"rocking?" piano bench

[tinctoria88]

We were gifted with an artist's bench that rocks from side-to-side.  Does anyone know if it's possible to lock this "rocking" mechanism so that it's not moving?  Thanks for any information!

[huaidongxi]

artist bench mechanisms and construction quality vary hugely.  storage under the seat is very popular, for example, but incompatible with the best and sturdiest raising/lowering mechanisms.  your problem could be something as simple as a missing bolt, but if it's something seriously kaput and it was cheaply made to start it might not be worth the trouble to fix.

[quantum]

There were a number of these rocking artist benches at my university.   Some of them were "fixed" by placing wood blocks and shims inside the mechanism, thus rendering it a non-adjustable fixed height. 

[tinctoria88]

Thanks, quantum, for confirming the solution that I improvised underneath this obnoxious style of artist bench.  A harpsichordist said to me that "pianists prefer" this style of artist bench rather than a rigid style.  I find it makes me almost seasick!  But I used a tightly rolled thick paper secured with stout rubber band to "block" the mechanism that allows the rocking movement.  I found the height & can re-roll thick paper block if I change height of bench.  Clumsy, but no rocking is appreciated.

[ted]

I once made the mistake of acquiring of of those seats after I broke the legs off my original bench and hit the floor during a frenzied improvisation. However, I stopped using it because it moved and made noises. I suppose light creaking wouldn't matter on stage in a big hall, but in the house at close range it interfered with my recording. They are also too expensive. I replaced mine with a ordinary, very cheap wooden stool, solid and stable, and it suits me fine. If only one or two people are going to use it, having height adjustment would not seem to justify the wobbles and noises.