Are piano benches necessary? There has been a lot of discussion about whether or not piano benches are necessary. Some people say that they are, while others disagree.
There is no right answer to this question- it all depends on your preferences and the situation of the person who plays the piano.
For instance, if you have children in your home, then you will probably need a bench so that they can reach the keys without standing on their tippy-toes.
If you have arthritis problems or other injuries, then a bench is important to offer you support when playing at high levels.
Piano benches are necessary because they ensure that the piano player is comfortable, and does not suffer from any discomfort due to long periods of sitting. They also provide stability for the piano bench.
This is important because it ensures that the piano will not fall over while someone is playing on it, which could result in injury or damage to the instrument.
8 Best Tips for Choosing the Right Piano Bench
Choosing the right piano bench is quite crucial to ensure you have a comfortable seat when playing your piano. Here are some of the best tips on how to choose the right piano bench. These tips include:
Height & Size
Consider the height of your piano bench. Make sure it is not too tall or short for your piano.
Check the size and shape of your bench – you want to make sure it will fit in with the design and style of your piano.
Make sure there are proper armrests included on your bench – these provide support during longer sessions at the instrument, without putting strain or pressure on any one part of your body (such as hands).
If possible choose a model whose legs fold up for transporting purposes- this enables
Durability
Ensure the durability of the material used in its construction, such as solid hardwood and steel rods with rubber end caps. This will ensure maximum comfort when sitting on the bench while also providing stability and strength against long-term use.
Comfort Is Vital
make sure your bench is padded and has a high backrest to ensure maximum comfort while you play.
Choose an adjustable bench – this way you can adjust the seat according to your playing position and the height of your piano.
Style & Decor
Ensure it fits the style of piano – if your piano is an antique, then make sure that the legs match the style of your instrument. This will also prevent any potential damage due to mismatched heights between benches and pianos.
Color
The color should coordinate well with other home furnishings such as chairs and sofas for this piece not to stick out like a sore thumb or disrupt the harmony within rooms and homes.
Also, check whether there are upholstered items on top before purchasing one just in case there was already something placed on top when you go shopping/outfitting yourself at home!
Design & Support
It should also fit into the space you have available in your home or studio where you will place it.
Ensure that there is room around the area so that people who are coming into play can easily pass by without being crowded out by a bulky piece of furniture such as a piano bench.
Is there adequate support? The bench should provide comfort while playing, and not be too stiff or uncomfortable.
Storage Space
A piano bench is a good place to store things. You will need different things for the piano than you would for other instruments because it is so big. You won’t be able to carry it around in a bag. Therefore, having a piano bench with storage space can come in handy whenever you want to store various things.
Upright vs Grand
First things first, if you have a grand piano choose a grand piano bench, and if you have an upright piano opt for an upright piano bench. The reason? Grand pianos and upright pianos sit at different heights, and the benches are manufactured to reflect the difference.
Grand piano benches are wide. They are generally 33″ to 36″. If you try to save money by buying an upright bench for a grand piano, it won’t turn out well. You’ll most likely be sitting in the incorrect posture, and it will appear out of proportion to the instrument.
ALSO READ: Best Digital Piano Bench – 15 Top Options
Benefits of Piano Benches
Piano benches come with plenty of benefits for pianists. These benefits include:
- First of all, they are suitable for any piano size. This way you don’t have to worry about whether the bench will fit or not.
- You’ll also find that many benches have storage space underneath them which you can use as a convenient place to store your sheet music and other small objects while playing on the instrument.
- There is always something new out there in terms of design, color, shape, etc. So, pianists should never get bored with their furniture choices!
- Having said this it’s important to choose carefully because once you add an item to your home décor it becomes pretty permanent!
- Make sure you love what you buy before adding it permanently into your life otherwise you might regret spending hard-earned cash on pieces that you don’t like.
- Pianos benches are a great choice because they’re multipurpose and you can use them as both furniture for the home and also as an instrument accessory!
- These items can make playing your piano so much more comfortable than sitting on any other chair or stool in your house. This is why it’s always best to choose one designed specifically with pianists in mind.
- Otherwise, you could end up spending lots of money trying to buy something that just won’t work effectively at all!
- A piano bench is a wonderful addition to any music studio. As a student advances to a higher level, one of these benches will come in handy.
- You can easily adjust the height of the bench, which is extremely crucial. Your playing might be improved by sitting at the correct height while playing the piano.
Can I Use a Chair Instead of a Piano Bench?
Yes, you can use a chair instead of an upright piano bench. If your home is small it can be difficult to find space for an extra piece of furniture. Especially, when chairs are usually readily available at every place where there’s seating.
However, if you have plenty of room and never plan on moving out soon, then buying one would be worth considering.
There are lots of benefits you get from with using piano benches. They include storage spaces underneath them and adjustable heights. This allows students to get their playing position right while practicing independently.
What do we mean by independent? Well, some pianos come complete with stands and this means you don’t need to place them against a wall.
This way they are free-standing and you can easily move around to suit your needs.
Why Do Piano Benches Have No Back?
Pianists are not allowed to lean back. If they do, their body weight will shift backward and the piano bench won’t be able to support them anymore. The pianist could fall off of it completely!
This is why there are no backs on piano benches. They might seem uncomfortable at first. But you can always put a pillow or cushion behind yourself for comfort if needed.
What Is the Proper Height for a Piano Bench?
The height of a bench is determined by the height of the piano. The average bench for an upright piano will be 18-24 inches tall. While larger pianos are 25-26 inches high on average. For grand pianos, benches should range from 28 to 32 inches in height.
How Should You Sit When Playing Piano?
Sit toward the bench’s front half. Relax your feet and keep them flat from heel to toe. Maintain a balanced weight distribution by resting your buttocks on the seat.
Ensure you relax so you can easily lift everything to your fingertips. Also, relax your shoulders and arms, maintain a straight back. Sit in such a way that everything may readily pass through your fingertips.
Conclusion
So, are piano benches necessary? Absolutely! If you want comfort when playing the piano then consider buying a reliable and durable piano bench.
It will help you play for long hours without getting too tired. Unlike a normal chair which can sometimes be uncomfortable.
Some piano benches are also adjustable. This makes them ideal whenever you want to adjust the height to match that of your piano.
Overall, piano benches are crucial accessories to have as a pianist. And buying a quality one will benefit you in the long run.
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