is a Jansen. Heavy-duty construction, it is  designed for stage and teaching studio durability. The legs and frame are hardwood American maple, and the solid steel close-tolerance lift mechanism is the best of the market.  The padding of the bench is thick, firm polyester foam which will not break down over time. The standard size Jansen artist bench is 21.5″(L) x 16.5″(W), and it is available in a duet measuring 33″(L) x 16.5″(W).  Height adjusts 18″ to 21″.