I'm looking to get a new seat. I've been using the arm of my couch as a seat for years now. Either that or a wobbly ol' hand me down drum throne. I need a place to plant my butt.
I have a janky lower back and judging by everyone's avatar pictures and the sheer mass of our instrument of choice I would say I'm probably not the only one.
Any seat success stories from my spinally challenged friends? If I sit on a drum throne for two hours I might as well be 105 years old. I like the adjustability of the drum throne, but I have a feeling a seat would be the better way to go for my back. Are Pack a seats height-adjustable? I've only seen one in person (I don't get out much). Would love to hear how you all "park it."
I just got a SteelSeat from Joe Naylor and it is fantastic! I've used an adjustable drum throne for a few years until now and I can say that I'm way more comfortable with my new seat. The standard height worked well for me. My drum throne was adjustable but it's not necessary with this SteelSeat.com. I never adjusted the throne after the first time I used it. Get one with a backrest as well. Makes playing so much more enjoyable!
I bought a used Steelers Choice seat from here on the forum. The legs are not adjustable, but you can order the seat height you want when you purchase the seat (new of course). If you purchase a used seat and the height isn't right for you, you can send it to the manufacturer and he will build a new set of legs for a nominal fee and shipping. You may also want to consider a seat with a seat back.
I have had back trouble and pain, So I understand.
There is 4 things that makes for a comfortable seat, To set in comfort, For long practice and long gigs.
1. Make sure the height is right. Sit on chairs and seats till you find the perfect height. Measure and use to compare or order a seat.
There was a discussion here on the forum about adjustable legs. No Manufacture advertises adjustable legs.
2. Good foam in seat cushion that is comfortable.
3. A comfortable fabric covering the cushion. Some seat covers make you sweat and uncomfortable.
4. Back Rest. You do not have to sit against it all the time, But if you can lean back and take the pressure of your back between songs makes for a lot of relief on your back.
I have a seat that was a gift to me. It took several changes on the seat to get it comfortable. I am now playing in a house band and sometimes have to play the whole show (4 hours)except for a couple breaks.
When you finish a gig you don't want to be in so much pain you can't load your gear and get it home. Good Luck and Comfortable Steelin.
I'm with Erv and Skip and the rest If your going to spend the money and not get the back you may as well buy your next car with no interior. You don't make a 2 hr drive with no seat back why would you do a 2 hr show??
Joe, you are making the right decision. I'm guessing you never sat on one with a backrest? I can't be without one. If you go to one of the steel shows you can usually find a vendor who sells them. Mt. Vernon illinois show in April had Hudson. Baxter Springs Kansas had Joe Naylor steelseat.com. and so on. You gotta get out more. Mine is from Ken Rollans in Arkansas with Steelers Choice. Had it for years.
It’s a standard EZ Rider seat with backrest. It’s light, comfy, and has great storage. I didn’t get the power strip built in, as it affected the leg placement, and did not offert surge protection. And I wanted to keep it simple and portable. It stores my volume pedal, cables, picks, bars, strings, StroboPlus HD tuner, tuner leg mount, and a 3 outlet / 1USB port extension cord with surge protection.
I can bring my steel, the seat, and an amp with me fairly easily.
Joe, another vote for a back rest. I don't have major back problems, just normal "getting older" stuff. But just being able to lean back against it and stretch occasionally makes it well worth having.
As for brands, both Joe Naylor and Dan Rollans make excellent quality seats and have solid reputations. I have a Steeler's Choice, and have been very happy with it. But from what I have hear on here I also would not hesitate to deal with Joe Naylor - you'll be happy either way.
I bought a used one about twenty years ago (when I first came to America) and it happened to have the power-strip. I didn't find it particularly convenient to use and it impeded my set-up/tear down time so I eventually removed it.
Bear in mind, it had had heavy use when I got it yet it's still good today. When I bought my new black Emmons I ordered a second all-black seat from the company. By that time I had a good idea of the exact height I needed it to be and asked for the legs to be made to those specs. I also sent my old seat for adjustment. The service from Steelers' Choice has always been excellent.
Both of mine are Sidekicks - I love that side-pocket for strings and picks (and for nestling a cup of coffee during long and trying rehearsals). When I'm playing I'm barely using the back-rest but it is vital for me. To be able to sit back and relax during a call is most therapeutic.
Storage is great, although I tend to accumulate clutter. They get periodically cleared out.
It's a fine product.
Roger Rettig - Emmons D10
(8+9: 'Day' pedals) Williams SD-12 (D13th: 8+6), Quilter TT-12, B-bender Teles and several old Martins.
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I made 8t clear in my post that I do not lean back while playing - that would be difficult to do! It's a great relief, though, to have the back-rest to relax against.
Unless, of course, you're one of those guys who never stop playing. 😊
Roger Rettig - Emmons D10
(8+9: 'Day' pedals) Williams SD-12 (D13th: 8+6), Quilter TT-12, B-bender Teles and several old Martins.
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I am from the home town of La Z Boy. Monroe, Mich. I like the idea of a steeler seat made like a La Z Boy!!!!! I have a couple in my house, but, they would be tuff to haul to a gig!!!!
I bought a Steeler's Choice a few years ago and its a great steel seat. Dan Rollans was great to deal with too! Whatever you wind up with, I hope it helps with your back problems.
For stabilty you can't beat Steelseat .com
Legs on many of the other brands are spaced way to far under the seat instead of at the edges like they should be.
The foam isn't the junk you get at a fabric store or at a 'wal mart' it's manufactured by the same place that supplys foam for the aircraft industry and many more. Not cheap but your rear won't be sitting on the board under the foam ten years down the road like you will on the old Sho Bud seats and many other brands.
You get what you pay for, so do your homework.
WC Edgar
'First owner of Steelseat .com'
