Stand or sit?

[Tone_Deff (Musicmaker)]

Hi Fellow Muso's,

Having just had a serious operation on my knee, I have had to break the habit of a lifetime, and sit to play at gigs, rather than stand.

I find now, that I am actually more 'in control' and 'at ease' than I ever was when I played standing. Perhaps 'stage presence' may be slightly diminished, but I now sit sideways to the audience, rather than facing them.

Which do you prefer? (and why!).

Regards,

Tony

[Emerald Midi]

I sit. It wasn't always like this but for the past couple of years I have been sitting on a high stool and enjoying it very much.

Back trouble was the main reason to begin with but when it became alright again (after a few months) I just continued to sit. And the funny thing it hasn't effected my singing

[thingyy]

Depending on what style of music you play. If you play laid back and lounge music sitting is fine.For up tempo gigs yer gotta stand.

[arman]

I sit, like Tony I find I have better control over the keyboard than when standing.

[mark]

I have always stood. I suppose its because as I stand playing the guitar I automatically stand playing the keyboard.

[kemo]

I always stand, reason being I think I can sing better whilst standing. But again everyones different....

[Tone_Deff (Musicmaker)]

Thanks for the interesting responses. I can't sing, so don't need to stand for that !!

Interestingly - I did a dance gig last night, where I stood last time I was there, and several punters remarked when I took a break at the bar that they liked the sounds of my new keyboard - can't think what prompted this remark, as its the same set up....I wonder, am I playing better seated? Hmmmm !!! Maybe it was a sympathy vote, as I now heavily rely on a crutch to move about these days!

Regards

Tony

[kldavis]

Gotta say stting's fine if you're playing dinner music at a wedding but when the gig's ON you gotta stand. I know it's harder to play keys standing but adjust your stand and chock up your keyboard to angle it up so you don't strain your wrists. Unless you're Billy Joel or Elton John or you have an energetic backing band if it's only you on stage you gotta move a bit

Kirk

[Tone_Deff (Musicmaker)]

Since posting last, I have bought a high 'Bar Stool' type of seat, which I can 'sort of' sit on, but with my feet on the floor, I am more or less in the standing position.

Kirk.... I find (as a 'trained' player' !) that the optimum position for playing keys, is when your forearm is parallel to the floor, and your fingers are about a couple of inches lower than your extended fingers. Angled keyboards are not for me, other than my 'Synth' (A Yamaha DX 7)which sits on a stand extension anove my main keyboard.

Kind regards,

Tony

[arman]

Tony

A bar Stool - now that I like the sound of, does a "bar maid" come with it??? LOL

Mike

[rickmabus]

Hi Tone! Regarding your post about sitting and standing...As a longtime piano player I naturally always sat when I played piano and thoughtI would sit when playing keyboard alsobut....I also am a singer and I find that I have more air and get better response from the audience when I stand..however I sometimes do a little of both when I am singing somewhere..especially when I am performing with a band I usually stand most of the time...I guess it is whatever is most comfortable for the person...good luck,either way!

[Tone_Deff (Musicmaker)]

Hi Arman,

I must be thick!!! - Just realised (from your Icon!), who you are!!!

I am sure you know who I am, without me telling you.....

We belong to other forums as well - don't we!

Sadly Sunny wouldn't let me keep the Barmaid, which was the optional extra with the stool !!!

Greetings, Felicitations, etc.. from,

Tony (AKA 'The Musicmaker' elsewhere!)

[shyamwestwind]

This is an interesting topic !
I use a bar stool with a circular base and a foot rest. Its stable and pretty high so it doesnt appear like I'm sitting down.
I have been lame (polio) ffrom childhood, but I've never been conscious of the disability. I've been a singer from my college days and I always stood and sang (with my left leg in calipers). I've had great times wearing showy tassled shirts, tearing them in frenzy, and standing and singing those great Rock songs of Deep Purple, Grand Funk RR , AWB, Guns n Roses etc etc etc. Yes, I couldnt jump around the stage but I did stand and sing
Nowadays, after a foot operation not done too well, and weakness setting in in my good leg, due to Diabetes, I need to sit and sing, and I find no difference in my singing abilities. I can still belt out all the songs I want and I have all the lung power I need. Sometimes, I stand up (all 5 ft. 11 " of me) for a song or two and the audience feels I'm going to do a special song, and cheer me, but actually, what I'm doing is simply stretching my legs !!!
I've asked a friend of mine to make me a good foldable bar stool as the one I have, though,. light and comfortable, is too unweildy to carry and has to be tied on my car's roof carrier.
Any suggestions for a good design ??

[rogerb]

Hi All,
I used to sit when I played steam piano with the band but when I got my first electronic keyboard (a Vox Continental) I started to stand up to play. As I was with a Mecca band at the time it looked better too. I continued to stand up for years until I started playing pedals and kept falling over. These days it depends whether it's a solo gig (sitting) or one with the band (standing). Incidentally I use a drum stool which is adjustable for height and has a nice padded seat. It also fits in the car better when it's collapsed.

Regards to all,
Roger

[shyamwestwind]

HI Roger
If possible can you e-mail me a photograph of your collapsible stool ? If possible I could get it fabricated here. Thank you in advance.

[rogerb]

Hi Shyam, I've e-mailed you some pictures off board.
Best regards,
Roger

[sunny]

Just gotta throw my 2 cents worth in here, after spending too many years standing at gigs!! I now SIT, and find it relaxes me, takes the pressure off my back, my arms, knees, and feet, as I used to stand on one foot while balancing several foot pedals with the other. Hey, it all depends on what keeps you comfortable, as then you'll do a better gig. And I figure, if sitting is good enough for Elton John and a long list of other 'heavy-hitters', then it's good enough for me!!!!

Sunny

[Emerald Midi]

sunny said:

Just gotta throw my 2 cents worth in here, after spending too many years standing at gigs!! I now SIT, and find it relaxes me, takes the pressure off my back, my arms, knees, and feet, as I used to stand on one foot while balancing several foot pedals with the other. Hey, it all depends on what keeps you comfortable, as then you'll do a better gig. And I figure, if sitting is good enough for Elton John and a long list of other 'heavy-hitters', then it's good enough for me!!!!

Sunny

Well said Sunny. I agree with everything you've said

[pdiroma]

I stand as I also play guitar. HOWEVER, I can also sit when I need to....

[weegeo]

Been a drummer most of my career [well up to the last 5] so i don`t know how to stand lol lol sitting is natural to me doesn`t affect how i play or sing i use a good quality drum stool with a back to it and it`s brilliant