Back rest on the seat? Yeah or Nay?

Robert Pastore · Post by **Robert Pastore** » 9 Feb 2021 2:00 pm

Contemplating getting a new seat, currently I gig with a fold up cushioned piano piano bench - but when I play at home I use a drum stool.

The drum stool has a back rest, bench does not.

I like the idea of having the back rest, but I normally sit towards the end of the seat (so my short legs can work the knee levers!)

Not sure how much use I would get out of it.

What say you, Pedal Steel Forum?

(FWIW - I'm in my 50s, so the back can get a little achey no and again)

Bobby D. Jones · Post by **Bobby D. Jones** » 9 Feb 2021 2:58 pm

I like a back rest, I do not sit with my back solid in contact with the backrest while actually playing.
But between songs it is nice to lean back and rest by back before the next song.
I have a seat without a back. It is stored somewhere, So if my backed seat breaks a leg I will have a spare.

Larry Jamieson · Post by **Larry Jamieson** » 9 Feb 2021 4:18 pm

I really like a seat with the back rest in the right spot. The first one I bought had a a rest but it was too low and didn't do much good. I was at a steel show and sat in a Steeler's Choice seat and the back rest was perfect, just where it needed to be to support me. Bought one and sold the other. On a 3 or 4 hour gig it is a life saver.

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 9 Feb 2021 6:27 pm

I always used a plain old kitchen chair with a back.. Never ever liked backless pack seats.. Most of my live playing "career" pack seats with backs were rare or non existent.. When I used my pack seat in my 50's, I would have terrible back aches after a 4 hour gig, that were not a problem with a straight back chair... I would never buy a backless pack seat... bob

Jerry Van Hoose · Post by **Jerry Van Hoose** » 9 Feb 2021 6:42 pm

I prefer a back rest, played for years using an old wooden folding chair that had stenciled on the back in black letters, â€Preston Funeral Homeâ€ that was given to me by the owner, followed by a Sho~Bud seat that I purchased down at the Broadway store sometime during the mid 70â€™s. Then, I bought a Steelers Choice with a backrest, think it was in the late 80â€™s and have preferred a backrest ever since then. I donâ€™t always lean against it while playing 100% of the time but itâ€™s nice to have for a rest whenever you need it. After being used to having a seat with a backrest for so many years, I once used another players seat while changing out bands. I forgot that his seat didnâ€™t have a backrest and shortly before our set ended, I made the mistake of leaning backward to rest and over I went. Luckily, I recovered quickly without anyone of much importance noticing.

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 9 Feb 2021 6:59 pm

I also prefer a backrest. I never could use just a stool for regular guitar or just sitting. I tried a piano stool and it didn't take long to get a steelers choice with a backrest.

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 9 Feb 2021 7:14 pm

I've been using drum thrones without a back rest since I started. Just a couple of months ago, I got a Gibraltar universal back rest, I really like it. I don't generally lean back against it, except when I do, and then it is very nice to have a little forward pressure to keep me from slouching.

This particular back rest is for drum thrones with the spinning seat height adjustment like the Pearl Roadster D1000N that has become my main seat the last year or two.

Mike Bacciarini · Post by **Mike Bacciarini** » 9 Feb 2021 8:04 pm

Iâ€™ve been using a Roc nâ€™ Soc Nitro hydraulic drum throne with optional back rest and love it. Totally adjustable, very stable and comfy.

Jim Cooley · Post by **Jim Cooley** » 9 Feb 2021 8:23 pm

Backrest - absolutely for the same reasons the others stated above.

Richard Stoops · Post by **Richard Stoops** » 10 Feb 2021 4:13 am

I have backrests on both of my Steelers Choice seats. One came with a backrest and I built the backrest for the other one. I did make the backrests higher so it came to the middle of my back and angled them back more. The original backrest seemed to be pushing me off the seat. After an hour, or so without a backrest my back begins to hurt. That's the same reason I have a backrest on my motorcycle.

Robert Pastore · Post by **Robert Pastore** » 10 Feb 2021 5:59 am

Awesome replies! Thanks everyone. I think a back rest is in order. I was looking at the Steelers Choice and was trying to decide on the backrest.

Looks like the old back will get a little support!

Dave Hopping · Post by **Dave Hopping** » 10 Feb 2021 7:47 am

Have a Steeler's Choice with a backrest and an old no-name without.When weight's an issue the no-name goes to work; when it isn't, the Steeler's Choice does

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 10 Feb 2021 1:05 pm

Most of the ones with backrests that I've tried push my butt too far forward on the seat.
I would buy one with a back if it was a perfect fit for me.

Brandon Schafer · Post by **Brandon Schafer** » 10 Feb 2021 2:44 pm

I always viewed it as a way to make your seat heavier and less compact. So, Iâ€™ve never used one.

I also bet if I tried one, Iâ€™d like it while sitting in it!

Malcolm McMaster · Post by **Malcolm McMaster** » 10 Feb 2021 2:44 pm

My Scott Dixon seat, lightweight and sturdy.

Dan Rollans · Post by **Dan Rollans** » 11 Feb 2021 6:24 am

Hey Robert, Thank you for the order. It will be ready to ship by Wednesday of next week.
I also want to thank all my satisfied Steelers Choice friends for the great recommendations. You guys are the the best!
Thank you, Dan Rollans @ Steelers Choice

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 11 Feb 2021 7:34 am

Before I bought a Steelers Choice, I built my own seat which was just a square box with plenty of space for extra gear in it. I made a seat back for it that attached to the back and stored inside the seat. Yes, I wouldn't own a seat without a back rest. Especially true when becoming a senior citizen. Now, if I could only have it heat and vibrate? Depending on who's singing, I could take a quick nap between songs.

Bill L. Wilson · Post by **Bill L. Wilson** » 11 Feb 2021 10:02 pm

If I needed a new seat a Steelers Choice would be my choice. This old Sho-Bud with my homespun back rest made from a leg brace will probably outlast me.

Bob Watson · Post by **Bob Watson** » 12 Feb 2021 4:04 pm

I bought a Steelers Choice with a backrest on it a few years ago and it's the most comfortable pedal steel seat I've ever used!

Larry Baker · Post by **Larry Baker** » 13 Feb 2021 1:37 pm

Definitely a back rest.

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 13 Feb 2021 2:17 pm

So many seats nowadays have everything on 'em but the kitchen sink. I'm holding off until there's one marketed with an actual kitchen sink aboard. And perhaps a fridge.

Lee Dassow · Post by **Lee Dassow** » 13 Feb 2021 7:51 pm

I wouldn't bother with one myself. T.Lee

Paddy Long · Post by **Paddy Long** » 17 Feb 2021 12:32 pm

Ive been using Steelers Choice seats for years, and just love the back rest ... perfect to rest against when your having a break, or between songs etc ...takes all the pressure off.

Dan will take care of you :-}

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 17 Feb 2021 1:51 pm

I use a steel seat with a backrest, and have for many years. I don't expect that's going to change anytime soon. But awhile ago I played a 3 or 4 set gig using a drum stool with no backrest. I expected it would be very uncomfortable, but it was no problem. I did not have any backpain from the gig.

Robert Jones · Post by **Robert Jones** » 21 Sep 2021 4:02 am

Hey Dan. I have sent you a PM. Check you messages please. No. I'm not a ghost. It's really me!!!

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