Adjustable Piano Bench: Here are the useful things to know about these type of benches, & the popular versions that are available in this category.
Anything that gives you more flexibility of use, is definitely preferable than something that is fixed or rigid, and the same applies to an adjustable piano bench as well.
What Makes It Popular?
This type of bench is the more preferred one obviously because the height positions can be varied, so it suits a large number of piano players. It helps you to get the height to such a level so that you can maintain the right posture while playing the music instrument.
Its the primary reason why teachers, students, performers, as well as other instrumentalists such as guitarist and percussionist prefer these kind of seats.
In fact, these benches with a fully padded seat, and preferably with music storage space, is what most seem to prefer. For children, and even those on the shorter side (5.6″ or less), an adjustable one is best suited over a regular piano bench.
How is the Height Adjustment Done?
The height is usually adjustable from eighteen to twenty four inches in height, which means it can accommodate players across a wide group of ages.
The adjustment mechanism is usually done with knobs/handles, which are located on either end of the bench frame. On an expensive bench (usually the artist benches), this mechanism is not visible, to make it look more aesthetic.
Why Fixed Height?
There is no doubt that they are preferred by most but then there’s a reason why the fixed ones also exists.
In case you are wondering why some piano benches are even available as fixed length, and why not all of them are adjustable, then most of the time it is because of the cost factor.
There are many who just want a basic bench, that doesn’t cost much. Most fixed lengths are also made keeping in mind the fact that the height of the keys from the ground is fixed, and the manufacturers assume some fixed height for a player and they build the bench keeping that in mind. In case they want more height, they’ll just use pillows to increase the height.
Why Adjustable – For Students
It’s About Maintaining the Right Posture
When you’re a beginner, every student is reminded of one thing, and that is to maintain a good posture while playing. And this doesn’t just apply to playing the piano only; it’s applicable to all the musical instruments.
I will not go into the posture thing much in detail, but it is indeed an important thing to keep in mind when you are starting out. It is not that you’ll hurt your back but it is more likely that your wrist and/or fingers will get hurt because they are not placed right.
But then do students really play for so long that you need to be concerned?
Take Care of Your Wrist & Fingers
If you are only going to play for about half an hour daily, it may not make much of a difference. But as you learn a few songs, it is easy to get excited and it is quite common to play for an hour to a couple of hours. And that is good enough time to cause discomfort to your wrist and fingers.
Doing this for longer periods of time can cause serious problems, so it is better to be safe. You can use cushioning to raise the height, or better still get an adjustable piano bench.
So at least when students are concerned these accessories do play an important role, as it gets you started on the right note!
Is it Unnecessary Expense?
Most beginners who think they really don’t need a keyboard or piano bench at all, and are happy using a readily available alternative at home, say so because usually they use a keyboard stand, which can be height adjusted. And that can definitely serve the purpose.
But if you’ve a proper piano (upright or grand) at home, then that alternative may not work so well. That is why you may need an adjustable piano bench for the best playing experience. When it comes to experienced and professional players, their requirements differ a bit.
Various Variants Available
The three main variants of these kind of seating accessories are:
- Bench/Stool with Storage Area
Preferred by most students as it gives them extra storage space to keep their books, sheets & CDs. However, compared to a regular one, the adjustable ones have a slightly smaller storage area, because it needs to incorporate the adjusting mechanism which takes up some space. - With Deluxe Padding
These are made from genuine leather and has thick foam padding for ample comfort. Fully upholstered in leather these are used mostly by artists & pro players. - Adjustable with Double Seating
These accommodate two players at a time, useful in the studio or at home if you have more than one piano players. In certain models, each seat comes with its own adjustment handle.
Almost all the major brands offer these type; you can even design & construct your own piano bench, and save some money in the process.
Checkout the range of bestselling adjustable piano benches here…
Overall, an adjustable Piano Bench is definitely a more versatile option because of the height varying mechanism, and these can comfortably seat players of any age, height or build.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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