Drum Thrones

A proper seat is of key importance in achieving the heights of success in music. The right drum throne isn’t only necessary drum accessory for maintaining proper posture and balance over hours of practice, it also ensures that you’ll be able to concentrate and focus on delivering your best performance. Don’t compromise the way you play by glossing over the numerous benefits of choosing the right drum throne.

What is a drum throne?

A drum throne is a stool-shaped seat specifically designed for use when playing a modern drum kit. While it may seem that any similarly shaped seat or stool could serve as a passable drum throne, the reality is that a proper drum throne offers far more in the way of design and function to ensure drummers can make the most of their instrument. A good drum throne will allow for adjustability in conforming to the player’s size and weight, and will create the proper stability to reduce the risk of health issues from poor posture. Many drum thrones will also feature collapsible and portable designs for the drummer on the go.

Drum throne styles

There are a few different standard styles of drum throne. Technically there is no right or wrong choice as to which style is better, it’s simply a matter of preference and comfort. Here are a few of the different options that drummers have to choose from.

Round vs. saddle

Drum thrones typically come in two standard shapes—round and saddle. Round thrones are just that—perfectly round circle-shaped seats. They conform less to the shape of the body but therefore offer a bit more freedom of moment.

Conversely, saddle-shaped thrones are molded more to the shape of the body. Think something more akin to a bicycle or tractor seat. Saddle thrones will therefore typically offer a bit more support but less freedom of movement.

Soft vs. firm

Some drum thrones are made of a softer memory foam material, while others—such as those with a vinyl covering for example—will offer a much more firm surface. Again there is no right or wrong choice. Neither style is technically superior to the other. Rather it is up to the drummer to decide which style of throne best suits their preference.

Spindle vs. hydraulic adjustment

Height adjustment is one of the most important factors in a great drum throne. Being able to adjust your throne to the proper height is key for any drummer to give his or her best performance. Two primary types of drum throne adjustment mechanisms are spindle and hydraulic. Spindle thrones typically involve a locking mechanism which is loosened and tightened by hand. Hydraulic thrones have a lever that once depressed allows the drummer to adjust the height of the throne by adding or removing his or her weight from the seat. Spindle mechanisms may have the capacity for greater precision, while hydraulic mechanisms allow for quicker adjustments.

The importance of a good drum throne

Just like any activity that involves an extended period of sitting, proper posture is a must if you wish to avoid issues with pain and discomfort. If you are a dedicated student or professional who plays regularly, you’ll want to be certain you spend those countless hours in comfort—rather than contributing to chronic or future health issues! A proper drum throne will make all the difference between worrying about your performance as opposed to worrying about a backache.

Even above the need for proper posture, an appropriate drum throne is simply necessary in order to be able to play your best. If a drummer’s seat isn’t properly suited to the needs and constraints of their drum kit setup, they will struggle to reach their full potential. A proper drum throne will allow drummers to take into consideration the ideal height and rotation to maximize their ability to play their specific drum kit setup, leading to greater achievement overall.