Monday, 15 September 2014

Tips about How to Choose a Drum Throne: Have a Seat and Stay a While

By Victor Salazar


We drummers spend many hours seated behind our kits. Therefore, it's really 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, look for 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 cost a bit less, but you get what you pay for.)

There are 3 different types of infinitely height-adjustable thrones that are currently on the market. The 1st and most basic type involves a smooth height adjustable tube. To adjust, you just loosen a thumbscrew and move the main tube up or down. These models usually incorporate an additional memory lock to prevent slippage. The only drawback to this design is that you'll need a drum key to secure the memory lock. Companies like Tama, Pearl, and PDP all make models utilizing this design.

The second 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 alter its height by simply rotating the throne top clockwise or counter clockwise. It's quick and easy to do, and doesn't call for the use of a drum key. There is also hardly any chance of slippage in terms of height. Gibraltar, Drum Workshop, Ludwig, and Pork Pie all offer spindle type thrones.

The 3rd style 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 by far the most expensive. Manufacturers like Roc-n-Soc, Tama, and Carmichael offer hydraulic models.

While a drum throne may not be the most exciting piece of gear you own, it certainly is one of the most critical. So before you consider buying another component or accessory for your set-up, make sure that what you're sitting on doesn't need an upgrade. Your back will thank you and you'll be able to play at your very best.



If you have any questions or need specific guidance regarding your drum throne decisions or dilemmas, feel free to reach out. I'm always here to assist!




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment