Choosing a stool for electric bass guitar

[Jeff Scott]

I'm starting to wonder if this is the right approach. How high is the seat off the floor? Do you use the foot rest or is it just for stability? I guess if one goes this route, the seat level must be perfect since it's non-adjustable. Is the padding thick enough? Lots of reviewers say you need about 3 inches for comfort. Plus no padding on the back, which seems more suited to mid-upper back versus the lumbar area.

P.S. Nice 15/6's from Don! He made several cabs for me, which brings fond memories of gigging those for a few years during the Dave Green(boy) phase.

I can make measurements tomorrow of the chair. The footrest (really, a stretcher) can be used depending on how you want to sit; I rarely use it as such.

The LDS cabs are 10/6 (I calls them a 1106); note that they are mirror-imaged. Eminence 3010LF, FaitalPro 6.5 mid driver that works well up to about 10K, and a custom Ralf Patterson crossover.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

In processing the comments and photos in this thread, I'm growing to resist the idea of being perched atop a tall stool with my feet on side pegs. A bass stork, so to speak. Is a drum throne or even a chair-chair better for me?

To test this idea, I grabbed an old office chair and have been playing on that for several days, feet flat on the floor and legs parallel to the floor. Bass resting on my right thigh. The main driver for all this was to focus on improving pick technique, which hasn't been as fluid and dexterous as I'd like from a standing position. Low and behold: sitting has produced an immediate magnitude of improvement in picking. There's no distracting weight on my shoulders/neck, I have free, fluid access to the entire fingerboard, and my picking arm is naturally parallel to the strings -- approaching comfortably from the indentation in the bass bout. Just like Carol Kaye, Joe Osborn, etc. does it.

The other surprise is while I can play fingerstyle with no issues from a standing position, it's harder to play fingerstyle from a sitting position because the bass resting on my thigh is sitting too high for fluid, dexterous plucking. Never would have guessed that one! Perhaps it would be less of an issue if I restricted plucking to use only my thumb....

For gigs using both fingerstyle and pick, am I doomed to be a bouncing ball, constantly rising to my feet or sitting depending on the respective technique? Any comments about these discoveries as they might affect your playing techniques?

 

[Jeff Scott]

One thing that you could try for fingerstyle is to sit forward on the chair and rest the bass on your left leg, classical guitar-style. It might make the neck "sit" too far to the left but it's worth a try, or some variation of such.

 

[Hoochie Coochie Man]

I am not sure if this one has been suggested already so sorry if it has, but I recently saw this one which I was considering buying myself.

RDS42

All About Your RDS42: How to set up your RDS42: Description: Rockville RDS42 Portable Performers Chair/DJ/Guitarist/Drummer/Keyboardist/Musicians Chair The Rockville RDS42 portable performers chair is suitable for DJ’s and all types of musicians. Its lightweight and features an easy...

www.rockvilleaudio.com

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

One thing that you could try for fingerstyle is to sit forward on the chair and rest the bass on your left leg, classical guitar-style. It might make the neck "sit" too far to the left but it's worth a try, or some variation of such.

I tried this idea and while straining a bit to set up straight, felt the bass was too far from my body. Ended up hunched over the bass a bit, and while I could play fairly fluidly, it did not have a good body feel. Tried shifting the bass to my right thigh and holding it a bit lower -- same issue. Kind of looks like I can use thumb plucking in the normal seated position, but will need to stand for more rigorous plucking. We'll see if there's a difference with a drum throne when I try one later.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I tried this idea and while straining a bit to set up straight, felt the bass was too far from my body. Ended up hunched over the bass a bit, and while I could play fairly fluidly, it did not have a good body feel. Tried shifting the bass to my right thigh and holding it a bit lower -- same issue. Kind of looks like I can use thumb plucking in the normal seated position, but will need to stand for more rigorous plucking. We'll see if there's a difference with a drum throne when I try one later.

Hope you can find something that will work for both playing techniques. Have you tried sitting with a strap on to facilitate fingerstyle playing?

 

[Bob_Ross]

I haven't read all four pages of responses, so maybe this has already been mentioned:

Something I've recently learned the hard way -- the rehearsal/recording studio where I've been working a lot lately just bought a bunch of stools and did not take this into consideration, and now all the musicians are paying the price -- is you definitely want to buy something that is purpose-built for musical performers.

I've used lots of Drum Stools (with a back rest) that were perfect. I haven't tried any of the dedicated "Guitar Stools" or "Bass Stools" but I suspect, if they're built with the same degree of durability and adjustability as modern Drum Stools, they'd be ideal.

Do not think that you can buy a residential bar stool from Wayfair or Ikea etc and have that work! You will fall off and break your ass; ask me how I know.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Hope you can find something that will work for both playing techniques. Have you tried sitting with a strap on to facilitate fingerstyle playing?

When sitting all the way back in the office chair, the bass on my right thigh naturally sits a tad higher than when I stand with a strap. Hence, the strap dangles too loosely to be helpful while seated. Maybe I should raise the strap height slightly and ditch the chair? : )) Seriously, the bass weight seems to be an impediment for picking smoothly, which led me to explore chairs. Perhaps I'll discover more once I get a chance to try a drum throne.

As for thumb picking, it's actually another technique I want to polish -- especially because I'm getting into a project where emulating an airy upright feel will be perfect for the genre's song catalog. That will be perfect for a seated position. Maybe standing, too, if I raise the strap height?

 

[Faith Nicole]

Drum stool.

-They are sturdy
-You can adjust height
-they fold for transport
-the lower sitting position places the bass in your lap, so no strap needed
-the floor is your footrest
-you can get a backrest for them
-there's enough movement to safely handle a bass while seated.

Most of the time I used an armless chair from the venue.

Probably the most comfy stool I used for BG was:
View attachment 7168769
Preferred = Roc N Soc Nitro with optional backrest. For me the Nitro works well for upright as well, and they make a taller Lunar Tympani throne with a footring and backrest, but it does not break down.
View attachment 7168789

They also make Tower Seats in 20", 26", and 30."
View attachment 7168796
Roc N Soc says backrests are not an option for Tower Seats.

FYI You can order Roc N Soc with various cushion shapes.

I don't need a foot rest, especially if the stool can be adjusted low enough.

If you must have a foot rest, something like this (foot stool) starts around $13.
View attachment 7168770
You can adjust and place however you like. One guitarist I worked with used wood blocks.


My KC String upright stool actually works well for me with BG....but no backrest.
View attachment 7168773
It's not adjustable, but fits me well.

The rock-N-sock seems to get a lot of love. But it sure looks bulky and heavy to use at gigs!

View attachment 7168796
I use the roc-n-soc when health requires me to do so. I still prefer standing For me, I used a pipe cutter on the I ordered and shortened the legs to suit. It's not overly heavy, it is awkward to transport since it doesn't fold.

Our drummer has been using it - not for drums, for when he is out front singing lead only due to his health. I also have a basic wooden stool that I'll keep behind me when I'm uncertain about needing a break. I'm much improved so I haven't been bringing a stool at all.

 

[bdplaid]

I actually prefer a chair. But stools look cooler.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

So I drilled a new hole in my strap and raised the bass to the same level as in sitting position. What a revelation. Duh. The bass rides far more cleanly on my torso and it feels like weight has shed from my shoulders. Picking while standing is a breeze now with the bass at seated position-level. And for plucking with fingers, I figured out how to let my right arm/elbow kind of hang behind the bass by my side in both the new standing position and while sitting. I feel like I've made a beginner's blunder for not getting the height thing nailed down years ago. But glad to have discovered the right course - finally!

The decision to get a stool is less urgent, but I can also see the benefits of sitting -- especially for gigs where the band should be low profile. My next step is to try a drum throne. Hopefully in the next week or so.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Do you have photos of how you used to have your bass hanging before the recent surgery on your strap?

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Do you have photos of how you used to have your bass hanging before the recent surgery on your strap?

Nothing recent, when standing, it was closer to/almost below my hip. Now it's just above the hip and in front of my gut. Higher than I've tried it before, but with many benefits as mentioned. Felt strange at first but the new position is so much easier to play all over the neck, with much better control of picking. So delighted I can have that either sitting or standing!

 

[Jeff Scott]

Nothing recent, when standing, it was closer to/almost below my hip. Now it's just above the hip and in front of my gut. Higher than I've tried it before, but with many benefits as mentioned. Felt strange at first but the new position is so much easier to play all over the neck, with much better control of picking. So delighted I can have that either sitting or standing!

I'm glad that you learning the advantages of getting your bass to a good "ride" height. It really does make a difference. Do you feel a difference as to how your wrist feels with the bass slung higher?

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I'm glad that you learning the advantages of getting your bass to a good "ride" height. It really does make a difference. Do you feel a difference as to how your wrist feels with the bass slung higher?

Previously my hand was hanging in a drop-down position. In the new position, with my arm pulled back, my wrist is slightly bent. So there's slight pressure on the wrist, but not in a bad way. My arm and wrist are totally loose. Getting used to it faster than I'd have thought.

It is interesting how a fraction of an inch in repositioning instrument/body parts can have such a substantial impact on technique. This thread experience has taught me a lot more than product info about stools!

 

[Jeff Scott]

How about your fretting hand?

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

How about your fretting hand?

Even more relaxed. I have small hands but can easily fret 19 of the 20 frets on my Jazz and P bass. The higher position of the bass makes a huge difference

 

[Faith Nicole]

Even more relaxed. I have small hands but can easily fret 19 of the 20 frets on my Jazz and P bass. The higher position of the bass makes a huge difference

I've tried raising the bass up a bit, more conducive to sitting, my fretting hand doesn't like the angle and cramps up.

When I first started the going recommendation was to sit, adjust the strap, and play that way - maintaining the same position sitting or standing. I could never get used to it. So I adjusted for fretting hand comfort. Thus, the stool height I use (when I use a stool) allows for a longer strap position.

Good on you finding your comfort spot.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Checked out a dozen thrones at a local music store today. Some with motorcycle seat, some round, some pillowy, some hard as nails. Some were sturdy and solid, others wobbled a bit or had squeaks. None of the thrones had back attachments. Also sat on four "high chair" seats, which all felt hard as a rock.

Based on a quick tour of sitting on each one, I'm getting comfortable with the drum throne concept. The pneumatic lifts felt more cushioned than seats that screwed up and down the chair pole. The thicker seats (about 3 or more inches in depth) felt very good on my bony behind. Round seats felt more comfortable, and speaking of comfort -- fabric topped thrones felt the best.

I really wanted to try one with a seat back. I have a hunch this will be for me.

Most of the brands sounded familiar but the store did not have Roc N Soc, the brand so many like here on TalkBass.

 

[2saddleslab]

I take whatever seat the venue has to offer [when we play seated]. Those options have run the gamut from comfy to torture. Recently I have kept a round dense seat pad in my car, just in case. Just a couple weeks ago it saved my boney rear end big time.

At home my butt enjoys the luxury of this nicely padded armless swivel seat. Wish I could take it on the road.