The 7 Best Drum Thrones for 2022 Reviewed

A comfortable and practical throne is vital to a drum player’s sound output and creative ability. In the words of Billy Brennan, a good throne “is the foundation of any player’s groove.” Here are some benefits of a good throne and the proper sitting form:

• By sitting correctly, you can actually play more complex patterns than you would with poor posture.
• By sitting well, your weight is evenly distributed. Having an even distribution of weight will improve your timing. If your timing is spot on, your tempo will improve as well.
• You will develop a better sound if you aren’t focused on your posture. Once you train your body to keep good posture, you won’t have to think about it anymore and you can focus on playing.
• Cheaper seats tend to squeak the longer you use them. Investing in a higher quality throne will minimize these squeaks and get you focused on playing.

 

Aside from basic considerations like durability and comfort, there are a few other key features you should consider during your search for the best throne. All thrones should have a height adjustability feature. If the one you are considering doesn’t, it isn’t a good option for you or anyone. Your seat should also have a large surface area. Without it, you’ll struggle to stay in a secure position without tipping over. Thrones should be made out of a material that is both soft and firm, and they should be foldable so you can travel with them. These are a few of the primary things you want to shop for. Here at Drum Center of Portsmouth, we know quite a bit about what makes a good drum throne. That’s why we’re bringing you the ultimate buyer’s guide of our top 6 drum thrones for 2022. We’ve categorized our review by priority, so you can find the throne that suits your unique needs.  

 

1. Best Overall Drum Throne - Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider with Cloth Top Seat

 

Of all our top picks, this is our favorite because we believe every feature was carefully contemplated. Unlike other products, this ergonomic throne features a hybrid seat. The combination round/saddle-style seat delivers optimum comfort and support. You won’t get tired of playing on this throne and you’ll notice that you stay comfortable for longer without developing body fatigue. Drumming is all about passion, and lots of drummers show that passion through expressive moments. With this throne, you have the freedom to do that without sacrificing balance.

 

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2. Gibraltar Hydraulic Moto Throne - Best Throne for Comfort

 

This moto-style throne is the ideal option for those who want comfort above all else. What we love about this piece by Gibraltar is the oversized, plush seat. It provides maximum support so you can play with ease without experiencing any pain from extended sitting. This throne also folds down easily for convenience while traveling. The oversized feet make it ultra-stable so you can play as expressively as you want without the risk of tipping over.

 

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Why We Love It: This best-selling throne is a solid option for any drummer who lives and breathes drums. As a drummer, you want to feel the music in your core and be as emotive as possible. Without a drum throne like this one to keep you centered, you’ll find yourself stifling your creativity.

 

3. Tama 1st Chair Round Rider XL Drum Throne With Red Seat - Best Throne for Stability

 

Balance is fundamental to drumming. Without it, your center of gravity will be skewed, which obstructs your ability to play well. This versatile throne features a rounded cushion and exceptionally thick seat that gives you more sitting area, so you can rest your weight on the throne rather than your feet. Aside from how it can help you play better, the beautiful crimson-colored cushion makes it a pleasure to look at and use. While functionality should be the driving factor behind any throne purchase, this product also delivers on design quality.

 

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Why We Love It: This throne brings both stability and comfort to the table, allowing you to focus on your craft without worrying about whether or not your throne is affecting your balance.

 

4. Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider - Beast Throne for Maneuverability

 

This impressive throne can help you reach mastery in your craft. What makes this product so unique is its combination round/saddle-style seat. A round seat promises fluid motion, and a saddle-style seat promises support. No matter how hard you rock, this throne will be your best friend. The front cut-out lets you maintain full control of your thighs so you can use your body as expressively as you please. This model is as sturdy as they come. All of the pieces are made of expert-grade materials that eradicate the chances of loosening bolts.

 

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Why We Love It: There’s a reason this throne is a crowd-favorite. The throne’s ergonomic design makes it a prime choice for drummers who like to move while playing. 

 

5. Ludwig Atlas Classic Saddle Throne - Best Throne for Support

 

Available in a blue/olive colorway, this saddle-style throne is incredible for drummers who want something simple that still has a cool factor. The thick, high-density foam makes this throne our top pick for support because of how it helps eradicate back and leg fatigue. This throne is an especially good pick for drummers who anticipate long performances. Extended periods of sitting can hurt your posture, leaving you with a full-body ache that makes it difficult to play your drums properly. This throne prevents those issues from ever arising in the first place. Once you develop back pain, it can take a while to curb those symptoms. Investing in a throne like this one from the get-go will ensure you never have to face those issues. If you’re looking for a classic look and powerful performance, this one’s for you.

 

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Why We Love It: If you’re most concerned about how your body feels during and after a performance, this throne will serve you well. The saddle-style cushion is firm enough to provide adequate support and soft enough to keep you comfortable while playing.

 

6. Canopus Hybrid Drum Throne II - Best Throne for the Heat

 

While it may not be the most important factor for you to consider, how a throne operates in intense heat is important. The most compelling thing about this throne is the unique material it is made from. The seat is made from an ultra-breathable material called Sisal Hemp, and the cover is made from a firm material called urethane. This hybrid throne will keep you cool in the summer while still providing good support.

 

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While it may not be the most important factor for you to consider, how a throne operates in intense heat is important. The most compelling thing about this throne is the unique material it is made from. The seat is made from an ultra-breathable material called Sisal Hemp, and the cover is made from a firm material called urethane. This hybrid throne will keep you cool in the summer while still providing good support.

 

7. Best Throne for Adjustability - DW Hardware: Heavy Duty Throne, Air Lift, Round Top

 

Arguably our most luxurious pick, this throne has a pneumatic lift system that lets you make fast and smooth adjustments to the seat’s height. Its quad-leg folding base provides added protection from wobbling, and the thick cushion keeps you ache-free for as long as you are using it. Another unique feature of this particular throne is the option to purchase and attach a backrest. You can use this backrest for extra comfort while playing. A backrest will also help you maintain good posture and minimize your risk of toppling over.

 

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Why We Love It: This throne is a reliable option that won’t disappoint when it comes to adjustability. 

 

FAQ

Why is a throne so important?

Thrones are important because, without a comfortable place to sit and the ability to freely move your feet, your ability to play will be challenged. Thrones provide a balance that is fundamental to drumming.

What should be my top priorities when shopping for a throne?

There are so many different thrones on the market, some of which offer unique features that standard thrones do not. However, all thrones should offer comfort and durability. This is a part of your drum kit that you will use a lot, so you want something that wears well.

Do I need a drum throne?

Absolutely. Even if it’s a less expensive option, a drum throne is essential. Without the added support that it provides, you may suffer from back pain while playing. This will not only affect the way you play, but it may diminish your motivation to play.

How do I know I’m ready to buy a throne?

You’ll know you’re ready to invest in a high-quality throne when you notice yourself experiencing pain or fatigue from your current seat. If the seat you use with your drum set is not meant for that purpose, it may be hindering you from achieving your full drumming potential.

How much should I expect to spend?

You can find a good throne at any price point, but if you want something of exceptional quality, you can expect to spend a bit more. To some, a throne seems like an unnecessary investment. After all, how important is a seat? It’s quite important actually. A quality throne is what separates a skilled drummer and an uncoordinated drummer. We recommend setting aside anywhere from $100-300.

What should I avoid?

Some people have a preference between a manual or automatic adjustment. However, it may be difficult to find your perfect height with a manual adjustment. Manual drum thrones are controlled by a metal pin placed into holes that are spaced around two inches apart. With these types of thrones, there’s a chance that your perfect height exists somewhere between those pre-decided heights.

How do I assemble my throne?

Directions for assembly may vary between thrones, but the instructions are generally the same. Thrones usually arrive in 3 separate pieces: the base, seat, and shaft. Begin by spreading the base’s legs and locking them in place. Then, insert the shaft into the base. Finally, place the seat on top of the shaft and screw it in place.

What is there to consider when buying a throne?

Height adjustability

No two drummers are alike. All drummers have a preferred sitting position that depends on their height and where they like to be positioned in relation to the drums. Height adjustability is one of the most important features of a drum throne because it allows you to customize the throne in whatever way you desire. To find your perfect height, place your feet where you usually do on your drum set’s two main peddles. Then, raise your knees as high as you can without stepping off the pedals. This is generally the height for which you want to adjust your drum throne, give or take a few inches.

Seat shape

Some different seat shapes include round, cycle, saddle, split, and square. Again, you must test these different seat types and decide on one that works best for you. Spend a significant amount of time testing different types of thrones and see how comfortable you are. Are you experiencing back pain? Do your thighs tingle or fall asleep after sitting on the throne for too long? Does the throne make you feel sore and stiff? These are all factors to consider.

Seat rotation

Some seats will rotate when you move while others stay completely still. Again, this is a matter of personal preference. Some people don’t mind moving freely. Others like to control their own movements. Always check the product description for mention of a swiveling seat.

Plushness

While a soft throne is important because it keeps you comfortable, you want to avoid buying something that is too soft that won’t provide any support. Find a happy middle and choose something that is partly firm. That way, you have added support while still being comfortable.

Base type (number of legs)

You have several options when it comes to the number of legs at the base of your throne. More legs mean more stability. It is possible to wobble and even fall on a throne, so choose one that has a few or more legs to minimize your risk of falling.

Manual or automatic adjustment

If you choose a manual throne, you will have to adjust the height yourself. Some people like this because it gives them more control. The other option is a pneumatic throne that adjusts itself when you sit on it.

Portability

If you’re playing in a band that performs at venues, you’re going to need to move your drum throne around frequently. Because of this, you want something light that can be folded into a compact form. If you’re only going to be playing in one location, you can get away with a heavier throne that doesn’t have a transport functionality.

Backrest?

This is another feature that is up to personal preference. If you’re an expressive drummer who likes to move their body quite a bit, a backrest will actually make it harder for you to do so. If you plan on staying fairly still, a backrest can be an effective way to maintain the proper posture.

Shaft

Thrones either have a threaded shaft with grooves or a smooth shaft that is just a solid piece of metal. Smooth shafts can lead to sliding problems that you don’t want. Threaded shafts provide more stability. This isn’t to say that you should completely avoid a smooth shaft. What matters is the overall quality of the throne.

Your weight

This is important because you want a drum throne that can support your weight. Check each product’s specifications and weight capacity before you decide on one.  

Bottom Line

Choosing the right drum throne can be daunting, especially if you plan to spend quite a bit of money. Thrones are more than simple chairs, and the one you pick should serve a number of purposes. You must not only consider price, but also comfort, sturdiness, functionality, portability, and much more. We’ve shown you several options at varying price points. All of these offer some unique features that may or may not appeal to you depending on what your main concerns are. In order to make the best choice possible, we recommend deciding on your priorities before you begin shopping. The throne must be uniquely yours. At the end of the day, the most important thing you should want is comfort and balance. Without these two things, you put yourself at risk of injury. If you associate playing with pain or fatigue, you will be less motivated to use your drums. No one wants to feel like their passion is hurting them. The most common type of injury is lower back pain. This can occur from sitting too low. To check if you are sitting too low, see if your knee goes above your thigh. If so, you need to adjust your seat’s height to ensure your knee rests below your thigh. You can also hurt your hip flexor muscles if you are sitting too high. Ultimately, you should study the way you play drums before deciding on a throne. This will give you a clear understanding of what is most comfortable to you depending on your body shape and height. Aside from that, everyone maneuvers their bodies in different ways. You shouldn’t have to conform to one way of sitting or moving if it’s not the way that feels right for you. Your drum throne should work with you, not against you. You also want to look for signs of fatigue and find the root of those problems. It varies between people, but we mentioned a few common mistakes that may be causing those issues. Understanding what that pain stems from will aid in your search for a drum throne that can prevent those problems. We hope our guide helps you understand how essential a good drum throne is and how much of a difference it can make in how well you play. There are so many options for you to explore so we urge you to begin your search using our carefully crafted guide. Whatever model you choose, we’re sure you’ll be impressed by the quality and design. Your perfect drum throne is out there, so what are you waiting for?