Buying guide for Best keyboard stands
If you're buying your first musical keyboard, you may be surprised to learn it doesn't come with a stand. That may lead you to think that a keyboard stand is more of an option than a necessity. However, that is not the case. If you do not have a quality stand for your keyboard, not only will it be harder for you to play, you could end up damaging the median nerve in your hands from improper positioning.
Keyboards come in a variety of lengths and weights. The keyboard stand you purchase must be strong enough and long enough to safely and securely support your keyboard. Some of the best stands are height-adjustable to accommodate your preferred position, sitting or standing. If you are a performer, you'll also want to make sure that your keyboard stand sets up and breaks down quickly.
Key considerations
While every aspect of a keyboard stand affects its functionality in some way, in this section, we focus on the top three elements you should consider first: length, weight capacity, and intended use.
Length
A piano has 88 keys. A full-size keyboard also has 88 keys, which can make the instrument over 4 feet long. If you purchase a stand that only supports the middle of the keyboard, the instrument may tip off the stand when you play in the higher or lower registers. This is of primary importance in an X-style keyboard stand (a stand with two sides that attach in the middle, like the letter X) because the higher the stand is raised, the smaller the region of support becomes. The lower an X-style keyboard stand is positioned, the wider the region of support becomes, which means a keyboard that has significantly less than 88 keys could fall through the middle. Make sure the keyboard stand that you are considering can support the keyboard you have at the height you need it to be.
Weight capacity
Most keyboard stands are designed to easily hold the weight of a typical keyboard. However, if you have an instrument with weighted keys, it will be heavier than a typical keyboard. Additionally, some keyboard stands are designed to hold more than one keyboard. Be certain the stand you want can support the weight of the keyboard you will be using.
Intended use
If you will be playing your keyboard mostly in one location, you can purchase a keyboard stand that may be heavy and difficult to assemble. In fact, this type of stand tends to be more stable. If you are a performer, however, you will want a stand that is lightweight and can be set up and broken down with minimal effort.
If your keyboard stand features any sort of locking mechanism, make sure it is engaged before placing your keyboard on the stand.
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Features
Height adjustable
Not only does everyone have a slightly different preference when sitting (or standing) at a keyboard, everyone has a different physical build. The best keyboard stands are height-adjustable so you can set the keys at the exact level you'd like to provide maximum comfort and ease of playing.
Sturdiness
Playing a keyboard is a physical activity, and at times, you may end up playing with more force than you intended. The keyboard stand that you purchase must be sturdy and stable. Otherwise, it will tip and shake and rock while you play, making it impossible to deliver your best performance.
Well-built
In addition to the overall sturdiness of a keyboard stand, you will want a model that is solidly constructed and durable, so it won't weaken and fail over time.
Multi-tier
If you use more than one keyboard during your performance, it may be convenient to purchase a stand with multiple tiers. Some keyboard stands have a permanent second tier. Others feature a tier that can be added or removed as needed.
Nonslip material
You need some type of nonslip material on the bottom of your keyboard stand so it doesn't slide around the floor while you play. Equally important, you need some type of nonslip material on the top of the keyboard stand so the keyboard doesn't slide off from vigorous playing.
Straps
Some keyboard stands feature straps that connect to the stand and are screwed into the bottom of the keyboard to lock it onto the stand. This is a great feature, but not all keyboards are compatible with stand straps. Your keyboard needs to have two screw holes on the bottom side for the straps to work.
Did You Know?
Many keyboard stands feature a leveling rubber foot that can be twisted to help stabilize a wobbly stand.
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Accessories
Keyboard bench: Donner Adjustable Piano Keyboard Bench
With its comfortable spongy seat and non-skid feet, this affordable and height-adjustable keyboard bench is a must-have for new keyboard owners.
Beginning piano book for adults: Alfred’s Basic All-in-One Adult Course
Alfred is a trusted name in music publishing, and this adult piano book is easy to read and follow. It’s designed to be user-friendly so beginners are encouraged rather than intimidated.
Keyboard stand prices
Inexpensive: While it is possible to find a keyboard stand for $20 or less, you must be mindful of the build quality on these budget models. The stands in this price range may not be durable enough to hold up under rugged use. Additionally, there may be no method to adjust the height of the stand.
Mid-range: The average keyboard player will most often find what they need in the range of $30 to $60. These stands will be height-adjustable and feature a secure build that supports larger, heavier keyboards. Most will also be lightweight and designed for quick setup and breakdown, making them suitable for gigs.
High-end: At the higher end of the price scale, you will find keyboard stands with all the bells and whistles, allowing you to add additional keyboards if needed. Expect to spend roughly $150 for these types of keyboard stands. Note that it is possible to spend up to $300 (or more) on a top-shelf keyboard stand. Unless you are a pro musician with high-end keyboards, however, a keyboard stand in this top-tier price range probably won’t be needed.
If your keyboard is not sitting securely on the top bars of your keyboard stand, covering those bars with foam pipe insulation is a quick fix that adds stability and also helps keep the keyboard from slipping.
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Tips
Depending on your music teacher, you may be inundated with rules on how to sit at the keyboard. While there are definitely good and bad posture habits you can develop, not everyone ends up sitting at the keyboard the same way. In other words, the most important aspect of sitting at a keyboard is not how you look but how you feel — and how easily you can move about. Following are a few key tips to keep in mind when sitting at a keyboard.
- Do not sit too close. If you are pulled up against the keyboard so your waist presses against the keys, that's too close. At that position, your body will actually get in the way and make it impossible for you to easily reach all the keys.
- Use only part of the bench. Sit on roughly the front half of the bench, and keep it back far enough so just the tips of your knees are under the keys. This will give you the ability to lean to each end of the keyboard without shifting along the bench to reach all of the keys.
- Adjust your height so you are comfortable. Though most teachers will tell you that your forearms should be horizontal to the floor, there is actually a very slight downward tilt; your elbows will likely be slightly higher than your wrists. The back of your hand is what actually needs to be parallel to the floor so your fingers can comfortably drop down when you play.
- Find your comfort zone. If the previous three tips don't feel comfortable, tweak your position until it works for you. Some people have longer torsos; others have longer legs. Don't be afraid to search for your comfort zone.
- Keep the same principles in mind when standing. If you prefer to play your keyboard when standing, don't crowd the keyboard; have it raised high enough so your arms are roughly in the same position as they are when sitting, and be aware of how comfortable you are when playing. The wrong height can not only damage the nerves in your hands, it can also affect the muscles and nerves in your back and neck.
FAQ
Q. Do keyboard stands come in different sizes for adults and children?
A. Unless you are buying a toy keyboard that comes with its own stand, something for a very young child, there is no adult/child distinction between keyboard sizes. A quality keyboard stand will have a range of height options, but those options are not directly tied to the age of the player. In fact, a smaller keyboard (one with less than 88 keys) might not even fit on certain stands when at its lowest height because the support bars on the stand will be too far apart.
Q. Do I need to purchase anything else when I get a keyboard stand?
A. The average chair is lower than a keyboard bench. If you sit on a chair and your keyboard stand does not go low enough, your elbows will be too low when playing your keyboard, placing unnecessary strain on your wrists. This could compress your median nerve and eventually lead to numbness or weakness in the hands. Because of this, it is a good idea to purchase a height-adjustable keyboard bench to go with your keyboard stand.
Q. Is it better to have long fingers if you want to play the keyboard?
A. Believe it or not, needing long fingers to play the keyboard is a myth. While there are some situations where longer fingers may be of use, there are also a number of situations when that trait actually makes a particular passage harder. The size of your hands should not keep you from playing the keyboard.
