Drums are an essential part of music even after being through various cultures and eras. Drums have never failed to make your body sway or hum a tune. Drum Thrones are not just a sit but a throne for the player to sit and play comfortably. You can also dive deeper for more information on The Early Days of Drum Thrones: How Drummers Sat Before Innovation.
The term “throne” refers to an armless stool, a rotating seat and typically foldable and height adjustable. Since the big-band period, such a stool has been referred to as a “throne”.
Before the invention of the drum throne people just played single drums standing or sitting. Let’s explore the history of drum thrones, how they changed from origins to current influencing modern drumming.
The History
The archaeological evidence states that even in the Bronze Age people used to play drums and there were no drum thrones specifically. People used to sit anywhere or on any support or play while standing. The musicians combined bass drums, snare drums, cymbals and toms in a single setup. In order to play, drummers needed a central seat that enabled them to reach all parts of the kit easily.
In the 1920s and 30s the drummers used normal wooden seats or metal framed chairs. Gradually with the progress of drumming in the music industry the requirement of an enhanced seat for drummers also increased.The early seats lacked adjustability, padding and didn’t have any consideration for the drummer’s posture or health.
Introducing Drum Thrones
The first written references we have come across were from Ludwig’s catalogs from the 1930s, a Chicago based drum maker. The firm featured a foldable adjustable “Drummer’s Throne” with three legs in their 1937 brochure. It looked like a tripod for a seat for a photographer. Ever since Ludwig started using the word “throne”.
The word “throne” was used thrice in William F. Ludwig Jr.’s instructional book Swing Drumming (1942), which was started by the company incorporating drum kits in 1942. It is also considered that it might be possible that Ludwig was the first person to use the Drum Throne.
Rise of Drum Thrones
As jazz and swing music gained popularity, drummers like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich became iconic figures in bands, playing energetic and visually major solos. The demands of their performances highlighted the need for a more practical seat.
These performers needed seats that could keep up with their demanding playing styles and dynamic performances. Drum manufacturers like Gibraltar , 5 Core, Roc-N-Soc, began experimenting with lightweight, portable stools specifically for drummers, though comfort and adjustability were still limited.
The term “drum throne” likely emerged during this time, symbolising the drummer’s commanding position in the rhythm section.
Manufacturing Drum Thrones
Similar stools were offered by Gretsch, another well-known American drum manufacturer. It was displayed in its 1941 catalog under the name “Drummer’s Chairs”. Later Gretsch moved to “Drummer’s Throne” after 1950.
In 1941, Slingerland, a third significant manufacturer, started selling a stiff canister-style seat that is referred to as a “throne”. However the business kept calling their metal stool which resembles a tripod, a “Drummer’s Chair” until the 1950s arrived and the name was changed to “ Drummer’s Throne”. The word was finally used by all other manufacturers by the 1960s.
What is the Drum Throne made of?
A range of materials are used for drum chairs. They provide most resistance to deterioration, leather, fabric and vinyl are some of primary materials found on drum throne seats. Naturally, some seats are composed of leather and fabric or cloth and vinyl among other materials. Drummers who want the best of comfort, functionality and longevity choose these.
Modification of Drum Thrones
In a column introducing new products in the November- December 1963 of the Music Educators issued,” A NEW “DRUMMER’S THRONE” is being introduced by Roger Drums”. Additionally there was a remark about an orchestra furniture maker in the February- March 1964 issue; “ The company (Wenger) is also offering its new #45 Drummer’s Throne.”
Tympani, bass drum, cymbal and glockenspiel players can be accommodated by the cushioned swivel seat. Throne adapts to semi-standing and sitting postures. The word is now widely used by manufacturers and is nearly always found in music related journals. Drum thrones started being designed and constructed with the musician’s comfort in mind. They provide the best comfort and flexibility.
Importance:
Drum Thrones offer comfort, stability and adaptability, making them a necessary equipment for drummers. This makes it possible for drummers to concentrate entirely on the melody and rhythm. It is that one underestimated part of the drum kit which helps drummers to deliver best performance and maintain their health and safety. Read more about – How to Use Drum Throne Effectively.
Poor seating can negatively impact drummers playing technique whereas a durable, high quality throne ensures long lasting comfort and benefits. A good drum stool offers a stable and adjustable foundation. Without the correct drum throne even the best of drummers might struggle to execute or maintain consistent timing.
Modern Era
The 20th and 21st century came with new advancements in drum seats with broadening technology. Today’s Drum Throne is made prioritising both comfort and health. It has brought major advancements in Drum Throne.
New ergonomic designs were introduced by top drum seat makers like – Gibraltar , 5 Core, Roc-N-Soc which had motorcycle saddles to support the lower back of the body. Hydraulic adjustments made adjusting the height changes more quick using gas-lift mechanisms. For long lasting comfort memory foam padding was used for long sessions. Mobility was enhanced with easy swiveling and tilting functions for dynamic playing styles.
From stools to high-tech marvels, the drum throne has come a long way. It has been a testament of how even a smallest component can be the major demand of art and human life.
Conclusion
The Drum stools is recognised as more than just a seat, it is an important part of a drummer’s setup. The modern drummers know the importance of comfort, posture and mobility required for both performance and long-term health. No matter if you are a jazz drummer or a rock drummer the right throne makes sure that you can play and give your best with any compromises. As experienced drummers we look forward to supporting and enhancing your experience with drum thrones.