The Steel Guitar Forum

I bought a popular name used steel guitar seat a while back and immediately noticed a problem. While the seat cushion was comfortable, the back rest was not. It was too straight up and too low. I made new uprights that raised the top of the seat back to about 14" above the cushion, or right in the middle of my back. I laid the back rest back about 20 degrees. My what a difference. I can sit and play much longer and still be comfortable. The old back rest seemed to push me forward on the seat because it was too low and too straight up and pressed against my lower back. Laying the back rest back eliminates this. This modification is relatively easy to do, just a couple of pieces of 1/8" X 1-1/4" aluminum angle, or whatever size is compatible with your seat, a little cutting, drilling and filing.

I built about a dozen seats in late 80's/early 90's using boat seat hinges for the back. I had the back pad close to the top of the back. I only know the whereabouts of two of my seats and both are still being used today.

I've been using a Steeler's Choice Sidekick with back since I retired in 96. I find I like the back placement better than the ones I built with the boat seat hinges.

Richard Stoops wrote:I bought a popular name used steel guitar seat a while back and immediately noticed a problem. While the seat cushion was comfortable, the back rest was not. It was too straight up and too low. I made new uprights that raised the top of the seat back to about 14" above the cushion, or right in the middle of my back. I laid the back rest back about 20 degrees. My what a difference. I can sit and play much longer and still be comfortable. The old back rest seemed to push me forward on the seat because it was too low and too straight up and pressed against my lower back. Laying the back rest back eliminates this. This modification is relatively easy to do, just a couple of pieces of 1/8" X 1-1/4" aluminum angle, or whatever size is compatible with your seat, a little cutting, drilling and filing.

Next time you order a new seat share that info with the builder and they can be sure to fix the back rest fit you. They do custom leg lengths etc back rests should not be a problem

I had a height problem with a name brand seat $350-$400.
Then I knew what to suggest on my next $400 seat.
$800 in seats.......Yeah

$50 - $60 piano bench adjustable height.
$25 Case from harbor freight.

I had one of the adjustable piano bench seats, but it caused me to sin in a hunched over position and caused me to have a sore back whenever I used it. I have two regular PSG seats now that I altered the back rest on and they feel great.

Ken Metcalf wrote:I had a height problem with a name brand seat $350-$400.
Then I knew what to suggest on my next $400 seat.
$800 in seats.......Yeah

$50 - $60 piano bench adjustable height.
$25 Case from harbor freight.

Waddya know? That’s the exact same seat AND case I have.

Years ago, when I was still young, I tried a drummers throne and the folding piano bench and both caused me back aches within the first set.

It is very important go have your seat fit you properly. When you start out you need to be able to sit for 3 or 4 hours and practice if you want.
Once you get till you can play well, And a band wants you to join them. Be prepared for long practice sessions learning new songs. And many gigs in clubs or house bands that may run 4 hours.

COMFORT IS EVERYTHING.

The seat I use was a gift about 2003. The seat had problems, Comfort wise it had a 4 inch pad on the back. This set me out to far on the seat. It had a Naga-Hyde covering on the seat and back. It was also brown and I played a White MSA with a Black Nashville 400.

I cut the back cushion to 1 1/2" thick. Replaced the Naga-Hyde with twice washed black denim, For the seat and back cover. Black Naga-Hyde replaced the Brown sides of seat body. The seat was too high. I cut 1 1/2 inches off the legs. Now I have a seat that is comfortable and matches my Steel and Amp.

I now play in a house band. Last Friday night gig was 6:00pm to 10:05pm when the dance broke up. 3 10 minute brakes, The seat felt good the whole show.
If you start hurting, It is not easy to concentrate on the music. Comfort and Happy Steelin.

There are two types of piano benches.
One in the $40 rainge and some in the $50-$60 range.
The $50 -$60 ones have much better foam.
Adjustable height is a plus.

I'm using my trusty old folding chair (padded). It's the right height for me, very stable, has a back rest when I need it, and.... if I lose my bar, I can always pick it up and use it like Rusty Young.