Which folding music stand to buy?

July 21, 2007 at 05:06 AM · K& M are great.

July 21, 2007 at 06:13 AM · I don't have an answer for you, but I can suggest two more that I've been thinking about. They have solid backs that fold up into a convenient carrying case. One is the Nilton Magic stand, http://www.johnsonstring.com/cgi-bin/accessorysearch/accessorysearch.cgi?select1=MS, which costs a mere $95.50. The other one (Petersen), http://www.petersendesigns.com/, is cheaper but probably less sturdy. I don't have a car, so I need to go everywhere by public transportation, and lugging the nonfolding Nilton around with my sheet music, too, gets wearisome.

July 21, 2007 at 06:37 AM · I have a K&M which works really well for me, it's sturdy and quite easy to assemble. I have been thinking about buying a wooden one though, for when I practice at home.

July 21, 2007 at 06:37 AM · I love my Peak stand! It's very quick to assemble, and I didn't even need instructions. Pretty no-brainer, in my opinion.

July 21, 2007 at 03:04 PM · After burning through several Hamilton wire stands, I got a Wittner. It is great. It has better adjustment mechanisms, can hold a heavy chart, and comes in a tall version (insert smiley face here).

July 21, 2007 at 10:27 PM · I always recieve comments on my Nilton magic stand which I got thru Shar music. It folds like a camera stand. It it light, but not that sturdy. I wouldn't use it outside in a strong wind. I have had it for at least 8 years. I do think it is way better than the fold up metal stands.

July 22, 2007 at 01:09 PM · I second Jodi's recommendation of the Nilton Magic stand. It is relatively expensive but is probably the Rolls Royce of fold-up stands and is very convenient. I have no complaints.

July 22, 2007 at 01:39 PM · I have more than 10 stands. It's getting ridiculous! But I'm always open to experimenting with equipment. As far as a fairly heavy duty stand that folds compactly, I just got a Peak, and so far, I'm very pleased with it. For some time I'd been using a Nilton, and was very pleased with it, but it's not as strong, and the tubes have started to jam. The Peak is also a very good value. I ordered mine from Shar. With s&h it came to about $40 - including the carrying bag.

I also have a suoer lightweight Chinese knockoff of a Yamaha. It's great for the Subway, but it can be tricky to open, and is definitely not heavy-duty. Not good for folders, heavy lights, etc.

July 23, 2007 at 06:21 PM · I'd make sure it's not likely to rust quickly as well.

June 15, 2011 at 08:32 PM ·

June 15, 2011 at 11:17 PM · Bought a peak a few years ago and hated it-big and clunky and too stubborn to fold up. I would also be interested to hear others' recommendations.

June 15, 2011 at 11:20 PM ·

Bought a peak a few years ago and hated it-big and clunky and too stubborn to fold up. I would also be interested to hear others' recommendations.

June 16, 2011 at 01:00 AM ·

I bought a Peak a few months ago and it's the best forty bucks I've spent in years.  It isn't heavy, although in its bag it is a tad bulky, but the good points more than make up for that.  The solid desk is a godsend at rehearsals, the hardware works well, it's sturdy and stable, simple to put up and take down, the angle of the desk adjusts, what more could you want?

I was actually glad when my last folding stand fell apart, as I had been having terrible attacks of jealousy over my stand partner's Peak but couldn't justify buying one while I still had a working stand.

June 16, 2011 at 01:21 PM ·

I use a Nilton.  Expensive, but worth the cost.

June 16, 2011 at 02:03 PM ·

I use a Peak, my only problem with it is the relatively large size after it's been folded up.

June 21, 2011 at 11:19 PM ·

I just got the Peak music stand and I am very impressed with the construction.  The carrying case seems well-made too.  I am very satisfied.

June 22, 2011 at 02:34 AM ·

My quartet used Manhasset Voyagers for a number of years, and while they served us well, there were a few things I didn't like. They just don't go low enough (their minimum height is quite high for a seated ensemble at times), and the carrying bag is a separate purchase and doesn't work so well on the road as it wears out fairly quickly.

I tried the Nilton (regular and Magic versions) for a few months, but had problems with the original height adjustment mechanism; the new ones have tightening screws. I felt the plastic shelf was somewhat flimsy, and the the edges snapped off after a couple bumps in transport.

I currently have a pile of Peak folding stands, the ones with the polycarbonate desk that folds up in sections. They work VERY well, and for the price they can't be beat. They adjust to all heights, they strike a good balance between portability and stability, you even get the carrying bag with the stand.

June 23, 2011 at 03:19 PM ·

I recently bought the heavy-duty Apex model.  It's a bit annoying to fold up, but it folds up well and I like how sturdy it is.  Not overly expensive.  Glad I bought it.

http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/57/Band/Metronomes_Tuners_Stands/Apex_Electronics/Heavy_Duty_Collapsible_Music_Stand_with_Bag.htm

June 23, 2011 at 06:41 PM ·

 I use a Peak music stand.  Nice solid desk, and it is ultra-light weight....