Hector Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Hi chaps (and chapettes!). Have been thinking about getting a stool for a while now - been playing 3 or so years with various orchestras and have just got back from a tour to Poland, where I've been having back problems from standing up for concerts. Thinking I'd like to start playing with a stool, to see if it helps my posture a bit and generally whether it makes playing/practicing a bit more comfortable. Trouble is, being a poor student, I'm not really looking to fork out shedloads of cash for what seems to be a pretty simple purchase. Does anyone have any recommendations for stools that won't break the bank? I'm sure there's something out there that's not made specifically for DB that would do the job for a fraction of the price. Would prefer if they're portable, as I spend a lot of time toing and froing with rehearsals. Thanks, Hector Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major-Minor Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Hi Hector I have no doubt Jennifer (endorka) will tell you about the stool she uses which looks perfect to me and won't break the bank. Thomanns I think ? My only comment would be to make sure you can get both feet on the ground for stability. The stool I use for gigs (its in the photo on my profile) is very portable, very light etc but I have to cock the left leg up as you can see. Not ideal ! In the BBC orch I spend every day playing in, I have a stool which is adjustable and I have it fairly low. Its very heavy tho and I'm glad we have a road crew to cart it around ! The Major Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 IKEA do a folding barstool affair which is the perfect height, even has a foot rest. It cost me about 20 quid a couple of years ago. I can't remember the name; see if I can find a label on it when I get home. There were two heights of it as I remember, with a square-ish seat made of plywood. The useful one is the taller of the two. p.s. Hah! Found it! [url="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40059300"]http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40059300[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrkelly Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 +1 on the Ikea. Cheap as chips. Just remember to buy a cushion for it or your arse will be killing after an hour or two! I'd go for the shorter one, like the Major said it will enable you to get both feet on the ground. Much better for your back in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 [quote name='chrkelly' post='547373' date='Jul 22 2009, 10:21 AM']+1 on the Ikea. Cheap as chips. Just remember to buy a cushion for it or your arse will be killing after an hour or two! I'd go for the shorter one, like the Major said it will enable you to get both feet on the ground. Much better for your back in the long run.[/quote] Heh heh.. me bass is too big for the shorter one! Good point on the cushion front, mind.. I'd forgotten about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 I was just about to type 'Ikea' when I realised I'd been beaten to it! +1 for the cushion though. EDIT: also, fleaBay can be your friend. I picked up a pair of bar stools for my new kitchen for a tenner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Posted July 22, 2009 Author Share Posted July 22, 2009 Thanks for the advice everyone. I decided to go with the drum style stool, mostly because it looks a bit more portable (especially considering no need to buy an extra cushion), is adjustable and seems more comfortable. If I'm going to be sitting in it a lot, which I will, then I figure it's worth paying a bit more. Plus there's no IKEAs near me, and they don't deliver that particular stool. I usually haemorrhage money during the holidays, but I've been ill for a little while now and have enough cash save up to treat m'self. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
endorka Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 [quote name='Major-Minor' post='546791' date='Jul 21 2009, 05:54 PM']I have no doubt Jennifer (endorka) will tell you about the stool she uses which looks perfect to me and won't break the bank. Thomanns I think ?[/quote] Since you asked, I present the mother of all stools - I am the envy of drummers everywhere I go; [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/km_14052_stehhilfe.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/km_14052_stehhilfe.htm[/url] You can even buy a backrest for it; [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/k+m_14042.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/k+m_14042.htm[/url] Shocking. Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 A back rest is definitely a good investment IMO- makes listening to the wind section rehearse the same 4 bars for 20 minutes that much more bearable when you can lean back and relax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synaesthesia Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Here are more pics of the K & M, but you'd be a fool to give this 'shoppe' any money for the same or same sort of thing. [url="http://www.contrabass.co.uk/folding_stool.htm"]http://www.contrabass.co.uk/folding_stool.htm[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_guitar Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 [quote name='endorka' post='548564' date='Jul 23 2009, 08:15 AM']Since you asked, I present the mother of all stools - I am the envy of drummers everywhere I go; [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/km_14052_stehhilfe.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/km_14052_stehhilfe.htm[/url] You can even buy a backrest for it; [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/k+m_14042.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/k+m_14042.htm[/url] Shocking. Jennifer[/quote] I've been looking in to both stools for double bass and a new drum stool for my TD-12. Looks like I can have both in one! When do Latin gigs on guitar I some times have to go between classical and electric mid-song, so I picked up a K&M classical stand that is designed for this application (it holds the classical in a standing position so I can play it standing up without having use a strap etc). My experience with this and other K&M stands/accessories combined with the endorsements here makes me think that this stool would be a safe bet. Thanks for the tip... P.S. What's up with the stool price on Contrabass? I know smaller music shops rely on a high mark-up, but that's extreme. Even their own product description admits to being 'a bit pricey'... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Another endorsement for the K&M (with backrest and footrest) from Thomman. When the exchange rate was better it worked out around £100 delivered. It really is good...the only problem is something else to carry in to the gig. But there are loads of times where it makes life more comfortable, even with a heavy BG. Its also good to use for practising at home...although I really need to do more of that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major-Minor Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 [quote name='endorka' post='548564' date='Jul 23 2009, 08:15 AM']Since you asked, I present the mother of all stools - I am the envy of drummers everywhere I go; [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/km_14052_stehhilfe.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/km_14052_stehhilfe.htm[/url] You can even buy a backrest for it; [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/k+m_14042.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/k+m_14042.htm[/url] Shocking. Jennifer[/quote] Hi Jennifer Assuming you have the backrest for this stool, does it creak when you lean back on it (like the one I am sitting on now at my computer which drives me nuts! Cheap nasty thing)) I'm tempted to get one of these stools, but need to know that, if I buy the backrest it won't be wasted money. As I do lots of classical work, I can't have extraneous noises creeping in. The Major Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrkelly Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 I've got a K&M too, had it about 10 years. Nice and comfy but very heavy. If I have to use public transport to a gig, the stool stays at home. Major- Mine doesn't have the backrest and it's still very squeaky! I would never bring it to a session. Mine's all gaffa taped up at the mo to stop it. They're fine when new but over time all the moving parts work loose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major-Minor Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 [quote name='chrkelly' post='557633' date='Aug 1 2009, 10:25 AM']I've got a K&M too, had it about 10 years. Nice and comfy but very heavy. If I have to use public transport to a gig, the stool stays at home. Major- Mine doesn't have the backrest and it's still very squeaky! I would never bring it to a session. Mine's all gaffa taped up at the mo to stop it. They're fine when new but over time all the moving parts work loose.[/quote] Thanks for that chrkelly. Maybe I'll stick with my old IKEA stool for the time being. The Major Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_guitar Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 [quote name='chrkelly' post='557633' date='Aug 1 2009, 10:25 AM']I've got a K&M too, had it about 10 years. Nice and comfy but very heavy. If I have to use public transport to a gig, the stool stays at home. Major- Mine doesn't have the backrest and it's still very squeaky! I would never bring it to a session. Mine's all gaffa taped up at the mo to stop it. They're fine when new but over time all the moving parts work loose.[/quote] Seeing as most drummers are noisy b*stards, I'm guessing anti-squeeking wasn't considered in the design... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
endorka Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 [quote name='chrkelly' post='557633' date='Aug 1 2009, 10:25 AM']Major- Mine doesn't have the backrest and it's still very squeaky! I would never bring it to a session. Mine's all gaffa taped up at the mo to stop it. They're fine when new but over time all the moving parts work loose.[/quote] Mine went that way too, but I removed the screw that tightens the seat onto the stand. I now put an old sock over the stand, then the seat slots onto that, which stops the squeaking. It was this join that was making the noise. Might be worth trying... I use it for sessions and orchestra no bother. I don't own the backrest so can't comment about it's squeak factor. I use a small rucksack for transporting the stool on public transport, the seat goes inside and the stand goes on the outside, I think where and ice axe or similar would normally go. Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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