Are you a collector of antiques and vintage stuff? You need to check out these antique piano benches and stools, it makes sense to invest in one of these.
In fact, there are many who don’t even play the piano but love to collect antique furniture. I’m sure if you like collecting vintage stuff, you would jump at the opportunity if you were told that a piano bench that was used by Beethoven was up for grabs, irrespective of whether you play the piano or not.
Most of these Vintage piano seats would have been used as upright piano seats, or piano and organ stool, or adjustable piano chairs.
The pedestal style organ stool (typically known as organ stool) is the more popularly known type of vintage piano bench. These have elaborate carvings and have in-layed legs (or even clawed). More than for playing, these can be a wonderful ornamental furniture at home.
You may have to restore and rebuild some of these to be able to maintain their historical importance. Besides, a classic piano seat is an excellent addition to a home with traditional design and styles.
Another type that you could get hold of is the upright piano bench with Victorian decor. Piano chairs were also favored my several artists, which are not mass produced nowadays.
Even though these antique piano benches are considered old-fashioned nowadays, you will still find buyers for these, who prefer to have them instead of the modern day benches around. And not all of these benches have to be just display pieces, you can actually use them as regular benches for practicing the piano as well.
Buying an Antique Piano Bench/Stool
Though at times, you may land up with a good deal where the bench that you acquire may be in very good condition and not require any repair work, in most other cases the stool will need to be restored.
However, that should not deter you from buying an antique piano stool as you can get it restored to a good condition.
Inspect it Thoroughly
You still need to spend time inspecting the frame, iron fittings, adjustment mechanisms for cracks, rust and other forms of deterioration, before you buy. You can use these findings as a bargaining tool to get a better price for the purchase.
Restoring the Bench/Stool
Careful attention must be given during restoration to the useful function of the bench, more notably being its ability to withstand normal weight, assuming you intend to use it regularly for playing the piano. The deteriorated parts will need to be replaced before the bench will be suitable for normal restoration.
Aesthetic changes must be done keeping in mind the decor and furniture in your house.
Restoration Process
During the restoration, all old coverings of vinyl or leather are removed and the bench is disassembled. All steel or brass parts are polished to make them retain their original luster.
The old crack varnish can be removed with an industrial grade paint stripper with special attention given to removing all the varnish, and washing the wood with an alcohol based cleaner. The wood can then be stained to the preferred choice and finished with a lacquer or polyester based finish for optimum results.
To Conclude
Though its possible to completely restore an antique piano bench back to its old glory, you need to make sure that the costs of refurbishing are within control. If it goes too high, it could outweigh the advantages of owning an older bench.
However, if the restoration costs are within a reasonable budget, it’s worth it as you can use these for several more years to come, and an antique piano stool/bench will also serve as an attractive piece of furniture in your house.
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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