Keyboard stands (gigging) ...

Snags

Due to some on-going complications with my left hand, I'm looking at resurrecting my piano/keys chops after 40 years in the freezer.

I've identified a suitable keyboard, but thinking about gigging, I'll need to stand not sit, and I'm 6'4" (albeit slightly bent due to back/knee issues as well). X-frame stands are the portable solution, but I'm concerned that an X-frame stand set to about 900mm height is going to have minimal width with which to be a stable base for a 1200mm wide device.

Does anyone have any solutions, or a recommendation for an x-frame stand that does the job whilst still fitting in a car?

thecolourbox

Does it need to be an X frame for the height reason? I use one of these but it's a little bit on the low side to stand up i think
Stagg MXS-A1 Adjustable and Heavy Duty Foldable Mixer, Keyboard Stand, Black https://amzn.eu/d/ggUPOvI

My spare stand is one of these, which i think may go higher 
BQKOZFIN Z Style Keyboard Stand, Heavy Duty Adjustable & Portable Digital Piano Stand with 4 Rolling Wheels, Fits 54-88 Key Electric Pianos (Black) https://amzn.eu/d/9KgS7ga

Snags

I'd assumed X-frame purely based on needing to be easily transportable with other gear when going to gigs. Although I'll have less shite playing keys than I will guitar. at least initially*.

That z-frame one looks feasible though, and like it's not a huge pain to break down flat.

*Initially I won't be gigging, it's going to take me a while to remember how to play and then learn how to work the thing.

thecolourbox

When i've used the Z frame one, it's taken me about 5 mins to put it up or take it down. The bigger issue with that one vs the mixer table one is that it's a pain in the arse to carry back to the car unless I have my trolley free.

I don't gig in a band (cos nobody wants me haha) but play weddings where i'm mostly sat to be fair, but do stand up for certain parts of the ceremony where i need to see, or for later on when my lower back is giving way. 

The Z frame one definitely goes higher than the table one and is perfectly stable with an 88 key piano on it. With an X Frame the width of the bars is compromised by height as you've noted, the Z Frame obviously isn't. Plus it can be made narrower if you were using a keyboard with less keys or a synth type thing

Snags

Yeah. I'm going for a 76 key job to start, as I feel 61 would be limiting, particularly when using splits.

The main reasons for standing are a) everyone else will be (apart from the drummer) and b) my back and knees are so fucked I can't get up if I sit on a relatively low stool, which is somewhat awkward! Only another 4 months until I get offered an appointment at the hospital ...

mrkb

Ironing board?

thecolourbox

Snags said:

Yeah. I'm going for a 76 key job to start, as I feel 61 would be limiting, particularly when using splits.

The main reasons for standing are a) everyone else will be (apart from the drummer) and b) my back and knees are so fucked I can't get up if I sit on a relatively low stool, which is somewhat awkward! Only another 4 months until I get offered an appointment at the hospital ...

I think my 88 key is only 1300mm wide, i'm surprised a 76 keyboard is only 10cm less but I suppose they're all designed differently

Yeah I get why you'd stand up, would probably look better. I think it only really works sitting down in a band setting if the keys are a main feature and are more complex piano parts, or if you're sat behind where nobody can see you

Snags

mrkb said:

Ironing board?

I've lost a bit of weight, but not that much

Stratavarious

Don’t cheap out. Nothing worse that a cheap, wobbly stand.  I use a Hercules X stand with a 88 key stage piano with a very nice self adjustment and a twisting rubber foot to accommodate uneven stages.

Works fine standing or sitting.

thecolourbox

Further to Stratavarious' comment above, it's worth bearing in mind anything I've said as advice comes from a pianist who plays in weddings, inside or outside, but not on a stage with a band. Strat's comments are more likely from a viewpoint more similar to yours.

My two stands cost £40 each and are fine, but that might not be relevant with reference to your intended use case

Stratavarious

https://www.herculesstands.com/eu/product/keyboard-stands/z-stands/hcks-400b

Snags

Following the input here I've gone for a Roland z-frame, which is probably slightly inflated due to having "Roland" written on it, but equally is spec'd well beyond my needs, and had the bonus of showing it packed down as well as erected (fnarr).

New toys arriving tomorrow; just hoping I actually stick with it, having ditched piano 40 years ago.

thecolourbox

It's just like remembering how to ride a bike, except you won't scrage your knees if you get it wrong

horse

I play standing for rock covers type gigs, or sitting for say Americana or blues etc. Prefer sitting tbh.

When standing I find I need the keyboards fairly high to minimise the amount of bending forward required - otherwise it's not great for my neck /.back over a couple of hours.

I also always have 2 keyboards for standing up gigs, as that looks less "top of the pops" awkward! One keyboard is fine for sitting gigs if I don't need extra sounds or features, and is less to carry.

octatonic

Snags said:

I'd assumed X-frame purely based on needing to be easily transportable with other gear when going to gigs. Although I'll have less shite playing keys than I will guitar. at least initially*.

That z-frame one looks feasible though, and like it's not a huge pain to break down flat.

*Initially I won't be gigging, it's going to take me a while to remember how to play and then learn how to work the thing.

If you need it that high I would look at Ultimate Stands Apex 48 or similar.
They are super portable and take up no room at all- the feet and supporting arms pack away into the main column.

I've used them with weighted 88 note key synths.
They are the business.

I've got a spare one if you want to borrow it for a couple of weeks to try it out- you'd just need to get it from Oxford.

Snags

@octatonic ;Thank you, that's very kind, but I went a bit berserk and ordered a bunch of stuff yesterday. I've not been able to play guitar since the end of July, and am feeling increasingly detached from the band, so figured the sooner I get something the sooner I can get up to speed.

Basher

Missed this thread but thought I'd add this as it's on topic.

I was fed up of my rickety x-stand and was looking into a better alternative. Found the z-stand below for the very cheap price of just over £23 delivered.

 It's much better than the x-stand, very solid and leaves space under the keyboard for legs, pedals and suchlike. Only disadvantage is that the arms that support the keyboard are a bit long, so you'll end up with them sticking out a bit unless you're using it with a giant synth or workstation.

For my use at home it's amazing value. I even bought a second one which now sits under my desk with the 73 key board I use with my DAW.

 https://cpc.farnell.com/pulse/pls00452/keyboard-equipment-stand-heavy/dp/ST03956?st=pulse++pls00452


Edited post so it doesn't look like it was typed by an illiterate drunk. Serves me right for using my portable telephone for posting. I wasn't really designed to function in the modern world.

Sporky

Keytar? 

thecolourbox

Basher said:

Missed this thread but thought I'd add this as it's on topic.

I was fed up of my rickety x-stand and was looking into a better alternative. Found the z-stand below for the very cheap price of just over £23 delivered.

 It's much better than the x-stand, very solid and leaves space undertge keyboard for legs, pedals and suchlike. Only disadvantage is that the arms tgat support the keyboard are a bit long, so you'll end up with them sticking out a bit unless you're using it with a giant synth or workstation.

For my use at home it's amazing value. I even bought a second one which now sits under my desk with the 73 key board I use with my DAW.
Missed this thread but thought I'd add this as it's on topic.

I was fed up of my rickety x-stand and was looking into a better alternative. Found the z-stand below for the very cheap price of just over £23 delivered.

 It's much better than the x-stand, very solid and leaves space undertge keyboard for legs, pedals and suchlike. Only disadvantage is that the arms tgat support the keyboard are a bit long, so you'll end up with them sticking out a bit unless you're using it with a giant synth or workstation.

For my use at home it's amazing value. I even bought a second one which now sits under my desk with the 73 key board I use with my DAW.

 https://cpc.farnell.com/pulse/pls00452/keyboard-equipment-stand-heavy/dp/ST03956?st=pulse++pls00452

yes that's like my back up stand, but mine has little wheels on it as well. You are right about the arms being a bit long but you can hang stuff on them (headphones, or drinks bottle with one of those handles to dangle it) or cable tie your leads to it for neatness

That's twice today I've suggested something to have a drink nearby, I must be dehydrated

Basher

thecolourbox said:

Basher said: blah blah blah

yes that's like my back up stand, but mine has little wheels on it as well. You are right about the arms being a bit long but you can hang stuff on them (headphones, or drinks bottle with one of those handles to dangle it) or cable tie your leads to it for neatness

That's twice today I've suggested something to have a drink nearby, I must be dehydrated

I've used my spare arm length as defensive "horns" to stop family members charging into my keyboard when using my room as a rat-run to access the kitchen. Am considering adding spikes, possibly poison-tipped.

Maybe the drink reference was suggested because my original post looked like I was pissed when I wrote it?

Snags

Sporky said:

Keytar? 

Die, scum!