• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

I need a stool. How to minimize on stage?

Big Hoss

Big Hoss

Up note, down note, blue note, brown note...
Sep 5, 2014
5,455
4,234
In body. Texas. In spirit on the road.
daves-workshop.blogspot.com
Disclosures
None
#1
I've made no secret of my back issues here. Not too much detail here but it can be considered permanent sciatica, the severity fluctuates but it is there...

I've had a flare up, REALLY bad last time I was on stage. I ended up leaning my not inconsiderable weight against the guitarists (read he borrows my) GTX-60 combo amp.

I need to have a stool on stage so I can get off the leg / take pressure off my lower back and keep playing.

I know the TB "Rules Police" that say we should all play a P with flats and tort also tell me I shouldn't mix drivers, sit or lean while playing, and no pro caliber bass player wears shorts.

W-HIKnbb_400x400.jpg


Oh. Yeah, right...

Aaaaanyway. so obviously the rules gestapo can suck it.

So while we are ignoring the self appointed rules cops, how can I minimize the appearance of a stool or something like that on stage?

I am thinking about grabbing a cheap wooden bar stool like the $20.00 job at Walmart, scuffing it down so a finish will stick, priming and painting it matte black.

0ad32ea5-f16a-44c2-87aa-baea571bb771_1.269633682c43b531a8ba10b103b8bfaa.jpg


Does anyone else here use a stool on stage? What should I look out for?
 
  • Like
Reactions: bdplaid, smogg and MrLenny1
#3
  • Like
Reactions: audreycashin
#4
The flat black idea is a good one. Avoid metal or anything "shiny". Also, consider making the stool a height so that you can use it more as a rest than a seat. Allow your bass to hang as normal, and keep the good leg on the ground (if possible with your condition). It keeps you from looking completely seated during the gig.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gravedigger Dav, fretlessguy, StyleOverShow and 5 others
#5
Unless you spend a decent amount of money, I don't see how you could beat the classic wooden stool (as in your pic) that is painted black. Only suggestion would be to add a seat pad (as a periodic sciatica sufferer as well, seat pads are good). You can DIY that easily.

Agree with @guy n. cognito - get one tall enough so you can lean on it, rather full fledged seated position.

Here's to many pain free days. Good Luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Old Blastard, bound'n'blocked, MrLenny1 and 1 other person
#6
Big Hoss said:
Good looking stool, good idea, however due to my weight, I do NOT trust those tubular frame stools. Those are one of those cases where they don't make em like they used to...
Click to expand...
It's rated for 250 which is higher than most (all?) others. It's heavier than others but not too bad - and sturdier than heck IMO. I've had mine for at least a year.

Here's a lighter one only rated for 200 lbs
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/on-stage-stands-dt7500-guitarist-stool-with-footrest
 
Last edited:
#8
As most of you know I'm 82 years old. I've been using a stool for several years. Tall wooden one from Walmart with a pad. Mine is varnished a dark color, not black, but, that is a good idea.

I stand for the early songs and when needed I back up to the stool and "kinda" lean, and or sit, on it, not actually sitting - my feet are still on the ground, it's my hips that need the rest, and a lean does the job. Couple of songs and I'm ready to stand for awhile. My jumping around days are over.

Plus 1 to a tall wooden stool. $20 plus the pad and you should be OK.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: lukehagerman, Guiseppe, fretlessguy and 9 others
#10
  • Like
Reactions: AngusHasMoxie, Old Blastard and Westsailor
#11
if i was going to 'lean on it' , more than sit , ... i'd want some rubber feet of some kind down there to keep it from sliding out from under me ..!!

and /or maybe something with a padded bike shapes seat ... like the old drum stools ... then you won't pinch the back of your legs as much ..!?
 
  • Like
Reactions: RBrownBass
#13
DavC said:
if i was going to 'lean on it' , more than sit , ... i'd want some rubber feet of some kind down there to keep it from sliding out from under me ..!!

and /or maybe something with a padded bike shapes seat ... like the old drum stools ... then you won't pinch the back of your legs as much ..!?
Click to expand...

I thought of a drum throne, but they tend to be a bit short....
 
#14
Big Hoss said:
I was trying not to respond to that. I don't feel fat. I know I am.... Working on it, but this (expletive) back problem doesn't help matters, at all..
Click to expand...
Oh the feeling definitely matches the reality.

But it's odd that 250 is the max. I'm not massive but I'm a large man. 6'1 and 275ish. It's surprising that I wouldn't be able to use this product. Lots of other Americans are larger or fatter than me, especially bass players.
 
  • Like
Reactions: packrat and Old Blastard
#18
Gorn said:
Oh the feeling definitely matches the reality.

But it's odd that 250 is the max. I'm not massive but I'm a large man. 6'1 and 275ish. It's surprising that I wouldn't be able to use this product. Lots of other Americans are larger or fatter than me, especially bass players.
Click to expand...

In my case, big guy, big sound...

I'm still tripping close to 350, so no, 250 isn't going to cut it...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back