| Author |
Topic: Seat Height ?? |
Kevin Raymer
From:
Chalybeate, Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 3 Jun 2014 10:29 am |
|
I realize that it's gotta be different for different players, but is there a "Standard" height for pedal steel seats ??
Also, is there a standard height for pedal steel guitars ??
And how/where do you measure that ??
Thanks,
Kevin |
|
|
 |
Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
|
Posted 3 Jun 2014 3:37 pm
|
|
Some measure guitar height at the strings, some at the bottom of the endplates.
I thought I'd read that 27" was a common bottom of endplate, and 22" common for top of cushion.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
|
|
|
Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
|
Posted 3 Jun 2014 3:40 pm
|
|
When I bought the Williams I used to have, Bill had me measure my current guitar from the floor the the bottom of the endplate at the front apron. I want to say it was 27-1/4".
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting. |
|
|
|
Steve English
From:
Baja, Arizona
|
Posted 3 Jun 2014 4:10 pm
|
|
I'm fixing to build another seat myself, so I'll be watching the replies too! 
My current build is 21" to the top of the foam. The foam is high density 3" thick and the board under it is 5/8"... just enough to accommodate the hinges and latches.
From the floor to the bottom of my endplates on the Stage One is 26 1/4". My Ritt's in the case at the moment. It's probably an inch taller.
My seat height feels great to me with any guitar I've used in the last few years (EMCI, Emmons, Sho~Bud, Desert Rose, MSA, GFI).
The next build will be a very low profile, minimum storage and weight. I reversed engineered and have figured the maximum leg length that will still fold up under the seat, then reduced the box height accordingly.
_________________
Always remember you're unique..... Just like everyone else |
|
|
|
Scott Duckworth
From:
Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies
|
Posted 3 Jun 2014 5:49 pm
|
|
The one I built for my self is 21" from the floor to the top of the foam, and my extra wide rear end compresses the foam quite a bit... 
_________________
Amateur Radio Operator NA4IT (Extra)
http://www.qsl.net/na4it
I may, in fact, be nuts. However, I am screwed onto the right bolt... Jesus! |
|
|
|
Joe Naylor
From:
Avondale, Arizona, USA
|
Posted 4 Jun 2014 5:01 am seat height
|
|
I read this twice - and disagree with part of it.
After building seats for several years I have been ask this question lots of times.
Steelers Choice standard is 21" and steelseat standard is 20"
It has to do with the type of foam. Is the steel standard height? How tall are you? Your legs should be parallel to the floor (or level as some say).
I have several models from the Lite with minimum storage (but enough room for a pedal, cords, picks, strings) and was designed to fit under an airplane seat or an over head bin. But I have found many like them for the minimum storage and the fact they are Lite weight.
Then the SlimLine (about the same depth as the Old ShoBud seats and the Original with lots of storage. - SideKars, swivels, height adjustors, full depth with castors and NOW a Seat Amp
Joe Naylor
www.steelseat.com
joe.naylor@att.net
480-215-8853
_________________
Joe Naylor, Avondale, AZ (Phoenix) Announcer/Emcee owner www.steelseat.com *** OFFERING SEATS AND Effects cases with or without legs and other stuff ****** -Desert Rose Guitar S-10, Life Member of the Arizona Carport Pickers Assoc., Southwest Steel Guitar Assoc., Texas Steel Guitar Assoc., GA Steel Guitar Assoc., KS Steel Guitar Assoc. (Asleep at the Steel) tag line willed to me by a close late friend RIP |
|
|
|
Stephen Gambrell
From:
Over there
|
Posted 4 Jun 2014 6:19 am
|
|
| My buddy, Landry Grice, made me a beautiful seat, and I'm thinking its probably 21, 22 inches from the floor. My Willians is already 1 and 1/2" above standard, but I'm 6 foot 5", and I might need my tubing cutters... Mr. Landry's seat is great, BTW. I didn't want furniture,I wanted something to sit on while I was playing. No offense to you, Joe, or any of the other guys who build seats. But I think Mr. Landry builds as good as the best, and better than the others. He's a good man, too. |
|
|
|
Kevin Raymer
From:
Chalybeate, Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 4 Jun 2014 6:20 am
|
|
Good information..
Thanks for sharing guys.
Anyone else care to weigh in ??
|
|
|
|
Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
|
Posted 4 Jun 2014 7:22 am
|
|
OK . I'll weigh in. Around 250 pounds. 
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting. |
|
|
|
Clete Ritta
From:
San Antonio, Texas
|
Posted 5 Jun 2014 7:09 am
|
|
Im 6'4", and sit comfortably on a standard 3" cushioned piano bench 21" high, which compresses about 2"  (BTW a standard wooden piano bench is 19"). My steels range from 26" (standard) to 28" (+2") from floor to endplates. |
|
|
|
Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
|
|
|
|
Joe Naylor
From:
Avondale, Arizona, USA
|
Posted 5 Jun 2014 9:57 am Thanks
|
|
Thanks Dale - you are a great example of why this is not a cut and dried question.
A base line for the 20" height is 6' plus or minis about 4 inches.
Some like different heights so they can see the frets better and you idea is the comfort of your ankles.
Since we sit on these things sometimes 4 hours or so.
Many do not try different heights so they simply get accustom to a certain height and stick with it.
Trust me most have an opinion - I have made them from 16" up to 26 or 8 (not all for steel guitar players)
Joe Naylor
www.steelseat.com
_________________
Joe Naylor, Avondale, AZ (Phoenix) Announcer/Emcee owner www.steelseat.com *** OFFERING SEATS AND Effects cases with or without legs and other stuff ****** -Desert Rose Guitar S-10, Life Member of the Arizona Carport Pickers Assoc., Southwest Steel Guitar Assoc., Texas Steel Guitar Assoc., GA Steel Guitar Assoc., KS Steel Guitar Assoc. (Asleep at the Steel) tag line willed to me by a close late friend RIP |
|
|
|
Glenn Suchan
From:
Austin, Texas
|
Posted 5 Jun 2014 1:58 pm Seat height
|
|
I realize everyone's height is different. To that end, a one-size-fits-all seat is a false concept. There's not much that can be done with seats that are manufactured with one seat height. However, I believe the ideal height would be one that allows your thighs to be parallel with the floor. This coincides with my belief that ideal leg height adjustment of the rear legs on the steel cabinet will allow the player's forearms to be parallel to the floor. IMHO, posture that allows thighs and forearms to be parallel to the floor amounts to a less fatiguing posture and provides the foundation for all other correct player ergonomics.
Keep on pickin'!
Glenn
_________________
Steelin' for Jesus |
|
|
|
Steve English
From:
Baja, Arizona
|
Posted 5 Jun 2014 2:58 pm
|
|
Back when I started playing, it was customary of every steel man I knew to use a chair from whatever club we were playing. The standard height of most chairs is 18".
So far this responders of this thread are defining the typical height to be 21". I'm much shorter than the tallest person responding, and I'm very comfortable with my seat being the same height as his.
Interesting stuff, and more responses will offer even more insight.
_________________
Always remember you're unique..... Just like everyone else |
|
|
|
Roger Dillingham
From:
Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 5 Jun 2014 5:02 pm Seat Height
|
|
| Hey Kevin, Joe Naylor @ Steelseat.com made mine and did a fantastic job I might add; I am 6'1" and mine measures 20 1/2" from floor to top of cushion. My StageOne measures 25 1/2" to bottom of endplates. This feels good to me, for what it's worth. BTW the height is what I had been accustomed to...Joe did exactly what I asked. Roger |
|
|
|
Rick Myrland
From:
New Orleans
|
Posted 5 Jun 2014 7:48 pm
|
|
Joe just built mine as well, 23.5" as requested (I like to sit high in the saddle). Used it for the first time last night and my playing has gotten noticeably better, as did my tone!! If it's not already clear, this is a plug for Joe Naylor's seats. Insofar as standard seat hight, go with what feels good for you.
Joe, ever thought of building flight cases?
_________________
Mullen G2; Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb; Goodrich L-120 |
|
|
|
Joe Naylor
From:
Avondale, Arizona, USA
|
Posted 6 Jun 2014 6:04 am Thanks
|
|
Thanks Roger and Rick - Both of these guys were specific about the height of their seat.
Rick was one of those I referred to that like to, as he said, likes to sit High in the saddle, many times customers will say I like to be above the frets. A lot of it is what players get accustom to when they start. Some say bad habits. Some say bad habits but it is a comfort level for that player. I have had customers try different heights and like it and then some try something different and go back to what they are accustom to using.
I always smile when customers tell me they are playing better and their tone is better.  One guy told me that he felt it was because the seat is stable and he does not worry about that - thanks for the note but I do not think I will advertize that a steelseat will make you play better.
Rick you asked about flight cases - Yes I did make flight cases - two reasons I stopped (1) I think it cost me at least $100 per case more than I charged (first one was for a Tele style guitar I built) then I build some for steel guitars and some 2 piece ones - I am simply not set up for Road Cases (2) I stay very busy building seats
For Road Cases contact Red Dirt Case in Texas.
Since I have so many options and NOW the Seat Amp I am just keeping up.
Thanks again for the notes about steelseats and if at any time anyone wants to talk about seat heights, etc - just contact me. I am not saying I am THE expert but after this many years I have learned a lot from customers and vendors.
Joe Naylor
www.steelseat.com
_________________
Joe Naylor, Avondale, AZ (Phoenix) Announcer/Emcee owner www.steelseat.com *** OFFERING SEATS AND Effects cases with or without legs and other stuff ****** -Desert Rose Guitar S-10, Life Member of the Arizona Carport Pickers Assoc., Southwest Steel Guitar Assoc., Texas Steel Guitar Assoc., GA Steel Guitar Assoc., KS Steel Guitar Assoc. (Asleep at the Steel) tag line willed to me by a close late friend RIP |
|
|
|
Jimbo Watkins
From:
Allen, Texas, USA
|
Posted 6 Jun 2014 9:21 am
|
|
Good thread. For me it reinforces my decision to buy a sturdy drum thrown off of Craig's List last week. I am new to steel and wanted to get something comfortable and adjustable.
I had been using an old folding chair that was about 21" tall, and that felt about right. I got to play on a tune at church a few weeks ago and chairs we had were lower. From that experience I learned that I need to sit higher to accommodate my somewhat limited ankle rolling range.
It's also nice to have a comfortable armless stool around for playing conventional 6-string.
_________________
It's only a flesh wound! |
|
|
|
chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
|
Posted 6 Jun 2014 9:35 am
|
|
the steel and seat in my living room are:
steeler's choice sidekick...20 inches
emmons p/p...25 inches.
i'm a short 5'8"
all i know is things were never right before the invention of the pak-a-seat. it changed everything for the better! |
|
|
|
Bob Knight
From:
Bowling Green KY
|
Posted 6 Jun 2014 10:16 am
|
|
| Quote: |
| all i know is things were never right before the invention of the pak-a-seat. it changed everything for the better! |
THANKS to our friend, the late Duane Marrs.
_________________
<b>Rick Johnson Cabinets<b>
<b>Brand X Custom Fiber Cases</b>
<b> John Pearse Thumb Picks, Bars and Strings</b>
"Thankfully, persistence is a great substitute for talent."
— Steve Martin |
|
|
|
Gary Peaslee
From:
Hideaway, TX USA
|
Posted 6 Jun 2014 2:52 pm
|
|
| I think the focus should be on where the right arm hangs when seated not on the thigh position. You want the right forearm to be parallel or angled slightly down toward the strings. If the right forearm is angled up, you would need to arch the wrist over the bottom strings which is a very awkward position. I struggled with this when I first started and kept raising my seat until I finally got my right arm in a comfortable position. I am 6'2" with a 37" sleeve length, and my seat is 23.5" high. |
|
|
|
Niels Andrews
From:
Salinas, California, USA
|
Posted 6 Jun 2014 6:47 pm
|
|
Drum thrones don't get it. Better off with a chair, I like the seat I got from Joe, no comparison.
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo. |
|
|
|
Joe Naylor
From:
Avondale, Arizona, USA
|
Posted 6 Jun 2014 6:52 pm Thanks
|
|
Niels - I did not want to say it but you brought it up - I get lots of photos of guys throwing Drum Thrones in a dumpster or the trash. Now from Drummers too - but from Steel Players for years. The Drummers like the swivel seats and a place to store things is a big plus. At a minimum drum sticks.
Joe Naylor
www.steelseat.com
_________________
Joe Naylor, Avondale, AZ (Phoenix) Announcer/Emcee owner www.steelseat.com *** OFFERING SEATS AND Effects cases with or without legs and other stuff ****** -Desert Rose Guitar S-10, Life Member of the Arizona Carport Pickers Assoc., Southwest Steel Guitar Assoc., Texas Steel Guitar Assoc., GA Steel Guitar Assoc., KS Steel Guitar Assoc. (Asleep at the Steel) tag line willed to me by a close late friend RIP |
|
|
|
Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
|
Posted 7 Jun 2014 10:58 am
|
|
My GFI was 1 1/2" taller than stock to fit my long legs; my main Fender has modified legs and pedal rack to lift it a little over an inch; and I use a saddle-type drum throne with hose clamps as "blocks" to keep the shaft from slipping down - I need it at a slightly higher than usual position and sit back further than most players (with only RKR and LKL levers I don't need to get way under the body).
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
|
|
|
Niels Andrews
From:
Salinas, California, USA
|
Posted 7 Jun 2014 12:21 pm
|
|
I have long legs that is why I had Joe make me a custom seat. If I spent 4 or 5 hours on a drum throne I would need a wheel chair, but I am not 25 years old anymore! 
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo. |
|
|
|
