Drum Throne

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 30 Sep 2008 8:36 am

I don't have a picture handy, but I use a saddle-type drum throne at home and usually a rolling equipment box from Home Depot, depending on how much stuff I need, playing out. The last thing I need is another heavy box with no wheels to drag around, plus one seat would not work with both my GFI Ultra (1 1/2" taller than stock) and my stock Fenders.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 30 Sep 2008 8:46 am

Hi Jim, I appreciate you may have a different philosphy about steel seats and what works for you personally. Cheers!!

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 30 Sep 2008 11:58 am

I have also used an adjustable height drum stool for years. Separate suitcase for accessories.

John Walden · Post by **John Walden** » 30 Sep 2008 4:08 pm

I too, use a drum Throne. Made by Roc -n- Soc. Most of my steels are 2" over. And in my mere 5 years of learning this beast, " Perfect Positioning " is very important. Especially grabbing the KLs. So a seat with adjustable height is a big plus. Just make sure that you place one leg of the seat, facing back.

Joel Meredith · Post by **Joel Meredith** » 30 Sep 2008 5:36 pm

Drum stools and used suitcases for fx pedals work for me.

Jeremy Threlfall · Post by **Jeremy Threlfall** » 30 Sep 2008 6:28 pm

Yep, me too

A nice deluxe heavy-duty Dixon.

I'm a taller dude, my guitar is set up 2" over height, and the throne just feels better.

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 30 Sep 2008 8:23 pm

Interesting that this thread was split from a thread on steel seats. I've used a very heavy-duty Dixon drum throne since I started playing pedal steel. I looked in the Davitt-Hanser catalog for the heaviest-duty drum throne they had and ordered it. It looks like the day I bought it, and I've been using it for quite a few years now - built like the proverbial brick outhouse.

There's no way I can use a normal steel seat. I raise my guitars up 3-4" above normal, and the drum throne the same. Finally, I'm comfortable under that steel. I got that 3-4" raise by measuring the distance from the bottom of my foot to the very top of my kneecap, which comes to 26-27" depending on what shoes or boots I'm wearing. This gives me about 1" clearance under the rear apron with my right foot on the volume pedal, and about 2" with my left foot on the pedals. How I ever managed to play this contraption at all before I lifted the guitars up is astonishing to me at this point, but I could never go back to anything like a "normal" height setup.

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 30 Sep 2008 8:35 pm

Yikes - I didn't split it off intentionally...musta hit the wrong button!

Interesting, though, how many use the same kind of thing...or something similar. I thought I was in a tiny minority!

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 30 Sep 2008 8:50 pm

I split it to avoid topic drift.

Jeremy Threlfall · Post by **Jeremy Threlfall** » 30 Sep 2008 9:01 pm

John Walden wrote:Just make sure that you place one leg of the seat, facing back.

thats funny - I always put two legs back and one forward. Why do you do it that way, John?

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 30 Sep 2008 9:02 pm

We may well be a minority, but I've seen plenty of PSG players use drum thrones as steel seats, including one of my favorites (greg simmons has this pic up on a previous thread):

Jeremy Threlfall · Post by **Jeremy Threlfall** » 30 Sep 2008 9:12 pm

edit: double post sort of.

I notice BC has two legs back and one forward.

probly inspired by me!

Jeremy Threlfall · Post by **Jeremy Threlfall** » 30 Sep 2008 9:18 pm

edit: triple post

mike nolan · Post by **mike nolan** » 30 Sep 2008 11:47 pm

I have always used a drum throne. I am 6'1" and raise my guitar, so the steel seats never worked out for me.
Additionally, many clubs and all rehearsal halls in NYC have extra drum thrones.... and that is one less thing to tote. Usually it is just my guitar and a backpack for rehearsals.... guitar backpack and amp for gigs. It is really great if you can avoid using a car in New York. Parking in Manhattan runs about 30 bucks for a couple of hours..... and parking tickets are 90 to 110 bucks, which kinda cuts into the payday.
I have also played on some really uneven stage surfaces which forced me to adjust the throne as much as an inch higher or lower than normal, which is not possible with the steel seat.
One leg to the back will make it nearly impossible to tip over backwards....
As for Mr. Cage, I have adopted his sideways to the audience playing position.... I really like it better.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 1 Oct 2008 4:08 am

Still the best steel seat I've found. Harley memory foam, sturdy base.
Being able to swivel from steel to control panel is a big plus in a closet. Turn around and you've got footpegs for pickin.'

This was a prototype; Pete can build you a nice one.

John Walden · Post by **John Walden** » 1 Oct 2008 4:26 am

Jeremy, I put one leg back to avoid falling backwards, and it leaves more space in front to move your legs and feet. If you draw a line from back leg to back leg of the steel, I position the two forward legs of the seat, just shy of that line. And centered on the 12th fret. That is what works for me. I'm only 6', but I'm comfortable sitting high in the saddle. In the pic, you may not be able to see the two RKLs. Both for the E9th. The one towards the front of the guitar lowers the first string ( F# ), and the other lever lowers the B to Bb. Not too much room to play around under there. So sitting up straight, and in a certain place, every time, is important. J. W.

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 1 Oct 2008 6:51 am

I use one also. I like to sit higher than a steel seat allows. Also, I can get a drum throne included in our backline when I travel.

Twayn Williams · Post by **Twayn Williams** » 1 Oct 2008 2:24 pm

I use a Tama HT730 Ergo-Rider Drum Throne

Comfy!

Glyn Bone · Post by **Glyn Bone** » 1 Oct 2008 2:35 pm

Another vote for the Dixon throne here

Dixon Xinde series...shaped like a Harley seat/saddle in blue/white...extremely comfortable over long periods and all the adjustment anyone could want, plus very sturdy and well made.

Two thumbs up IMHO

Bo Borland · Post by **Bo Borland** » 1 Oct 2008 3:27 pm

I used a Tama throne for a long time, I would pack it into a snare drum fiber trap case for transport with my wires, VP, tool bag, strings and the rest of my gear. Then I got a steelseat and life is way better now. I use a roadrunner dolly and everything goes in and out in one trip, all my gear is in the seat.
IF anyone wants it, I have a Tama throne and box for sale.

James Collett · Post by **James Collett** » 1 Oct 2008 3:48 pm

I use a drum throne- I've tried a steel seat, and it just seemed weird. Plus, I'm 6'1" playing a steel built for someone 5'10-11"- I like the adjustment.

Larry Rafferty · Post by **Larry Rafferty** » 1 Oct 2008 6:30 pm

Below is a picture of an Adams Percussion Throne/Seat
I just purchased from an E-Bay Music Store Dealer in Florida. I have always used the Gibraltar Brand, with saddle-seat, (three legs), and back-rest.
Note: the new Adams has (four legs) better stability, back-rest, saddle-seat, and a hydraulic up/down lever adjustment/lock.

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 1 Oct 2008 8:31 pm

Hehe - well, my accidental "hijacking" has turned out interesting. I really need to upgrade my inexpensive saddle throne (it's almost impossible to keep it from slowly sliding down when you're 6'4/230lbs). I think it's worth investing in a higher quality one with a back.

But for gigs the Stanley rolling toolbox is the perfect height (with a blanket or thin pillow on it)and one less item to carry, since it *carries* other items - but with an extension handle and wheels unlike steel seats.

When I can handle extra stuff, though, I prefer the throne - far more comfortable.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 2 Oct 2008 6:18 am

Jim Sliff wrote:Hehe - well, my accidental "hijacking" has turned out interesting.

But for gigs the Stanley rolling toolbox is the perfect height (with a blanket or thin pillow on it)and one less item to carry, since it *carries* other items - but with an extension handle and wheels unlike steel seats.

When I can handle extra stuff, though, I prefer the throne - far more comfortable.

LOL! Yeah, Jim, interesting how things work out. I'd love to see some pics of your version of sitting behind a steel guitar. You may start a trend!!

D Schubert · Post by **D Schubert** » 2 Oct 2008 7:51 am

I've been using a adjustable-height bench-seat made for keyboard players that folds up flat for EZ transport. Pedals, cord, etc. in a wide-mouth canvas carpenter's bag that I can sling over my shoulder.