| It is important to recognize that proper lighting is | | | | also rotates. |
| essential when playing, practicing, or performing at the | | | | You should consider the differences between the two |
| piano. It is for this reason that House of Troy makes | | | | arm types when making a decision to purchase a |
| an entire line of lamps that are specially designed for | | | | balance arm lamp. Both arm types allow for focused |
| use on pianos. These lamps allow flexibility in directing | | | | light on the music. The stationary arm works great if |
| the light exactly where you need it, on the music and | | | | you have room to move the base of the lamp back |
| the piano keys, and have a whole list of other features | | | | and forth so that the shade is positioned directly over |
| that make them perfect for use on pianos. They are | | | | the music. (This lamp works better on an upright piano). |
| solidly built, offer flexibility in directing light, come in many | | | | Double adjustment balance arm lamps are better if |
| models, styles, and designs, and many are lightweight | | | | you have limited space in which to place the lamp as |
| and portable, allowing musicians to transport them to | | | | on a Grand Piano. The adjustment arm allows you |
| performances and rehearsals. | | | | more flexibility in lamp placement because the arm can |
| One popular design is the Balance Arm Lamp, also | | | | be adjusted to extend or retract which helps position |
| called a Counter Balance lamp. These piano lamps | | | | the shade directly over the music. If you use a |
| work on both grand and upright pianos. They can be | | | | stationary arm balance lamp on a grand piano, the |
| placed on either side of the piano, and have a shade | | | | shade may either over-shoot or fall short of the sheet |
| which is attached to a long adjustable arm that | | | | music. With the double adjustment type, you can move |
| reaches over to illuminate the music. | | | | the arm to put the shade exactly where you want it. In |
| When looking to purchase a balance arm lamp, you | | | | a nutshell, balance arm lamps with a stationary arm |
| should first consider a few things to make sure you | | | | are better used for upright pianos, and balance lamps |
| choose a lamp that will meet your needs. First to | | | | with a double adjustment arm work better on grand |
| consider is the amount and type of light a balance arm | | | | pianos. |
| lamp throws. Some lamps use a T10 incandescent bulb | | | | All balance arm lamps have 10" shades that encircle |
| available in either 40 or 60 watts. This light is similar to | | | | the bulb and rotate, which helps to focus the light on |
| the light you get from a regular household light bulb. | | | | specific areas. The arms have a height adjustment |
| Both 40 and 60-watt T10 bulbs provide sufficient light | | | | range from 0" to 26" depending on the model chosen. |
| to clearly read your music, so choosing between them | | | | The on/off switch is conveniently located either on the |
| is more a matter of personal preference as to how | | | | front of the base or on the socket for easy access. |
| bright you would like the lamp to be. Other balance | | | | These lamps have a solid weighted square or round |
| arm lamps use fluorescent bulbs which throw more of | | | | base, which keeps the lamp solid on the piano at any |
| a white warm light, are more energy efficient and last | | | | extension of the arm, without the possibility of tipping |
| longer than incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs | | | | the lamp. Extending the arm even to full length will not |
| typically require about one quarter of the energy than | | | | cause the lamp to be thrown off balance. |
| incandescent bulbs do and also produce 75% less | | | | Balance arm piano lamps are so versatile that they |
| heat. Many balance arm lamps use a 13w PL | | | | can easily be used in other areas of the home or |
| fluorescent bulb, which is equivalent to 55 watts of | | | | office. They function well as a nightstand light for |
| incandescent light. | | | | reading, on desk and table- tops, in studios and in many |
| Some balance arm lamps have a double adjustable | | | | other areas. They are also lightweight and portable, so |
| arm, which allows you to adjust both the height and | | | | they come in handy for musicians and others who |
| the extension of the arm. This is important for | | | | travel to performance venues, rehearsals, churches, |
| fine-tuning the placement of the shade. Also, the | | | | schools, etc. |
| shades swivel to further direct the light, making these | | | | House of Troy Lighting has a great selection of |
| one of the most flexible lamp choices for pianos. Other | | | | handcrafted balance arm lamps. You can choose |
| balance arm lamps have a stationary arm where the | | | | from contemporary and traditional styles, antique |
| extension or reach of the lamp is stationary, but the | | | | finishes, crystal and brass models, polished brass and |
| height of the arm remains adjustable and the shade | | | | marble designs, and other styles and finishes. |