Selecting your drum throne is important in the same way you choose your cymbals or sticks. You must remember that the drum throne is your seat for many hours of practice, recording or on-stage action. Today, drummers are most likely to choose from among round and saddle drum thrones. Everyone has their own preferences, so choosing the right type can help you improve your stance, comfort and ability. We should go through how they differ, what the benefits are and who is best fitted for each.
What Is a Round Drum Throne?
The round drum throne is the classic, traditional style of drum seat. It features a circular, cushioned top, often thickly padded with foam or gel. The round shape offers a broad, even surface to sit on.
Pros of Round Drum Thrones
- Versatility: Because of their uniform shape, round thrones allow you to easily shift your sitting position during play.
- Comfort: The wide seat spreads your weight evenly, which helps reduce pressure points.
- Familiarity: Many drummers grow up using round thrones and find them comfortable and reliable.
- Easier to balance: The symmetrical design often feels more balanced, especially for beginners.
Cons of Round Drum Thrones
- Less support for posture: While comfortable, round thrones don’t always encourage ideal spinal alignment.
- May cause fatigue on longer sessions: Without ergonomic shaping, some drummers experience discomfort in the hips or lower back after long use.
What Is a Saddle Drum Throne?
Saddle drum thrones are styled after the saddles used in horseback riding. On average, these chairs are slimmer in the middle and wider towards the front and back to provide support to passengers’ thighs and pelvis.
Pros of Saddle Drum Thrones
- Ergonomic support: Saddle shapes encourage better posture by promoting a natural spinal alignment and reducing pressure on the tailbone.
- Improved balance and control: The design helps keep your hips slightly tilted forward, improving stability and pedal control.
- Comfort for long sessions: Many drummers find saddles reduce lower back fatigue and discomfort during extended playing.
- Great for technical playing: The posture benefits help drummers maintain energy and precision, especially in fast or complex styles.
Cons of Saddle Drum Thrones
- Learning curve: If you’re used to round thrones, the narrower shape might take some getting used to.
- Less surface area: The smaller seating surface means less freedom to shift around, which some players find restrictive.
Price: Saddle thrones can sometimes cost more due to their ergonomic design and materials.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best choice depends on your personal preferences, body type, and playing style.
- Go for round thrones if: You’re new to the game or don’t play very often and need a comfortable chair. If you enjoy being able to shift around on your seat, a round throne will do.
- Go for saddle thrones if: Select a saddle throne if you spend hours or days performing or rehearsing, as it helps prevent fixing. If you play any fast or complex type of drumming, saddle thrones are an excellent choice for helping with posture and balance. You can learn more about how technology is improving saddle throne ergonomics.
Other Factors to Consider
Besides shape, consider these key features when picking a throne:
- Cushioning: Thick, high-density foam or gel padding can make a big difference in comfort.
- Height adjustability: Look for smooth, easy height adjustments to find your perfect playing position.
- Base stability: Tripod bases with rubber feet prevent wobbling and protect floors.
- Backrests: Some thrones offer optional back support, helpful for players with back issues.
For a detailed guide to picking the right throne, check out Top Drum Throne Recommendations for Every Need in 2025.
Brands like 5CORE Drum Throne, DW, Gibraltar, TAMA, and PDP offer both round and saddle drum thrones, so you can find quality options no matter your budget.
Final Thoughts
Whether you use a round or a saddle drum throne, both can be useful for drummers. If what you look for is freedom to move and tradition, a round throne is the best fit. Yet, if you play for extended periods and want to keep your back healthy, a saddle throne may just make your gaming sessions much better.
If you can, give both types a try, as many stores allow you to try them yourself. Your health should be valued as much as the quality of your sound, which is why using the right throne is so important.