How Tall are the Organ Benches that You Use?

[Paul789]

"The AGO standards for bench height explain that the normal height of the bench should be 20½ inches above the middle E pedal,
and the bench can be raised or lowered 2 inches up or down from that measurement."

So I measured the bench on my Conn organ, and sure enough, it was 20.5" above the middle E pedal, spot on. And with
my new organ shoes on (giving me a 1.2" boost in the heel), I'm still sitting on the edge of the bench. So, while
I'm certainly more comfortable playing with the shoes, I still think my shorter legs would benefit from sawing off one inch
from my bench legs.

So my questions are: How Tall are the Organ Benches that You Use, in terms of height above the middle E pedal? Both
your benches at home, and in the churches you play in? Did you try to match the heights on purpose?

And how many of you have taken a hack saw or bandsaw to your bench, to lower it? How much did you take off, and
were you happy with the result? What is the best technique for shortening the legs of a bench?

Thanks for any good advice. ;-)

[lizny]

Our bench isn't adjustable. I put 1" riser blocks underneath. First day of lessons my teacher had me sit and dangle my feet and adjusted till it looked right to him. He uses an additional block for another 1 1/2 " which is funny since I'm taller than he is.

Instead of sawing off the bench you could put 1" risers under the console and pedals :-D

[Silken Path]

Allen TC-4 Classic - 20.5" above middle E -- hmmm

I'm not sure that's saying that the seat should be adjustable - just that +/- 2" is allowed. I think Michael Myorgan's big organ has an adjustable seat - it has a backrest (!).

[Larason2]

I agree sawing off isn't a good idea, as it will make it harder for you to find a new owner later on. Many organists sit at the edge of the bench, and many organists can't use their heels because they don't reach! If you get used to playing with a lower bench, you will struggle when you visit a real pipe organ, and find the bench is AGO spec (or higher!). I would recommend learning the way it is, or perhaps putting the organ and pedalboard on casters if you must.

[ukmusicman]

I cut around 1:1/4 or so inches off my Conn 650 bench legs with a hand saw and installed adjustable feet so I can alter it to suit. I had to drill holes in the bottoms of the legs to allow space for the long screw threads. Of course, the Conn pedal board has a height adjustment provided, but that can interfere with the contact with the generator unit actuators.

[Paul789]

I cut around 1:1/4 or so inches off my Conn 650 bench legs with a hand saw and installed adjustable feet so I can alter it to suit. I had to drill holes in the bottoms of the legs to allow space for the long screw threads. Of course, the Conn pedal board has a height adjustment provided, but that can interfere with the contact with the generator unit actuators.

Uk-man, would you happen to have any pics?

:-)

[Nutball]

The only Conn I used had way too low of a bench. My Allen at home seems perfect to where my feet sit flat on the pedals without pressing them, but I'd prefer to be a bit higher. I like to keep riser blocks handy.

[ukmusicman]

Sorry paul789. I didn't take any photos, but you can find adjustable feet at hardware stores, or on the Internet. It doesn't look very pretty, but resale won't be a problem as people don't want to pay proper money for these organs these days anyway.

[seamaster]

The answer is of course to buy a Böhm, where an adjustable bench is a €750-€960 optional extra.

And they say the Germans have no sense of humour!

[Philip Powell]

I personally have to bring two 2x4s whenever I play an organ because even the highest setting (if it's adjustable) is too low. It's really really annoying to have to think about accidentally letting your legs rest too much and all of a sudden a pedal note sounds. Terrible experience, trust me.