Ultimate Adjustable Performance Folding Stool

When rehearsals go long and legs get tired, it's wonderful to have something to enable you to comfortably sit while playing. Chairs that bassists can use come in a few different "types." Most are those designed for permanent use in a performance or rehearsal space; while comfy, they are too heavy and/or big, and they're not really designed to be "portable." There are not many that are easily transportable, but we found a very cool fold-flat stool a while back; you'll find our "Professional Folding Performance Chair" on the site. This K&M stool definitely crosses over into the heavy duty (Oh no, not the comfy chair!!) category, but yet is still reasonably portable.

The ergonomically shaped "saddle" seat on this heavy-duty folding rehearsal stool from K&M is firmly padded and comfortable. The included backrest (removable) will give you some serious leanin' support when you need it. The chair is very adjustable, from the depth of the backrest to the height of the chair and the included footrest - even the seat angle can be adjusted to suit your needs, which can be beneficial for achieving the desired posture while playing.

This chair is quite robust, an excellent choice for extended rehearsals or pit work. It's made by Konig and Meyer, a German company who has been manufacturing pro-quality stands and accessories for over 70 years. While it's not as portable as our "Professional" stool, it folds down pretty flat (more so if you take the backrest off) for storage or transport. All the tubes are made with quality steel which has been powder-coated in black -- for good looks and a durable, protective finish. The ergonomically designed triangular seat is covered with sturdy, comfortable imitation leather (or fabric, as an option for the pneumatic model) and should hold up to lots of long practices, pit gigs, and studio sessions.

Setup is quick and easy; the rear legs simply flip out, and the height of the stool is quickly adjustable using a spring-loaded post - and the seatpost on the pneumatic version even has a pneumatic spring (kind of like on your office chair) for ease of positioning. The seat flips up and is lockable into position with a quick turn of the locking knob. It all takes about 10 seconds, and you're ready to play. Pack up is just as simple. (The backrest is removable via the screw-on knob which also allows it to be adjusted for depth).

CHOICES: The Non-Pneumatic version is a bit cheaper, and is several pounds lighter - so if you don't need that functionality, you can save a few bucks and a few pounds of carry weight. It is only available as a package with the backrest, though - the pneumatic version can be purchased without the backrest if you don't need/want it. Also, the pneumatic version can be had in imitation leather OR fabric, while the "regular" version is only available in imitation leather.

The seat tube has 13 adjustment holes at intervals of 25mm (about an inch). Using this wide variety of height placements, the seat adjusts from 65cm (about 25.5") to 94cm (about 36.6") above the floor. One of the rubber floor protectors has an asymmetrical hexagonal design, so that you can rotate it to slightly different heights to prevent the seat from rocking on an uneven floor or stage surface! They've thought of everything!

• Available Accessory: Padded Carry Bag (photo at right, you can add it to your cart by selecting it as an option, above!)
• Height: Adjustable from 25.5 to 36.6"/650 to 940 mm
• Seat size: 15 x 13¾"/380 x 350 mm,
• Weight:
  • Pneumatic version: approx 19 lbs/23 lbs (without/with optional backrest)
  • Non-Pneumatic version: approx 17.5 lbs
• Recommended Capacity: 275lbs
• Footrest: Adjustable to several preset locations (tools required to move footrest, included)

Just a tip: If you've never used a stool or played seated, you may find that you adopt a position with your bass at a lower angle. Depending on several factors, including the floor, the tip on your endpin, etc., the bass may have a tendency to try to slide away from you. Constantly fighting that slide may cause you to tense up your left hand, particularly - and that's not good!

Oh yeah - here's a useful related product — the Xeros Upright Bass Endpin Anchor. Now you know what it's for! It has a "cup" that holds the endpin in place, and its adjustable strap has a loop which goes around the chair's foot. Since players commonly align the bass on a steeper angle when seated, it holds the bass securely - keeping the peg from sliding on the floor - so you can concentrate on playing, rather than foiling a bass escape attempt! Of course, a looped piece of rope or other material can do the same thing, though it's not as elegant. You can even take off your belt if it's an emergency... as long as it doesn't create another one! ;-)