Buying guide for Best guitar stands
If you own a guitar, you know: that instrument is your baby. You wouldn’t walk away leaving a real baby on the floor or propped up against a wall, so why would you do so with a guitar?
A guitar stand not only protects your guitar when you’re not using it, it keeps the instrument handy for when inspiration strikes. Whether you’re on the road or just jamming in your bedroom, a guitar stand is an inexpensive item every guitarist should have.
You will find a wide variety of guitar stands on the market. There are different types with different feature sets, and because you undoubtedly want to protect your investment, you may have questions about which guitar stand is right for you.
Key considerations
Guitar stand types
Freestanding: This is what most people visualize when they think of a guitar stand. Freestanding models tend to be lightweight, foldable, and portable. While typically made for one guitar, some freestanding guitar stands hold two or more instruments at once. An adjustable neck or arm(s) may provide extra versatility. Tubular and A-frame stands are common.
Mounted stands: Unlike a freestanding guitar stand, a mounted guitar stand attaches directly to a wall. This is a great solution for those with limited space who want to safely display their instrument. Some mounted guitar stands can be used with a range of guitars and other stringed instruments, too. Notably, a mounted stand is not the right choice if you want something portable.
Guitar racks: Think of a guitar rack as an extreme version of a guitar stand. Guitar racks are designed to hold several guitars or guitar cases at once. A rack is a great option for someone who frequently uses a range of guitars, whether on stage or at home.
Other racks: Although freestanding stands, mounted stands, and racks are the most common types of guitar stands, other options exist. This includes everything from simple neck stands that you can place on your amp to pricey premium stands with backrests for extra padding and protection.
Construction and appearance
The materials used to make guitar stands range from metal tubing to wood to plastic and composite materials. Metal tends to be the sturdiest material, while a stand crafted of wood may offer a rustic or classic appearance that really stands out. The majority of guitar stands feature foam or rubber on the arms and other contact points to protect and secure the guitar.
Some guitar stands amp up the cool factor with a supportive, eye-catching base. A black finish is common with tubular stands, while some plastic and composite stands offer a choice of colors.
Guitar capacity
While most guitar stands hold just one guitar, you can find stands that hold two, three, or even more instruments at once. Multiple guitar stands can cost significantly more than single guitar stands, and they frequently take up more space.
Guitar type
Regardless of whether your guitar is an acoustic, electric, or bass, chances are it will fit your guitar stand. The majority of stands offer enough adjustability and contouring to support a wide range of guitar shapes and sizes. However, there are a handful of guitar stands on the market that are built specifically to hold a certain type of guitar, so check the specs before making a purchase.
Portability
If you travel with your guitar, something lightweight and foldable may be best.
Lightweight: The lighter the guitar stand, the easier it will be to carry around. The average guitar stand weighs 4 to 5 pounds, but some weigh less than 2 pounds. Guitar racks and stands that hold multiple guitars weigh more.
Foldable: Most guitar stands fold to some degree for easy storage. A stand that folds flat is easy to transport and store.
Tubular stands are popular with guitarists because they are lightweight, fairly adjustable, and affordable.
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Features
Arms
The arms of a guitar stand secure the guitar. Some arms swivel for a secure fit; others adjust to accommodate a greater range of guitars. The arms may be used to hold the neck, body, or both. Some neck arms include locks, and most are covered with foam to protect the guitar finish.
Legs and feet
Guitar stands typically have three or four legs that fold out to create a secure base. The feet at the ends of these legs should be rubber-tipped so the stand won’t slide around on the floor.
Locks and clamps
A lock comes standard on the majority of stands, and it can be a guitar saver if the instrument is jostled. Locks usually come in the form of a clamp or strap. Most clamps must be engaged manually, but some automatically click into place.
Protective padding
Protective material on the arms and other sensitive points of the stand may be made of foam, rubber, or another material. In addition to protecting the guitar surface from scratches, padding made of nonslip foam provides stability to keep it from rocking and sliding around in the stand.
DID YOU KNOW?
While not standard, some guitar stands have a built-in pick slot. This feature allows you to keep a variety of picks within easy reach.
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Guitar stand prices
Inexpensive: At the lower end of the range, you will primarily find simple mounting stands and some inexpensive A-frame stands and tubular stands.
Mid-range: Around the $20 mark, you will find quality stands with improved durability. Cheaper wooden stands can be found here, as well as some inexpensive multiple guitar stands.
Expensive: At higher price points, you will find much higher-quality stands, multiple guitar stands, and guitar racks. You could spend anywhere from $20 to $200 for a stand like this.
If you want maximum stability in a guitar stand, search for one that is heavy and low to the ground with a wide base.
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Tips
- Make sure a wall-mounted guitar stand has adequate support. If installing a wall-mounted stand into drywall or plasterboard, drill into a wall stud or use hollow wall anchors for added support.
- Consider an A-frame stand for tour or travel. While not the sturdiest of guitar stands, a primary benefit of an A-frame stand is that it folds and can be stored in a guitar case or bag for easy transport.
- Note weight limits. The weight limit of a guitar stand is typically not an issue for single-guitar stands that you use with a standard guitar. However, you will need to pay more attention to the weight limit if you purchase a multi-guitar stand or if your guitar is heavier than a typical guitar.
- Be careful if you’re using an older guitar with a plastic or metal stand. Often, older guitars have a nitrocellulose finish that can wear off if the guitar comes in frequent contact with a stand made from plastic or metal.
- Don’t leave your guitar on its stand where the sun can reach it. Sunlight can wreak havoc on a guitar’s finish. It can also stretch out the strings, making it difficult to keep the guitar in tune.
FAQ
Q. Is a walk-up stand the same thing as a guitar stand?
A. Not exactly. A guitar stand is used to store a guitar, whereas a walk-up stand is used to position the guitar at a height where you can walk up to it and start playing. Walk-up stands are designed for players who want to easily switch instruments while on stage. A walk-up stand should not be used for long-term storage of a guitar.
Q. Do guitar stands ship fully assembled?
A. It varies from product to product. The majority ship in a folded-down position. To use it, you simply unfold it. However, there are some stands that require light assembly, which should take no more than a few minutes.
Assembly gets a bit trickier with mounted guitar stands. Because these stands physically screw into the wall, they require more work. Some issues you may face are choosing a wall, leveling the stand, and possibly having to purchase additional hardware.
Q. What other instruments can be held by a guitar stand?
A. You may be able to also use your guitar stand with other stringed instruments, such as a violin or mandolin, but it depends on the stand and its degree of adjustability. If you can adjust the neck small enough, you should even be able to fit something as compact as a ukulele.
