Choosing a stool for electric bass guitar

[blackat]

My wife makes fun of me since I've rotated through so many stools. Right now I have a drum throne, Shaker wood kitchen chair and a classical guitar chair in my studio. This did not preclude me from reading this thread to see if anyone had a better stool suggestion.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

This is the best I've found so far: Adjustable Standard Guitar Stool with Backrest - Liquid Stands

Lot of negative reviews on this one in terms of footrest stability, plus discomfort on the seat. Your experience?

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I'll +1 the Roc N Soc. Adjustable, comfortable, and bullet proof. And they make an adjustable footrest attachement, Roc-N-Soc Peg It Foot Rest - Drums Etc.

Have you used this foot rest attachment? I haven't sat on a rockNsock, but since the throne is already low and the footrest is half-way up the stand, hard to see how it would be useable without discomfort.

 

[ole Jason]

Personally I just bring a folding chair with me to gigs where I'll be sitting and know there won't be a chair there. Cheap, light, easy to carry, and the crossbar functions as a footrest.

Drum thrones work well but they're usually heavy as hell and can be a pain for load-in if I'm walking a few blocks.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Drum thrones work well but they're usually heavy as hell and can be a pain for load-in if I'm walking a few blocks.

Also my impression. And since I'm moving a bass guitar, mic stand, EV EVOLVE 50M column speaker and Soundcraft digital mixer, I'm thinking a throne would just about do me in!

 

[Hasty]

I've used a K&M stool for years. Folds relatively flat (emphasis on relatively), has a optional backrest, adjustable height, and adjustable footrest.

Stool with backrest

Whether you play guitar, keyboard or any other instrument, this versatile stool with integrated backrest gives you the support you need for every use. The ergonomically shaped seat noticeably…

www.k-m.de

Works well for double bass or electric, it's pretty comfy, and not too terrible to bring on gigs. I usually stack it on the rock-n-roller cart with the amp and other accessories.

I also have a drum throne with a tractor style seat (very similar to the roc-n-soc) that I picked up used at guitar center for $50. If I was only playing electric bass, the drum throne would probably be my first choice. It's slightly smaller and you can pull the seat cushion off for easier transport and packing in the car. The drummer in my band throws his in a heavy duty duffel bag that's the perfect size for his roc-n-soc and cartage is greatly simplified.

 

[Hasty]

Also my impression. And since I'm moving a bass guitar, mic stand, EV EVOLVE 50M column speaker and Soundcraft digital mixer, I'm thinking a throne would just about do me in!

Sounds like you need a stool, and a cart.

Rock-N-Roller Multi-Cart - Move ALL Your Gear In One Trip!

Rock-N-Roller utility carts quickly and easily transform into 8 different configurations, to accomodate any load. Move all your equipment, gear or materials...

rocknrollercart.com

 

[porterbass]

If I'm not in my Aeron chair in my home office, I have an On-Stage x-style keyboard bench that I can use downstairs. It's height-adjustable and comfortable while being fairly portable. It's very similar to this model:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Bench--on-stage-stands-kt7800-deluxe-by-style-bench

I've had this On-Stage footrest for many years for flamenco guitar and I also use it some at home when seated in the Aeron chair or the keyboard bench. There are a bunch of various styles and manufacturers of footrests like this.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...097697a406fe38265e&_index=production_products

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Sounds like you need a stool, and a cart.

Rock-N-Roller Multi-Cart - Move ALL Your Gear In One Trip!

Rock-N-Roller utility carts quickly and easily transform into 8 different configurations, to accomodate any load. Move all your equipment, gear or materials...

rocknrollercart.com

I've had a similar cart like that for many years. Wonderful! However, living in the farm country, getting gear from house into the pickup truck ain't always a smooth process! Especially over a gravel walkway and parking area!

 

[moon-bass]

I'd never, ever hang my guitar from a stool/chair. Lack of stability, space considerations, etc. not withstanding (as compared to an actual guitar stand), all it would take would be one drummer or drunk (or drunk drummer) to make me have a really bad night.

I've looked far and wide for the best stool for me - I've used drum thrones, wood stools, bar stools, etc. - I've found what really works are drafting chairs. Tons and tons of options and price points. I like the ones without arms and with a backrest, YMMV.

Also not for nothing but this advice -

1. Convenience: Having the guitar stand on the back of the stool allows you to easily place your instrument there during breaks without getting up or reaching far15.
2. Space efficiency: The backside placement doesn't interfere with your seating position or footrest, maximizing the usable space on the stool1.
3. Protection: Many stools with integrated stands have protective features on the back, such as silicone anti-collision bars and foam padding, to keep your instrument secure and prevent damage5.
4. Stability: When the guitar is hung on the back of the stool, it creates a counterbalance to your seated position, potentially improving overall stability1.
5. Accessibility: This configuration allows you to quickly grab your instrument when you're ready to play again, without awkward reaching or bending15.
6. Versatility: Having the stand on the back allows you to use the stool normally when you don't need to store your guitar, making it more versatile for different situations1.

Maybe theoretically, but terrible for the real world, especially as compared to a seperate stool and guitar stand.

 

[climber]

This is the best I've found so far: Adjustable Standard Guitar Stool with Backrest - Liquid Stands

that looks pretty nice. how much does it actually fold up?

 

[Rojd]

I used this Gibraltar drum throne in my bass room.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...V2iStBh0oFDCJEAQYBSABEgI5b_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Hasty]

I've had a similar cart like that for many years. Wonderful! However, living in the farm country, getting gear from house into the pickup truck ain't always a smooth process! Especially over a gravel walkway and parking area!

IMO the thing that really sets the Rock-n-Roller cart apart are the bigger wheels that have a little cushion in them. I've used them on gravel, turf, uneven parking lots. Light years better than any other cart I've owned.

 

[Watchootognbout]

I have a Kktoner rolling stool.

Rolling Saddle Stool PU Leather Swivel Adjustable Rolling Stool with Wheels | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Rolling Saddle Stool PU Leather Swivel Adjustable Rolling Stool with Wheels at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

It's not too shabby.
Pretty sturdy.
It adjusts from 20" to 26"
Easy to put together.
Not bad for $80.00

 

[Low Main]

I like to do what Bernard Edwards did. Play seated sometimes, and then stand up sometimes.

But I don't want to sit way down low when I'm seated. I like to perch on the front edge of the stool with my legs more extended than bent so I can transition to standing up quickly and easily. I also wanted no chrome or bright colors to draw attention to my means of support.

I ended up with this inexpensive Ikea bar stool. Black, not glossy, not heavy, folds up for easy transport. Non-adjustable but serves my needs.

The front edge of the seat also has a nice curve you can rest your butt against if you don't want to sit all the way up on the stool.

Only one problem: the finish is smooth and at first I slid around on the seat.

A few well placed strips of black gaffer tape later, I was non-skid and good to go.

FRANKLIN Bar stool with backrest, foldable - IKEA

www.ikea.com

 

[bdplaid]

I like to do what Bernard Edwards did. Play seated sometimes, and then stand up sometimes.

But I don't want to sit way down low when I'm seated. I like to perch on the front edge of the stool with my legs more extended than bent so I can transition to standing up quickly and easily. I also wanted no chrome or bright colors to draw attention to my means of support.

I ended up with this inexpensive Ikea bar stool. Black, not glossy, not heavy, folds up for easy transport. Non-adjustable but serves my needs.

The front edge of the seat also has a nice curve you can rest your butt against if you don't want to sit all the way up on the stool.

Only one problem: the finish is smooth and at first I slid around on the seat.

A few well placed strips of black gaffer tape later, I was non-skid and good to go.

FRANKLIN Bar stool with backrest, foldable - IKEA

www.ikea.com

I have one of those too! Folds and transports easily, not heavy, looks sorta cool, but it takes up more stage space than I would like.

 

[eeyorebass]

This is the best I've found so far: Adjustable Standard Guitar Stool with Backrest - Liquid Stands

I'd like to hear more about this one from anyone that's tried it. It looks like the K&M, but at a fraction the price.

 

[ClassicJazz]

I do quite a bit of duo gigs where I am sitting down playing either an electric or electric/acoustic bass. After many years I found these the best, for me that is.

Got this drum throne off of eBay. Very comfortable and the size does not interfere with the bass (I usually don't use a strap when sitting) if it has an offset body or the jack is on bottom side of the bass,

Next this is a must especially if you do not use a strap....

Got this on Amazon, makes playing much more comfortable and keeps the bass from sliding off my lap.

 

[Not_Shane]

I was lucky enough to score this Sam Ash chair from a closing store when they were liquidating. $100 and its super nice. Probably can't get this from anywhere, but its similar to others posted. The ring foot rest is the best part.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Several of you are extolling the virtues of a drum throne. How important is a backrest? I see many throne seats with the back slightly curled up to create a physical "butt stop" -- is that good enough without adding the weight and mechanical process of attaching/detaching a seat back?