The best drum throne with backrest is one you can use for long periods without strain. We drummers might not give too much thought when it comes to drum hardware such as stands or drum thrones. It is wise however to put more thought into drum hardware.
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Drum hardware are not the actual instruments being played. Consequently, this leads to the occasional disregard of drummers towards choosing drum hardware.
Playing drums is an expensive activity and we drummers will try to cheap out on gear wherever possible such as in drum hardware. However, it might be a good idea to invest a little more in a piece of gear that will have an effect on your playing; specifically your drum throne.
What is a Drum Throne
A drum throne is a seat specially designed for drummers. It is typically higher than a regular chair and has a padded seat and backrest to provide comfort while playing.
Drum thrones also have a support bar that helps to keep the drummer in place while playing and can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate different drummers. Most drum thrones also have a footrest, which helps the drummer maintain a comfortable position while playing.
What is a Drum Throne With Backrest?
A drum throne with a backrest is a drum seat or stool that has a backrest attached to it. This type of drum throne is often used by drummers who have back problems or who find it difficult to sit for long periods of time without support. The backrest provides extra comfort and support, making it easier for drummers to sit through long rehearsals or practice sessions.
In addition, the backrest can help prevent drummers from slouching or hunching over their drums, which can lead to pain or injury. If you are looking for a drum seat that will provide you with extra support and comfort, a drum throne with a backrest may be the perfect option for you.
Drum Throne With Backrest Benefits
The backrest on a drum throne helps a drummer in a number of ways
Supporting Drummers with Back Problems:
Some drummers might have back problems sustained from injuries or illnesses. The option of having a drum throne with a backrest can be a godsend for drummers who might otherwise be unable to play anymore following a possibly career-ending injury or illness. A drum seat with back support allows them to have support for their backs and still keep on playing despite their back problems.
Maintaining Good Playing Posture:
Good posture is one of the most important things a drummer must develop in order to play well. Playing with bad and sub-optimal posture may lead to added strain and possibly injuries. Drum chairs with backrests help a drummer maintain proper posture by reducing the tendency to slouch and supporting the core muscles that are central to drum playing.
Allowing a Drummer To Rest:
Playing drums is a strenuous feat of coordination, artistry, and effort. Playing drums is a physical activity and as usual, when it comes to physical activities, drummers get tired. Having a backrest on a drum throne allows a drummer to get some rest when playing slower pieces or during breaks.
The Best Drum Throne with Backrest Review
Now you know that there are two types of drum thrones on the market, those with backrests and those without. Backless drum chairs are typically less expensive and take up less space, while drum thrones with backrests provide more support and can be more comfortable for longer periods of time.
When choosing a drum throne, it is important to consider your own personal needs and preferences. And if you’re here to find the best drum throne with backrest for your bad back, there are so many options available. In this article, I’ve reviewed 6 of the best drum throne with backrest to help narrow down your search!
Best Drum Throne for Bad Back
#1 Mapex T770 Drum Throne with Back Rest
Material: Vinyl Covering | Metal Hardware
Dimensions:
- 14” x 4” Cushioned Seat
- 18” to 26” Height Adjustment
Features:
- Larger and Extra-Cushioned Seat
- Adjustable Back Rest
- 4 Double Braced Legs
- Slip-Proof Rubber Feet
- Height Adjustment Memory Lock
- Manual Spindle Height Adjustment
Description:
The Mapex T770 Double Braced Drum Seat with back support features a 14” x 4”-inch cushioned round seat. This oversized seat with extra cushioning allows drummers to have a better level of comfort for those long gigs. The height adjustment of this drum throne goes from 18-inches to 26-inches.
Sporting 4 double-braced legs, you can be sure that you can properly utilize the backrest without sacrificing balance. With these legs, the Mapex T770 Double Braced Throne w/Height Adjustment & Back Rest is very stable.
Pros:
What makes the Mapex T770 Double Braced Throne w/Height Adjustment & Back Rest stand out is that it has four legs instead of the usual 3 leg configuration usually found in drum thrones. This 4-leg configuration allows you to put your weight behind the backrest, thus, properly making use of it.
Cons:
Because the Mapex T770 Double Braced Throne w/Height Adjustment & Back Rest has 4 legs, it may be more prone to wobbling especially under possibly uneven outdoor floors. This problem does not exist with 3 legged drum thrones.
Mapex T770 Drum Throne with Back Rest Reviews
Bought this as a gift for my 14yr old son to replace a standard Tama throne. Solidly built, good padding, he loves it, hard to beat for the price. By Brian White
Very heavy duty! Excellent quality, very stable!! By Joe Christofore
Best Drum Throne for The Money
#2 Pearl Roadster Drum Throne with Backrest
Material: Vinyl Covering | Metal Hardware
Dimensions:
- 19.5” to 26.2” Height Adjustment
Features:
- Multi-Core Foam Top Cushion
- Adjustable Backrest
- Breathable Mesh Backrest
- Double Braced Legs
- StopLock Rotation Feature
- Manual Spindle Height Adjustment
Description:
Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to the Pearl Roadster Multi-Core Saddle Drum Throne with Backrest. It features Pearl’s Multi-Core Foam cushion that evenly distributes your weight properly across the surface of the seat.
The Pearl Roadster Multi-Core Saddle Drum Throne with Backrest also features a StopLock Rotation feature that allows you to have the option to have a swiveling or non-swiveling seat.
The backrest on this drum throne features a breathable mesh material that keeps your back comfortable even during heated and intense drum playing.
Pros:
The great thing about the Pearl Roadster Multi-Core Saddle Drum Stool with Backrest is its Multi-Core system. Because it properly distributes your weight across the seat, it ensures that you will be able to play for extended periods without experiencing strain on your hips and glutes. This makes the Pearl Roadster Multi-Core Saddle Drum Throne with Backrest perfect for drummers who need proper support especially those with back or hip problems
Cons:
The one downside of the Pearl Roadster Multi-Core Saddle Drum Throne with Backrest is its price point. It is quite a pricey drum throne. Still, this is to be expected given the number of features and care Pearl gave when designing it.
Pearl Roadster Drum Throne with Backrest Reviews
This Multi-Core seat is the most comfortable thing I have had the pleasure of sitting on in my career, so much so that when I went back to my old Roadster, the seat felt quite hard. The throne also feels really sturdy while banging away on the drums. No movement or swinging of the seat and feet stay firmly in place. By Bernard Abreu
This seat is very comfortable Love it!! By Joseph Torres
Best Cheap Drum Throne
#3 CHACHAZO Motorcycle Style Drum Throne
Material: Cloth Covering | Metal Hardware
Dimensions:
- 17” x 15.5” Cushioned Seat
- 21.2” to 24.8” Height Adjustment
Features:
- Large Backrest
- Large Seat
- Memory Foam Cushion
- Manual Spindle Height Adjustment
- Double Braced Legs
- Large Anti-Slip Feet
Description:
The CHACHAZO Motorcycle Style Drum Throne is a larger-than-usual drum throne that slightly resembles an office chair while still retaining the hallmarks of a drum throne. It features a large 17” x 15.5” inch seat with a memory foam cushion and a cloth cover. The height adjustment of the CHACHAZO Motorcycle Style Drum Throne can go from 21.2” to 24.8” inches. It also utilizes the usual and rock-solid manual spindle height adjustment system.
Pros:
One noteworthy quality the CHACHAZO Motorcycle Style Drum Throne has is its oversized seat and backrest. Resembling an office chair, this drum provides the comfort one can expect from a drum throne that is more chair than stool. This makes it one of the best drum throne with backrest out there.
Cons:
The most obvious con of the CHACHAZO Motorcycle Style Drum Throne is that it has a short range of height adjustment. The 21.2” to 24.8 height adjustment only allows for about 3 inches of adjustment.
Best Hydraulic Drum Throne
#4 CHACHAZO Airlift Motorcycle Style Drum Throne
Material: Cloth Covering | Metal Hardware
Dimensions:
- 17” x 15.5” Cushioned Seat
- 19” to 25.5” Height Adjustment
Features:
- Large Backrest
- Large Seat
- Memory Foam Cushion
- Hydraulic Height Adjustment
- Double Braced Legs
- Large Anti-Slip Feet
Description:
Like the previously reviewed CHACHAZO Motorcycle Style Drum Throne, the CHACHAZO Airlift Motorcycle Style Drum Throne is a drum throne with an oversized seat and backrest that both provide comfort for particularly long gigs. The seat on this drum throne is 17” x 15.5” inches; much larger than a typical drum throne seat.
The difference of the CHACHAZO Airlift Motorcycle Style Drum Throne from the previously reviewed CHACHAZO drum throne is that it utilized a hydraulic Airlift height adjustment system as opposed to the manual spindle height adjustment utilized in the CHACHAZO Motorcycle Style Drum Throne.
Pros:
As one can expect from an office chair which is what CHACHAZO is going for in designing their drum thrones, the CHACHAZO Airlift Motorcycle Style Drum Throne features a hydraulic Airlift height adjustment system. Truly emulating an office chair, this hydraulic system for height adjustment makes it easy for a drummer to set up their desired height at a simple pull of a lever.
The CHACHAZO Airlift Motorcycle Style Drum Throne also has a larger range of height adjustment compared to the CHACHAZO Motorcycle Style Drum Throne making it one of the best drum thrones with backrests out there.
Cons:
In the case of the CHACHAZO Airlift Motorcycle Style Drum Throne, its main pro may also be its con. Because it features a hydraulic height adjustment system, drummers might experience a little bouncing. This may be undesirable for some drummers. Luckily the previously reviewed CHACHAZO Motorcycle Style Drum Throne has the same form but with a manual spindle height adjustment system.
CHACHAZO Airlift Motorcycle Style Drum Throne Reviews
What can I say it’s comfortable and holds my 330 lbs. Good stool. By JJS
Awesome comfort, very adjustable, and easily assemble in under 5 minutes. Don’t settle. Spend the extra money you’ll thank yourself when your playing/practicing/gigging for hours! By Fox&Hound
Best Drum Throne for Big Guys
#5 Gibraltar Moto Style Oversized Drum Throne with Backrest
Material: Cordura Covering | Metal Hardware
Dimensions:
- 18.75” x 15.75” Cushioned Seat
- 16.25” to 25.5” Height Adjustment
Features:
- Oversized Seat
- Adjustable Backrest
- Top Grade Memory Foam
- “Quick Lock” Height Adjustment Clamp
- “Super Foot” Rubber Feet
- Double Braced Legs
- Manual Spindle Height Adjustment
Description:
If the CHACHAZO Drum Thrones feature oversized seats, then the Gibraltar Moto Style Oversized Drum Throne with Backrest features OVERSIZED seats. With an 18.75” x 15.75” inch seat made with comfortable top-grade memory foam, and covered with a Cordura material, these drum thrones resemble fine executive chairs and deliver the highest level of comfort without hindering a drummer’s performance making them one of the best drum thrones with backrests on this list.
Absolutely loaded with features, the Gibraltar Moto Style Oversized Drum Throne with Backrest also features the Quick Lock height adjustment clamp that makes setting up a breeze, and double-braced legs capped with the Super Foot rubber feet providing a stable base to accommodate its oversized seat.
Pros:
With the plethora of great features, the Gibraltar Moto Style Oversized Drum Throne with Backrest has, there are surely many great things about it. The Quick Lock memory locks, the Super Foot rubber feet, and the double-braced legs. However, its best feature is surely the seat. This seat provides comfort for a drummer who might have some difficulty playing because of a previous injury or illness.
Cons:
Its greatest pro may also be a downside for some. The seat may be extremely large even for those who are looking for large seats on their drum thrones. Still, the Gibraltar Moto Style Oversized Drum Throne with Backrest is a great choice of drum throne that does not hinder one’s playing despite the large seat.
Best Bicycle Seat Drum Throne
#6 Gibraltar Drum Throne with Backrest
Material: Cordura Covering | Metal Hardware
Dimensions:
- 16.75” x 14.75” Cushioned Seat
- 20” to 26” Height Adjustment
Features:
- Adjustable Backrest
- Top Grade Memory Foam
- Memory Lock Height Adjustment Clamp
- “Super Foot” Rubber Feet
- Double Braced Legs
- Manual Spindle Height Adjustment
Description:
The Gibraltar Bicycle Style Drum Throne with Backrest solves the possible con that the Gibraltar Moto Style Oversized Drum Throne with Backrest has which is its OVERSIZED seat. This drum throne retains the seat comfort of the previously reviewed Gibraltar drum throne but applies it in a smaller seat profile. Its 16.75” x 14.75” inch seat is made of top-grade memory foam that provides a drummer with maximum comfort.
Utilizing the same stability and adjustment features as the Gibraltar Moto Style Oversized Drum Throne with Backrest, the Gibraltar Bicycle Style Drum Throne with Backrest features a memory lock height adjustment clamp and double-braced legs dapped with Gibraltar’s Super Foot rubber feet.
Check out the full specs here.
Pros:
The great thing about the Gibraltar Bicycle Style Drum Throne with Backrest that makes it one of the best drum stool with backrest out there is most definitely its luxurious seat. Although smaller than the seat of the previously reviewed Moto Style Gibraltar Drum Throne, the seat on the Gibraltar Bicycle Style Drum Throne with Backrest is still very comfortable.
Cons:
When directly compared to the Gibraltar Moto Style Oversized Drum Throne with Backrest, the Gibraltar Bicycle Style Drum Throne with Backrest has a rather small range of height adjustment. It also cannot go lower than 20-inches which could possibly be a con for drummers with short legs and drummers who like playing heel-down.
Gibraltar Drum Throne with Backrest Reviews
I have to have a drum throne with a backrest and this one just fits the bill perfectly. It is rock solid while also being very comfortable. By Cyberius
I purchased this to sit central to my home studio activities – Computer, Keyboard, Guitars. The seat is firmly padded and comfortable through long sessions. The anti-slip velour-like fabric is cool and much more comfortable than vinyl. The packing, shipping, and assembly were all spot on without any issues. By Michael Hassey
Drum Thrones with Backrest Buyer’s Guide
Base
The best way to find a stable chair is by checking out its base. A double braced one will keep your seat from shaking while you sit on it, so choose that if possible! The only issue is drum thrones like these are heavier and will be more difficult to transport and set up.
Height Adjustment System: Spindle vs Hydraulic
The best drum throne with backrest should allow you to change the height of your drum seat. Luckily, all drum thrones today come with different options for height adjustment.
The most popular drum thrones either come with hydraulic or spindle adjustment. Hydraulic drum thrones are generally easier to use just like your normal office chair. The only issue is hydraulic drum seats are bouncier which some drummers like and some don’t.
Spindle-based drum thrones, on the other hand, require you to spin the seat clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the height. Most of the drum seats and stools in this guide use spindle technology because it’s more stable and long-lasting.
Shape of the Seat
There are two main shapes available today: round and saddle or motorcycle.
Round Drum Throne
The most common type of drum throne is the round top throne. They’re smaller than the saddle or motorcycle shape drum seats and more popular with drummers who love flexibility in movements.
Because of their size and small surface area, it reinforces a tighter back posture. This may be physically demanding especially if you have a bad back or back problems.
Motorcycle Drum Throne
Another popular option is the saddle seat. A saddle drum throne is a seat that is shaped like a motorcycle or bicycle seat.
Because of their large surface area, they offer more support and cushioning than round seats. In addition, the saddle shape is engineered to support a drummer’s backside making them the more comfortable option when sitting for long periods of time.
Another reason why saddle seats are more popular today is because they suit bigger and heavier drummers. So, if you have a bad back, I’d recommend that you get a motorcycle drum throne instead. In addition to the seat support, most saddle-shaped drum thrones come with a backrest or the option to add one.
FAQs about Drum Thrones with Backrest
Who should use a drum throne with a backrest?
There isn’t a particular set of drummers that can only use drum thrones with backrests. As long as you like the feature of a backrest on your drum throne then you can get one. The backrest on a drum throne however can be very helpful to drummers with back or hip problems.
How Important is a good drum throne?
Getting a good drum throne is very important. A good drum throne lets you play your instrument well and for long periods. It provides the optimal position for a drummer to access all the pieces of their kit especially the drum pedal. It also proved the proper support for your body while playing. A drum throne is one of those pieces of gear that will affect the way you play; similar to drum pedals.
How high should drum throne be?
Ergonomics is very important when configuring the height of your drum throne. The ideal height for your drum throne should allow you to sit with slightly bent knees, which creates an angle around 100-110 degrees. This gives players flexibility in their pelvis while keeping those lower back muscles straight and extended (no hunching).
Why do drummers use a drum throne?
A drum throne allows a drummer to play all the pieces of their drum kit unhindered. A drum throne also allows the drummer to sit in a balanced manner while having no extra “seat” that could hinder the movement of their legs when operating the kick drum pedal or the hi-hat pedal.
Can I lean on my drum throne backrest?
It might be possible for some drum thrones to take the weight of a leaning drummer, provided that there is enough support on the base to accommodate the weight. For 3-legged drum thrones, it might be good to have one leg positioned parallel to the backrest for balance.
Conclusion:
Drum thrones are an essential piece of equipment in a drum set. For some drummers who might have back or hip problems, a drum throne with a backrest is not only essential but a blessing as well.
What a joke. Omitted Roc n Soc, DW, Tama…? Chachazo?
Good day, Tod! I’d first like to apologize if this review didn’t live up to your standards. I understand the frustration of not being able to see the best brands we all know and love such as DW and Tama. However, this review was designed for drum thrones with backrests to help our fellow drummers with back problems. I also put into consideration the price of the products I’m reviewing here in BasicDrummer.
As a result, I didn’t include Roc n Soc, DW, and Tama drum throne models since not everyone has the extra budget for high-end thrones plus the cost of buying an additional backrest. For the sake of inclusivity, I included Chachazo and other decent drum throne models with built-in backrests– all within an affordable price point. Cheers!