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The PERFECT chair

peterpalmieri

Supporting Member
Apr 19, 2005
7,886
5,601
Babylon, NY
Any thoughts on the perfect studio chair?

A great office chair with arms is great for spending time at the desk, but not so great for playing the bass. I have a great roc n sok stool for practicing, which is bar height. I have a piano bench which is super uncomfortable and an office chair that even with the arms removed is to relaxed for playing the bass.

Drafting stool maybe or a drum stool with a backrest. I bet someone on TB has already figured this out for me
 
clore chair.jpg


My daughters used these chairs from E.A. Clore & Sons when they were little. perfect for playing, no arms, very comfortable. Seat is about a foot off the floor.
 
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Thanks but maybe I should have explained further, I posted this in the recording section assuming folks would understand in that context. Recording situation where you want to be on wheels, comfortable for hours of editing. But also the right ergonomics if you want to pick up a bass and lay down a few tracks..
 
I track and mix to tape so I don't do hours of editing. Still, most chairs stink, as far as ergonomics. I recommend the kneeling position chair from Balans and now Varier, alternating with standing for general desk/office work.

For seated playing of bass or guitar, I recommend a backless chair (stool), sit up straight on the front edge and cross fretting hand leg over the other or use appropriate foot stool. It's also good to make sure it is very solid, so you won't record chair creaks. Drum thrones work fine for this, and save space if you also alternate playing a kit in that same room.

Otto
 
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Yes guys I have a Roc N' Soc bar height stool for practicing bass and upright. I have a keyboard bench for sitting at the desk. Or playing at a normal seat height and various stools.

Looks like a drafting chair is what I'm looking for. An adjustable height armless office chair that is comfortable mixing and playing. Maybe an adjustable foot rest. Specific brands and models if you have a recommendation.
 
Hi @peterpalmieri

I give a lot of postural and ergonomic advice thru work. Adjustable height, backrest angle AND seatbase angle at a minimum. Adjustable height of Lumbar support (ie backrest) is essential too.

The better Commercial chairs are rated in hours ie. how many hours a day you can comfortable sit in them. Mesh chairs are breathable & very conforming to subtle position shifts. Add a woollen blanket or sheepskin in cooler months for ultimate warmth/ softness/ comfort/ breathability.

End of the day - We aren't meant to sit all day, and if we have to, a variety of chairs/stools/standing it really helps our bodies.



I bought a Fender barstool - more as a gimmick - but to my surprise I like it more for playing bass than any other chair I tried. Not just that it turns, I guess what I like about it the most is the foot-rest. I have the small one (24"), 'cause it fits my Pleasure Board just perfectly.

fender%2051%20mij%20precision_IMG_1187.jpg
Notice how the footrest diameter is noticeably bigger than the seat diameter?
• Knees aren't tucked right under + one foot can (usually) reach the floor = That's why they are so comfy, Especially good as an URB stool IME. You don't need the fancy footrest extension.
• surface is rather grippy so you don't slide off.

These can be found for peanuts at hardware stores, some with back rests & some that seat part swivels and adjusts height.

PS. Piano stools have no redeeming features IMO, except small and portable.
 
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Hi @peterpalmieri

I give a lot of postural and ergonomic advice thru work. Adjustable height, backrest angle AND seatbase angle at a minimum. Adjustable height of Lumbar support (ie backrest) is essential too.

The better Commercial chairs are rated in hours ie. how many hours a day you can comfortable sit in them. Mesh chairs are breathable & very conforming to subtle position shifts. Add a woollen blanket or sheepskin in cooler months for ultimate warmth/ softness/ comfort/ breathability.

End of the day - We aren't meant to sit all day, and if we have to, a variety of chairs/stools/standing it really helps our bodies.




Notice how the footrest diameter is noticeably bigger than the seat diameter?
• Knees aren't tucked right under + one foot can (usually) reach the floor = That's why they are so comfy, Especially good as an URB stool IME. You don't need the fancy footrest extension.
• surface is rather grippy so you don't slide off.

These can be found for peanuts at hardware stores, some with back rests & some that seat part swivels and adjusts height.

PS. Piano stools have no redeeming features IMO, except small and portable.

Oh I know the piano bench is terrible. I spend 9 hours in my office at work and I can stand or move around a bit. The high stool on the left of the photo is great for practicing for a few hours and easy to slide off and stand for a bit.

I need a big fix for sitting in front of the computer here at home. I'm starting to do it more and that's why I started the thread.
 
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The chair that you see most often in studios is the Herman Miller Aeron.

I find them to be very comfortable, especially when working long hours. You have to get the right size, ergonomics are important. I prefer all graphite/charcoal but options are available. They are pretty expensive but you only make the purchase once: Invalid Link Removed NOTE: not sure if they are new from this company. They sell for $729 at Herman Miller.

Aeron - Office Chair - Herman Miller

Aeron:
herman miller studio.jpg



LI_AER_P_20130313_039_P.jpg
 
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