The keys of a piano are usually 72 to 75 cm above the floor. However, the body size of people is quite different.
Optimal mobility of the hands, arms and shoulders is essential for playing the piano. The forearms must guide the hands almost horizontally to the keyboard.
This is only possible if the pianist can adjust his seat height sensitively.
The piano stool is only historically interesting. A round seat plate and the three-legged base are connected by a large threaded rod. The height is adjusted by turning the seat plate.
Most piano benches have a scissor action that is adjusted by a horizontal threaded spindle. This bears a pommel on both sides.
For simple piano benches, the scissor mechanism is mass-produced from stamped sheet metal parts. Sophisticated concert benches are equipped with robust and preferably low-noise mechanisms, but they work on the same principle.
The adjustment of scissor mechanisms requires great manual force and numerous revolutions.
Sometimes scissor actions create annoying noises when the pianist shifts his weight.
The Glissando-Mechanics have been around since 2002 and are carefully handcrafted in Aachen, Germany.
Their hydraulic adjustment is triggered with little finger force and a small turn, and can travel through the entire height range in seconds.
The pianist can comfortably adjust his position while seated or correct it to the millimeter without interrupting his concentration.
Leading European manufacturers of piano benches equip their large concert benches with glissando mechanisms.
But also in music school or piano lessons it offers great advantages if the student can adjust the piano bench independently, easily and quickly.
Since a scale indicates the seat height, the piano student can find his perfect posture at the piano in a few seconds.
