You’ve already bought a drum kit, drumsticks, cymbals, and hardware. The only thing missing to kickstart your drumming journey is a drum throne. Even though many drummers overlook this accessory, it’s very crucial to improve your playing skills and experience.
The best drum thrones provide exceptional comfort and stability. This, in turn, allows you to play your drums more comfortably, and for a longer period.
And, if they’re set up properly, they can even help to ward off long-term health issues. If you’re looking to buy one, the following is a detailed guide on top-rated drum thrones available.
What are Drum Thrones?
At its core, a drum throne is a specially-designed stool that you sit on when you're playing the drum.
Though simple in design, it has a significant effect on an individual’s drumming experience. It goes without saying that the more comfortable you are, the better and longer you’ll be able to play your drums.
If you’re still a little hesitant to invest in one, here are the benefits you stand to gain when you buy a great drum throne:
Quieter drumming session
One of the disadvantages of purchasing cheap drum stools is that they wear out pretty fast.
Such stools make irritating squeaks and pops that can distract you; hence, take away from your drumming session. If you want to concentrate when you're playing, a high-quality drum throne is key.
Enhanced comfort
This stool is designed with a drummer’s needs in mind. For these reasons, most drum thrones are ergonomically designed, making them more comfortable than ordinary stools.
This, in turn, makes it easier to get by extended playing sessions without having to take multiple breaks.
Better stability
A drum throne is also designed with steadiness in mind.
Even if you like to throw your weight around as you drum, you’ll never have to worry about toppling over because the throne is very stable. In fact, most of these thrones come fitted with four double-braced legs, resulting in unmatched stability.
Improved lumbar support
Another benefit you’ll get from a drum throne is that it encourages you to adopt the correct posture when drumming. This prevents you from straining your back, enabling you to play for prolonged periods.
In the event that you have back problems, some thrones come fitted with a backrest to provide ample lumbar support.
Types of Drum Thrones
Drum thrones come in a variety of shapes and sizes. One particular aspect used to distinguish between them is the configuration of their seats.
Based on this, they can be classified into two main categories: saddle and round. Here’s a brief breakdown of each type:
Standard round drum throne
This drum throne comprises a cylindrical-shaped seat. The concept behind designing it in this way is to allow the drummer’s weight to be uniformly distributed on a flat and smaller surface area.
Individuals who opt for the round drum throne prefer it for one main reason. This is the fact that it encourages natural body movement.
Saddle drum throne
This is also commonly referred to as a motorcycle seat. While it's a more recent invention, its popularity has been increasing steadily over the past few years.
The saddle throne is characterized by a larger sitting area and a cutout design that lets you position your legs more comfortably. Unlike the round throne, a motorcycle seat doesn’t place any limitations on your leg movement.
Ultimately, choosing between the two styles boils down to personal preference. If you prefer a smaller sitting area, then a round throne will suffice. But if you don’t like the restrictions on your leg movement, then a saddle throne is better.
How to Choose the Right Drum Thrones
Here are a few drum throne features you should consider before buying one:
Type
As described earlier, drum thrones fall into two main categories based on their shapes.
What’s important to remember is that a throne’s shape has a profound effect on your comfort and playing style.
As such, some drummers swear by the round-shaped thrones, claiming that they provide the best comfort. Others, however, prefer the cutouts found on saddle-style thrones as they eliminate the limitations on leg movement.
If you’re not sure of which design to go for, we recommend visiting your nearest music supplies store. Sit on each throne to get a feel, then decide which one is more comfortable.
Comfort
Apart from design, another aspect you’ll want to pay attention to is the kind of foam or cushioning incorporated in the drum throne.
High-quality drum thrones are made of heavy-duty or high-density foam. This cushioning not only enhances your comfort but it’s also able to retain its shape for a long time. This foam rarely breaks, warps, or loses its uniformity regardless of how long you use the drum throne.
Back support
If you’ve been window shopping for drum thrones, you may have noticed that not all of them come with backrests. The reason for this is that it’s an optional feature that has attracted controversial views.
On one hand, drum thrones with back support reduce unnecessary stress on your joints and muscles. On the other hand, this also limits one's movement. This, in turn, compromises a drummer's playing technique.
If you’re not sure where you stand, it’s good to try it out before writing it off. In our opinion, a backrest is necessary. First off, it encourages proper posture by preventing you from slouching or hunching over.
Secondly, it makes the seat more comfortable, enabling you to sit through long gigs or practice sessions. This is particularly important for drummers who have existing back problems.
Finally, the backrest doubles up as a resting platform. This is handy if you have a bad back or would like to take occasional breaks when playing.
Materials
One of the most crucial aspects to consider is the material used to make the drum seat, especially the sitting area.
The fabric used for the cushion’s construction should be high-quality and durable. This factor is particularly important if you’re a drummer who travels often. In such cases, the cushion’s fabric shouldn’t be one that tears easily as it will be exposed to rough conditions.
You’ll also want to check the quality of stitching used. Whether it’s made of vinyl or leather, a good drum throne will have its stitching properly done so that it holds up to long drumming sessions.
Weight and weight capacity
How much does the throne weigh, and how much weight can it support? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself before buying this accessory.
If you plan on carrying your drum throne wherever you go, then you’ll want to go for the lightest you can find. However, it shouldn’t be so light that it can’t support your weight. So while you’re checking its weight, check the recommended load capacity as well.
To a large extent, the decision on weight boils down to the intended user. If you’re the only individual who will be using the throne, then you can buy one tailored for your weight. However, if you’re a drumming instructor, a heavy-duty throne that can support different weights is ideal.
Stability
Another factor that plays a part in how comfortable you are is stability. This is why you should also consider the type of base that your drum throne has. More specifically, pay attention to the number of feet included in the base.
The vast majority of drum thrones have three legs. This is because a 3-legged structure provides a decent amount of support without adding too much to the throne’s weight. This kind of base is also less sensitive to bumps in the ground.
However, if you’re a heavier drummer or have a tendency to throw your weight around, a four-legged throne will serve you better.
Hardware
For the most part, drum thrones aren’t complicated pieces of equipment. Once you configure it correctly, you’ll be able to use it with ease.
That said, it’s good to pay more attention to the hardware used in its build, especially if you're going to use it for long hours at a time. A drum throne constructed with poor-quality hardware is likely to strip or bend, a factor that can compromise its stability.
On the same note, check the throne’s quality of bracing. Here, you’ll have to choose between single-braced and double-braced legs. Single-bracing implies that each leg constitutes one-ply or layer of metal whereas double-bracing means it contains two plies or units.
Double-braced legs provide a great balance between strength and portability. Single-braced legs are lighter but less sturdy.
Seat firmness
When it comes to firmness, you’ll want a throne that strikes that sweet spot between comfort and support.
An ultra-soft throne may feel comfortable but it might not provide enough support, causing you to get fatigued rather fast.
On the other hand, one that is too firm will offer ample support but it might feel slightly uncomfortable. Thus, the best thing to do is to choose a drum throne with medium-level firmness.
Height adjustment
One question that many drummers ask is, “how high should I sit on a drum throne?”
The rule of thumb is to sit in a manner that allows your hip bone to be positioned just slightly higher than the top of your knee.
This posture makes it easy to position your leg at its natural angle, which is about 145°. This, in turn, guarantees maximum comfort by preventing strain on your muscles.
The good news is that most drum thrones are designed to be height adjustable. So if the current configuration doesn’t suit you, you can adjust the stool’s height.
What makes these thrones different is the mechanism used to make these height adjustments. Traditional models used to have a nut and bolt system that wasn’t very effective. This causes the throne to wobble and eventually succumb to the stress of your weight.
Spindle vs Pneumatic
For an effortless adjustment, we recommend thrones with either a spindle or pneumatic height adjustment.
With a spindle mechanism, all you need to do is spin your stool in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction to adjust the height. This gives you a wider range of adjustments and it doesn’t compromise stability.
The best drum seats are equipped with a pneumatic mechanism as it’s the easiest to use. This system relies on compressed air to make swift and trouble-free height adjustments. However, such thrones will be a bit more expensive than those with spindle mechanisms.
Swivel
Some drum thrones come equipped with swiveling capabilities.
That said, there’s no hard and fast rule on this so it depends on your personal preference. Do you prefer a seat that rotates around to help with mobility? Or, do you prefer one that remains completely still?
Portability
Lastly, don’t forget to consider the portability of the drum throne. If you’re planning to carry the seat from one point to another, then go for a lightweight model. This then means that a throne, which has a wingback armchair design, wouldn’t be suitable for this.
On the same note, consider ones that come with their own hardware bags; making portability all the more easier. While on the topic of bags, you may also want to check out some of the best drum cases and bags.
Reviews of the 7 Best Drum Thrones
Let's take a close look at each of the best drummer thrones available and their pros and cons.
1. DW Drum Workshop CP9120AL 9000 Series
Have you been searching for a drum throne that ticks all the boxes for what you’d want in this seat? If you have, you’re going to love the DW Drum Workshop CP9120AL 9000 Series.
Its biggest selling point is the array of features that it comes with. For starters, the seat is fully padded with foam, providing maximum comfort.
Another factor that contributes to the comfort of the DW Drum Workshop entails the hydraulic height adjustment. This makes it incredibly easy to tune the seat’s height to a level that you’re comfortable with.
Stability is another thing you’ll never have to worry about. With a base that’s made up of four sturdy legs, the seat doesn’t wobble no matter how exciting your drumming session gets. Better yet, its quad-leg system is described as foldable. This allows you to fold it into a more compact structure and save on storage space.
The only shortcoming of this drummer throne is the fact its backrest is not included in the package. For the price, it would have been nice if the drum throne came with the backrest.
Pros
Cons
If you’ve been hunting for the most comfortable drum throne, the PDDT720 Tractor is precisely what you need.
The 700 Series strikes the perfect balance between firmness and comfort. The round top is designed to be around 12 inches in diameter. But what sets it apart is its 3-inch thick cushion that’s constructed of polyurethane foam to enhance comfort.
Like its predecessor, the DT700, the DT720 drum throne also includes a robust 1-inch base. Better yet, it’s fitted with a carriage-bolt height adjustment feature. This lets you adjust the seat’s height between 20 and 25 inches.
Another noteworthy feature is the inclusion of big rubber feet on its three double-braced legs. The double-brace contributes to this seat’s sturdiness and durability.
The rubber material plays a double-duty role. For one, it prevents the seat from slipping, and two, it protects the floor from getting scratched.
Pros
Cons
Don’t want to break your bank on this affair? If you don’t, the Gibraltar 6608 is the best budget drum throne available on the market.
It comes in at a very reasonable price yet it has a nice selection of features that you’re sure to love. For instance, it lets you adjust the seat’s height between 18 and 24 inches. This adjustment is crucial as it enables you to reach your instruments with ease.
Another outstanding feature is the memory lock. This means that you only need to configure the seat’s height once, and it will keep a record of this.
And like the DT720 drum throne that we reviewed earlier, the Gibraltar 6608 also touts double-braced legs for maximum stability.
Pros
Cons
Are you the type of drummer who likes to carry all your tools with you when going to different gigs? If you are, you will love the Yamaha DS-550, which is described as the best lightweight drum throne.
The seat comes in a round shape and weighs a measly 4 pounds, allowing you to carry it around with ease.
Taking its weight into account, it’s not surprising that it has a single-braced design. While it’s not as sturdy as its double-braced counterparts, it’s robust enough to serve you for a while.
Besides, this selection of features makes it an excellent drum throne for kids. It's light enough for a child to carry around. Still, it's sturdy enough to support their weight.
Also, the DS-550 round drum throne comprises a 2-inch thick cushion that is padded. The padding allows you to sit comfortably for extended periods without experiencing fatigue.
Another thing you’ll love about this round seat is its warranty. While other manufacturers don’t offer any coverage, Yamaha is generous enough to offer a 5-year warranty. This means that you can rest easy knowing that your investment is protected.
Pros
Cons
Have you been looking to invest in the best drum throne with back support? If you have, you’ll appreciate the Gibraltar 9608MB model that has a motorcycle-style seat.
There’s a lot to love about this throne, starting with its structure. Designed like an office chair, this seat boasts a lumbar support region. This earns it the top spot for the best drum throne for back problems.
Yet another feature that makes this a good drum throne is the material used in its build. The top comprises Cordura and vinyl edges whereas the interior contains top-grade memory foam. All these traits make this drum throne very comfortable to sit on.
Plus, you’ll have the freedom to adjust the throne’s height as you wish. The threaded height adjustment feature lets you set it to between 20 and 28 inches high.
Pros
Cons
Even though it lacks a backrest, the Roc n Soc Nitro is another drum throne that’s great at providing lumbar support.
One of the biggest selling points of the Roc n Soc is the free-spinning mechanism. This swivel action plays a huge role when it comes to minimizing the spinal strain that stems from twisting your body as you drum.
And in case you were wondering, the Roc n Soc Nitro gets its name from the nitrogen gas shock absorber it’s fitted with. The purpose of this is to give the seat a gentle bounce that further helps to reduce back fatigue.
The Roc n Soc Nitro is the type of drum throne that can be used by any drummer. This is thanks to its adjustable height that can be set between 18 and 24 inches.
To crown it all, this throne includes a contoured bicycle seat-style cushion that sports an ergonomic design. This enables you to sit cozily for prolonged periods without experiencing leg fatigue. This feature also makes it the best drum throne for double bass players.
Pros
Cons
If you’ve been hunting for the best drum throne for big guys (and gals), the Gibraltar 9608RW2T is just what you need.
Its biggest selling point is the 17-inch oversized circular seat that accommodates players of all sizes. It also has a decent weight capacity so you don’t have to worry about the drum throne falling apart under the pressure of your weight.
Gibraltar has several features that improve its comfort.
For one, the top of the seat is covered in a nylon web woven material. This fabric provides excellent breathability; thus, enabling you to stay cool. Secondly, the sear has thigh cutouts, further contributing to the seat’s comfort.
Better yet, you’ll have the freedom to adjust the throne’s height and lock your preferred height-setting into position.
Pros
Cons
FAQs
Which drum throne style is best for back problems?
The Gibraltar 9608MB Drum Throne is the best drum throne for back issues. The fact that it has a lumbar support region means you can lean back and rest every once in a while. However, this also means that it's less portable as other thrones.
Is a firm or softer drum throne better?
Neither is better. Instead, you should aim for something that falls in the middle. If it’s too firm or rigid, then you’ll start to feel some discomfort after a while. However, if it’s too soft, then it may not provide adequate support/ cushioning.
What is a drum throne?
This is an ergonomic seat that’s designed specifically for drummers to sit on. The idea is to provide maximum comfort and stability; thus, enabling an individual to drum for extended periods without experiencing unnecessary fatigue.
Conclusion
There are a few things you should account for when choosing a drum throne. These include comfort, design, materials, back support, stability, swivel, weight limit, and portability.
One of the best drum thrones that strikes a good balance between these features is the DW Drum Workshop CP9120AL 9000 Series.
This DW Drum Workshop seat has memory foam padding to enhance the user’s comfort. It also boasts a hydraulic height adjustment, enabling you to set it to a comfortable level. The quad-leg folding base with rubber feet is very sturdy and durable. And a back rest is available for purchase if you’d like to attach one to the throne.
