What are the benefits of an artist bench?

[shingo]

Hey,
     I was wondering what the benefits are (if any) with having an artists bench. Is it purely for aesthetic value?
     Thanks.

[m1469]

Oh, I *love* and *adore* my artist bench.  Practically speaking, one of the main attributes of the bench is that the height can be easily adjusted.  This means that I can adjust it where I need it for different things, but also each of my students can adjust it to where they need.  This means I can ensure an appropriate approach to the instrument.

Also, the kind I got is extremely well-built and stable.  So, I feel like I am sitting on some sort of rock (with leather trim and lovely cushions underneath).  It is extremely sturdy, but it's also ridiculously comfortable, too !  It *makes* me want to sit there and is one of the most comfortable seats in the entire house.

Psychologically speaking, having a special bench for when I sit at the piano, I just feel like there is somewhere very specific for me to be as a piano artist.  That may sound a bit silly, but it's really true.  The fact that all of the above is also true really aids in the psychological aspects though. 

Sure, I could make just about any bench work if I *had* to, but having something that I feel is just right is a real luxury to me.  I am not distracted by the bench at all when I play, either, which is not always the case with other benches. 

I love my benchy bench . 

[shingo]

Hey m1469,
     Thanks for your reply. Mine is adjustable but perhaps not the most sturdy. I can definitely see that it would aid psychologically in having a sturdy, well cushioned, deep padded "rock" to plant ones-self on, as well as aiding posture maybe.
     I started this thread with no real lust for such a bench but now I am tempted. I will have to wait untill I can afford one however. You were very efficient at selling it  .

[danny elfboy]

An artistic bench is vital as you need to regulate the height.
Yor arms when playing on the keyboard need to be parallel to the floor and you need to adjust the sitting height in order to achieve the correct position for your body.

[shingo]

So can any adjustable bench be classed as an artist bench? I thought it applied to the kind shown here but maybe this is the most stereotypical.

[thalberg]

The padding is important.  In school when I was doing 4 hours a day, a non-padded bench meant serious pain.

[allthumbs]

The padding is important.  In school when I was doing 4 hours a day, a non-padded bench meant serious pain.

I agree. My practice time is limited because my butt gets too sore even with a cushion.

[faulty_damper]

I agree. My practice time is limited because my butt gets too sore even with a cushion.

Possible remedies:
1.  Sitting on your music alleviates some discomfort
2.  Sitting on your jacket alleviates even more
3.  Bringing a padded cushion and sitting on is actually comfortable

[dan101]

As already stated, height variation and padding are huge pluses.

[quantum]

I am sitting on a fixed size wood bench as I type this, and my underside is begging for a padded bench. 

[pianistimo]

I did that for years.  I suppose I thought I didn't need one or could put up with the lower back pain.  When I got a padded bench, immediately I could play longer with less back pain.  It's amazing what a little padding can do.  I got a bench that has adjustment - but it's wobblier at the higher settings - so I just keep it low and tight.  If I really play - I had to rock over one way or another.  It's unsettling to playing.  Even a slight rock.

[Floristan]

One solution short of an artist's bench is to buy several carpet remnants, the kind that measure about 2 feet by 1 foot.  Most carpet remnants have finished borders.  Stack however many you need on a bench to achieve the necessary height.  They give you adjustable height and cushioning for a fraction of the cost of an artist's bench.