The Steel Guitar Forum

I use the cheapest keyboard bench that musicians friend has, I've had it for 3 or 4 years now. I coudln't see putting my nice steel seat in the band trailer and it's another big box to carry. It has all the height adjustment I need, I'm not tall but like to sitr pretty high up. When it wears out I'll toss it ($29). Used suitcases and makeup cases make great very roadworthy gig bags.
Byron

I looked long and hard at the relative merits of steel-seats such as the Walker(which I would have to get made and import, or draw up a plan and have a local road-case builder make it, with all the potential for disaster inherent in that option) and the drum-thrones readily available at local music shops. I also asked a percussionist for his opinion.

I ended up with a Gibraltar drum-throne with a backrest. After closely examining all the available drum-thrones, this one seemed to have the best quality metalwork, upholstery and was well-regarded by all the people who would be in a position to know. After using it for a month or so I can say it was a good investment as it packs up quite small and is easy to set up with plenty of height adjustment if I decided to start raising my steel for better leg-clearance underneath it.

This leaves the problem of how to carry the myriad accessories steel-players seem to need. Volume pedals, cords, spare strings, basic tools, tuning kit, tuner, lunch and so forth.

One option I'm examining is some surplus road-cases from the people who make them, since I will be taking my Mackie mixer, Steel King amp, NV112 amp and a few other items to a road-case builder soon anyway. Often they have cases built that customers forgot, didn't want or reneged on, and sometimes you can pick up a really useful case quite cheaply. But Jim Sliff's option of the Stanley rolling-toolkit is a good one, and our local equivalent of Home Depot has them in abundance. Decisions yet to be made, but very helpful information from the members.

Once again the forums have proved to be an invaluable resource, assisting me to make a good choice and invest my money wisely. Gentlemen, I am in your debt.

I've been using thrones with a back for a long time(Roc n Soc currently) but have just started using the cheapest/lightest "seat only" style for gigs. I can hold it (folded) in the same hand that carrys my gig case and not worry about tossing it around all night.

I prefer a foldable keyboard bench rather than a drum throne -- because it doesn't have a tendency to rotate when I hit a knee lever.

Also, a keyborad bench is more comfortable because the seat part is larger than a typical drum throne.

Jim I like your idea. You didn't say what it cost but I'm sure it's affordable. If I ever play out again I'll try it.

I wonder what happened to an old metal milk crate I used with a two-inch foam rubber pad--perfect height!

A month ago, I purchased a "on stage" keyboard seat. Very adjustable, Sturdy, 23"long, with a 3" padded cushion. It doesn't turn when you work the knees. Sam Ash had it on sale for $65, in their flier, and got it at the store for $43. I think it was a great buy.

A couple of years ago, I got a new TAMA seat with a backrest to use. I found that (for me at least) to play my old Fender with relative ease was to use a throne. You have to be able to get just the right height. Although I do know a fellow that just used to use a metal folding chair.

I've always used a drum throne, as I like to sit high at the steel. I find sitting too low to be very uncomfortable for my ankles.

Has anyone tried one of these?


http://www.dwdrums.com/hardware/6100.htm