There are very few drummers who can play their instruments while standing. The rest of us prefer sitting on a comfortable drum throne. Make sure you get the best drum throne. You are the time-keeper and essentially your band leade, which means the other musicians follow your lead. And in this case, it is very important that you are as comfortable as possible.
A drum throne is a key aspect to opt your movement, technique, leverage, and even footwork. Getting the wrong drum throne can cost you a lot when playing as well as practising.
A quality drum throne will also determine how much you stay behind the kit. Some people get tired really fast because they have not chosen the right seat for their work.
Drum thrones with a backrest – The most comfortable choice
If you are not a free seater, you may want to try out a drum throne with a drum backrest. This is a great choice for those with back issues and you will find it incredible.
A desk worker at any work station needs a reliable chair to work from. In the same way, a drummer needs a strong and reliable throne to perform live shows and rehearse with their bands.
You can make a whole world of difference if you have the best drum throne. And you may be asking which drum throne can be considered as such.
If you have been overwhelmed in such a manner, you have to go to the right place. We are going to share a few ideas on the best drum thrones you can find in the modern market.
Continue reading …
Gibraltar 9608MB Motorcycle Seat Style Top Drum Throne with Backrest
The 9608 series by Gibraltar has continued to impress many drummers. There is always something for everyone in all categories.
If you are in need of an affordable drum throne with a backrest, the Gibraltar 9608MB Motorcycle Drum Seat is a great choice. It offers a combination of fantastic features in the series with a backrest.
You get a height adjustment range of 20 inches to 28 inches using a friction method. The backrest and memory lock separates it from other products.
Pros:
- Affordable and supportive
- A good choice for drummers
- A wingnut locking for stability
- It’s cool to see and play live with
Cons:
- Some users are not happy with the level of comfort, but it’s the best item on the market, so…
Gibraltar 9808OS oversized motorcycle-like drum throne
This oversized motorcycle-like drum throne comes from another category of the Gibraltar 9808 series. The 9806OS is designed to look like a classic motorcycle seat.
All other features are the same as other drum thrones. It comes with a drum adjust the range of 20 to 28 inches, with a friction type adjustment method. There is also a memory lock.
The padding has a lot more to offer than a standard throne. If you are looking for a seat with more cushion, then you have found one.
The only thing that may worry many users is that you sink into the seat. This can impact your circulation, leading to poor performance.
Pros:
- A favourite for heavy drummers
- Sturdy and durable
- A better option may include large saddles
Cons:
- You can sink into the seat.
Best drum thrones Selection in [currentyear]
Drum thrones are one of the most important accessories you get as a drummer, and most of the best drum brands have some of those products.
Some of those drum thrones are incredible products. Check them out, and let us know what you think about them.
A quality drum throne will get you there. It puts you in the best position to give your audience the performance of their lifetime.
But there are very many drum manufacturers in the world today. If you are not careful, you may end up choosing the wrong item.
You will notice a big difference in both technique and precision, depending on how your drum throne looks. It is all about getting the right posture for your back and the rest of your body.
It is vital to remember that the back supports all your weight, even the energy used in hitting the drums. For this reason, there is a need to pick something that makes you comfortable.
It is unfortunate that most drummers only go for budget-friendly options, which leads to poor performance.
You may never have sat behind a professional drum throne before, but you should be able to tell something good when you see one.
Gibraltar 9800 Series Airtech Drum Throne
Gibraltar has been very steady in manufacturing top-end products. And their 9680 is no different.
The drum throne comes with double-braced legs. However, the extra sticks will do you good if you don’t need backrest or stow more sticks.
One thing I loved about this drum throne is its portability. You can carry it anywhere and fit in any position.
Even better, it is sturdy enough to hold larger musicians. You can never go wrong with Gibraltar, and they have proven this over and over again.
Gibraltar 9800 series Airtech drum throne is characterized by 13-inches in height with adjustments from 20 -inches to 28 inches. It comes with height to adjust the configuration and a memory lock.
This means your preferred height and comfort. Also, you can disassemble the throne for easy transport and put it back in a snap.
It has a threaded construction that keeps it in position once set. You will sit comfortably and whack your snare as hard as possible without an issue.
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Good for heavy drummers too
- A value-for-money option
Cons:
- The padding is too soft, and many drummers have complained about it.
Gibraltar 9608M Professional Moto Throne
If you think your current throne is too hard and making you feel uncomfortable, here is one product you should try. It is essentially similar to the 9608 above, only that the Gibraltar 9608M is softer.
It has a better shape compared to tyhe circular best drum thrones, and it means it’s more con fortable for you to play on it. This seat has a lot to offer, which may be a good thing for most drummers.
It features a height adjustment of 20 to 28 inches, with friction height, adjusting the configuration. It also comes with a memory lock and a soft seat.
The only thing you should worry about here is how much you are willing to invest. You should also be aware that it could affect your posture, according to how you are built.
Pros:
- Soft, solid and durable
- From a reputable manufacture
- Top-quality configuration
Cons:
- Some users felt the throne was not enough.
Drum Workshop CP9100AL 9000 Series Heavy Duty Air-lift Throne w/ Round Seat
If you are truly looking for a high-quality drum throne, you can never go wrong with Drum Workshop. The company has been highly regarded across the industry, especially when it comes to hardware.
It is known for its high-quality, and the Drum Workshop CP9100AL 9000 Series Heavy Duty Air-lift Throne w/ Round Seat is proof enough. The throne features a height adjust range of between 20 and 27.5 inches with a hydraulic system. It comes with an optional backrest, (though sold separately).
The hydraulic lift system means you will never struggle to get it into position. Simply life or press down the lever, and you are good to good.
Among the best-made thrones, you can easily say this is the best. The double-braced legs, for instance, give it the looks.
Even though the throne is also good for home use, the hydraulic lift makes it a bit too heavy. This is why it is reserved for practical use as a gigging stool.
Pros:
- Hydraulic lift for easy adjustment
- A solid construction
- A double-braced in the leg for stability
Cons:
- A few users have complained it makes some squeaky noises
ROC-N-SOC Original Saddle Drum Throne Black
Again, I cannot emphasize enough how Roc-N-Soc has become a reputable brand in making high-quality drum thrones. Their Manual Spindle Original Saddle Drum throne is everything you will need in affordability and quality.
It comes with a height adjustment range of 18 to 24 inches using the friction method. The throne is also solidly built, with a wide saddle-like seat. There is a great variety of different builds and body shapes that make this collection a wonderful choice for all drummers.
The hardware is solid too, and among the best at this price range. Even so, it seems to offer a shorter max height than all the thrones in this review
Pros:
- A sturdy and durable construction
- Comfortable
- Good for all drummers
Cons:
- The max height seems a bit shorter.
- Some users have complained that the rubber is not durable enough.
Ahead Spinal-G Drum Throne with Backrest – Black
As the name suggests, the Ahead Spinal G is built to support the drummer’s back and pelvis. It may not have much effect if you are a short-term player, but you will feel the results in the long run.
It is ergonomically designed to help reduce muscle fatigue and even injury. The seat size is 18-inches with an unspecified height adjustment range.
Many musicians don’t know that they can damage their bodies while playing any instrument. Drumming, for instance, a labour-intense activity similar to manual jobs. You, therefore, need proper technique and equipment to see you through.
Of course, you will have to warm up and stretch a bit, but this throne will ensure a safe playing environment.
Pros:
- Very comfortable at the centre
- Cuts pressure on your tailbone
- A great balance between firmness and softness
Cons:
- Perhaps that price is too high for some users.
Best Best Drum Thrones Brands in [currentyear]
Gibraltar Drum Stools, Hardware and Thrones
Almost everyone in the drumming industry knows the name Gibraltar. They are one of my favorite brands for anything that relates to drums and accessories.
For years, they have been making amazing hardware for drummers. And they are endorsed by Hannar Welton, Scott Savage, and Jim Riley, among many other professional drum players.
This is among the reasons they have become a very highly reputed name in the drumming realm. They aim at quality items, ensuring the user has everything they need to get the best performance.
The company provides various seat configurations, including round and tractor styles. They also make different accessories for your sitting comfort.
I love the tractor style more because it makes me feel flexible and free when playing.
The company also makes seats that have both hydraulic and manual spindles. The round spindle is only manual.
You may also get custom designs from the company, such as a junior drum throne. Just order with your description, and they will satisfy your needs.
Drum WorkShop Thrones
Talk about any top manufacturer for drums, and DW will always feature. The brand is a leader in the world of drum hardware.
Some of their products, like the DW900 series thrones, are the most expensive products out there. And there is a reason for this.
DW does not just make the thrones to impress the industry; they design them with a purpose. Even the mid-range DW3000 series and DW 5000s and the budget-level thrones, PDP 700, will impress drummers of all levels.
In a nutshell, DW makes wonderful products. But I don’t like how the four-way brace system looks. They have made it to appear tacky, which I think is not necessary.
Nevertheless, many users have enjoyed using what the brand makes. From drums to accessories, there is nothing DW makes that will not be received with great enthusiasm.
Roc N Soc Drum thrones
You may not have heard about this brand because they don’t take anything else apart from drum thrones. But once you use their products, you will appreciate just how good they are.
I used my first drum throne that came with a Pearl Export Select, and I was very disappointed. The legs just bent one day while I was rehearsing, and I had to replace them.
I bought a Roc-N-Soc Manual Spindle throne as a replacement. And that was the time I realized how much I had been missing.
You can never go wrong when it comes to this brand. Even though I have used other thrones in the past four years, my Roc N Soc continues to serve me well.
Appearance
Apart from considering the brand, other most specific characteristics will make a drum throne meaningful. Consider the following.
Round drum thrones
Round drum thrones are one of my favorites. They make your space appear large and free from any interruption since you can turn and sit in any direction.
These drum thrones are made to fit everyday use. If you have a percussion ensemble that goes round you back, there is no better way of reaching them than having a round drum throne.
This is the type that has most manufacturers. This is why you will always meet a round drum throne whenever you turn.
It can be overwhelming to get the right product too. Consider the following top products.
Saddle Drum Thrones
As mentioned earlier, you need to choose a drum throne you are more comfortable with. And manufacturers have proven very innovative in ensuring they meet consumer needs.
Saddle drum thrones are becoming very common today. Even though they are not as versatile as the round ones, one can easily make a good performance with them.
They are made to look like a saddle of a motorbike or a horse on top. The lower part may have a similar leg configuration to rounds drum thrones, but the top is a bit different.
Here are some of the best products.
How do I choose a drum throne?
With so many products on the market, it is understandable if you are confused about the right product. In this case, here a few tips that will set you on the right track.
The level of comfort
There is no telling how comfortable you need to feel on the drum throne. Each drummer has their preferences. Some will want something light, while others want it hard.
However, we can all agree that you need to be as comfortable as possible. An old saying states that you should invest more in things that separate you from the ground because it pays off in the long run.
If you will be practicing for an hour every day, it means you will be sitting on the drum throne for 365 hours per year. This is like sitting for 15 days straight.
An average person spends hugely on the mattress, which is not different from where you want to sit.
The level of comfort is going to play a huge role in your life. You may realize just how important this is as you advance towards being a professional drummer.
If you play from an uncomfortable position, you will lack the flexibility to deliver a wide range of motions.
The configuration of the drum throne
There are two main configurations in the drum throne, the round, and the saddle types. As seen above, all these types are designed to meet specific targets.
Round drum thrones and cylindrical, while the saddle one looks like a motorcycle seat. Drummers have preferences for one type over the other.
It all comes down to how you sit. One design may cut the circulation to your leg during vigorous sessions. I would advise you to spend time with each style until you find one that makes you feel at home.
Hardware consideration
Drum thrones are not very complicated. They are made with simple material and don’t have a lot of things on them.
However, if you are planning to get away with the best gigs, you need to consider the hardware. For instance, low-quality metal easily bends and breaks, something you want to avoid during intense sessions.
Also, look at the bracing quality. Too much bracing makes the seat look bad. Many manufacturers use double bracing to eliminate the unwieldy effect.
Sturdiness
No drummer wants a drum throne that does not offer perfect sear firmness. This means you need to consider the material your seat is made from.
A good one would be like the type of pillow you use at home. If you like a firm pillow, go for a firm seat. And if you are the type who prefers a softer pillow, you can choose something with a similar feel.
Height adjustment
Many drum thrones come with either friction knob or hydraulic height adjustment methods.
Friction knobs mean you turn a screw to apply friction for holding your seat in the right position. One good thing is how easy it gets to use these knobs. But it wears out pretty fast.
Hydraulic design is common in office chairs. They have a flat tab that is pushed up or down to adjust the seat height.
All these adjustments are great. But you still need to look at what makes you feel more comfortable in terms of use.
How high should your drum throne be?
A standard makes 5-feet-10. If you are this tall, you should not have any issues with the majority of seats. But if you are taller, you may need to adjust your seat.
Taller drummers, with 6-feet-3 height, have reported enjoying an adjustment range of 20-inches to 28-inches. This is why most seats come to a max range of 28-inches.
Consider your higher to determine how higher your throne should be set. But most importantly, consider the type of height adjustment; Nut & Bolt, siding tube and memory lock, spindle adjustment, and pneumatic adjustment.
Conclusion
A drum throne is much more than just any seat. Which is why it matters a lot getting the right one. You are looking at a good combination of comfort and support for better performance… so get the best drum throne you can get.
I hope you have learned enough from this guide. Just remember to take your time with available options until you have what you need.
What is a drum throne?
A drum throne is simply your seat behind the kit, from where you play the drums. It is one of the most important drum accessories every drummer needs to add to their shopping list.
There are certain characteristics, like metal hardware, with rubber feet that make a drum throne unique from any other seat. They also come with adjustment mechanisms so that the drummer can get the right posture.
What is the best drum throne in [currentyear]?
There are very many products in the modern market. Different manufacturers have come up with different products, all trying to ensure you get the service behind your kit.
If you are looking for the most cost-efficient model, for sure the Gibraltar 9608MB Bike Seat Style Large Cordura Drum Throne with Backrest drum throne with backrest is one of the most popular models in the market.
Do I need a drum throne?
Yes. A drum throne is an important accessory in the life of a drummer. It is just in the same way an offer worker needs a reliable chair. However, if you are a drummer who plays while standing, there will be no need for one. Perhaps you get it just to sit when the need arises.