Posture is critical to helping you play your best and that’s why finding a comfortable and sturdy bench is so important to every pianist.
Besides the piano itself, the most important piece of equipment when performing at a recital or just practicing on your spare time would be the piano bench.
Make sure you have an adjustable piano bench for be most comfort.
There are many benches made out of leather, padded and most of them are black . If you have a black piano, I recommend you stick to this color. The more premium benches are hydraulic.
1. Yamaha PKBB1 Piano Bench
Pros
The Yamaha PKBB1 is a simple, padded adjustable keyboard bench The PKBB1 is a great option for the player who isn’t looking to break the bank on a piano bench. The PKBB1 is also very convenient as it can fold flat and be stored away when not in use.
Cons
The limited size of the PKBB1 means it will not be an ideal option for all pianists. Larger users would find the bench unstable and uncomfortable. More importantly, players who will be sitting and practicing for a long period of time may want to consider other options as the bench is neither ergonomic nor back friendly.
2. Casio ARBENCH Piano Bench
Pros
The Casio ARBENCH is a simple and inexpensive bench. Like the Yamaha above, the X-style allows for the bench to be folded up and put away as required, the bench also has adjustable height. The Casio is remarkably sturdy for its small size and is able to hold up to 250 pounds.
Cons
While the weight allowance of the Casio is impressive given its small size, it does mean that larger people are not going to have much security while sitting on the bench. The height, while also adjustable, requires tools to do so and is limited to only three fixed heights. The rubber feet are also known to come off when the bench is moved around.
3. Griffin Leather Piano Bench
Pros
The Griffin piano bench is made from a heavy-duty brown synthetic leather material that offers pianists a more vintage style. Designed to be ergonomic, the Griffin is comfortable and wide enough for a duet. The bench also has a hidden storage space within it to allow for easy sheet music storage when not in use.
Cons
While the Griffin is a great choice for duets, it is as a result take up more room than other piano benches do. As noted above, the bench is not made out of real leather, but is a synthetic leather that is designed to look like leather. However, the bench does offer many physical benefits (ergonomically designed) for the pianist at a price point that is affordable.
4. Neewer Wooden Duet Piano Bench
Pros
The Neewer bench is specifically designed for two-person use, allowing for either lessons or duets. Made with solid wood, the Neewer is well-constructed, ensuring that it is stable enough to safely hold two users. The bench has an extra amount of space under it to allow for larger books or more sheet music. The polished black finish adds a classy touch to the bench, ensuring it will look nice in any room.
Cons
The padding on the seat of the Neewer bench lacks cushioning and sitting on the bench for a long period of time may become uncomfortable. When the seat is opened for storage, it can close quickly, if you have small children you may want to make sure to mind their fingers when closing it. While the bench is stable and of high quality, it may not be the most practical option for pianists.
5. SONGMICS Padded Wooden Piano Bench
Pros:
The SONGMICS Padded Piano Bench comes with music storage on the inside as well as resilient and comfortable cushions on the outside. The bench is stable and can hold up to 300 pounds. The cushions make sitting for long periods of time comfortable. The design of the bench is also elegant and fits nicely with any modern décor.
Cons:
While the SONMICS bench can hold up to 300 pounds, it is too small to hold more than one person at a time, making it unrealistic for duets. The musical storage area is made out of chipboard, making it flimsy and prone to break if misused or overstuffed. Overall though, the SONGMICS is a high quality single-player bench option.
6. Yaheetech Adjustable Piano Bench
Pros
The Yaheetech Adjustable Piano Bench is made from a sturdy faux-leather that is extremely easy to wipe clean. The seat is sturdy and can hold up to 330 pounds of weight. In addition to the anti-slip foot pads on the legs, the bench has a sheet music storage inside of it that is silent to open. This bench is also adjustable, going from 19 to 23 inches as needed.
Cons
The bench is adjustable through the use of two knobs that can help it go up and down, but if the knobs are compromised at all, the adjustable function of the bench is ruined. If you need to adjust the bench regularly, there is a good chance of breaking the mechanical function of the bench. However, if handled with care this bench would be an ideal option for solos and duets.
Conclusion
Now you know how to choose an adjustable piano bench. Make sure that you pick one that is comfortable and lasts you for many years. Hydraulic piano benches might be a good option for most piano players.