Steelers Choice response to seat height.

Dan Rollans · From: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

Hello fellow steel players. As a steel guitar seat builder and owner of Steelers Choice, I would like to respectfully respond the thread on seat height. Speaking for Steelers Choice, I welcome and value the opinions,ideas and suggestions from all steel players. I'm not only a builder, but I have been playing steel for 42 years also. Fresh ideas are great.
My father Kenn Rollans started Steelers Choice in 1978. During the early stages, he researched and experimented with several ideas for a usable and durable portable seat. The end result, size and functionality of the seat has not changed much over the years. We have sold over 5000 since 1978. It has served us well for 40 years. Dad past away Nov. 13,2013, seven years after I took over the business.
I came up with the idea and design for the Steelers Choice Sidekick in 1989. The idea came partly from a seat built by my friend Jack Hern of the former seat company JackPac. Fine seats I might add. Jack built himself an extended seat for some small effects units. I used this concept for additional room and access to strings and other items while seated. Thank you Jack.
Steelers Choice offers the option for custom builds. I will build or consider a build of a seat to anyone's specifications. I have built some very interesting seats.
Yes, Steelers Choice uses a lot of aluminium trim and hardware on our seats. This is the way my father designed our products for protection and yes, it also looks nice.
Aluminium trim may not be for everyone. I totally respect the opinions of those that may dislike the concept.
I also agree with the players that are using drum thrones, piano benches and other seats. If they are working for you, why change? "If it ain't broke,don't fix it"
Okay now for the adjustable height.
Over the years,Dad and I have looked into and experimented with the concept of adjustable legs. We were unable to come up with a concept that was cost effective, durable and safe that could be adapted to the seat design that has served us so well.
A concept mentioned in the thread was used by a
seat builder years back. The use of straight legs with predrilled settings and set screws was a great idea. The legs used on that seat were solid aluminium. Hollow tubing would not work well. Solid aluminium would only add to the weight of the seat,which is another very hot topic when it comes to "us" players that have chosen to play one of the already heaviest portable instruments out there. But that's another topic.
The cost off solid metal legs and the brackets would not be very cost effective. Meaning a higher retail price, which is another very hot topic. Speaking for Steelers Choice, I'm nowhere close to getting rich building steel guitar seats. I enjoy being able to carry on my fathers business and be a small part of the steel guitar world. I would not recommend building seats as an only income. HaHa!!
Back to topic:
On the Steelers Choice seats, each set of legs are hand cut,bent,polished and fitted to each individual seat. I do not have any computer CNC operated equipment. Only the tubing benders and jigs that we have used for so many years. All hand operated. Again, "If it ain't broke don't fix it". Therefore to achieve a proper fit and finish, I would have to replace the legs and braces in house. I would not be able to build and ship a set of legs that would be a direct fit for a Steelers Choice seat. The cost of the replacement may seem expensive, but it can ward off a lot of unwanted frustration. The cost of material and labor has to be considered. I feel it is fair.
Note: Believe it or not, I'm trying to keep the build cost down to reflect a reasonable retail price. Our prices have not changed since 2013. That may need to change in the future as material cost go up. But for now, I'm satisfied at 2013 prices.
I always ask a new customer for their specific height needed for the seat. I suggest sitting at the guitar at the most comfortable height. Then measure from the floor to the "uncompressed" height of the seat. I will build the seat to this height. This communication has worked very well for us over the years. Lots of happy customers.
The adding of wooden blocks under the legs and center support is another great idea for those that have purchased a too short used seat or just want to add a little more height to their seat for various reasons. Remember new longer bolts will have to be installed also. Great idea and alternative to leg replacement.
Adjustable leg inserts:
This concept was brought up in a thread a few years back.
Very good idea also. I have not installed any type adjustable inserts in my Steelers Choice seats. Therefore, I can't vouch for or endorse them. However, I have given out information on where the can be purchased and have had good feedback on how they work.
As shown earlier in the thread they can be purchased at:
www.essentracomponents.com
Parts needed:
LRT1140A 4 required
AFB1015A 4 Required
There are others on the market as well. A search on the internet will show several I'm sure.
When installing these inserts on a Steelers Choice Easy Rider model, the legs may not fold up due to clearance.
The Sidekick model has plenty of clearance.
I do not stock these inserts. You can buy these direct from the supplier. Again, trying to keep the cost down.
Crutch Tips:
Another great alternative. Crutch tips can be purchased at most drug stores and probably even Wal-Mart.
Disadvantages: They are bulky and can prevent legs from folding. You must place a washer or Yes, quarters in the inside bottom of the crutch tip. If not, the metal will cut through the rubber.
Sorry for the long post. But I felt that I needed to respond, Not Defend, but respond to this good thread.
I want to say thank you to all the great people that use Steelers Choice seats and welcome to those that may be interested in a new seat in the present or future. Give me a call at 501-912-6526 or email at dano5907@aol.com. We can talk about seats, seat ideas, steels, dirt track racing, you name it.
There are other great seat builders out there also,
Joe Naylor at Steelseat.com. I can honestly say my buddy Joe may agree with some of my comments.
Again let me say to the many players that are comfortable with their seat of choice, be it a drum throne and travel case, folding piano bench or homebuilt, you have my total respect and admiration. After all, we don't play the same brand of guitar. How much fun would that be? What would we talk about?
Thank you for your time.
Dan Rollans
Owner
Steelers Choice
www.steelerschoice.com

Ron Funk · From: Ballwin, Missouri

Dan -

Your products are the best and specifying seat height when ordering is the Only way to go
(as I did when I bought my Sidekick many many years ago).

The 'additional block idea' worked on a vintage Sho-Bud seat that found its way to me.....and needed to be raised to meet the height of my SideKick

Kind regards
Ron

Paul Pearson · From: Alabama, USA

I would like to say I love your seat I own 2 of them best seat I have every used love the polished aluminum on it the first 1 was bought in the mid 90s still in use it stays set up in my church the 2nd 1 I use when I travel from church to church planning on buying a 3rd with a power pack on it keep up the good works dont change anything it's great just like it is

Stu Schulman · From: Ulster Park New Yawk (deceased)

Wow!what a great response!!
_________________
Steeltronics Z-pickup,Desert Rose S-10 4+5,Desert Rose Keyless S-10 3+5... Mullen G2 S-10 3+5,Telonics 206 pickups,Telonics volume pedal.,Blanton SD -10,Emmons GS_10...Zirctone bar,Bill Groner Bar...any amp that isn't broken.Steel Seat.Com seats...Licking paint chips off of Chinese Toys since 1952.

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Love my Steelers Choice Sidekick.

I needed to raise my seat to play my Mullen, but it was fine for my Carter. There is about an inch difference in height between the 2 guitars.

I placed the quarters in the crutch tips. Works fine. My only complaint is that I had to use my retirement funds. 🤣😂😅😢

I'm going to try the adjustable feet option. But, I want rubber feet. My only complaint when I first got my seat, was using those plastic feet instead of rubber. Easily remedied by a trip to buy crutch tips. I needed to add them because if I play on a non-carpeted floor, and I turned to talk to the guitar player, the seat would move.
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 55 years and still counting.

Jim Bloomfield · From: Colorado, USA

The seat I ordered from Dan was an inch over standard (to match the old seat I had grown accustomed to). He nailed it and it's great quality and comfort!

Butch Mullen · From: North Carolina, USA 28681

What is wrong with a pipe in a pipe with a 1/4" bolt?

Dan Rollans · From: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

Pipe within a pipe? I have seen this work before.
Leg folding clearance may be an issue.

Dan Robinson · From: Colorado, USA

Dan Rollans,

It was my recent post that stirred up this hornet's nest (again).

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=337057

I'm impressed with your response. Timely, thoughtful, articulate. It's clear how much you care about the design and quality of your seats. You'll be on my radar when I need a new seat. Thanks!

Dan Rollans · From: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

Thank you, Dan Robinson. I think it is a good topic that you brought up for discussion. Good healthy opinions and dialogue. Hopefully it will assist others with seating issues.
Thanks, Dan Rollans
Give me a call when your ready.

Larry Ball · From: Airdrie, Alberta, Canada

Hi Dan,

I recently purchased a seat from you and I can honestly say I was "Super Impressed" at the workmanship as soon as I looked at it. The materials are above reproach and the craftsmanship goes without saying. Comfort level is superb, height is on the money.

Dan you don't have too defend this product it defends itself.

Steve Spitz · From: New Orleans, LA, USA

+1 for Dans outstanding seat. Mine is 1â€ over, and itâ€™s perfect. The firm foam helps me get the exact same posture every time. Dan had to rely on the information I gave him to make it the correct height. What if I measured wrong ? I guess I got lucky, itâ€™s perfect.

I raised my old shobud seat by making shims that sat on the base of the seat where the legs attach. Holes drilled, longer screws, mission accomplished.

Just an idea....Would it make sense for a builder to offer these pre-cut, pre-drilled shims at different hights to allow you to raise the seat hight ?

Dave Manion · From: Boise, Idaho, USA

Thank you Dan Rollans for being such a great resource, not just for your products, but overall knowledge and helpfulness.

Dave

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