10 Great Drum Thrones for Drummers of all Shapes and Sizes

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Last updatedLast updated: March 12, 2024
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To make the music your audience will enjoy, you as a musician must feel comfortable at performing your craft. For drummers, that means a quality drum throne that gives you the support and comfort you require. But not all kits come with thrones, and from time to time you may need to replace or upgrade your old one as they do wear out. No matter your reason, our list of the best drum throne products on the 2020 market is where you should start browsing.

Below, you’ll find all the necessary specs discussed in detail so you can make the best investment. Our first choice, the Pearl D2500BR Drum Throne, is an excellent product, but some of the others may be more suited to your application or budget. We will cover dimensions, height and shape so you know which of these models will suit you as well as your available space. The number of legs, its swivel features and the weight play important roles in this department.

To further help you make an informed decision you can scroll to our buying guide. We discuss drum throne features in depth to help you feel like a pro when shopping. If you simply want a quick summary though, use the comparison chart or read through our detailed reviews for a better understanding of each product. They were all compiled with the assistance of consumer feedback and pro drummers. Get your new drum chair and enjoy your playing more than ever.

Top 10 Drum Thrones Review 2024

1.

Pearl D2500BR Drum Throne with BackrestEditor’s Choice

Features
  • Drum seat dimensions: not specified
  • Seat shape: motorcycle
  • Height range: 19.5-26.18 inches
  • Legs: 3
  • Swiveling: yes
  • Weight: 15.4 lbs.

Extra features: high density foam cushions; rubber feet; cushion can spin & lock

Our Editor’s Choice model impresses in a variety of feature categories which is why it rates so high. Not only do you get a chair, but unlike many other models on this list, you don’t have to pay extra for a backrest. Not everyone uses these accessories, but they come on very handy during long practice sessions to prevent fatigue.

The rest of the chair is impressive too, as the bicycle seat design creates less pressure on your legs than some circular seats. The tuck-and-roll padding provides you with a comfortable surface so you don’t experience fatigue as quickly as sitting on lower end models. The seat is actually designed in such a way that pressure is dispersed so you can sit comfortably for longer without experiencing too much tension or pain.

At the bottom, you’ll find three double-braced legs, creating a sturdy foundation that will keep the stool upright even if you play rigorously. We also appreciate the rubber feet that will prevent the chair from slipping. Rubber also protects the feet so your chair looks pristine for longer.

It’s not the lightest model on our list, but still manageable and worth taking along to all gigs and practice sessions.

You’ll pay a bit extra in comparison to others, but as it has most features you need, it’s worth the investment. It will work for tall people and heavy set players too, so anyone can consider this to complete your kit.

What stands out?

  • Sturdy legs with rubber feet
  • Back rest included
  • Comfortable seat with quality stuffing
  • Durable

What cons did we manage to find?

  • Expensive
  • A bit heavy compared to other models
RELATED: 9 Best Drum Thrones for Back Problems: Comfy Chairs to Prevent Aches and Pains
2.

Ahead Spinal G Drum ThroneBest for Bad Back

Features
  • Drum seat dimensions: 18 x 15 x 4.5 inches
  • Seat shape: motorcycle
  • Height range: 18-24 inches
  • Legs: 4
  • Swiveling: yes
  • Weight: 15.9 lbs.

Extra features: medically tested; split-seat, spring-assisted cushion for improved mobility and flexibility; 1-year warranty

If you’re concerned about your back or you’re used to feeling pain and tension after a long practice session, it’s time to make this part of your kit. It’s called an ergokinetic throne. Ahead tested these chairs and it’s proven that they will provide more support to your body geometry than most other models on today’s market. This is thanks to the comfortably soft seat, but also the unique design: it’s a split seat which means there’s less pressure on your spine, specifically the tailbone. It’s also spring-assisted for added flexibility. All of this makes the higher price category worth it.

Some users report that it’s easier to maintain good posture on this seat compared to others. Because posture determines how much tension your joints and muscles experience, sitting on this means you’re benefiting your body. Even if you don’t experience back problems yet, we think this is an excellent long-term investment: don’t one day regret not looking after yourself.

Moving down to the legs, you’ll find more quality engineering. This is a four-legged chair, affording you excellent stability. Some players prefer three legs as there is less chance of tilting, but this is up to personal preference.

You can sit at exactly the height that will give you optimal comfort thanks to the threaded height adjustment feature. With double locking, you can be sure it will stay in place throughout your session.

What makes it special?

  • No pressure on tailbone
  • Soft, comfortable seat
  • Easily adjustable height settings

What cons did we find?

  • Not all players like four legged designs
  • Expensive
3.

ROWELL Drum ThroneBest for Big Guys

Features
  • Drum seat dimensions: not specified
  • Seat shape: motorcycle
  • Height range: 18-24 inches
  • Legs: 3
  • Swiveling: yes
  • Weight: 14.1 lbs.

Extra features: ergonomic design; pneumatic height adjustment; double-braced legs with thick rubber feet

If strength is what you’re after, this one will impress you: it can handle up to 550lb, so drummers of all body types will find comfort here. The brand is so sure of its durability that welds are 100% guaranteed. This one will last you a while!

Along with durability comes ease of use AND comfort. Firstly, you have the pneumatic height adjustment feature. That makes it super easy to set it to your preferred height and makes it a highly practical chair for scenarios where different drummers use the same chair: think of bands performing one after the other, or if you’re a drumming teacher tutoring students of different ages. Instead of taking out a drum key each time a simple pull of a lever gives the next player the ideal height. No time wasted!

Just note that it can’t be set as high as some models on this list, but that’s only a problem for very tall players. Even individuals 6’ tall should find it appropriate.

Note that the seat is of a medium softness, catering for most drummers. This is another model you can consider if you have back problems as the air cylinder absorbs some of the impact of playing. The seat also turns easily, so you don’t put strain on your back to reach all the drums and cymbals.

It doesn’t fall in a cheap price category, but you can’t put a price on comfort and user-friendliness.

What stands out?

  • Easy to adjust height
  • Absorbs impact to protect your back
  • Comfortable seat

What cons did we manage to find?

  • Expensive price range
  • Not high enough for very tall players
4.

Gibraltar Pro Oversized Motorcycle Style ThroneBest Motorcycle Drum Chair

Features
  • Drum seat dimensions: 18.75 x 15.75 x 5 inches
  • Seat shape: motorcycle
  • Height range: 20-28 inches
  • Legs: 3
  • Swiveling: yes
  • Weight: 19.9 lbs.

Extra features: double-braced legs and thick rubber feet; extra-soft padding; Cordura and vinyl seat

It’s a common occurrence among drummers that they prefer the motor cycle design to round seats, and this one is a sure winner. The motorcycle shape isn’t likely to affect the blood flow in your legs, making for more comfort during long playing sessions. The soft, padded cushion sits on top of a sturdy tripod leg design, giving the player a dependable seat that won’t easily topple. The seat also swivels so you can easily face different directions without causing tension in your body.

An added benefit with this seat is that it can adjust to a high setting, much higher than our previous model. That makes this ideal for tall players. The seat is also oversized making for extreme comfort and it’s another model to consider for larger individuals.

Players also appreciate how easy it adjusts as you don’t need a drum key. You simply use the provided butterfly nut. That makes it another practical investment for drumming teachers who quickly have to change height settings to accommodate different students. You can adjust it in small increments, so you can find the perfect setting for ultimate comfort.

Many users appreciate the fact that the quality clamps keep the seat in place so even during a long session you won’t have to make adjustments in height.

A butterfly nut is also used when you collapse the seat, so you can quickly pack up or set up.

It’s still one of the pricier units on the list, but worth a try.

What makes it stand out?

  • Easy height adjustment
  • Motorcycle style seat provides comfort
  • Works for tall individuals

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

  • Pricy
  • Large seat takes up a lot of space when traveling
Features
  • Drum seat dimensions: not specified
  • Seat shape: saddle
  • Height range: 21-29 inches
  • Legs: 3
  • Swiveling: yes
  • Weight: 14.4 lbs.

Extra features: double-braced base; thick rubber legs

This drum stool caters for another unique category: if a molded seat gives you the security you need for a comfortable playing session, this is the one to pick. The molded tractor seat design prevents you from sliding around on the seat and the cut outs at the front prevent the stool from affecting blood circulation in your legs. The seat is comfortably padded so one of the only things you may have to worry about is the rest of the band members stealing this one for themselves.

The comfortable seat is connected to a sturdy metal structure. The brand uses high-end metal so you can be sure it will support you. The base is also double-braced, which adds durability and stability.

You won’t have to worry about it toppling or sliding since it’s a tripod design with rubber on all the feet.

A bonus with this one is how high it can be set, making it ideal for tall drummers. It’s so easy to adjust the height as you simply swivel it to make changes.

It may be a bit difficult to add a back rest to this one, but as it’s very comfortable, you may not even miss this accessory.

What makes it stand out?

  • Comfortable seat
  • Rubbered feet
  • Works for tall players
  • Easy height adjustment

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

  • No backrest
6.

Ludwig Drum ThroneBest Portable Drum Stool

Features
  • Drum seat dimensions: not specified
  • Seat shape: saddle
  • Height range: 18.8-25 inches
  • Legs: 3
  • Swiveling: no
  • Weight: 8 lbs.

Extra features: double-braced base; high density foam cushion

If you’re looking for a portable drum stool, the Ludwig brand comes to your rescue. This one is super light, making it easy to handle and it won’t add too much weight to your gear.

The lightweight design doesn’t mean it caters for smaller individuals only. Although it can’t be set as high as some of the ones we reviewed above, it still has an impressive height range. And it’s so easy to adjust the height thanks to the locking spindle.

We also appreciate the unique seat design: the blue and olive surface adds some character to your gear, perfect for band members who want to make a statement on stage.

The seat is comfortable and thanks to high density foam you can play long sessions and your back won’t experience much pressure. The foam even ensures there’s less stress on your legs so you can concentrate on your play for longer than usual – no pain or discomfort will distract you.

As with most high end models, the legs have quality rubber to protect the feet and prevent the chair from moving around while you play.

Yes, it’s expensive, but worth it. As a portable unit, it’s an investment in your gear.

What are its best features?

  • Impressive aesthetics
  • Easy to adjust height
  • Comfortable seat
  • Portable drum stool

What could be improved?

  • Expensive chair
  • Can’t be set as high as some other models
  • Can’t swivel
7.

Gibraltar 6608 Heavy Drum ThroneBest for the Money

Features
  • Drum seat dimensions: 15.25 x 13.25 x 3.25 inches
  • Seat shape: motorcycle
  • Height range: 18-24 inches
  • Legs: 3
  • Swiveling: yes
  • Weight: 8.8 lbs.

Extra features: double-braced base; 5-year warranty

Here is another lightweight unit you can consider as your touring drum stool as this one is only slightly heavier than the Ludwig model reviewed above.

In this one you have the classic black seat which is filled with high quality foam. That gives you a comfortable surface and the cut aways at the front ensure the seat won’t cause too much pressure on your legs.

You’ll love the memory lock on the height adjustment so your seat stays in the ideal position. Users sometimes struggle to move the memory lock, so this may require tools if yours doesn’t want to budge. Some players prefer the swivel method of adjusting the height, but this one is still worth investing in.

If you do want to have some swivel motion during your play you can try and loosen the wing screw.

The seat is supported by a sturdy double-braced leg structure. It will last you a long time and won’t topple thanks to the tripod design & the rubbered feet.

All these impressive features are yours at a price much lower than many models on this list. It’s one of the best drum thrones under $100 – an ideal option for beginners or those shopping on budgets.

Why did it make our list?

  • Well priced
  • Quality foam in seat
  • Light weight
  • Memory lock

What is not ideal about it?

  • Memory lock may jam
  • May not swivel as well as some others
RELATED: 9 Best Drum Thrones for Back Problems: Comfy Chairs to Prevent Aches and Pains
8.

Pearl Drum Throne (D930)Best Under $100

Features
  • Drum seat dimensions: not specified
  • Seat shape: round
  • Height range: 18.5-26 inches
  • Legs: 3
  • Swiveling: yes
  • Weight: 9.75 lbs.

Extra features: soft, yet supportive memory foam cushion; double braced base

Here is another option in our category of best drum throne under $100 options! The good news with this purchase as that you’re buying from one of the leading brands in the drumming business: Pearl is known for quality drum sets and gear, so you know you’re making a long term investment.

On this particular Pearl drum stool model you’ll be impressed by the wide range of height options, as you can set it higher than some others on this list without paying an exorbitant amount. The design includes a stop lock system which unfortunately doesn’t always maintain height, although this only usually applies when used by heavier players. Still, for this price we were impressed with the overall design and you can’t expect perfection.

Pearl also made it light! It’s a wise option to add to your gear to take to gigs or if you travel to practice sessions.

Note that this is a round shaped chair. Above we mentioned that other shapes afford comfort and less stress on players’ legs, but some musicians prefer that added support of a round seat. If that’s you, then this is your chair.

The seat contains high density foam so know that you’ll get a lot of support and feel comfortable even during long playing sessions.

Why did it make our list?

  • Affordable
  • Quality foam provides comfort
  • Light and portable
  • Can set it extremely high
  • Reputable brand

What is not ideal about it?

  • Not all players like round chairs
  • Sometimes loses height
9.

PDP By DW Drum Throne ST102DT720Best Lightweight Drum Chair

Features
  • Drum seat dimensions: not specified
  • Seat shape: tractor
  • Height range: 20-25 inches
  • Legs: 3
  • Swiveling: yes
  • Weight: 8 lbs.

Extra features: ergonomically-shaped cushion; double-braced legs

Here’s another tractor seat that comes at a low price and it’s super light. That means you can enjoy a unique seat design as part of the gear you travel with. You’ll have a comfortable seat even if you’re traveling, without your drum chair adding too much weight to your kit. The seat is even ergonomically designed so you’ll have less stress on your body than with many other drum stools. Just know that it’s not a very large seat, so if you’re buying for a big individual it may not be very comfortable. Of course, this depends on personal preference.

One thing that adds to the sturdiness of this stool is how the seat is connected to the legs: eight screws are used so it will feel solid underneath you.

The lightweight chair is still a quality buy as you get double braced legs that will last you a long time.

You set the height of the chair with a carriage bolt locking screw, and over time you may experience this will loosen up. But for a budget purchase this can be expected.

If you specifically want your chair to swivel this may not be your ideal buy, as it’s not designed for this movement. This isn’t a deal-breaker for all drummers though.

What do we love it for?

  • Great price
  • Tractor top
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Excellent construction

What were we disappointed with?

  • May lose height
  • Seat too small for some players
  • Not designed to swivel
Features
  • Drum seat dimensions: 12 x 12 x 2.5 inches
  • Seat shape: round
  • Height range: 17.3-22 inches
  • Legs: 3
  • Swiveling: yes (not 360°)
  • Weight: 4 lbs.

Extra features: anti-slip rubber feet; double-braced base; 5 position bolt lock adjustment for height

Our best budget drum throne comes from another impressive, well-known brand, so even if you don’t want to spend much, you can purchase quality.

This is a round seat which may not be everyone’s first choice, but you get a sturdy tripod with this deal and the seat is well-cushioned. It won’t slip because Mapex added rubber to all the feet and it will support you well thanks to a double-braced leg design.

This one can be set quite low, making it a wise purchase for younger players that are transitioning to regular-sized sets. Unfortunately, it doesn’t cater for very tall players as it can’t go higher than 22”. Also note that you have to pick one of the few predetermined heights—you can’t set it at smaller increments. Some players find it too much effort to unscrew the wingnut to adjust the height settings, but this method provides extra reliability and is not uncommon in the market – you have to decide whether it will bother you.

A huge benefit is how light this one is. At 4 lbs. it’s an easy accessory to tour with, making it worth any performing drummer’s consideration.

Some users do complain about the drum stool squeaking while they play. Perhaps this is related to the weight of the player or only happens with certain units as it doesn’t happen with everyone who has tried this model. Also, in most cases it doesn’t matter as the playing is loud enough to drown out such noise.

What are our favorite features?

  • Cheap
  • Portable
  • Trusted brand
  • Rubber feet and sturdy design

What could be better?

  • Some chairs squeak
  • Only a few height settings
  • Can’t be set very high

Things to Consider

Our guide will give you the reasons why a new drum throne is a wise investment as well as how to go about your shopping. Understanding the motivation behind this investment and what makes a chair valuable will help you make the best investment in your music.

Why it’s important to choose the right drum throne

You may be tempted to purchase the first drum throne you see or save money on the seat so you have more to spend on your drum set. But choose carefully; the right drum throne can impact your entire drumming experience and even your budget in the future, because:

  • Quality thrones last you a long time, preventing repurchase or repair expenses.
  • You need a stable chair to deliver good performances. If you feel you’ll topple over you won’t concentrate on your playing.
  • The comfort of the seat also determines your quality of play and whether you can concentrate on playing for long periods.
  • A well-designed seat is light and easy to pack up which will be valuable if you travel a lot to gigs or practices.
  • Only quality seats allow for multiple height options so you can enjoy the ideal sitting position.
  • A chair that swivels well will provide you with an effortless way of reaching where you want to. This puts less strain on your body.

To get value for money once you start shopping for seats, keep reading.

Features to consider when choosing a drum throne

10 Great Drum Thrones for Drummers of all Shapes and SizesMany different features and considerations determine the value of your purchase. We discuss each one so you can understand what you’re getting into. Know how to look past marketing jargon and discover the best drum throne for your specific setup.

Seat shape and materials

Your sessions on your drum throne may be long, so comfort is an essential consideration. But where does comfort come from? You need to think of the seat padding of course—more is better in most cases unless you have a personal preference for a harder surface. But don’t forget to try out different shapes too. Round ones are common, but many drummers find a motorcycle type such as the Gibraltar Pro Oversized Motorcycle Style Throne or a saddle type more appropriate as there’s less chance of the chair affecting your legs’ blood circulation. The unique shape of a saddle type may also prevent sliding around on the surface of the chair.

Drum gear manufacturers have done intense research over the last few decades about solving challenges that many players face. That’s why you also get ergonomically-designed drum stools now, such as the ROWELL Drum Throne and other ones that even prevent pressure on your tailbone from affecting your spine. This is especially important if you practice for long periods or want to play a two-hour performance in comfort. You can also prevent back pain in the future if you purchase a quality chair that affords you support and absorbs some of the tension.

You can see why buying a quality seat is important: it affects your play now and in the future.

Height range and adjustment

Comfort is further affected by whether you can adjust the chair to suit your height. Most chairs will have adjustment features, but make sure it’s small or large enough and can cater to your specific height. Children usually won’t feel as comfortable on regular sized chairs. Taller players often struggle to find a chair that affords the perfect drumming position (more about that below), but larger throne models like the DW Drum Workshop 5000 Series Tractor Seat Drum Throne do exist.

Also consider how the chair allows for height adjustments as this determines user-friendliness.
Many have bolts that slip into place to lock it into position, with only a few pre-determined heights to pick from. The other option is a swivel lock which most players find the most convenient.

Does it swivel?

If you’ve drummed at all you know this is not a stationary activity. Many body parts move and you also face different directions during a session. How do you make this happen smoothly? By using swivel features, rather than you shifting around on the chair. If you know you’re an energetic player who wants freedom of movement, confirm whether your new drum throne has a swivel feature, preferably without the chair squeaking each time you move.

Back support

10 Great Drum Thrones for Drummers of all Shapes and SizesBack rests aren’t common to all drum thrones but don’t ignore this feature altogether. It can make your long practice sessions much easier if your back has some support from a back rest. Back support is also a health consideration: a back rest can prevent back pain and help you retain good posture.

If it doesn’t have a back rest, will it allow you to add this back support in the future? Look at the specs before you buy.

Back support also relates to the quality of your seat: with the right foam and padding the cushion will absorb some of the stress and give you the support your body needs.

Don’t let your equipment cause fatigue or even strain on your back—shop wisely for the long-term benefit of your art and your body.

Drum throne weight and weight capacity

How much does it weigh and how much do you weigh? Those are the two important questions to ask when it comes to weight.

It’s better to invest in a lighter model as they’re easy to transport. While this feature is more valuable to players who travel a lot, remember this aspect whether you travel with your drums or not. You never know when you’ll start performing at other venues. You may also want to practice elsewhere for which a portable kit is essential, such as the Ludwig drum throne.

You must make sure the kit is able to handle your weight—and everyone that will use it. If you’re a drumming teacher, you need to cater to heavily-built students too. You must consider this aspect as the lugs and mechanisms may wear out if larger individuals use stools designed for smaller people. Don’t purchase a unit you’ll simply have to replace within a few months. If you only have to cater for a lower weight capacity, you can use a lightweight drum throne and it should serve you well for years.

Stability and number of feet

10 Great Drum Thrones for Drummers of all Shapes and SizesYour comfort during a session will also be determined by whether you trust your chair to stay upright. In this department, the feet of the chair plays an important role. They must ensure stability and a throne with three feet—rather than one with four legs—is often preferred by the pros as it won’t easily tip over.

Research what the framework is made of and invest in thrones with double-braced legs – they’re usually longer lasting.

Also, make sure to prevent the chair from sliding on a smooth surface by making sure there are rubber grips on the feet.

FAQ

The best height for a drum set will differ between players. It must afford you comfort to play but don’t forget to ensure your body—such as your back muscles—doesn’t experience unnecessary tension. For most players a healthy and comfortable position can be enjoyed if your legs make an angle of 90° or more. Pros either pick a position of their legs being parallel to the ground or the thighs will be slightly higher than the knees.

A back rest can afford you some added stability while sitting on the drum throne but not all seats have them. The back rests are often designed to serve as universal accessories: you can fit them to drum thrones as they have unique mechanisms to attach to the throne’s structure. Note that some drum chair designs may not allow for a backrest attachment.

Back pain is often the result of putting certain muscles or joints under pressure. This means your posture isn’t ideal. You’ll experience less discomfort if you work on your body posture and maintain it during each drumming session. The quality of your drum throne also plays a role as you must be able to adjust it to the appropriate height to facilitate good body posture. Padding will also limit pressure on certain areas of your buttocks and spine.

Our Verdict

Your new drum set can transform your play overnight especially if you invest in a piece such as our Editor’s pick, the Pearl D2500BR Drum Throne which earned full marks: 10 out of 10. It impressed with the design, sturdiness, and the fact that you get a backrest.

The Ahead Spinal G drum throne wasn’t far behind in the competition though. We had to give it high marks for catering to those players who suffer from back problems. At 9.9 it’s a wise investment.

In third place of our best drum throne options, the ROWELL drum throne earned 9.7 from our panel as it could handle so much weight. It’s not only practical though: it looks good too.

The market does cater to all types of players so you have no reason not to upgrade your gear: be the best musician you can be when you get the right equipment.

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