Portable music stand

August 12, 2016 at 05:40 PM · Wire stands pretty much all suck. They're good in a pinch, but they lack decent stability.

The Peak SMS-20 folds up into a carrying bag and is a reasonable compromise between weight and stability, I think.

Petersen makes an interesting music stand where the desk serves as the carrying case and you can disassemble the whole thing and it will fit into the desk when it gets folded as a box. It's kind of cool but you have to put the parts into the desk-box in a very precise way that can be a bit frustrating.

If you are driving your stand around, and not having to lug it on the subway or the like, the Manhasset Voyager is basically an easily-taken-apart version of the regular Manhasset stand, and therefore it also takes all the accessories that a normal Manhasset does (stand extenders, trays, etc.). It disassembles into an inconveniently awkward but functional bag with a shoulder-strap.

Wenger makes a sturdy one-piece portable music stand that folds up into what is effectively a luggable rectangular brick with a carrying handle. More convenient carrying than the Manhasset Voyager (assuming you have a free hand, since you can't carry it on a strap), but not appreciably lighter. Another stand for the car.

I normally keep a Manhasset Voyager in my car, along with a wire stand.

August 12, 2016 at 07:10 PM · As someone who travels to teach, and regularly gigs and performs, I had tried pretty much every available portable stand and found them to flimsy. I stumbled onto the PortaStand and I have never looked back. It is a fantastic stand. The only downside is it is a bit pricey but after using it in a few different situations I found it was worth every dollar. The only other stand that was somewhat decent was the Peak stand but the hard plastic will chip and break easily and the light legs were not stable enough for me.

August 12, 2016 at 07:30 PM · Depends what you want it for.

I have two (not this brand, but almost identical).

This is the type I use all the time, sturdy. Easy to set up and take down, comes with a bag for storage.

https://www.long-mcquade.com/57/Band/Metronomes_Tuners_Stands/Yorkville_Sound/Heavy_Duty_Collapsible_Music_Stand_with_Bag.htm

And I have one like this too. Despite the similarities it is a pain to set up and take down and cart around with you, because the desk doesn't fold up and collapse and fit into the bag.

https://www.long-mcquade.com/58/Band/Metronomes_Tuners_Stands/Yorkville_Sound/Deluxe_Large_Book_Size_Music_Stand.htm

Friends who had the above, have also switched to the first type for convenience.

p.s. Don't even bother with the very thin wire ones. They aren't worth purchasing.

August 12, 2016 at 08:01 PM · I have been using the Peak SMS-20 for three years now. It gets set up and taken down frequently, and has been bashed around at a couple of camps. Last month, one of the cellists knocked it off the stage during set-up, and the stand wasn't hurt a bit. I like how stable it is, and can attest that it will hold a jam-packed 3" 3-ring binder with ease.

August 12, 2016 at 09:18 PM · I'd recommend looking at the Koenig&Meyer (K&M) model #10700 (also called #107) folding music stand. It's K&M's top of the line folder. Advantages are that it's extremely stable, and goes taller than any other folder I'm aware of. Also, K&M's construction quality is top notch, and they stand behind their products with a strong warranty. I have two of them, and they are the only stands I have.

Disadvantages are that they are heavier than any other folder that I know of, at 5.5 lbs., (which is also an advantage when they're in use), require two hands to height adjust, and when folded they are still 26" long. K&M does make a carrying bag to fit them. Another disadvantage is that they are kind of expensive, at $89.95 from several retailers, including Amazon.

It's a great stand for home/studio use, with occasional travel. I doubt that you would ever regret it if you bought one.

August 12, 2016 at 10:01 PM · The RAT stand is worth a look. Very light weight, but still strong.

Cheers Carlo

August 12, 2016 at 11:23 PM · The Peak SMS-20 is 6 pounds, so the K&M (which I haven't seen before) is still lighter than that.

August 13, 2016 at 01:30 AM · I use a Nilton Magic folding stand. It is not cheap, but it is very sturdy and folds up into a very small package which is light and easy to carry.

https://www.amazon.com/Nilton-Magic-Folding-Music-Stand/dp/B000E4VSVM

August 13, 2016 at 02:09 AM · I vote for this one:

https://www.long-mcquade.com/71184/Band---Orchestral/Stands/Yorkville-Sound/L-M-Exclusive-60th-Anniversary-Music-Stand.htm

I have the non-folding version at home. It's only because that non-folding version is taller, and I like to stand to play. I am 180cm tall.

August 13, 2016 at 11:24 AM · I like the Peak for its stability and good quality. But it's not light.

August 13, 2016 at 09:55 PM · I've got to check my stand-- I think it is the Peak and I do love it. This is the first time I've heard it is heavy, so that might be incorrect. Only real drawback is the space it takes up.

K&M is also very fine, and more compact. Their models that I know of lack the solid desk, however, which is a bitter pill to swallow.

August 14, 2016 at 01:00 AM · Thank you for all the good advice. I'll check these out.