Piano Bench: Various Types

Here’s a quick primer on the various types of piano benches and stools. These are suitable for use with keyboards as well, and the more generic ones and can be used for other instruments as well.

Contents hide

1 Quick Overview

2 More Options & Variations

3 Importance of Comfort

4 Which One to Choose?

5 Related Posts:

Quick Overview

The three more common styles of piano benches used by majority of pianists as well as other musicians including harpists, guitarists and percussionists include the traditional style duet piano bench, the adjustable piano bench and the double piano bench.

You may further have some variations such as availability of storage space and so on, and you also have shapes that look more like stools, but these are still the more common variants.

Traditional Duet Piano Bench

The traditional duet piano bench has been around for a long time and has a spacious bench top surface, which makes it comfortable for pianists of all sizes. It comes with a hinged top and storage compartment beneath. Available in a wide range of colors and leg styles, it can be ordered with either a plain wood bench top or fully padded.

The duet piano bench serves as a standard replacement model for many pianos and is a favorite bench for many schools, churches and institutions due to its rugged construction and if require it can accommodate two players as well.

Adjustable Piano Bench

Musicians prefer adjustable piano benches because of the comfort and versatility that they offer. Practical for pianists and various musicians of all ages they are available in a variety of styles and configurations.

The most popular style adjustable bench adjusts from eighteen to twenty four inches in height; most of them also have a roomy storage compartment beneath the fully cushioned seat.

Double Piano Bench

This one can actually seat two players comfortably at one piano, and it looks more aesthetic and is more practical than using two benches together, especially if you want to play duet piano with a partner. These ever-increasingly popular benches are used by a wide range of piano players, from piano teacher to professional performers, and are available in adjustable or fixed height configurations.

More Options & Variations

Though most acoustic pianos are of the same height (keyboard level), there could be some height difference due to the type of wheels. Besides, using a comfortable bench helps you focus on your playing, and not get bogged down by poor posture.

Here are the important feature available in piano benches, and the various options available to you:

Height adjustable benches are available

Cushioning can be leather or other materials, or may not be there; plain wooden top

Storage space is available in select models

The compact ones are easier to transport

Available in a wide range of colors and polish

Usually made of wood, iron or other metal

Select models can suit guitar players & drummers as well

You get wide (dual size) to accommodate two players

The X-Style fold-able benches are more suited for keyboard players (portable) and beginners (affordable)

So basically, Piano Benches & Stool are available in various Types and you may choose one as per your needs:

Standard Piano Bench: These are the standard benches that comfortably seats a single piano player.

Duet piano bench: As the name suggests, it is meant to seat two piano players.

Double piano bench: This is similar to the duet piano bench but is more comfortable and a bit wider.

Bench with storage space: Most benches have storage space where you can keep your music books, sheets, pencils, disks, and so on.

Piano Keyboard Stools: The top of these are round, as opposed to rectangular in shape.

Height Adjustable piano bench/stool: These can be height-adjusted and are preferred by most musicians.

Generic Music Thrones with Backrest: These come with backrest and can be used for other music instruments as well, such as for guitar or drums.

Importance of Comfort

Most first-timers who buy a piano, usually go in for an inexpensive bench that may or may not come with a cushion.

Even if it has a cushion, most budget stools come with thin cushioning, and the result is that you can only play on it for about half an hour or so.

And most of the time you would think that the problem is with your weight, or your back, that you are unable to play any longer.

But the fact is that if you use one of those that come with a much thicker/better cushioning (say around 3 inch cushion), and something that can be height-adjusted, you will experience the comfort that these benches can offer.

It is quite easy to play for a couple of hours using the better ones; no wonder that the experienced players prefer those.

Also checkout Premium Piano Bench Cushions for the experienced players.

Which One to Choose?

In addition to the above, you also need to factor in “sturdiness” in case you are on the heavier side, or if you intend to use it for gigging. A budget one may not be able to cope, and you need to consider something that is quite robust.

If the bench is for an institution, buyers will definitely prefer a rugged construction and preferably a bench without any padding or fabric (as they are easy to tear). However, when its for home use, you’ll definitely prefer something padded and also buy few spare bench cushions.

Factors such as music storage, leg style and color would be based on your piano model and how much you are willing to spend. Other factors, as mentioned, will depend on whether you are looking for a storage space or one that can be used by two players.

Height-adjustment, though preferable, there are many who chose to go without it. But then, it is understandable when you are buying your first piano stool. For best experience however, you should consider a piano stool with height-adjustment option. Also, if its for a younger student who’s still growing in height, an adjustable bench would be the most appropriate option.

Above all, its very important that you purchase a piano bench that you’re happy with, something that will serve you for years to come.

Adjustable Leather Piano Bench

Adjustable Concert Piano Bench

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KeytarHQ Editorial Team

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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