K&M 14044

I have been using a basic folding guitar stool with little padding for a few years now. It has done the job, but I was starting to get a backache after about 30 mins of using it. I would have to stand up to relieve the ache, which meant re-positioning the mics- it just turned into a hassle. I can't play standing up for a whole gig due to health problems.

I decided to give this stool a try and I am so glad I did. It puts me in a better position, nearly standing, and is very comfortable and natural due to being able to adjust the footrest as well as the height. The stool seat has plenty of supportive cushioning and is very comfortable. I also bought the backrest that goes with the stool and think it was a worthwhile purchase.

I decided on the cloth covered seat as it will breathe better than the leather. I also opted for the non-gas height adjustment - I figured it's only me who will be using it, I put a little sticker on the adjustment hole that is most comfortable for me so it's easy to get the right height quickly.

It is a well made, if slightly heavy piece of kit. I need to make a couple trips to get all my gear (guitars, PA) into a venue but the quality and comfort of this stool far outweigh any inconvenience of extra trips. I can't see it wearing out any time soon. If it did, I would replace it with the same model.

I used to play standing up (pizzicato, jazz), until one of my teachers suggested me a chair, especially for practising my bowing and technique in general. now I practice with this one exclusively and bring it to longer gigs as well.

as far as sturdy/light-weight ratio goes, I guess this is as good as it gets, the chair was obviously designed and produced to last, the warranty is 5 years!

there are models with (faux?) leather seat, but I went with this one, I preffer for the seat to "breathe". the seat's cover material appears to be tough, and the foam underneath returns to original shape immediately.

the height for both the seat and leg rest can be set perfectly. the seat can also be set at a different angle, but I only use that feature when folding the chair. you can further minimize the folded size by lowering the seat, but I find it not necessary.

if you have a car, it is a no-brainer to take it to a gig; as for the public transport - it's not too heavy, but if you already carry a double bass... it can be a handfull ;)

all in all: 10/10