Quite often I hear the comment, "My legs get tired when I pedal my player piano". My instant reply is, "You're probably doing it wrong!"

Most people think that you should sit at the player piano just like you would if you were playing the piano by hand. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you sit too close to the piano, you will have to move your legs up and down when you push on the pedals, and your legs will get tired very quickly.

The correct position of the piano bench should be such that only YOUR ANKLES move when you pump the pedals. For comfort, your knees should be bent at an angle that is similar to that of a coat hanger.

As for making pumping the pedals even easier, I highly recommend the installation of "bench props". These simple pieces of wood raise the back side of the piano bench top about 1-1/2". This helps to keep your bottom from sliding off the bench and reduces the need to 'hold on to the piano' when you pedal. The props are installed on the inside sides of the bench such that they flip (or rotate) out from inside the bench and rest on the tops of the back bench legs.

Also, as I wrote in an article for the Mechanical Music Digest back in 2022, "In my opinion, the only important consideration when it comes to a player piano chair or bench is "creature comfort". There are no hard and fast rules, and it is reasonable to assume that every pianolist will have a 'favorite' chair or bench. I have just such a chair, and it sits next to the piano. It is 19" tall at the front, and 20-1/2" at the back (slanted). I'm 5' 10" tall."

Here's a short video that demonstrates the correct pedal technique.

Since "Player-Care" is an internet business, I prefer that we correspond via E-Mail (click here to fill out the 'Request Form'). However, if I'm not in the middle of some other activity, you can reach me at 732-840-8787. But please understand that during the hours from 8AM-5PM EST (Mon-Sat), I'm generally quite busy. So, I probably won't answer the phone. If you get the answering machine, please leave a detailed message stating the reason for your call. Also, repeat your name and phone number clearly and distinctly. By necessity, I prioritize everything in my life. And, if you call and just leave your name and number, and ask me to call you back, it might be a day or two before I return your call. Why? Because I don't know why you want me to call and I might not be prepared to assist you in an effective and efficient manner. If you leave me an E-Mail address (which I prefer), spell it out phonetically. The more you do to help me, the more I can help you in return. Don't rush. You have four minutes to record your message.