Drumming for long periods of time can start to feel uncomfortable for the drummer, especially if you are constantly touring and playing gigs on a daily basis. Drum thrones are great because they provide comfort for the drummer and ensure they're not damaging any muscles or straining the body whilst playing the drums.
However, with so many drum thrones available on the market, it can be confusing to decide which one is best for you. We’ve gathered the top five drum thrones on the market that you should consider as well as a buyers guide and FAQ where we tell you everything you need to know when conducting your own research.
Don’t have time to read our full guide? Find out our top pick here:
Our top pick is the PDP By DW Drum Throne which has been designed by Drum Workshop who are a leader in the industry. Made with PDP hardware, this drum throne is built to perform for working drummers.
Boasting a lightweight design, the 700 Series delivers exceptional quality at a great price point thanks to the comfortable 3” seat cushion, solid 1” base and sturdy double braced legs that have been fitted with large rubber feet. This drum throne utilizes a carriage bolt height adjustment and ranges from 20 to 25” to fit nicely behind any kit.
What makes this our winner? The PDP 700 Series is perfect for all drumming abilities and can be used in all settings to create a comfortable experience. Especially ideal for those who are travelling for gigs, this drum throne has been made with reliable and durable materials to ensure that it has the longevity needed while also remaining sturdy during shows.
Perfect for all heights, the adjustable range is generously wide so any drummer can get to the perfect position for playing comfortably for long periods of time.
OUR TOP PICK
Our first recommendation is the PDP By DW Drum Throne which is part of the lightweight 700 series. The round top 3 inch padded seat cushion has a 12 inch diameter which features eight screw X-Brace.
This drum throne features sturdy double braced legs with large rubber feet whilst the solid one inch base has been designed with a carriage bolt height adjustment from 20 to 25 inches so you can experience comfortability for longer practices. The PDP hardware of this drum throne has been built for working professionals who will be travelling a lot.
If you’re looking for the perfect drum throne, this is one of the best on the market because it provides comfort as well as reliability and stability thanks to the high grade materials. Suitable for all weights, this drum throne gives all the support you need.
Drum Workshop is one of the best known brands in the drumming world and have a reputation for superior designs and materials. The PDP range is the more affordable end of their offerings, so you can have a quality experience without spending too much money.
Pros:
- Features sturdy double braced legs with large rubber feet
- Designed with a carriage bolt height adjustment from 20 to 25 inches so you can experience comfort for longer practices
- The PDP hardware of this drum throne has been built for working professionals who will be travelling a lot
Cons:
- The seat doesn’t swivel as much
EDITORS CHOICE
Our second selection is the Donner Drum Throne Set which features high density sponge to prevent your drum stool from deforming after long periods of use. The adjustable height means that you can have the most comfortable experience.
Height adjustment is by adjusting the four position bolt lock or the knob at the bottom. This drum throne also has a non-skid design thanks to the three rubber sleeves that prevent the seat from shifting while playing. The high quality aluminium alloy bracket with a triangular design makes it stable and durable.
This throne is suitable for use with a variety of different instruments as well as the drums. Donner also adds a guarantee with the purchase of this drum stool with a six month repair or replacement warranty to give you peace of mind.
They also provide a free pair of drumsticks so you can get started on your drumming practice straightaway.
Pros:
- Features a high density sponge to prevent your drum stool from deforming after long periods of use
- Has a non-skid design thanks to the three rubber non-skid sleeves that prevent the seat from shifting while playing
- Comes with a six month repair or replacement warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
Does take a while for the seat to shape to your body
BEST VALUE
Our third choice is the Donner Adjustable Drum Throne which is a widened seat making it a great choice for all weights.
The high quality seat cover is made from soft and high quality artificial manufacturing leather whilst the pad is filled with premium steel and foam making the drum throne comfortable and durable. This iron throne has anti-slip rubber feet in its design that have been thickened in order to offer you solid support while you are sitting on it or playing.
The double braced leg base is stable and durable while also a design that is free from any distortion for those who are of a heavier weight. This drum throne has an adjustable and durable lock which makes it easy and quick to adjust the height for the most comfortable experience.
The locking feature of the adjustment means that the stool is prevented from sliding down or moving while the drummer is playing which stops any accidents from happening.
Pros:
- The high quality seat cover is made from soft and high quality artificial manufacturing leather whilst the pad is filled with premium steel and foam making the drum throne comfortable and durable
- The double braced leg base is stable and durable while also a design that is free from any distortion for those who are of a heavier weight
- This drum throne has an adjustable and durable lock which makes it easy and quick to adjust the height for the most comfortable experience
Cons:
- High price point
RUNNER UP
Our penultimate selection is the LOLUNUT Drum Throne which has been made with high quality metal materials including a 5cm deep high density pearl sponge as well as an 11” diameter drum top with a triangular design which makes it extremely stable and durable.
The height can be easily adjusted by rotating the thumb screw with five holes that can adjust it from 16” to 19” with a maximum weight allowance of 250lbs making it perfect for both adults and children. The anti-slip design is highly convenient thanks to the rubber non-skid sleeves on the bottom to prevent the drum throne from shifting whilst playing the drums.
The double braced legs provide the drum throne with stability and durability. The design features folding legs making it easy to travel around to pack up and take on the road..
Pros:
- The height can be easily adjusted via rotating the thumb screw with five holes that can adjust it from 16” to 19”
- The anti-slip design is highly convenient thanks to the rubber non-skid sleeves on the bottom to prevent the drum throne from shifting
- Double braced legs provide the drum throne with stability and durability
Cons:
- Some users report that there's a bit of wobble on the seat
RUNNER UP
Our final selection is the EASTROCK Drum Throne which is made from high quality materials including a high density sponge and 11 inch diameter stool surface which will not become misshapen after long term use making it reliable and durable.
The manufacturers state this drum stool can be adjusted from 20 inches to 22 inches, although users say it can go down to just below 18 inches. Height can be easily changed thanks to the three adjustment holes of the stool legs. This ensures that you're comfortable when playing for long periods of time and the drum throne can be used for a variety of activities as well as drumming making it versatile.
The anti slip design makes it ideal for playing on hardwood floors and the rugged double braced tripod legs provide strong support. In fact it can take at least 200lb in weight without significant wobbling.
The legs are foldable which means that they are perfect for carrying and travelling as well.
Pros:
- Made from high quality materials including a high density sponge and 11 inch diameter stool surface
- Can be adjusted from 20 inches to 22 inches which can be easily changed thanks to the three adjustment holes of the stool legs
- Has double supported tripod legs as well as three large supporting rubber feet that provide a strong grip
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a wide adjustable range
Best Drum Throne Buying Guide
When you are researching which drum throne is best for you, there are certain aspects that you need to consider before making that important final decision. This means that when you purchase your drum throne, you’ll be making a decision with full understanding and confidence knowing that it is the right one for you.
Always think about how often you plan on using your drum throne, the materials it is made from, the height adjustability and your budget. Once you’ve given these factors serious consideration, you’ll be in a position where you can make that final decision.
How often you will be using it
The first thing you should consider is how often you will be using your drum throne and where you will be using it. For those who will be using their drum throne daily and are actively gigging, it’s important to make sure to find a durable model that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
On the other hand, if you are using it for infrequent home practice then the overall quality probably doesn’t matter as much and you can use it to see how drum thrones work and get accustomed to their comfort.
Material
The next thing to think about is the material that the drum throne is made from. The seat is usually made from leather, faux leather or fabric that is supported with a high density sponge for extra comfort as well as shaping to your body the more you use it.
The comfort of the material is important as this will determine how much your body is going to feel muscular strain when playing for long periods of time. On the other hand, you should also look at the materials used to make the legs and stand of the drum throne as this will determine the sturdiness and durability of the throne’s performance.
You want to ensure that it is made from strong metal materials that can withstand a lot of travel and use without breaking.
Height adjustment
One of the most important factors is the height adjustment range. The wider the adjustment range, the better the throne tends to be as you can experiment and figure out what height is best for you.
If you are very tall and are faced with a limited height adjustment range then you're likely to run into problems as you may face a lot of strain and pain if you can’t position your body correctly in line with the drum kit. Therefore, it’s important to research what height adjustment you need in accordance with your height before you make your purchase.
Budget
Lastly, always consider your budget. Whether you have the money to spend or are working with a stricter budget, there are options available at all price points as proven in the recommendations provided in this article.
You want to ensure that whatever your budget, you’re purchasing a drum throne that is going to give you the quality and longevity that you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should my drum throne be?
How high your drum throne should be will make the difference between a comfortable and uncomfortable experience.
There is a general rule of thumb that the hip bone should be slightly above the knee which allows the leg to move at a natural angle of 145 degrees which will cause less strain when playing.
Are drum thrones good?
Compared with a regular seat, drum thrones offer a number of advantages. They're adjustable, so you can get exactly the right height for your kit. They also allow you the flexibility of being able to easily reach all parts of your kit. Thrones are generally easy to break down and transport when gigging.