How tall are standard and adjustable piano benches?
How tall is a standard piano bench?
The first thing to know is that a standard piano bench height is about 19" or roughly 50 cm high while benches with an adjustable height can range from a height of about 18" to 23".
In this blog, we'll compare and contrast different piano bench sizes - adjustable and non-adjustable - padded vs. non padded.
If you're an aspiring pianist, you may know that a proper piano bench is essential for achieving the perfect posture and comfort during practice.
As a piano tuner, I've personally sat on many different types of piano benches and I've developed a preference for which benches I prefer, and the answer may surprise you.
Whatever your preference may be, finding the right bench with the proper height is essential to playing the piano comfortably for an extended period of time.
How tall is an adjustable Hydraulic Piano Bench?
The Hydraulic Duet Artist Piano Bench is the Cat's meow of Piano Benches.
It has a ranch of 5 inches of motion between 18.25 inches high and 23.5 inches high.
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Standard Non-Adjustable benches
The average piano bench are non-adjustable benches that come in comfortable heights generally accepted by pianists and piano teachers.
They are less expensive than adjustable benches, and they are easier to move around because they weigh less.
However, because you'll be stuck with one height with this bench you may have to choose between a few different benches in order to determine which bench is best for you.
When you choose a bench yourself, it better be the perfect height or else you may have to compromise on comfort, which may impact your freedom of movement during playing.
Non-adjustable benches come in different sizes and are a popular choice for those who prefer to play at one consistent level.
However, because they are not adjustable piano benches, they may not provide the best optimal playing position for prolonged periods.
What are adjustable Artist benches?
Adjustable benches are also known as Artist Benches which is a very high-end piece of furniture, but well worthwhile for serious pianists.
The leather seat is able to go either higher or lower than a standard bench and usually comes with padded seats which are nicer to sit on, which enhances comfort and prevents fatigue for people of various sizes.
These benches come with knobs or levers that allow you to raise or lower the seat height to find the correct position for your posture to prevent fatigue, legs to move the piano pedals, and arms for optimal finger speed.
However, they also tend to weigh more with heavy-duty legs and mechanical parts, which makes them more difficult to move in slight increments which is often required when practicing.
If you find yourself moving the bench a lot during piano lessons, then you may prefer a smaller bench without adjustments so that it's easier to move.
They are designed to go to the right height to provide ultimate comfort and are perfect for those who play for prolonged periods.
However, the downside is that they tend to be heavy and more expensive compared to non-adjustable benches.
Should I get a Piano Bench with soft padding?
Padded piano benches are generally preferred among piano players who play for prolonged periods of time.
They are designed with thin and thick padding to ensure that the player is comfortable especially when playing for long periods.
However, when choosing a padded bench, it is essential to ensure that the height is right.
This is because the padding may add to the height, and the compressed seat may sit at a slightly different level then what you would expect.
On the other hand, if you prefer a softer feel to your seat, a padded bench will be a better choice.
Some padded benches can sink over time and become less comfortable if they are thinly padded, making the pianist sit at a lower height than intended with less comfort.
Should I get a non-padded Piano bench?
Non-padded piano benches are a popular choice for those who prefer a firmer seat.
However, they may not provide the best comfort when playing for extended periods.
A wooden bench can become uncomfortable over long periods of time while playing which is why some people opt to attach extra pads to the top of the bench.
Do I need a good piano bench?
Non-Benches
Regular chairs are not comfortable for pianists to sit on because chairs sit at different heights than standard piano benches.
Generally you sit at the front half of the bench when playing, so while regular chairs may ordinarily be comfortable, it likely isn't when playing the piano.
Getting a real piano bench makes a huge difference in proper seating position for young pianists.
Although standard chairs may be a quick & convenient option, they are not typically designed for playing the piano.
Due to their height, they can be uncomfortable and cause strain, especially to the back for piano students.
The slope of the seat of a regular chair is uncomfortable for a piano student who needs a flat surface to sit on.
It is essential to use a piano bench when playing the piano to ensure that you maintain correct posture and prevent fatigue.
Why does a Proper Piano Bench Matter?
Using a regular chair or stool may seem like a quick and convenient alternative to a piano bench, but it's not recommended.
A piano bench allows the pianist to sit at the correct height and posture, which mostly prevents fatigue and strain.
Additionally, some piano benches come with storage compartments, which is convenient for storing sheet music or books.
The bench size you choose depends on the piano you have, how tall you are, and the amount of time you think you'll spend playing the piano.
If you plan on practicing for extended periods, you may prefer a padded adjustable bench that you can customize to your needs.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right piano bench size is crucial to enhance your playing experience and prevent discomfort and fatigue.
Adjustable benches are ideal for tall or short pianists, while non-adjustable benches are a better fit for people who are in a median height range.
Artist benches come at a higher price tag and are suitable for professional pianists.
It's crucial to keep in mind that thinly padded benches may wear down over time and become less comfortable.
Finally, investing in a proper piano bench is essential for preventing pain or fatigue and improving your playing experience.
Adjustable benches are the best option for those looking for long-term comfort and optimal playing position, but they are more expensive.
Non-adjustable benches provide a suitable option for those who prefer to play at one comfortable level and are also affordable.
Standard chairs are not a good option for piano playing and should be avoided.
By exploring these different options, you can choose the best piano bench size to enhance your playing experience.
It's important to try different options to see which one feels the best for your body and posture.
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