Great setup for solo artist gigs.

My wife and I perform together as a vocal/musical duo. She loved her stool so much that I had to get one for myself. They look great, they work extremely well and they are a breeze to transport. Very high quality...worth every penny. I recently saw them in a music store for $100...

Every so often a product comes around that makes you wonder why no one thought of it before. This is one of those products. Basically you get a sturdy padded seat that's perfect for performing, plus a safe place to rest your guitar when you need to put it down. If you don't need the stand, it folds up so it won't be in the way. The finish of your guitar is protected by the rubber coating on the stand and a soft patch on the front of the seat just where your guitar's neck rests.

You're protected, too. The stand's rubber feet could help you avoid electrical shocks (my own brother was almost electrocuted while performing with his band, so I may appreciate this more than most). The reddish-orange rings on the legs can help you see the stand and avoid tripping over it, even when the lighting is poor. I'm a bit of a klutz, so this speaks to me.

The seat/stand collapses simply and easily for storage or for use at rehearsals or performances by removing a pin. You can even remove the back first to make things even more compact. The seat supports up to 300 pounds, though, so it is fairly heavy. The seat/stand will work great for any style of guitar in which you support the guitar with a strap, but resting the guitar on your knee (as for classical guitar) wouldn't work well.

I'm really pleased with this seat/holder combo, but anyone thinking of buying it should definitely read through the reviews and take the height and weight considerations seriously. Here's a few thoughts on the matter:

--So I'm 5'7, female, and 135 lbs. I fit on this seat perfectly. My Dad, though, is 5'8 and 200 lbs., very muscular, and the seat BARELY works for him. If he was any heavier it would be uncomfortable, certainly if he was playing for more than an hour. Though the official weight capacity is 300 lbs., know that the seat is just 13 3/4" x 10 1/4".

--The back of the chair can be adjusted outward (not up and down). I found it comfortable at the closest possible setting to the seat. It also tips back very slightly.

--I was very happy with how it held my grandfather's guitar (see photo). The hooks are felted and will not scratch up your instrument.

I firmly believe in taking your own chair to whatever event you're playing. It's just one less thing to be anxious about. This is a great option; well-built and sturdy and a good price. Watch out if you have a shall we say ample sitter or if you are very tall (at above 6' I think this chair will just feel too small and the back won't sit at the right height for proper support). But for everyone else recommended and rating:

GRADE: A-/B+

The Gator Frameworks GFW-GTR-SEAT Acoustic Guitar Stand solves a couple specific problems that you may have as a guitarist (acoustic, electric, bass "” don't be fooled by the company's use of the word "acoustic" in the product title).

The first problem is one that sounds simple, but is actually quite common "” finding a place to sit when playing your guitar. Most chairs are actually no good because they have arm rests that hit your guitar. This Gator seat solves that problem "” there are no arm rests to get in the way. Also, the seat is a little higher than most domestic chairs, which allows for a more comfortable playing position.

The second problem this seat solves is where to rest your guitar when you finish playing. This seat has a built-in guitar holder, and the guitar holder arms are wide enough to hold an acoustic guitar (as well as an electric). The seat has a slight notch so the neck of your guitar can rest comfortably without sliding off.

The third problem this seat solves affect those who perform in public, especially if you play seated. You really shouldn't depend on the venue to have a seat that is appropriate for you to use "” you really should bring your own seat. If you remove the backrest, this Gator seat folds flat (there is a pin you pull just under the seat that allows the seat to fold up) and is very portable.

In the box, you get the stool, a backrest, and a connecting brace. Assembly is trivial and all needed hardware is provided: connect the backrest to one end of the brace with a screw and wingnut, then connect the other end of the brace to the stool by turning a clamp. In fact, the design is such that connecting and removing the brace with the backrest is easily done "” just loosen or tighten the clamp screw.

The seat itself is actually quite sturdy and the materials seem to be of higher quality than I was expecting "” in fact, the seat comes with a three-year warranty that covers all defects in materials and workmanship. The seat is well-padded and I am able to sit comfortably for hours on it. The backrest is also padded. The seat cover is a faux-leather, and the backrest feels like faux-leather and microfiber. The stool, brace, and guitar arms are metal, though the guitar arms are covered in foam so that when your guitar is on the stand, no metal is touching your guitar. The stool legs have rubber feet on them.

The guitar stand arms swivel out when you want to use them, and then fold up out of the way when you want to sit in the seat. There is a metal bar you should use as a footrest "” just be careful not to put your feet on the guitar arms.

In use, I am really enjoying this seat. It looks nice and is of good quality, so it should last a long time and looks nice when at a public performance. I find it comfortable to sit in as well, and have no trouble sitting in it for hours. I should point out that I am 5"² 10"³ "” this seat fits me. I would think someone taller or shorter would be able to use it, though just keep in mind that the seat is higher than the normal chair "” it is 27"³ from the floor. Also, the distance between the foot rest and the seat is 18.5"³. So depending on your height, there may be cases where this may not be the most comfortable, though perhaps it is good enough to get you through a performance? I'll also note another dimension issue: this seat is rated at a max capacity of 300 pounds. I have to point out that with the backrest installed, there is not a lot of room "in the seat". What I mean is that the backrest creates a shallow seat area, so depending on your build, you may feel like you are perched on the edge of the seat rather than sitting on the seat. Personally, I prefer to use the seat without the backrest, so for me it is best used as a stool.

So all in all, I am quite happy with this seat with built-in guitar stand. It is of good quality, is comfortable to use, and solves a number of problems for me. Happy!

I've also included several pictures to provide extra details -- I hope this review was helpful!