Casio recalls piano benches

Wednesday, May 5th 2004, 11:38 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Electronics manufacturer Casio Inc. is recalling some 18,000 piano benches for electronic pianos because screws and brackets for the benches can weaken and cause them to collapse.

One person sustained a fractured wrist when a bench broke, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday. Casio, of Dover, N.J., has received three other reports of the benches failing.

The company is recalling two model benches, the Bench DK, made of dark wood and the Bench LT, made of light wood. The benches have plush leather covering and measure about 22-inches by 13.5-inches with 17.5-inch-tall legs.

Each bench comes with a sticker that reads, ``Made in China,'' and some units have a gold emblem that reads ``GAO JI CHUANG.''

They were sold nationwide at music instrument retailers, Sam's Club, Costco Wholesale and on Casio's Web site from September 2003 through March 2004 for about $99. The benches were sold with Casio electronic pianos at Sam's Club and Costco and as stand-alone products at instrument retailers.

Screws and bracket assemblies that attach the bench to its legs can weaken and cause its seat to collapse during normal use, the CPSC said.

People should stop using the benches and contact Casio at 1-800-454-4678 for instructions on how to return the product and receive a refund.