Porter & Davies Drum Thrones: My Thoughts

[@cloringer]

You're right. It's a very expensive "nice to have." However, now that I have it, I doubt I can ever go without it. I play a Roland TD-27 in a pop band with in-ears. When I added the P&D, I was able to lose my sub monitor. It was a game-changer. The P&D was one of the best investments in drum gear that I've made. And did I mention, it's a blast to play with it!

[@jeramieanderson7138]

How did you hook up the module to the engine? I just got one and can't figure it out. Thanks

[@dirkforsdyke6214]

I own the entry level one. The best money I have ever spent on drum gear by a mile!

[@viirukissa8684]

I must say this new room looks really good and is a very pleasing background

[@65Drums]

Thanks dude! We worked really hard on it :)

[@thehightenor2596]

I literally cannot enjoy playing E-Drums without this drum stool - it is utterly transformational to the experience of playing E-Drums - worth every single cent!

[@mr.lowercorner4615]

I bought one in 2018 with a mount for a backrest. That was like $30 more. It was also a bundle with legs. The prices haven‘t changed much since then. I never gig without it anymore. Even in small venues. As long as we play with in ears, the p&d is there. It is an absolute game changer! The cheaper version would be a bass shaker attached to a normal throne, but it isn‘t as good.

[@MarkuzP66]

I love my P&D with the mimic! Never wanna ply without it again. Theres something missing then.. an xtra dimension!

[@65Drums]

Like I thought lol! these can be addicting

[@PLFORTE1]

I own a Butt Kicker but I’ve used a P&D, the Butt Kicker is the same thing as long as you have a big enough amp

[@MarkuzP66]

@@PLFORTE1 I owned a Pearl Throne thumper before (like buttkicker). This is also nice and much better than nothing but not 100% the intensity of what a P&D can deliver. It’s inside the pillow and not mounted on the Stand. It’s more direct and a bit more resolution in my opinion.

[@yannyloyer7177]

@@MarkuzP66 sold my pearl within 2 months. it was inconsistent and underpowered big time.

[@leonardcwiok8274]

I use the BC2 and it's what has been missing in playing drums since! Had two older bros who played before me!

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

I NEVER want to go back to drumming without it. It makes playing my eDrums so much more fun and enjoyable. If they ever would break, I would buy them again in a heartbeat.

[@joewhittle801]

It’s a value/ priority thing. Yes I agree with your perspective and the practical consideration of people not having the disposable income to buy one of these (I myself admit to not having invested in one yet), BUT it should be mentioned that so many people in this day and age will happily pay the same amount if not more for the latest phone or gaming system.

[@65Drums]

I understand your view on this but I kinda still disagree. Buying a $1000 phone is normal, buying a $1000 case for that same phone is not normal. A $1500 gaming PC is normal, a $1500 chair to sit in while you game is not normal

[@joewhittle801]

@@65Drums thanks for the discussion! My opinion is those devices at their price points are absolutely non-essential. This throne therefore falls into the same category in my opinion (with the caveat that it was purposed primarily for professional use). The price of the latest Samsung or iPhone is not ‘normal’, it’s ‘normalized’ but actually far into the ‘Premium’ price category. An outdated or cheaper model would be proportionally cheaper equivalent to a Pearl Roadster or Roc-N-Soc price compared to the P&D, and still function. To continue on the Gaming PC analogy; this throne isn’t the proverbial gaming computer- that would be the actual kit itself- the throne is more like a top flight graphics card or super large, high-spec monitor that in itself costs more than some entire PC configs. But my intended point was that people find the money to pay for phones that are far beyond their actual main needs, as well as consoles/PCs that cost as much or more than this item, which is also a luxury item. Thanks again for your input and for your channel!

[@eDrumsInANutshell]

Damn! That is really expensive! So, this what I did: I bought a $40 butt kicker, mounted it under the wooden drum chair plate and just hooked it up to a subwoofer amp $60. I am not a pro. But I guess, most of you guys are not. And for the fun's sake, that definitely fits the bill. And playing with that thing activated is an awesome experience! The subwoofer amp got a low pass filter but I route the audio from Superior Drummer 3 through a EQ plugin and then to a second output of the audio interface.

[@kenpoels]

I think most people are forgetting its a tactile monitor system not only a butt thumper with a line from the kick... i find that the best part of p&d is left out of most videos and that is this: Driving the BC2/Gigster from the monitor desk/board: Assign a separate output to send a mix to the engine, in the same way as you would for a wedge/monitor sub (this will be an XLR for the BC2). - Set the master output of this aux at 0dB (most masters are infnity to +6dB or more). This output needs to be nice and hot, because the BC2 Engine has its own volume control, unlike a wedge or sub power amp, which is always set at full volume. - Mix in appropriate levels of drums, bass, keyboards, or whatever you want to monitor through the BC2 system. Hope someone finds this usefull!

[@doloresmiller1624]

Justin , You are Soo good at what you do ! Cya

[@angelorasmijn7306]

Yesterday I bought the Porter & Davies Gigster! Can’t wait to have it delivered. 😊

[@Mudge07]

The science of audiometry meets the drummer. Those with hearing issues may’ve had acoustic and cranial contact earphones applied to test their audio senses. So a means of shaking yer bones isn’t new, just the application and the scale of device to produce the desired frequency coverage and sound volume. I recently looked into thrones and of course these premiere devices were included in search results. As you say P&D niche is pretty dang small and very much aspirational kit for us non-Ferrari drivers. A concise view of their catalogue and cost always keeps the window shopper satisfied, and the purchaser interested.

[@ShawnJonesHellion]

99% of thrones feel like driving a Ford pinto with no seats. I don't think adding a kiker to shake a hard giant metal leather covered dildo will make it feel much better. The music industry is about selling expensive t rash to kids with the hope of winning less than lottery players do. But they are kids. An kids can't buy lottery tickets. Nor did they riot an bring out guillotines ; before 2020 anyways (future is looking bright) So they can jack the price up. I actually feel sick being anywhere involved in music cept I make it for free. I prefer to hang out with killers an dope dealers an theives with better standards. (no lie)

[@garybrennan8444]

I own the rack mount and wouldn’t have bought it but Sweetwater had a floor model for a considerable discount. Now that I’ve experienced this monster, I don’t know if I could go back.

[@DennisBergDrums]

I was SHOCKED when I first found out about these prices. I used to think the DW 9000 thrones are ridiculously overpriced at around 300$. So basically you´re paying at least 700$ extra for a feature that makes your ass shake. I dont know.. for me its more important that the throne is stable, allows for a good balance and doesnt give me back pain

[@ChwyBubbleGum]

Hey, you should definitely try the Millennium Mps-1000/Playtech Pds-1000 (same thing different company name). It the cheapest acoustic electric drum set I have ever seen that's like not bad. since its almost full sizes for only like 1000 dollars. just fyi

[@DomCiaccia]

I bought a BC Gigster with the bicycle seat throne top and carry case from Sweetwater. It was 1 of 2 demo units and I was able to get it for 50% off of retail price at the time. I used my Roc N’ Soc air lift throne base with it. Couple tips for any drummers looking to get one. 1) If you’re running a mic directly off of your acoustic kick drum right into the unit in a live gig, you’re in for a real shitty time. Especially if your kick mic is a Shure beta 91a. I got nothing but bass guitar and stage noise flooding that thing to the point where I couldn’t even feel the kick at all. I ended up having to turn it off completely. If you’re going to use it live, I highly recommend having your sound guy gate the shit out of it then slap an EQ on it with a low cut around 30hz and a slight bump in the 60hz range and scooping out the boxiness around 100-300hz followed by a little compression. Then have him give you an aux send off the monitor board or FOH console (wherever monitoring is being distributed). 2) Because your sound guy is going to most likely murder you for asking him to do the things in bullet point 1, I would buy a Roland RT-30k acoustic kick drum trigger. Screw that bad boy down on your bass drum hoop. Run that into an E-Drum module (I used a Roland TD-20 and TD-30 but any will work) then send the triggered, electronic kick drum sound right into the throne. This is still a PITA but a much better option than above…except for the fact that you have to set the threshold so high on the trigger so the vibrations from the kit and stage don’t cause it to fire the kick, that it actually misfires some kick drum hits. 3) In my opinion, the best environment for the P&D is to use it with an E-kit. I used my P&D throne predominantly with my e-kit after realizing the acoustic kit was a total failure. I will say that with the E-kit you could feel the kick, Tom’s and the body of the snare drum which made the whole kit feel more real. I play out live with my e-kit a lot and it worked really well…until the seat amp died. That was over a year ago. I haven’t bothered to try and fix it because If you haven’t picked up what I’m putting down yet, overall, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze. If you’re mad at your money and have an E-kit, then it’s definitely cool for that. But if not, then like Justin said, put your money towards something more useful.

[@yannyloyer7177]

my band runs separate mixes from out monitor board. 4 stereo in ears plus the thumper on sep auxs

[@DomCiaccia]

@@yannyloyer7177 If you’re going to do it, that is most definitely the best way to do it. I had a similar setup with one of my bands. We had an IEM rig with stereo mixes and I had a separate aux for the P&D but I was also juggling 3 other gigging bands while playing in that one, so I couldn’t always run it that way with the other groups. Most bands/drummers don’t have that luxury either unless you’re playing on a much larger scale. For the average gigging drummer it’s a nice novelty if you’ve got money to blow and the patience to get it dialed in but for me it ended up being more trouble than it was worth.

[@yannyloyer7177]

@@DomCiaccia it can be. the way we set up is pretty simple. we carry everything from mics to house snake. a couple of subsnakes connect everything on stage to my rack. my rack I have 3 8 channel mic splitters. 24 channels go into my board qsc touch mix 30.24 channel go to house via 50' snake. everything is pre wired in that rack. lit pop the covers run a few snakes.done. but its not cheap. got like 15 k in that rig alone

[@DomCiaccia]

@@yannyloyer7177 I’m drooling lol Sounds like a dope setup! That’s almost identical to what my one band Springer did. Just different equipment. We had all the stage mics, snakes etc. Our IEM’s were mixed on a Midas M32 console. We all connected to it via Wi-Fi on our phones or tablets and mixed our own stereo ears. I can’t remember how we were splitting the inputs to FOH. I know there was definitely a digital stage box in the rack. Pretty sure we had a couple of different options depending on the venue we were playing at but it was definitely a sweet setup and definitely very expensive. Lol.

[@dildavies793]

Hi Dom, if you had that amount of bleed from your acoustic kit then it's a very easy problem to address... Please check out the countless top drummers and bands using P&D rigs with their acoustic kits.

[@davidbogolin3411]

Got mine from Sweetwater. It came with the throne Base but I don’t use it as much as it tends to hurt my back being that it’s harder than other thrones, but still an awesome product

[@HobbyFinn2]

I have a Throne Thumper. It works and is way cheaper. Really helps to keep time and gives a whole another feeling. When practicing i also feed the aux. I can feel the kick drums on the track way better than I can hear them.

[@Bimmer-Bob-YT]

I picked up a used Throne Thumper a couple years ago for like $200. It's awesome, not sure why Pearl dropped it (from the US, at least...). I've never tried one of these P&D thrones, but no way they could be 6x better for the BC-X. Although it does come with a nice throne, but even if I factor in the cost of my Pork Pie throne (which looks to be very similar to the P&D one) the BC-X is still at least 4x more.

[@keelgood]

That was a great review. I totally agree. They’re crazy expensive! I’m gonna be on the road a lot this next year. Have you reviewed the Buttkicker?

[@slaawm1]

Saw the drummer of Disturbed do a live gear run down video, and he mentioned this as his throne.

[@terrytk9398]

Great review - as always!

[@marcusdrums_hh]

Justin, great Video again and a perfect summary! As you have shown the EICH BASSBOARDS in the end of the video, I think it is worth looking at their Drum Throne (DBC400R). Nearly the same idea behind it as with the P&D throne. In total you have to invest USD 699.00 for the Chair and USD 799.00 for the amp. I know it is not cheap at all but this one is a great alternative to the P&D. I use it with my TD-50. Keep up the good work!

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

What about the Buttkicker? While it is not integrated into the seat, it's much cheaper than the Porter and Davies but you have to supply your own amp for it.

[@ShawnJonesHellion]

Original road master with the cutout for you nuts/spine an the back rest by far. This sounds like the kicker or whatever it is. That you can attach to any chair with a pole like that. An it makes video games an movies also awesome a/f tho I didn't try that an only owned the good road master. The drummer of behemoth used that when did their latest live all day long set list on top of a skyscraper. But they changed it so finding the old one with the junk spot is hard. It also slants on one end so you can smash your junk an leg nerves less there as well. An the road master was the most expensive throne at 300. An the kicker was like 150

[@BalintSofalvi]

I think that the bc seat is a long term investment if you are playing a lot, just like a quality instrument, it is well worth the investment especially when playing on large stages and with a touring setup where you need a consistent experience every night. A good smartphone costs well above 1000 dollars and that isn't too much for a lot of people, so I think that the knowledge and technology built into the BC rigs is well worth the price. I use a simple buttkicker mini with a bass amp and it works just well enough for me, i dont need more power usually out of this setup, but if the prices will get lower a bit then I will probably buy a BC seat top at least.

[@Pepijn_a.k.a._Akikaze]

Very interesting. A throne of theirs will probably be cheaper here in continental Europe than in the USA but I'll stick to my Pearl Roadstar, which wasn't cheap either but does have a backseat.

[@6806goats1]

Wonder how the old Butt Kicker thing would work? I've got one somewhere, didn't use it much. Worth checking it out but this is just for home playing as I don't see myself getting with a band.

[@justseaningaround]

I like the idea of the board but for under my throne. That would be interesting to try. Then I could use it for more scenarios too. Within a studio for recording, giving everyone a chance to feel stuff. If you get the opportunity to try one of those under your throne, I’d be curious to hear the result. I have two Roland VAD kits (one at the studio, one for the road) and I carry the brain between them. Have drums. Will travel. I just need to travel with the brain and my sound comes with me… 🧡🐳

[@musicbigz]

You should do a video about making a DIY buttkicker

[@ledhed5717]

The experience is second to none, PERIOD! I have had mine now for about 4 years and can say it is a game changer. Is it pricey? Yes but we’ll worth the investment. Which is exactly what buying a P&D is….an investment in your craft.

[@magnumdrums]

Very nice, man!

[@Schmacks]

“He just has a really good drum throne”

[@SydneyDrums]

Backseat/backrest.. Gibraltar sells one you can attach to most drum thrones 👍🏼

[@joew7013]

Don't want to hit the brown note

[@aaronsparks9012]

Love this review Justin but I was just curious any idea if these drum thrones work with a Yamaha EAD 10 that would be a game changer if they did thanks.🤔🤘

[@65Drums]

Yup, you can plug any audio source into this

[@AT-wl9yq]

All you need is an audio signal. Your only real concern is if the signal single ended or balanced. Worst case scenario is you need to use a DI box somewhere in the signal chain. Either way, its no big deal.

[@moondrums]

Yea, this is a item not many drummers may go after. But if you have the means it looks like a solid item...minus the fact there are no legs. I don't get that part. Thanks for sharing very good video.

[@CrappyProducts]

My biggest problem is that it would be an extra thing to lug around, it's already so much when live giggin

[@brianspoelhof]

As someone who has primarily played guitar the last 15 or so years and is betting back into drumming via edrums. This is so enticing. Even with all the great modeling out there nothing replaces playing guitar in front of an amp. I wonder if this is something o have been missing.

[@brianspoelhof]

5:50 welp Nevermind

[@fataliidotnet]

BC gigster is the best drumgear I have ever invested in. 🎉

[@reubenk7331]

These are really cool, but I feel like a butt kicker type setup would be a lot less. Well, after saying that I looked, and you can get a buttkicker kit for gaming that some drummers use. It was around $360, but I don't know if it comes with everything you need. I get these are a really premium product though.

[@DRUMMINMOFO1]

Thanks

[@chrisnorrell7489]

This is a cool idea. I'm sure it's possible to to mount a butt kicker or transducer to the bottom of a rock n sock and configure a 50 watt amp to connect to it. Probably doable for $550 tops. $1200 is rape prices

[@dildavies793]

Interesting 'rape prices' comment... all I'll say is by all means build your variant but then A/B test against an actual P&D. Then please let us know what you think.

[@SirDarb14]

Cringe

[@ericbanks5333]

Do you know if it will pretty much fit on any base? Maybe a orange pacific?

[@65Drums]

Just match find the thread size on the Porter website, and see if it matches with your current drum throne :)

[@McCannCO]

I'm going to try a buttkicker mini concert and a Fosi Audio TP-02 TDA7498E Subwoofer Amp for $200 before I buy a throne that's almost as much as my ekit shells.

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

I bet some of that cost has to do with patent permission.

[@djashjones]

Wonky sockets 🤣🤣

[@Darkman24]

TLDR: I have had mine for some time now and I will say buying direct was cheaper by like $400! If you are a gigging drummer, get the BC2 and also P&D have custom cases (about $75) for the actual throne top) that I would recommend. Yes, it's a lot of money, but if you are making $100-$400 per gig, put $20 aside, it's worth it! "This throne makes you play better" is the #1 quote I see and hear drummers say when talking about any of these thrones. It's true! Does it make you a technically better drummer....NO! but it heightens your playing experience and feel. I primarily play venues of 100-500 people. Most of the time I do not have access to subs (near me) for my own audio mix. Some bar shows I just put in ear plugs and listen to the band voices and instruments near me and go., This throne has helped me feel like Iam more a part of the show. Even the shows with a sound person and my in ears and all the speakers available, the throne makes it so I can lower my kick mix volume and focus on other instruments, feel the more direct thump of the kick rather than a stage rattling sub or subs going off. Look when I bought my throne it was $1200 (for the BC2) at the time, and I didn't want to spend that much on...anything really...however I am so glad I did. I hate playing my drums without it now. Gigging drummers - look at the BC2. It comes with the stage case which not only protects the unit but holds all the cables and your kick mic as well (if you carry your own). If you have a rack system already with your band, look at the BC2rm model or the TT6 models. You can go with the lesser expensive floor box models like the gigster, but if you are taking this from place to place, get the case! Speaking of cases, P&D make custom cases for the actual throne. This is something I normally would throw on top of all my hardware in my Ahead hardware bag an zip it up and not think of anything. Well, after spending over $1200K on this with tax and import fees etc, I was like, "hmmm maybe I should protect the actual throne too." I looked at drum cases and none really fit it right. P&D use custom made Hardcases made by Hardcase. It is worth the small extra bit of money (since you are already spending over $1000 for this) to grab a case. ***In terms of not coming with a throne bottom, they do offer them. Go look at the bundle sections. They have different height bases that you can get. All in all, these thrones are amazing. No, they are not for everyone. If you are a death metal player that can play 250 bpm doubles, you might not like that, or maybe you would ;). Also they are costly for most but if you can manage your money and put some aside, it will make a great addition to any drummers arsenal!

[@eggylicious]

Uy uy uy! Me want! 😍

[@IsmiseEireannach]

These take getting used to ,especially if you've a nerve tummy 😮

[@jeramieanderson7138]

How did you hook up the engine to a Roland 27 module?

[@65Drums]

just plug it in like a speaker, I used the master out

[@jeramieanderson7138]

So master out of module to mic level in on the engine? Or mic level out on the engine?

[@65Drums]

@@jeramieanderson7138 I think It depends on the Engine you're buying, but that's how it was set up at the music store I tried it at. Standard mono quarter inch cable. Check the manual of course to be sure, and it's sensitive, make sure it isn't turned up too loud.

[@jeramieanderson7138]

Ok. Thank you for your time.

[@musamnguni510]

XLR 5:03 ?

[@theguy4361]

No, that's a speakON cable, that's mase to transfer amplified signal. An XLR would fry if used after a power amp.

[@Ripperx121]

Wow I am shocked on how much that is. This is a hard sell for me. Is there brand that makes this without mortgaging my house?

[@dildavies793]

I'd say just try one and see what you think?

[@Ripperx121]

@@dildavies793 I think there is no question I will like it. I thought I was insane when I got my Roc N Soc and I think that was 250.

[@tnypxl]

This is perfect for those e-drum enthusiasts who have seemingly unlimited money to spend on e-drum accessories.

[@ShawnJonesHellion]

Pretty much anyone who can afford to buy anything in the music world

[@HamptonGuitars]

Actual vibratory feedback is what E drums are lacking (at least the main thing from a gigging POV), so this should help compensate for that, but the best solution is always playing REAL drums and not an e kit.

[@JustanEdrummer]

my neighbors disagree

[@ericBcreator]

Cool video! Several years ago I bought a cheap Fischer Amps Bass Pump III, screwed it on the bottom of my throne and connected it to a power amp. Here's a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3jGmImOiLamrZo. I haven't tried the P&D so can't compare it but the BP III works great! And the best part: it only costs € 63 / USD 67! Any cheap / old power amp (the BP III can handle 50W RMS max) will do. A great and cheap alternative to convert your own throne.

[@vlkiller]

As soon as I saw this video I thought of the same idea. Why couldn't you just use one of those bass transducers and attach it to your existing throne. Your video showcased my thoughts exactly 👍.

[@munch2311]

So I should get my girl one? 😅

[@65Drums]

no comment

[@thundersticks]

This is exactly the opposite of what you are saying here though, speaking from experience. It is not a "nice to have", if you are a touring level band you are literally spending three times this or much more on quality subwoofers that kick, amps and wedges for just the drum riser. Not to mention the stage space all those speakers take up to get the same effect. This replaces ALL that when you are using in-ears. NOT a luxury at all, I used a Guitammer Buttkicker for decades at the bar band/wedding band level. Saved me thousands on subs, amps, and wedges, stage space AND 55yrs old with ZERO hearing damage. Ask a guy that plays with dual or quad 18" subs and one or more 15" wedges for years if his ears are ok, you will likely get a different answer.

[@65Drums]

I was a stage hand for years, there's normal professional drummers using just In-Ears all the time. Subs on the riser are not a law. Now maybe you play massive shows, then of course that's a whole other universe and budgets shift. But we need to be real, 99% of regular drummers will find it tough to justify $1,200 for a throne. I still love it though, it's an awesome product

[@cDisturbed.]

Why tho

[@djpsychic]

Shame on you for not knowing that speakon connector =D

[@65Drums]

Consider me shamed

[@johndef5075]

Id rather put the money towards a td50 upgrade package. The leg thing is ridiculous. No excuse.

[@djashjones]

And you will have change for the VH-14D 🤣🤣

[@dildavies793]

We DO offer legs in the bundles... but why not with the basic rigs? Vey simple: Most drummers already own legs that will work, so why would we charge extra for something not needed by most drummers? Please see our website, it's all clear to see.

[@johndef5075]

​@@dildavies793 sorry but I see this as a gimmick. Doesnt mean I dont wish you well its just not for me.

[@johndef5075]

​@@djashjones a hihat is actually useful.

[@djashjones]

@@johndef5075 Unless you are a metal drummer, lol

[@bretdorton]

Roc n soc is the best

[@duncanstewart6982]

Honestly the worst review I’ve seen on this page. You are comparing a Porter and Davies with a standard throne 😂 they are not the same thing.

[@65Drums]

Bro... you're not being real with what I actually said in the video

[@duncanstewart6982]

@@65Drums you are using that as a reason not to buy one - as it’s so much more expensive than a “normal throne”. And like I said, it isn’t a normal throne so you are comparing chalk and cheese 👍🏻

[@yannyloyer7177]

I bought a bc2 3 years ago. best invested

[@65Drums]

Good to hear a long term review opinion! What did it cost back then?

[@yannyloyer7177]

@@65Drums around 2200 $ canadian. I got the flight case version and a case for the throne top

[@bobbycampbell3097]

I understand your concerns. I thought of it not as a throne, but as a replacement for a subwoofer on stage with my Mimic Pro. I'm one of these fossils who prefer the feel of acoustic drums, and the Gigster has made all the difference in my playing experience. Yes, expensive. And I wouldn't want to gig without it.

[@yannyloyer7177]

@@bobbycampbell3097im my live rig it replaced a electro voice deltamax double 18'' and a rack with a crest ca12 and a drive rack. lot lighter lol