Les Ismore
Platinum Member
Let's set the stage- GIBRALTAR base, 7/8 spindle mount, CARMICHAEL top with a ROC n SOC plate.
After a short while the wing screw on the ROC n SOC plate loosens and there's a slight rock on the stool, the stool doesn't seem completely level due to the small movement.
Now 'movement' being subjective (like a lot of things) needs clarification, its very slight, like... anyone sitting on the throne probably won't notice it, they're just used to a small bit of play. Its small yes, but large enough to be pet peeve noticeable when you're looking, small enough that you could just ignore it.
The epiphany. Awhile ago I had a custom sliding spindle machined (7/8") for my home rehearsal kit, now the top on this stool never moves, not even in the slightest, and the wing screw stays put. Looking not too closely at my factory stock GIBRALTAR spindle (my gigging throne base), I noticed what was causing the movement.
There's a bevel on the top edge of the threaded spindle. I can understand they do this for safety reasons, they don't want a sharp edge, but what the bevel accomplishes is it let's the base plate rock ever so slightly, enough so that a wing screw looses grip. It doesn't take much movement for this to happen.
We had the GIBRALTAR spindle faced at a machine shop, pics below. The throne top is solid as a rock now, nada even a slight movement, tight just like my rehearsal throne. Like night and day I tell ya!
After a short while the wing screw on the ROC n SOC plate loosens and there's a slight rock on the stool, the stool doesn't seem completely level due to the small movement.
Now 'movement' being subjective (like a lot of things) needs clarification, its very slight, like... anyone sitting on the throne probably won't notice it, they're just used to a small bit of play. Its small yes, but large enough to be pet peeve noticeable when you're looking, small enough that you could just ignore it.
The epiphany. Awhile ago I had a custom sliding spindle machined (7/8") for my home rehearsal kit, now the top on this stool never moves, not even in the slightest, and the wing screw stays put. Looking not too closely at my factory stock GIBRALTAR spindle (my gigging throne base), I noticed what was causing the movement.
There's a bevel on the top edge of the threaded spindle. I can understand they do this for safety reasons, they don't want a sharp edge, but what the bevel accomplishes is it let's the base plate rock ever so slightly, enough so that a wing screw looses grip. It doesn't take much movement for this to happen.
We had the GIBRALTAR spindle faced at a machine shop, pics below. The throne top is solid as a rock now, nada even a slight movement, tight just like my rehearsal throne. Like night and day I tell ya!
