The 7 Best Drum Thrones (2024) for Perfect Posture and Comfort
Drum thrones may seem like an afterthought for drummers, but they’re actually one of the most important parts of your drum set. Excellent posture is a pillar of your health as a drummer. Excess slouching and bad form can be a recipe for injury.
For beginner drummers, a drum throne is probably a far thought, however, a good drum throne can prevent injuries while providing good stability and comfort from playing.
My top recommended drum throne is the ROC-N-SOC Nitro Throne. This is a high-end, quality drum throne with a gas shock absorber.
My second recommended drum throne is the Gibraltar 6608 Moto Style Drum Throne. This is an affordable and decent option for a drum throne.
Contents
- The 7 Best Drum Thrones (2024)
- 1. ROC-N-SOC Nitro Throne
- 2. Gibraltar 6608 Moto Style Drum Throne
- 3. Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider Drum Throne
- 4. DW Drum Workshop CP9100M
- 5. Gibraltar 9608MB
- 6. Pearl D3500BR Roadster Drum Throne
- 7. Drum Workshop 5100 Round Top Throne
- Are Drum Thrones really necessary?
- How to find the perfect Drum Throne height?
- What are the benefits of having a proper Drum Throne?
- What to look for in a Drum Throne when buying?
- Verdict
The 7 Best Drum Thrones (2024)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
1. ROC-N-SOC Nitro Throne
My top pick as one of the best drum thrones on the market right now is the ROC-N-SOC Nitro Throne. This is a premium drum throne that’s gotten a lot of love and praise from the drumming community.
Pros
- Gas-shock absorber
- Gas lift
- Very comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Pricey
- No backrest (purchased separately)
The ROC-N-SOC Nitro Throne comes with a wide, ergonomic saddle-shaped seat. It is soft and provides your back with comfort and necessitates proper posture which is key. It also comes with gas shock absorbers and a gas lift, giving you all of the support you might need when drumming for a long time and adjustability as well.
It also has a spin feature, making it easy to turn around if need be. This drum throne is not the most affordable option out there, but it’s worth the price tag! They are durable and really give you comfort over long sessions.
| Material | Synthetic cloth |
| Seat Design | Saddle |
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Backrest | Can be purchased separately |
As mentioned previously, beginner drummers might not think a drum throne can make a difference, however, a good, high-quality drum throne like the ROC-N-SOC Nitro Throne is a vital component for longevity while drumming.
2. Gibraltar 6608 Moto Style Drum Throne
If you don’t have a budget for a high-end drum throne, the Gibraltar 6608 Moto Style Drum Throne would be a good consideration for an affordable yet decent drum throne.
Pros
- Memory lock for height adjustment
- Foam seat
- Affordable
Cons
- No backrest
- Not as comfortable as other premium thrones on this list
This drum throne is a no-nonsense item that will give you a comfortable seat on thick foam padding. It also comes with a memory lock for height adjustment, making it much easier for traveling where you just have to fold it and unfold it, without the need to adjust the height.
This throne has a standard 18”-24” height, which will be OK for the vast majority of drummers. This is not a luxurious drum throne, but it will provide you with a nice and comfortable seat with good durability.
| Material | Vinyl with foam padding |
| Seat Design | Saddle |
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Backrest | No |
If you’re lacking the budget for a higher-quality drum throne don’t give up entirely. The Gibraltar 6608 Moto Style Drum Throne is a decent option that still provides good comfort for an affordable price.
3. Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider Drum Throne
Tama is a household name in the drumming world, so it’s no wonder that they have a drum throne to offer. And this is quite a throne! The Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider Drum Throne pays tribute to ergonomic designs and has a fantastic backrest.
Pros
- Hydraulic height adjustment
- Combo ergonomic seat
- Spinning seat
Cons
- Pricey
The Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider Drum Throne comes with a wide, ergonomic seat that combines both round and saddle shapes. It’s soft and provides your back with comfort while giving you the freedom to play any style you want without any restrictions in the movement.
If you get the version without the backrest, you can buy one separately and attach it (It’s the Tama HTB5B Backrest). This is not a complicated attachment so do not fret.
| Material | Cloth |
| Seat Design | Combo |
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Backrest | Can be purchased separately |
This high-quality drum throne comes with a hydraulic height adjustment, making it easy to adjust the height if need be in a second. A truly professional choice for many out there.
4. DW Drum Workshop CP9100M
The DW Drum Workshop CP9100M is a really simple, quality-made drum throne with a round seat, offering you comfort and stability without the fancy features on the side.
Pros
- Round seat
- Double-lock system for height adjustment
- Rubber grips
Cons
- A bit pricey
- No backrest
The DW Drum Workshop CP9100M has a round-shaped seat with quality, ergonomic padding inside. This throne comes with an oversized base, giving you extra stability when playing, making sure you don’t tip over!
It is a standard size and is height adjustable with the double memory lock system ensuring everything stays in one place. Granted, it is a bit pricey but the value is worth it!
| Material | Vinyl with foam padding |
| Seat Design | Round |
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Backrest | No |
This simplistic, no-frills drum throne offers good stability and comfort, with the standard maneuverability that round seats give you when playing.
5. Gibraltar 9608MB
Gibraltar makes quality, affordable thrones, and the Gibraltar 9608MB one is no exception. This is a throne that will give you everything you need for a reasonable amount of money.
Pros
- Rubber feet
- Super-lock cast seat fastening system
- Double braced tripod
- Excellent value
Cons
- None
This model comes with an ergonomic, saddle bike seat and an ergonomic backrest. You can adjust the height through a lock system, which is great if you want to always have your seat at one height.
The double-braced legs are good for stability along with the rubber feet on the design. Aside from that, the super-lock cast seat fastening system is an excellent addition, making this drum throne one of the best value-for-money purchases out there.
| Material | Cordura top and vinyl edges |
| Seat Design | Saddle |
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Backrest | Yes |
All in all, this is the ideal drum throne that combines comfort and stability, all the while sporting a good price tag that won’t break the bank.
6. Pearl D3500BR Roadster Drum Throne
This is another very comfortable drum throne with a quality backrest. The Pearl D3500BR Roadster Drum Throne is a true testament to the company that combines everything from stability to quality components.
Pros
- Backrest
- Very comfortable seat
- Lock/spin system
Cons
- Pricey
- No absorber
The seat has multicore foam padding and a backrest is removable easily if need be. The height is adjustable through a lock system and there is a lock/spin system, giving you the option to lock the seat in one place at a press of a button.
The Pearl D3500BR Roadster Drum Throne is designed for comfortable playing all the while providing stability with the tripod double-braced legs and slip-resistant rubber feet. It doesn’t get better than this.
| Material | Multi-core foam with black vinyl |
| Seat Design | Saddle |
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Backrest | Yes |
In a nutshell, the Pearl D3500BR Roadster Drum Throne is a high-end and high-quality choice for professional drummers who want something reliable.
7. Drum Workshop 5100 Round Top Throne
Finishing this list is a budget-friendly option – the Drum Workshop 5100 Round Top Throne. It comes with a standard round top and a tripod base. A very decent option to consider.
Pros
- Roundtop
- Slightly smaller seat
- Rubber feet
- Affordable
Cons
- No backrest
- Not great for larger people
It has double-braced legs with rubber feet, which give you stability and durability when using this throne. The main feature of this item is the size – it has a somewhat smaller 13” seat, making it great for shorter people who can find some of the thrones too high or wide for their taste.
The Drum Workshop 5100 Round Top Throne is a sturdy drum throne that offers great value. It features an oversize locking nut and a swivel height adjustment system for added versatility.
| Material | Vinyl covered |
| Seat Design | Round |
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Backrest | No |
If you want something on the budget side while also going for quality, the DW 5100 is an excellent choice that ensures maximum bang for your buck.
Are Drum Thrones really necessary?
Drum thrones are absolutely necessary! While using a regular seat for drumming might be good for a day or two, before long, your will notice that comfort plays a huge part in your drumming life. Having a dedicated drumming seat not only necessitates proper posture but also provides comfort for long playing sessions.
How to find the perfect Drum Throne height?
Drum throne height is paramount when it comes to comfort and effectiveness while drumming. The right way to position and adjust it according to your height would be to have your feet level on the ground when sitting with your legs slightly angled downward.
For a more visual representation, drummeo has an excellent video on this topic.
What are the benefits of having a proper Drum Throne?
A drum throne is beneficial for several different reasons. This includes optimal comfort for longevity when playing, good stability, and most importantly, reduced risk of injury.
The comfort a drum throne provides necessitates proper posture which then results in greater longevity you have on the drums. If you practice every day, having a proper drum throne will make all the difference in your playing style.
Stability is another key point. Most drum thrones have a double-braced tripod base with rubber feet that offer good stability. Not having to worry about slipping or slightly losing your position while playing is crucial, especially if you’re a professional drummer.
Lastly, and most importantly, a drum throne can seriously decrease your risk of injury while playing the drums. Combining the two previously mentioned points, a drum throne helps do decrease the risk of injury by providing good comfort and stability that aids in preventing back injuries and bad habits from forming.
What to look for in a Drum Throne when buying?
Among the few things you should consider in a drum throne when buying one is height adjustability, material, base, whether or not you like a backrest, and naturally, the price.
Height Adjustability
When it comes to height adjustability, this is a key feature that you must have on a drum throne. Since height plays a vital role in proper drum throne positioning, you want a height-adjustable drum throne so that you can set it up according to your height and preference.
Keep in mind that there are automatically-adjustable drum thrones as well that adjust themselves in accordance with your weight when your sit on them. But personally, a manual one is better since you can set it according to your personal preference.
Material
Material is another key component to consider. While plush seats may seem interesting at first, it’s not just about being soft. You want something moderately firm while also providing a good amount of comfort. Generally, vinyl-covered drum thrones with foam paddings are a good option. There are also multi-core padded drum thrones for added comfort.
Be sure to check the specs and design of the drum throne before purchasing. If you have the chance, visit your local music store and try it out for yourself for the best possible decision.
Base
When looking for a drum throne, try to find one with a double-braced tripod stand that has rubber feet. This provides optimal stability and is usually the most durable option you can find.
Backrest
Whether or not you need a backrest is totally a personal preference. Personally, having a backrest on your drum throne can only be beneficial to your style and posture. Plus, it’s a great addition when taking short breaks between songs.
Price
Naturally, the price is always a consideration point. What I would advise is to belt out as much as you can for a quality drum throne as it can only benefit your playing and prevent injuries. However, if your budget is lacking, a decent, affordable drum throne with a solid base and no backrest will still do the trick. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there.
Verdict
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to drum thrones. Even if you don’t have a big budget, it’s really worth getting a decent drum throne, which is specifically designed for drumming to prevent injuries and provide comfort and stability while playing.
My top pick is the ROC-N-SOC Nitro Throne, a high-end, quality drum throne with a gas shock absorber that’s worth every penny.
My budget pick is the Gibraltar 6608 Moto Style Drum Throne, an affordable option for those looking for a decent drum throne.
