DIY: Drum Throne Backrest

Many newer drum thrones have built-in backrests, but they are expensive.

Drum thrones come in many different heights, styles, shapes and comfort levels. The comfort levels of drum thrones range anywhere from a simple round stool to an ergonomically correct chair with full hip support and backrest. Over the years, many drummers have become accustomed to having a backrest on their thrones. Many of these thrones, while comfortable, cost hundreds of dollars. By learning how to create your own drum throne backrest, you can enjoy the comfort of one of the fancier styles without breaking the bank.

Things You'll Need

• Backrest mounting bracket
• Mounting bracket hardware
• Backrest
• Backrest post
• 1 piece of pine 2 inches thick by 4 inches wide by 3 inches long
• 3/8 inch staples
• Staple gun
• Tape measure
• Razor knife
• Pencil
• Drill
• Needle-nose pliers
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• Various screwdriver drill bit tips
• 3/8-inch diameter, 1 3/4-inch long screws
• Spray adhesive
• Circular saw or cutting tool
• Various socket wrenches

Instructions

1. Unscrew the mounting bolts from the underside of the drum stool with the correctly sized socket wrench; sizes vary depending on the drum throne. Detach the drum seat from the feet after the bolts are removed.

2. Pull out the fasteners from the bottom of the throne with needle-nose pliers, and gently remove the seat upholstery while trying not to tear the material.

3. Remove the padding from the drum throne to access the the plywood base.

4. Measure out a 3-inch long wood block from the 2-by-4-inch piece of pine wood with the tape measure and pencil. Cut out the block with a circular saw or cutting tool.

5. Set the wood block on top of the plywood base so that both pieces create a 90-degree angle. Position the wood on the backside of the base, directly below where the backrest will be placed.

6. Position the wood block on the inside of the base, making sure it is flush with the edge, so that no part of the block hangs over the side.

7. Mark three holes on the underside of the base. Drill holes through the marks and into the bottom of the wood block. Drill a 1 3/4 inch wood screw into each of the holes, connecting the two pieces of wood. The base should make an "L" shape with the block. The base acts as the foot of the "L," and the wood block acts as the body of the "L," rising up three inches.

8. Set the seat connection hardware against the wood block, and mark the attachment holes. Drill holes into the wood block according to the marks.

9. Replace the drum throne padding on the base. Cut out the padding around the wood block so the foam lies flat on the base.

10. Remove the padding, and spray a thin coat of adhesive on the drum throne's wood base. Press the padding into the adhesive in so that it lies flat on the base and the cutout fits around the wood block. Let adhesive dry for three hours.

11. Reupholster the drum throne with the original material. Contour the material to the throne so it re-forms to the original shape. Pull the material tight, and push out any wrinkles. Staple around the bottom perimeter of the base with 3/8-inch staples.

12. Feel around the throne to find the wood block. Poke holes through the material into the holes previously drilled.

13. Attach the backrest-mounting bracket to the wood block with the included screws.

14. Attach the backrest to the sliding adjuster bar, and slide the bar into the backrest-mounting bracket, which is now mounted to the drum throne.

15. Adjust the backrest to the preferred height, and tighten the setscrew on the mounting bracket.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when using sharp tools and equipment.

References

• Vdrums.com: DIY Drum Throne In Zebra Stripes

Resources

• casciointerstatemusic.com: Gibraltar 9608MB Bike Seat Style Large Cordura Drum Throne w/ Backrest
• bizrate.com: Ludwig LM449THB Modular Drum Throne with Back