Features to consider while choosing a piano bench
Not everyone wants the same thing when it comes to a piano bench, but you need to know what you’re looking for to find the right one for you. Let’s take a look at some of the main features to look for while you shop.
Size
Size refers to dimensions which determine how many people can fit on the bench. If you always play the piano by yourself, a single seat is all you need. On the other hand, if you play duets occasionally, teach piano lessons, or just want a little more wiggle room, there are two-seater options, too.
Height is another thing to consider.
A lot of the options we included in our reviews are adjustable, but not all of them are. Most standard piano benches are an appropriate height for players of average height, but those who are really tall or short could benefit from an adjustable bench. More on that later.
Bench Top Material
Most of these bench tops are made of leather or faux leather. They look similar, but there are a few differences between them.
Nothing compares to real leather. It’s luxurious, and each piece is unique. Over time, real leather wears and ages beautifully and becomes softer and more comfortable. It’s super durable and easy to take care of. Most real leather is treated to prevent stains, so you just have to wipe it off regularly with a damp cloth.
On the other hand, genuine leather is a lot more expensive than faux leather and doesn’t tolerate direct sunlight well. You have to wipe it off quickly if it gets any moisture on it because it absorbs it quickly and can stain.
Faux leather is much more affordable but has the look and feel of real leather. Because faux leather is artificially made, it has an even and consistent construction. It comes in just about any color and won’t fade in the sun.
That said, faux leather isn’t quite as durable as real leather and does not age gracefully. Rather than develop interesting looking wear spots and patina, faux leather just cracks or tears. Care is easy, but it most likely won’t last as long as its real leather counterpart.
So, what does this mean for you? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something that’s made to last and holds up to a lot of use, go for real leather. On the other hand, if you want something to take with you from one place to another, to use outdoors, or to let your kids sit on, faux leather might be a better choice.
Construction Material
There are a few options when it comes to material. Most of the portable benches, like the RockJam KB100 Adjustable Piano Bench or the Yamaha PKBB1 Keyboard Bench, are made of steel. This makes a lot of sense. Steel is really durable, which is exactly what you want for a bench that you’re going to fold up and transport from place to place.
Benches that are meant for home vary a bit. Some of the higher-end models, like the SONGMICS Piano Bench or CPS Imports Concert Piano Bench, are made of solid wood. Others, like the Yaheetech Piano Bench, are made of MDF.
When deciding which is right for you, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something that’s going to last a long time, consider investing in a more durable material.
Piano Bench Adjustment
Height adjustment is pretty important, especially for pianists who are particularly short or tall. The bench has to be the right height for the player to reach the full range of the keyboard and the pedals are the same time. Adjustable benches let you raise or lower the height of the bench as needed. The range isn’t huge, but there are usually about two or three inches to play with.
Another thing to think about is the mechanism for changing the height. Some are easier to use than others. Some portable benches use thumbscrews to make adjustments. Others, like the Greenpro Adjustable Piano Bench, use a large knob to make adjustments. Stationery benches, like the CPS Imports Genuine Leather Piano Bench, use a knob as well. Knobs a little easier to hold onto but can take a little longer to manipulate.
Storage Compartment
It’s not really possible for portable benches to have a storage compartment because they’re specifically designed to be sleek and fold conveniently. If you’re looking for a bench to use at home, though, a storage compartment is a great feature. They’re not big, just a few inches deep, but it’s enough space to put sheet music, books, or other important things you might need while playing.