We drummers spend many hours seated behind our drum kits. Therefore, it's extremely important to sit on a throne that offers significant support and enables us to reach all of our kits' components without having to stretch or bend in an awkward fashion. Because the right seat height is paramount to accomplishing this, choose a throne that offers infinite height adjustment. Sitting at the wrong height can make playing uncomfortable and cause unnatural stress to your body, especially your back.
(TIP: Avoid using a throne that locks you into a limited range of height options, like those that utilize a bolt that passes through a hole in the main support tube. This design only allows you to sit at pre-determined heights which may not work for you. It may be less expensive, but you get what you pay for.)
There are 3 different kinds of infinitely height-adjustable thrones that are currently on the market. The first and most basic type involves a smooth height adjustable tube. To configure it, you simply loosen a thumbscrew and move the main tube up or down. These models usually incorporate an additional memory lock to prevent slippage. The only negative to this design is that you will need a drum key to secure the memory lock. Companies like Tama, Pearl, and PDP all make models utilizing this design.
The 2nd and most popular throne design that offers infinite height adjustability is the spindle type. These thrones feature a threaded spindle tube that allows you to change its height by simply rotating the throne top clockwise or counter clockwise. It's quick and easy to do, and does not require using a drum key. There's also hardly any chance of slippage in terms of height. Gibraltar, Drum Workshop, Ludwig, and Pork Pie all manufacture spindle type thrones.
The third type of infinitely height adjustable throne is the hydraulic. This system offers incredible convenience. Changing height is as simple as flipping a lever. You can also do this while remaining seated on the throne. Because of the complexity of the design, these thrones are significantly the most costly. Manufacturers like Roc-n-Soc, Tama, and Carmichael sell hydraulic models.
While a drum throne may not be the most sexy piece of gear you own, it certainly is one of the most critical. So before you consider purchasing another component or accessory for your set up, make sure that what you're sitting on doesn't require an upgrade. Your back will be most appreciative and you will be able to play at your very best.
Should you have any questions or need specific guidance regarding your drum throne decisions or challenges, feel free to reach out. I'm always here to help!
(TIP: Avoid using a throne that locks you into a limited range of height options, like those that utilize a bolt that passes through a hole in the main support tube. This design only allows you to sit at pre-determined heights which may not work for you. It may be less expensive, but you get what you pay for.)
There are 3 different kinds of infinitely height-adjustable thrones that are currently on the market. The first and most basic type involves a smooth height adjustable tube. To configure it, you simply loosen a thumbscrew and move the main tube up or down. These models usually incorporate an additional memory lock to prevent slippage. The only negative to this design is that you will need a drum key to secure the memory lock. Companies like Tama, Pearl, and PDP all make models utilizing this design.
The 2nd and most popular throne design that offers infinite height adjustability is the spindle type. These thrones feature a threaded spindle tube that allows you to change its height by simply rotating the throne top clockwise or counter clockwise. It's quick and easy to do, and does not require using a drum key. There's also hardly any chance of slippage in terms of height. Gibraltar, Drum Workshop, Ludwig, and Pork Pie all manufacture spindle type thrones.
The third type of infinitely height adjustable throne is the hydraulic. This system offers incredible convenience. Changing height is as simple as flipping a lever. You can also do this while remaining seated on the throne. Because of the complexity of the design, these thrones are significantly the most costly. Manufacturers like Roc-n-Soc, Tama, and Carmichael sell hydraulic models.
While a drum throne may not be the most sexy piece of gear you own, it certainly is one of the most critical. So before you consider purchasing another component or accessory for your set up, make sure that what you're sitting on doesn't require an upgrade. Your back will be most appreciative and you will be able to play at your very best.
Should you have any questions or need specific guidance regarding your drum throne decisions or challenges, feel free to reach out. I'm always here to help!
About the Author:
Victor Salazar is the proprietor of Vic's Drum Shop, an internationally renowned drum and percussion store in Chicago, Illinois. The massive knowledge of drum gear that he has accumulated over his forty year career has made Vic a valuable resource for beginning drummers, drumming hobbyists, pro drummers, and many of the world's most famous drum superstars.
