The Steel Guitar Forum

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)

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.

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.

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

I prefer a back rest, played for years using an old wooden folding chair that had stenciled on the back in black letters, ”Preston Funeral Home” 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 70’s. Then, I bought a Steelers Choice with a backrest, think it was in the late 80’s and have preferred a backrest ever since then. I don’t always lean against it while playing 100% of the time but it’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 didn’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.

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.

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.

I’ve been using a Roc n’ Soc Nitro hydraulic drum throne with optional back rest and love it. Totally adjustable, very stable and comfy.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

I also bet if I tried one, I’d like it while sitting in it!

My Scott Dixon seat, lightweight and sturdy.

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

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.

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.

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!

Definitely a back rest.

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.

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

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 :-}

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.

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