Chairs?

[trout fishing]

My back is killing me when I play bass on my office chair at home. I'm no ergo expert, but the seat seems too large, and I can't rest my back properly when I'm playing:

Also, I'd like a chair I can raise the arm rests, because bass.

Anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to pay Herman Miller prices, but also don't want something crappy from Walmart.

Thanks!

 

[red_rhino]

Folding chair works very well. (And it's more portable.)

 

[Docduval]

I am referring to a chair without armrests for playing bass. That way the chair doesn't dictate how I play my bass.

 

[GretschWretch]

I've never seen a folding chair with armrests. AND, they are light and foldable. Possibly the only thing better for you would be a stool of the proper height.

 

[Rocket Queen]

W

Thread 'Need Chair Recommendations for Bass Practice (Bulging Disc/Back Pain)'

Jul 3, 2026

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice from fellow players, especially anyone who has dealt with back issues. I am not too certain this is the right subforum to post in but apologise if it isnt.

I have a bulging disc, so standing for long periods eventually causes pain. Surprisingly, sitting improperly can make it hurt even sooner than standing

Right now I'm using an IKEA Markus chair. It's actually very comfortable for general use, and I've removed the armrests to make bass playing possible. Unfortunately, it still doesn't seem to work that well for practicing. I find myself...

• wooheehaa
• Replies: 31
• Forum: General Instruction [BG]

 

[Pontiac Thrasher]

Stand up with proper posture while playing your bass, not kidding.

My back is killing me when I play bass on my office chair at home. I'm no ergo expert, but the seat seems too large, and I can't rest my back properly when I'm playing:

View attachment 7538284

Also, I'd like a chair I can raise the arm rests, because bass.

Anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to pay Herman Miller prices, but also don't want something crappy from Walmart.

Thanks!

 

[J Wilson]

I prefer a good drum throne that'll go high enough to be comfortable.

 

[ashtray]

I use a drum throne in my music room/office for practing, though I also have an office chair at my desk that the faux leather is causing a real mess. I'm currently shopping for an armless office chair. Amazon has a bunch for around or under $100. Marketplace has used chairs for $10-50. They make office chairs with arm rests that flip back and out of the way, but I find they still stick out and end up hitting the back of your arm if playing bass. There's a bunch of options out there.

 

[Element Zero]

I've had this for almost a decade. Love it.

Roc-N-Soc Nitro Gas Drum Throne with Original Saddle - Blue | Sweetwater

Only at Sweetwater! ✅ Easy Payments and ✅ FREE Shipping for your Roc-N-Soc Nitro Gas Drum Throne with Original Saddle Blue!

www.sweetwater.com

 

[Nebadon2000]

"My back is killing me when I play bass on my office chair at home."

Their are many post similar:

They remind me of

Patient told Doctor everything I take a sip of my coffee my eye hurts Doctor replied take the stir spoon out of cup before you drink

Also: Bono of U2 stepped to the mic at concert with a Triangle and rang it 3 times about a second apart and said
"Every time I ring this a Child dies of Hunger" then a member of the audience
yelled out "Then stop F'ing doing it"

If I experienced what OP mentioned in my quote it would only happen once

I us solid folding chair with seat pad
Many use stool or drums throne with success and all retail outlets have good selections for sale for this purpose some with foot and back rest if that interest you

 

[Wez Yo Bice]

I thought it was a cardnal rule to not have armrests on the chairs at a jam? Folding chairs. kitchen chairs. But alas I can't go more than a 3-4 hours, either.

 

[Savage_Dreams]

Unless you have one of those super size almost lazy boy desk chairs, ive never had a problem with an office chair. Simple one like this have worked for me for years

 

[Savage_Dreams]

I thought it was a cardnal rule to not have armrests on the chairs at a jam? Folding chairs. kitchen chairs. But alas I can't go more than a 3-4 hours, either.

The OP was talking about at home, I'm thinking personal practice rather than jamming with others.

 

[Aric Bjorn]

Folding chair works very well. (And it's more portable.)

"Padded folding stool with backrest" gets better search results

I am referring to a chair without armrests for playing bass. That way the chair doesn't dictate how I play my bass.

 

[mikecd1]

I've been using the gator frameworks combination seat / stand for practice and at gigs sometimes for a little rest when I need it. The backrest is detachable.

 

[basslayer]

I tend to sit like this with the bass to support my back. It also makes chair arms irrelevant.

 

[Lo-E]

Arm rests are totally out for me.
For practice at home I use a drafting stool I inherited from my father:

It's high enough to allow me to sit with one leg straight and hang the bass as I do playing standing, or I can scootch back, put my foot up on the foot rest and place the bass on my leg for longer practice sessions. The back is nice and straight so I don't hunch over. Ergonomically, it has worked out well for me.

A nearby practice space that one of my bands uses has a variety of folding chairs that work okay. I prefer a high stool with a back. My next choice would be a stool without a back and last would be the folding chair. I think it's pretty important to be able to play the bass on the strap and have it hang the way it would on a gig.

 

[Thumpin6string]

Stand up with proper posture while playing your bass, not kidding.

That is great if you don't have back problems like stenosis or arthritis. I always have to play sitting down since I can't stand for more than a couple minutes. I just use a drum throne or any stool that is available.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

In our rehearsal space we all had bar stools that may or may not have followed us home.

 

[winegamd]

All I have to ask is, what is so special about drummers butts that drum thrones are so expensive?