The Best Drum Thrones for Comfort and Support
Ah, the unsung hero of every drummer’s setup – the trusty drum throne! Did you know that the average drummer spends a whopping 3-4 hours per session planted on their seat? That’s why finding the best drum thrones isn’t just about comfort; it’s about unleashing your full potential behind the kit. In this guide, we’ll dive into the crème de la crème of drum thrones. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a touring pro, we’ve got your back (literally)! So, let’s get ready to rock in comfort and style!
What Makes a Great Drum Throne?
First things first, let’s talk ergonomics. If you think that any old drum stool will do, your back will be screaming louder than the lead singer very quickly. That’s when I realized the importance of proper posture. A good drum throne should support your spine’s natural curve, keeping you aligned and ready to rock for hours.
After a few hours of playing, you will learn the value of high-quality cushioning. Memory foam is like a dream come true for drummers. It molds to your body, providing support where you need it most.
Now, let’s chat about adjustability. We’re not all built the same, right? A good throne should have easy height adjustment. Rotation might also be important to you if you need it. Being able to swivel means you can reach all parts of your kit without straining.
Having said that, I don’t have a need to twist in my playing very much, and I like to have a static throne position instead. Stability is important, so look for ones with double-braced legs and a wide base. They might be a bit heavier, but your peace of mind is worth it.
One thing I’ve found super helpful is trying out different throne shapes. You’ve got your round seats and your motorcycle-style saddle seats. It’s like choosing between a comfy armchair and a sporty bike seat. Personally, I prefer the round style as I find it allows more leg motion for double bass playing.
Pro Tip: don’t skimp on your throne just because it’s not a “glamorous” part of your kit. It can be a surprising thing to realize that you had a bad throne, once you have experienced a good one. Your throne is the unsung hero of your kit.
Remember, a great drum throne is an investment in your comfort, your health, and ultimately, your music.
Which Is The Most Comfortable Drum Throne?
Roc-N-Soc Nitro Throne
First up, we’ve got the Roc-N-Soc Nitro Throne. This is a very comfortable saddle-style throne with a gas shock which makes height adjustment super simple. No more awkward fumbling between sets!
DW 9000 Series Airlift Throne
Now, let’s check out the DW 9000 Series Airlift Throne. DW doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality, and this throne is no exception. The pneumatic height adjustment is smoother than a jazz solo. The four legs make it super stable too!
Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider Throne
The Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider Throne is another top contender which I think is the best drum throne with backrest. This one features four legs for a very stable base, and is a saddle-style throne. It also features a backrest which is height adjustable as well as backwards and forwards, which gives you a lot of flexibility in the adjustments.
Sonor DT 6000 RT Drum Throne
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got the Sonor DT 6000 RT Drum Throne which I personally think is the most comfortable drum throne. Leave it to the Germans to engineer a throne that’s as precise as a metronome. The build quality and comfort on this thing is insane. The rotatable seat top is butter-smooth, perfect for those of us who like to groove with our whole body.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “These all sound great, but which one should I choose?” Well, it really depends on your specific needs. If you’re all about maximum adjustability, the Roc-N-Soc or DW might be your jam. For spine health, you can’t beat the Tama and if you’re after that premium feel, the Sonor is hard to beat.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that investing in a quality throne is just as important as any other part of your kit. I used to think, “It’s just something to sit on, right?” Wrong! A great throne can improve your stamina, your technique, and even your creativity. When you’re comfortable, you can focus on your playing instead of your aching back.
Remember, though, that even the best throne in the world won’t help if you’re not taking care of yourself. Make sure you’re stretching before and after playing, and don’t be afraid to stand up and move around during breaks. Your body will thank you in the long run.
At the end of the day, the best drum throne is the one that makes you forget you’re sitting on anything at all. It should disappear beneath you, leaving you free to focus on your music. So try out a few, listen to your body, and find the one that feels like it was made just for you.
Best Budget Drum Throne
Sonor DT 4000 Series Drum Throne
I think the most comfortable option in this price range would be the Sonor DT 4000 Series Drum Throne. I personally use one of these for gigs, and I’m very happy with it. It features very sturdy double-braced hardware, and is super comfortable. The Germans really know how to build things well!
PDP 700 Series Drum Throne
Let’s check out the Gibraltar 6608 Heavy Drum Throne. It’s like the unsung hero of budget-friendly drum thrones. What I love about the Gibraltar 6608 is that it doesn’t skimp on quality just ’cause it’s affordable. The seat is nice and thick for those long practice sessions. And the double-braced legs? Sturdy as heck. No more mid-gig collapses!
Gibraltar 6608 Heavy Drum Throne
Now, if you’re just starting out or maybe you’re an intermediate player looking for a solid throne without emptying your wallet, I’d check out the PDP 700 Series Drum Throne. It’s not too fancy – there’s a bolt you need to take out and move to adjust the height, and it folds up neatly for transportation.
Don’t skimp on your throne, but don’t think you need to spend a fortune either. Any of these three options – the Gibraltar 6608, the PDP 700, or the Sonor DT 4000 – will serve you well without emptying your bank account.
How To Choose A Top Rated Drum Throne For Your Needs
Here’s the thing: your playing style and how often you drum should be your first consideration when choosing a throne. Are you a weekend warrior who jams for an hour or two? Or are you gigging regularly, spending hours behind the kit? There’s a big difference in what your body needs for each scenario.
I find that you can get away with a cheap throne if it’s a 2-hour gig, but any more than that is pushing it. I once played a 4-hour jazz gig with a cheap thone, and that last hour was painful! Packing up my drums was not pleasant. So I made sure I had a much more comfortable throne for the next gig!
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But good thrones are expensive!” And you’re not wrong. But here’s the deal: it’s an investment in your health and your playing. A good throne can last you years, maybe even decades if you take care of it. So don’t be afraid to spend a little more upfront. Your future self will thank you.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to try before you buy. Seriously, it’s like test-driving a car. You wouldn’t buy a car without sitting in it first, right? The same goes for drum thrones. Different shapes and cushion types can feel wildly different. Some folks swear by round seats, while others prefer motorcycle-style saddle thrones.
Another thing to keep in mind is adjustability. We’re all built differently, and one size definitely does not fit all when it comes to drum thrones. Look for thrones with a good range of height adjustment. And if you’re on the taller or shorter side, pay extra attention to this.
Your sticks and your pedals are your connection to this instrument, and I believe the throne is just as important to the whole drumming experience. So take the time to get it right!
Remember, your throne is more than just a seat; it’s the foundation of your drumming universe. Investing in a quality throne can make the difference between a good performance and a mind-blowing one. So, treat your tush to the comfort it deserves, and watch your playing soar to new heights.
Drum kits come in many different forms and variations. Check out these articles for help on choosing a drum kit, the best drum sets for beginners, and the best electronic kits if you need to keep the noise down.
