A great piano musical performance will depend not only on the piano player but also on the keyboard that is being used. More often than not, the keyboard piano stand is forgotten, and the performance will be compromised, especially if the musician is temperamental with a diva attitude. Decades ago, this would never be an issue during live performances as traditional piano players are often seated due to the piano’s huge size and design.
Today, portable keyboards are the go-to instrument for most musicians; hence, the need for the best keyboard stand to match the instrument and the pianist perfectly. Songwriters, arrangers, producers, and musicians often spend too many hours hovering over their keyboards, creating music. Without an appropriate piano keyboard stand, the musician would undoubtedly develop stress, body aches, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Users & Buyers Guide: Correct Posture When Playing Piano In Sitting Position
Proper Posture Guidelines for Pianist
It is already a given that to ensure a flawless performance, the piano keyboard to be used must be made from good quality materials and in tip-top shape. Having said that, the health of the musician is as equally important as the instrument, and the more comfortable the piano player is, the better his playing would be.
One of the health issues that continue to bother musicians is the pain in their upper extremities. The two most common conditions are the carpal, and cubital tunnel syndromes wherein the fingers experience pain and numbness along with a tingling sensation going up to the elbow and upper arm, which can move toward the shoulder. This happens when musicians develop a playing technique that places them in an awkward position.
Instead of waiting for an injury to happen that would lead to regular therapy or worse an operation, it is essential to play the instrument in the proper position.
Avoid playing with your wrists and elbows situated beneath the level of the keys. The elbows must be on the same level with the keyboard, or the arms must be on a 90° angle with the elbows. It is important to make the necessary adjustment with the height of the piano keyboard stand. Do not force your body to make the adjustment.
Make sure that your back is straight and not bending or crouching. The shoulders should be relaxed and lowered. Avoid lifting your shoulders and moving upward, tightening them when playing.
The body must be on a distance where the hands can reach any key without having to bend forward.
If at any time, there is pain, stop immediately, and reposition your body.
Optimal Keyboard Height When Playing Piano in Sitting Position
Adjusting the height of the piano keyboard stand to your playing position is one of the first things you need to do before playing. Since adjusting the chair is not always an option, it is best that you get a versatile keyboard stand for sitting that can accommodate the height requirement.
Generally, the traditional piano keyboard stand is about 28.5 inches from the floor, and this height was designed to match an adult piano player. This is disadvantageous to children, so parents and teachers used to put cushions on the chair to raise the children to a comfortable height.
With the digital or electronic keyboards, there is no need to put cushions on the chair anymore. The keyboard stand is not only collapsible but also adjustable to certain heights to be able to match the pianists’ playing position. Remember the following points when setting up the keyboard stand to the desired height:
- Check if you can touch the keys with your arms in parallel with the floor.
- The sheet music should be at eye-level without having to stoop low to avoid tightening of the shoulders.
- Knees can be slightly beneath the hips, but it is much better to have them at level with the thighs.
Best Keyboard Stands For Sitting
With a plethora of choices in music stores today, let us look at some of the keyboard stands best for sitting position.
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Knox Gear Z Style Heavy Duty Adjustable Piano Keyboard Stand
Key Features: Supports Keyboards with 49 – 88 keys, Optional Wheels, Adjustable feet, height and width, Foldable.
This piano keyboard stand is made of heavy-duty metal that can support keyboards with 49 to 88 keys. It has an adjustable height of 24 to 41 inches and width measuring from 23 to 35 inches, making it easy to conform to a player’s height in sitting or standing position. The feet of the stand can adapt easily to any type of surface, even with uneven floors, as it is also adjustable. With the optional/detachable wheels, it is the perfect piano stand for traveling musicians and can be moved comfortably during set up.
The Z Style from Know Gear aims to ensure that musicians do not shake or wobble during performances, and the player’s feet would be able to move beneath the stand with its design comfortably. This foldable stand would suit professional musicians and students alike.
On-Stage KS7150 Table Top Keyboard Stand
Key Features: 29″ – 43.5″ wide, Friction Locking Knobs, Non-Slip Rubber end caps, Foldable.
This KS7150 keyboard stand from On-Stage provides absolute confidence to the piano keyboard’s stability due to its tabletop design and its loading capacity of 230 pounds. It is perfect to use for huge piano keyboards and any other digital DJ equipment provided they can fit the width of 23 inches to 43.5 inches. The height can be modified from 26 inches to 43 inches. Its telescoping adjustable platform makes it easy for anyone to set up along with the friction locking knobs. The sturdy legs end up with non-slip rubber end caps to assure that it does not move or shake with just a slight nudge. If there is a need for another keyboard, the KSA7500 Universal 2nd-tier can be attached.
The On-Stage KS7150 Table Top Keyboard Stand is a good option for those who hop from one gig to another as it folds flat for storage and transportation.
K & M 18810.000.55 Table-Style Keyboard Stand
Key features: 2-sided spring-loaded clamping knobs, compact steel tubing material, round floor protectors, table-style design.
Konig & Meyer offers durability and stability with the high-grade steel tubing design along with sturdy leg floor protectors in the K&M 18810.000.55 Table-Style keyboard stand. It also uses spring-loaded locking knobs for easy height adjustments at any point with its engraved height scale from 23.62 inches to 40.15 inches. It can support keyboard weight of up to 80 kilograms and with a width of up to 37 inches along with adjustable support arms to fit the size of the keyboard. It comes with cushion pads on horizontal arms and four Velcro tapes, which serve as cable guides.
This table style design is not only durable and stable but also aesthetically perfect not only for studios or personal rooms but also in stage performances as well. The second tier can be attached to another keyboard or any digital devices.
RockJam Xfinity Adjustable Piano Keyboard Stand
Key features: Double X heavy duty metal design, Unique Locking Mechanism, Height between 4 – 38 inches, Pre-assembled, Weight capacity up to 45 pounds.
This stand will come to you pre-assembled, which means no confusing screws and bolts to figure out. It has locking straps to make sure the piano keyboard stays in place and no chance of slipping from the stand. The non-slip rubberized end caps give the stand more stability from being toppled over from accidental bumps. The height options between 4 to 38 inches make it a great stand for children and adults, whether sitting or standing. However, if the weight of your keyboard will exceed 45 pounds, you should think of another option. Except for the weight limitation, it is a great choice for a piano keyboard stand as it comes with an affordable price tag.
Neewer X-Style Heavy Duty Folding Keyboard Stand with Height Control Lock
Key Features: Heavy-duty steel tubes, Adjustable height from 24.4″- 35.8″, Height Control Lock, Adjustable weight up to 100 pounds, Foldable.
This heavy-duty X-Style from Neewer can carry the weight of up to 100 pounds, which means 88‑key piano keyboard owners can use it as it is durable and strong enough for huge keyboards. The unique locking device which remembers your height requirement saves time during set up. It can be adjusted to a height of 24.4 inches to 35.8 inches and folds flat easily for storage and transport, making it easy for the musician to focus quickly on the next performance.
Final Thoughts
It can be a daunting task to choose from a wide variety of options, but it is important to remember that each design has its own pros and cons. There is no perfect piano keyboard stand for sitting position for all types of keyboards, but there is one that is suitable for your needs and budget. Take time to look around and compare features before deciding what to purchase.
Nelson says
I need a keyboard stand (76- note MODX7) that is about 28” H, but allows midi bass pedals way to the left. So about 51-55” is needed to accommodate the pedals.
Is there anything out there?
Maybe a Yamaha piano stand? They are 51” wide
NAClark Philadelphia