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What’s the Best Music Stand for Me?

What’s the Best Music Stand for Me?

Music stands are useful for almost every kind of musician and can be found on stages, in rehearsal rooms, in the music room at school, in recording studios and even at home. Since there are a few different kinds of stands available, which one is best for you? To help you find out, we answer your most frequently asked music stand related questions. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us!

1. I’m About to Start Learning to Play an Instrument, Do I Need a Music Stand?

You probably do, unless your instrument already has some kind of music rest (like a piano) or if you already know the score by heart. If not, and since it’s likely that you’re reading music, chord boxes, tablature, or lyrics from a book or a few loose pages, then a music stand will be essential and is a much better option than just using a table, stool, your amplifier, or any other awkward place. A music stand can be set at the correct height and positions the score or book at the right angle so you can easily read it while playing and maintaining a comfortable and healthy playing or singing posture.

Music Stands

2. I Have a Recording Studio / Rehearsal Space / Stage. Do I Need Music Stands?

A few music stands are very likely to come in handy at some point. It might be that a performer turns up having forgotten theirs, or didn’t realise that they’d need one. Also, you’re doing musicians a big favour since it’s one less thing for them to have to carry to the show, rehearsal, or session.

Music Stands

3. How Wide Does the Music Rest Need to Be?

Most musicians only need a music rest with a standard width, so the width of the music rests fitted to most music stands. But there are a few benefits to having a wider music rest, since you can lay three sheets out at once and don’t have to turn pages so often. Having a wide music rest is definitely a good idea when recording since the sound of pages being turned might be picked up by the microphone, so it’s much better to have the entire score laid out whenever possible. A classic sheet music related blunder can be heard during the crescendo of ‘Man Against Beast’ on the Jaws soundtrack, where the sound of a page being turned can be clearly heard. A stand with a wide music rest is also definitely essential for conductors.

Music Stands

4. What Kind of Music Stands Are There?

Fully collapsable: These are the most simple and usually the most cheap option. They’re also easy for busy, performing musicians to carry. The disadvantage of these stands is that they can’t handle the weight of big, thick music books since the hinges and tripod supports are not designed for it.
Large, solid music rest: This is the next step up. Some of the stands can be folded up, but the music rest can’t. These stands tend to have a more sleek look than collapsable models, and since they’re heavier, are often stronger and more stable, so heavy music books are no problem. While they are less practical for the travelling musician, they’re great for kitting out music schools or concert halls. Stands with a perforated music rest (lots of little holes) are a little lighter in weight.
Wooden music rest: These are just as functional as a solid music rest, but have a nice look, especially in places like a traditionally designed concert hall.
Tabletop models: These are great for playing at home, even at the kitchen table.

Music Stands: Fully Collapsable
Music Stands: Solid Music Rest, Collapsable Stand
Music Stands: Solid Music Rest
Music Stands: Wooden Music Rest
Music Stands: Tabletop
All Music Stands

5. What About the Build Quality of Music Stands?

One of the other reasons for big price differences between different music stands is the quality of the materials used and their durability. Not every stand is designed for intensive use. If you play in a relaxed, safe place like your living room, then you’ll be fine using a good but cheap stand. But if you regularly travel with your stand; unfold it and fold it up before throwing it in the back of a van every day; then you’ll probably need to pay a little more for something much more robust.

Music Stands

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