Name: Adjustrite Cellist Chair
Brand: Adjustrite Cellist Chair

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Cellists spend a lot of time sitting while playing cello and that means it’s very important to have a comfortable chair. A standard chair cannot play the role because most of them are bulky and may not have the padding in the right areas. The right cello chair, however, will have you spend less time repositioning yourself and more time focusing on your technique.

Cello chairs ensure musicians are in the proper posture for playing the cello while providing ample comfort and support. A unique feature of cello chairs is that they are optimized to put cellists in a lean-forward position that stabilizes their posture. The big question is, which is the best cello chair? Well, we did our homework and found that the frame material, cushioning, and sturdiness are some of the key features that distinguish a good cello chair from mediocre products. A cushioned seat and back not only feels comfortable but also provides good support for your spine. And if the chair is not made from a strong frame, then we can bet it will crumble to pieces after just a couple of uses. There’s still a lot more to think about before digging into your pocket and we’ve covered all of that in a comprehensive buying guide further down.

For now, take a look at the top 5 cello chairs below. We have done an in-depth review of each product and listed the pros and cons of each, as well as given our recommendations, thorough buying guide and most common questions answered. By the end of it all, you would surely have found a cello chair that suits your needs and budget.

Quick Summary

Editor’s Choice: Adjustrite Cellist Chair

"Comfortable cello chair with a two-inch cushioning on back and seat covered with long-lasting polypropylene fabric."
Best for Children: Gator Frameworks GFW-KEY-BNCH-1

"Lightweight cello chair for children with foldable legs and adjustable height up to 25 inches, the feet are covered with a non-slip rubber."
Best for Beginners: Flash Furniture Hercules Series

"Great cello chair to learn first bow movements and develop a proper posture with a narrow-cushioned back."
Budget Pick: CPS Imports Adjustable Artist Bench Stool

"Fairly priced cello chair with under seat compartment for accessories, the frame is made of high-quality wood."
Best Foldable: Adjustrite Folding Musician's Chair Standard

"Excellent cello chair with easily adjustable height from 15 to 20 inches and 250-pound weight restriction."

Top 5 Cello Chairs Review 2024

Adjustrite Cellist Chair – Editor’s Choice

Features

Seat height: 18.5 inches
Weight: 18 pounds
16-gauge steel frame
Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: polyfoam cushioned 2’’ seat and 1.75’’ back, non-slip seat surface, polypropylene fabric

Price on Amazon

9.6

Cellists need a unique playing position that regular chairs cannot offer, and that means you cannot settle for less. The Adjustrite Cellist Chair has been specially designed to put cellists in a proper lean-forward position that optimally stabilizes and comfortably supports their posture. The experts at Wenger boast decades of experience in designing and building music chairs, and that’s why we trust the quality of this cello chair to have it as our top pick.

There’s no doubt that this chair will last for years to come, thanks to its solid 16-gauge steel frame with powder coat paint finish. Chrome plated frames are also available plus they are extremely durable too.

The seat and back are fully cushioned with polyfoam for maximum comfort during rehearsals through to live performances. Note that the seat cushion is a bit thicker than the back for obvious reasons. Another thing we like with the seat surface is that it’s totally non-slip. This means cello players won’t be disturbed by annoying movements. The fabric features polypropylene, a material that has an excellent heat resistance and great fatigue resistance, adding up to your overall comfort.

The seat height is 18.5 inches, which is the ideal seat-to-floor frame height, though you can order a custom height that suits your needs. It could have been a plus if the chair was adjustable, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker. This is a pretty robust cello chair with the backing of a 5-year warranty.

What do we love it for?

Designed to put cellists in their most ideal position
Robust construction featuring steel frame and powder coating
Fully cushioned seat and back for comfort
Non-slip seat surface
5-year warranty

What were we disappointed with?

None reported yet

Gator Frameworks GFW-KEY-BNCH-1 – Best for Children

Features

Seat height: up to 25 inches
Weight: 13 pounds
Warranty: 3-year limited

More features: rubberized feet, soft-touch knob for height adjustment, thick cushioning

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

9.4

For kids training to become professional cellists in future, this Gator Frameworks GFW-KEY-BNCH-1 is a great choice. First of all, the seat is adjustable from 18 inches to 25 inches, meaning they can grow with it as their height increases too. The frame itself is made of heavy duty steel that won’t break or rust.

Its rubberized feet will ensure a firm grip on the floor with no chance of slipping away. For height adjustment, there’s a simple touch knob that does the trick to ensure a comfortable position for the user. The design takes an X-frame and the chair folds down flat for easier transportation or storage. And at just 13 pounds, this cello chair is one of the lightest available and won’t be a pain when shifting locations. The seat is covered a rugged, easy-to-clean fabric to resist punctures, tears and scuffing.

We’ve heard some customers who bought this chair claiming that it’s quite short, but that’s probably because they bought the wrong chair for the right purpose. Another one complained that the padding is too soft for an adult and that it won’t hold up in long term use. What we see, however, is a comfortable seat with deluxe, thick padding that’s not only comfortable but also long-lasting. That said, consider this one if you have a young cello enthusiast. It also comes with a 3-year warranty.

Why is it special?

Rubberized feet ensure no shifting or sliding during use
Comfortable seat with deluxe, thick padding
Easy-to-adjust knob for height adjustments
Heavy duty steel construction.
3-year warranty

What are the flaws?

Somewhat expensive for what it is

Flash Furniture Hercules Series – Best for Beginners

Features

Seat height: 16.75 inches
Weight: 11 pounds
19-gauge steel frame
Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: two seating zones for division, narrow back, wear-resistant polypropylene seat and back, anti-slip feet

Price on Amazon

9.3

Here’s another great offering from Flash Furniture. The Flash Furniture Hercules Series chair promotes breathing and freedom of movement like no other chair. It also accommodates a variety of sitting positions, body styles, and musical styles, such as cello and saxophone playing. The seating zones, in particular, include the rear or engaged zone, and the forward or perched zone. These two allow musicians to sit in a manner that best suits their style and instrument.

With a narrow convex back, players will benefit from lumbar support while still being able to move freely. A rounded waterfall front offers improved circulation and increased comfort for various body sizes. Proper alignment when playing the cello means you can focus more on technique without worrying about strain and fatigue.

The seat and back feature polypropylene material, which promotes even weight distribution, greater comfort, and a long-lasting appearance. The frame is made of 19-gauge steel that has been powder coated for maximum durability. Chrome finished chairs are also available for this Flash Furniture version. Anti-slip feet ensure complete stability and safety when using the cello chair.

This item is super-lightweight at just 11 pounds and will be easy to carry, especially if you have many to deal with like in practice and rehearsal rooms. Moreover, the chair is suitable for all music environments including the aforementioned situations and performance areas. Overall, we find it perfect for beginners who are still finding their feet in cello playing. Flash Furniture’s 5-year warranty guarantees peace of mind too.

Why is it special?

Offers two seating zones to suit different styles
Improved lumbar support
Promotes freedom of movement
Rounded waterfall front improves comfort for various body sizes
Suitable for all music environments
5-year warranty

What are the flaws?

No issues reported

CPS Imports Adjustable Artist Bench Stool – Budget Pick

Features

Seat height: 19 to 21.5 inches
Weight: 25 pounds
Genuine leather seat
Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: built-in compartment for storing accessories, wooden frame

Price on Amazon

9.0

This Adjustable Artist Bench Stool is constructed from solid hardwood with heavy duty mechanism for durability. Featuring 100% leather padded cushioned top, the stool is very comfortable to sit on. The seat is actually tufted with 10 buttons to ensure longevity. Moreover, the height is adjustable from 19 to 21.5 inches using knobs on the side. Once you find a sweet spot, it’s only a matter of tightening the knob for safety and stability.

Perhaps the major selling point of this cello bench is the underneath storage box, allowing you keep your music sheets within reach as well as other accessories. The storage can be accessed by lifting the seat. However, the space isn’t that big for storing large instruments, for instance.

This bench would be suitable for music lessons. Its soft, thick cushion is covered by genuine leather to not only provide plenty of support but also enhance durability. The bench is made to be assembled easily and quickly. You will only need to use supplied wrench to attach the legs to the seat and you’ll be good to go. The product comes in a beautiful ebony black color with high gloss finish that adds to a classic look.

Its 25-pound weight seems quite heavy compared to other cello chairs in our list, but that’s because of the wood material, which as you know is bulky than hollow steel frames. The bench stool also comes with a 1-year warranty so you can enjoy playing without worrying about issues in the workmanship. Overall, a good choice for anyone on a budget.

What are its best features?

Sturdy and well-built chair
Comfortable padding
Attractive and elegant appearance
Made to be very durable
Easy to assemble
Adjustable design
Includes storage for accessories

What could be improved?

Shallow storage space
Might squeak after long-term use

Adjustrite Folding Musician's Chair Standard – Best Foldable

Features

Seat height: 15 to 20 inches
Weight: 18 pounds
Steel frame
Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: foldable legs, 250 pounds weight limit

Price on Amazon

8.8

This Adjustrite Folding Musician’s Chair Standard is designed for virtually all music styles and in this case cellists will find it very useful. The chair is incredibly sturdy and offers a perfect seating position for comfort while allowing free movement.

Its legs are also adjustable in height, meaning you can set it to your preferred height. This also allows it to be adjusted in a way to suit children. The manufacturer, however, states that the chair is designed for players under 6 feet tall. The back is well padded to provide rest and support when using the chair for long hours like during rehearsals and performances.

The cello chair can be folded down for neat storage and transport, and it seems relatively light at 18 pounds. Thanks to its robust construction, this chair can accommodate an impressive maximum weight of 250 pounds. The frame is actually made of steel and beautifully finished in orchestra black.

This item comes with a 1-year warranty covering defects of workmanship and materials. Normal wear and tear or product misuse are not covered. The manufacturer also offers a 30-day return policy, meaning if you are not satisfied with the chair for any reason, you can return for a full refund within that period. If you are looking for a cello chair that takes a standard design, fully adjustable and folds down for compact storage, this Adjustrite product is a great deal.

What makes it stand out?

Sturdy with perfect seating position
Height adjustable legs
Allows maximum freedom of movement
Comfortable back rest
Foldable design for easy transport and storage
Great weight tolerance of 250 pounds

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

Quite an expensive cello chair

Things to Consider

As you have seen, each of the cello chairs above has distinct features and styles. Nevertheless, there are those stand attributes to look out for in cello chairs and that’s what you’ll delve into in this buying guide.

Benefits of having a chair for playing cello

Puts you in a proper sitting position for this style of music. The chair helps you maintain the best postural balance and upper body mobility, required to effectively play the cello.

Helps you breathe better. A cello chair puts you in an elevated position that allows the chest cavity diaphragm to open deeply with ease. This promotes relaxed breathing while playing the cello.

Promotes an open posture. This posture puts your stance solid and allows balanced movements associated with little muscle strain.

Choose the perfect cello chair by the following features

There are quite a number of things to consider when choosing the best cello chair. While comfort is no discussion, below you will many other aspects to think about before making a purchase:

5 Magnificent Cello Chairs that won't Distract You from Playing

Cushioning

This is important as far as comfort is concerned. Generally, cushioned seats will feel more comfortable during extended use than plain steel top chairs. Cushioning helps relieve back pain, numb buttocks, and other areas associated with extended sitting. The cushion must have a non-slip surface too as a slippery surface will be a nuisance. You can add an extra softener for your seat, like TravelMate.

Frame

The frame has to be heavy-duty to withstand the weight of the user. Steel frames are sturdy and lightweight, and those are that powder coated or chrome plated will last for many years. The offerings from Flash Furniture are good examples of robust, durable steel frames.

Some other chairs such as the CPS Imports Adjustable Artist Bench Stool are made of hardwood frames. While wood tends to be heavy, it excels in terms of aesthetics and longevity.

Sturdiness

It goes back to the frame material and strength; if the frame is solid then the chair will no doubt be sturdy. Ideally, the chair should be capable of supporting the weight of the user, though some such as the Adjustrite Folding Musician’s Chair Standard have weight limits.

Folding option

Some of the best cello chairs have foldable legs, which allow them to fold down compact for easy storage as well as transportation. And don’t be fooled that folding chairs aren’t as sturdy as they actually are as solid as the other options. The Adjustrite Folding Musician’s Chair Standard is one of such chairs and no customer pointed out a single compromise on its stability.

Height adjustment

Cello chairs are either fixed or adjustable in height. For the latter, the height can be lowered or increased to suit the height of the player. Some have adjustable backs too. The height of the seat is a great determinant of comfort and proper posture, and if you plan to share the chair with others or even a child, an adjustable option is a good idea. On the other hand, a fixed chair is similar to a dining room chair and has a set height and back that cannot be altered.

Seat evenness

Consider a completely flat seat or one that somehow slopes forward. Avoid chairs that slope toward the back as these can put you in an awkward position that strains your back. A notable mention when it comes to the seat design is the Flash Furniture Hercules Series, which has two seating zones to suit different styles of players.

Back support

If you intend to use the chair for extended time periods, consider back support because at some point you will need to sit back and relax. Padding on the back rest will even make it more comfortable.

Compartments

Not every other seat offers storage compartments so if available then consider it a bonus. The CPS Imports Adjustable Artist Bench Stool is noteworthy mention in that regard. The storage compartment, usually underneath the seat, provides space for music sheets, rosin, and other supplies.

Design

Even the chairs we’ve reviewed in this post are different in appearance, and that’s what you should expect. From standard chairs to benches and stools, the options are plenty. If you want proper back support, a standard chair like those in a dining room is your best bet, whereas bench-style chairs may be good for occasional use and practice. Adjustable features and folding options also add to the overall design of a cello chair.

Warranty

Most of the cello chairs come with a warranty of some kind. We found that Flash Furniture brand offers the longest warranty in the form of 5 years, and it’s no surprise because the quality of their products is second to none. In any case, you’ll want to buy a product with a warranty just in case you find a defect.

Posture advice to play cello with comfort

- Sit on a chair with a sturdy base. As with many cellists, you may want to sit towards the front with your left foot slightly forward.
- Balance the cello between your knees and let the body of the cello rest gently against your chest.
- Let your feet rest flat on the floor to help stabilize your body and remain in a balanced position.
- Have the neck and scroll of the instrument to the left of your head.
- Use your knees to firmly stabilize the cello, not grip it.

FAQ

What chair is better to choose for a child to play cello?

First of all, it has to be an adjustable cello chair, something a child can grow with. The lowest setting should start at around 14 inches going up to 19 inches. If the chair is adjustable but a bit tall, then consider a side step stool for them to climb onto the chair. Foldable legs and lightweight are some of the features to be keen with as you’ll want the child to be capable of moving it or carry it with ease.

How to understand the right height for a cellist?

As a general rule of thumb, the chair should make your hips level with your knees or have the hips slightly higher than your knees. Ideally, you should check your normal sitting height and use it to determine the right height for a new cello chair. For adults or tall kids, most dining-height chairs will do as long as they obey the above criteria.

Our Verdict

When deciding from the list of 5 cello chairs mentioned above or anywhere else really, pay attention to how comfortable and durable the chair is.

From our list, the Adjustrite Cellist Chair is the best cello chair overall. With cushioning all over the right places, this chair is designed to provide long-lasting comfort throughout rehearsals and performances. Its 16-gauge steel frame is incredibly sturdy and the height is just right for an adult cellist.

Coming in second is the Gator Frameworks Adjustable X-Frame Style Keyboard Bench. This bench-style cello chair features a deluxe thick padded seat that is super comfy and durable. Its heavy-duty steel frame and rubberized leveling feet ensure maximum stability during use, and the height is adjustable.

The Flash Furniture Hercules Series is another excellent choice, especially for beginners. With two seating zones, this chair is quite versatile and would suit players of different styles. It also excels in back support thanks to its narrow convex back.

And that sums up our best cello chair reviews.