Guitar Stands: Stands that Deliver

Wooden & metal guitar stands at work in Martin Guitar's Pickin' Parlor

Hercules Guitar Stand's Auto Grip levers with a Dread

While a guitar stand choice is often a personal one, I'd like to think that I'm doing all that I can to protect my investment.  I've been at an outdoor jam and watched in horror as my friend's prized dread accidentally blew off the bench.  I've also seen a beautiful Taylor 800 Series get kicked off the stand and chipped by it's owner during a performance.

As disturbing as these events are, they don't have to happen if you: 1.) Invest in a quality guitar stand  2.) Take it with you where ever you play  3.) Use it religiously

Hercules GS415B
One of the best guitar stands that I've seen has been the Hercules line.  In the photo above it is holding a huge Martin Dreadnought and here to the right it is holding a heavy Fender Stratocaster.  I did not have to change or adjust the headstock yoke.  So what ever guitar I am playing at the time fits immediately into this stand.

Some of the features I like are the automatically releasing headstock levers and padded legs.  The whole stand folds up instantly in seconds, making very portable.

I use it in the studio and when it's time to play out, it goes with me.  A carry bag is available (GSB001) so you can easily pack it on gigs or on tour.  No matter what, when I take a break, my guitar is safe and protected from falling and breakage.  I can really relax!

This is due to the fact that the whole stand itself tilts back on three legs which gives it a very stable base.

Auto Grip System levers open when you lift the guitar, close to hold it securely.  Yoke folds down for easy transport.

Comfort Grip feature quickly adjusts the height of the stand to fit a variety of guitar bodies.

Padded legs tilt back, giving the guitar a more secure resting position.

Guitar Stand & Stool
Another stand that I like is the Stage Player II combination guitar stool and stand.  This will hold both you and your guitar but just not at the same time!

Very comfy padded seat and foot rest.  This packs up like a folding chair and is easy to take along.
In fact I take it with me to most every gig, outdoor and indoor jam.  I bring the Hercules Stand also which means I can offer this stand to someone who forgot theirs.

This guitar stool-stand makes a great gift so you might want to take note of it for yourself or a strumming buddy.  the Guitar Buyer's Guide over at Gavethat.com

The Stage Player II is available now from Amazon

Farley's Stage Player II Guitar Stand Review

Farley's Stage Player II Stool & Guitar Stand

There are some things that just make life a little easier.  If you play guitar, Farley's Stage Player II by Nick Vail Designs is one of them.  Building on the success and design of the original Stage Player, the upgraded Stage Player II includes a foot rest.  A spring loaded locking pin allows a quick folding of the stool for easy traveling.  Throw it in the back seat of your car along with your guitar and go!

Stage Player II with an Aria Pro

Jams and professional studio sessions are often a mixed bag seating wise.  One of the best things you can do to help settle in is bring a stool that you're comfortable with.  The stage Player II goes one better by letting you park your instrument while taking a break.  Besides, sitting on a stool helps straighten your back and stretch your legs.  The fold down foot rest is perfect for classical guitarists who need to prop their instrument at an angle for proper fretwork.  Technique is everything and if you're comfortable, all else seems to fall in place.

The Wrap

The Stage Player II is available at Amazon.com for about $50.  It has multiple uses in the studio, gigs and jam sessions plus:

• Features:
  • No assembly required
  • Weighs 10 lbs
  • Fully padded and comfortable
  • Fits most guitars, bases, and banjos
  • Neck support and non-slip foam on the folding support arms
  • Fold-down foot rest
  • Safe for all finishes
  • Rugged metal construction
  • Holds up to 250 lbs

Things to Look Out For

The bottom guitar braces do not snap securely in place.  If you're wearing wide boot cut jeans, they might get caught on one of them as you're jumping off.  Not a cool way to exit your set!  I've found this to also be a problem when transporting the stool so the simple solution is to hold it upside down by the bottom cross braces.  Minor issues when you still have the best seat in the house for both you AND your guitar at your next  gig.



Video Demo of the Stage Player II

A Few of My Favorite Things!

We asked readers to tell us about their favorite guitar gear. Well, here are some of mine! Ernie Ball Super Strap Locks on the job. Sully's Soft Leather Guitar Strap and the handy Stage Player II Guitar Stool from Farley's Musical Essentials. Oh yes my Martin D-18 in Sustainable Cherry of course. Be sure to visit Eclectic Sound TV for all of our HD videos on tap. Video Credits: Camera by MAM. Music written & performed by Dr. M. Vintage tee by C.F. Martin & Co. 1833 Shop