OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/26/2009:  22:17:12

Okay, some of you may know that I'm awaiting the arival of my first banjo (yay). But i'm going to need a stand. So far, for the look, I like the half size ones (the ones that just support the pot and not the neck/head). But I'm definately open to suggestions especially if it helps keep my banjo in a better resting position. Please help if you can. Thanks


-JJ

goldtopia - Posted - 06/26/2009:  22:29:43

This is a matter of personal choice. Some people don't like stands. I use one because my banjo is played every day and want to be able to pick it up straight away. Once my wife tripped over the strap but no damage was done to the banjo and this is the reason why some don't like stands. It is best kept in a corner of the room or somewhere that it is not likely to be knocked over. I have two stands one is American, made of metal with foam and rubber to protect the banjo, the other is made of wood with hard foam protectors, nice enough to be called a piece of furniture. Both are suitable for guitar or banjo.

Bill.O

www.bluegrassminstrels.co.uk

OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/26/2009:  22:35:15

I'm not looking for anything as nice as your second one listed. Would be nice, but it's not in the picture... yet. I do want to keep it out for easy access. It will be in a place where it won't be in the way either (cause that was already a concern of mine). So it will be left out, but in the corner out of the way. What brand is the american one?

-JJ

goldtopia - Posted - 06/26/2009:  22:42:45

Konig & Maye Instrument Stand for Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin etc.
.It just supports the pot of the banjo. Its black with strong tubing and hard rubber protection (not foam) When I bought it the shop the owner demonstrated its strength by standing on it. I am not sure that it is American the name sounds rather Asian.

Bill.O

www.bluegrassminstrels.co.uk

airborne - Posted - 06/27/2009:  00:35:32

there are a lot of guy's on the hangout that will tell you they never use a stand, they can be easily knocked over, i do use one at home, but never at a jam, ive seen banjo's guitar's and mando's knocked off of stand's fare to easy at jam's
when im at a jam and im not playing i alway's put my banjo back in the case, the stand i use at home is just a guitar stand were the back of the stand go's up to the peg head and is secued, but i alway's keep it well away from were any body walk's.

kevin0461 - Posted - 06/27/2009:  02:38:19

I have two... a WillowDrum and a Gruven Deluxe Banjo Stand. I have to say the WillowDrum is a beautiful piece of furniture and Aaron will do everything he can to make sure that you get what you pay for (he has different versions for your price range).
That said, it's not as sturdy as my Gruven that I just received from Janet Davis Music. Once again different price ranges to your budget but not as nice looking as the WillowDrum. The Gruven also has a couple hinges on it so it's a bit more portable and functional. I have to say it would be hard to tip over the Gruven.

My advice would be to get the Gruven. I'm with Goldtopia though... I understand some people don't like stands because of the chance of them tipping over but I play mine banjo everyday so they stay in their stands.

1four5 - Posted - 06/27/2009:  02:56:33

I use the Konig Meyer too. Mostly for gigs. At home I use a string-swing wall hanger. The Konig Meyer stand doesn't rely on legs, therefore you can't tip it over like the tri-pod stands.
.http://www.guitarcenter.com/K-M-Hel...-i1320526.gc

Dean

mrussell - Posted - 06/27/2009:  03:24:10

I've got a folding metal stand that I bought from Janet Davis Music that is similar to what you are looking for. It's small enough to take to jam sessions and sturdy enough for everyday use.


Mike
www.caincreek.com/index.html

Kevin B - Posted - 06/27/2009:  04:23:06

I was a stand user until it seemed like every week someone here on the BHO was posting pictures of broken headstocks that were stand casualties.

When I did use a stand this was the most secure, low center of gravity stand I found http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/SAFEA.htm

Kevin ( )==''=~

''Possum, It''s what''s for dinner . . ."

Tank772 - Posted - 06/27/2009:  05:03:34

I've got Hercules guitar stands that work just great, they have the same thing for banjos. They have an auto grab system that locks the neck in place so even if it gets knocked over, hasn't happened to me yet, the headstock won't hit the ground first if at all. Those are my faves but I've got regular ole guitar stands that I've been using for a good bit without a problem. I've bumped into them, tripped on the legs, and gotten caught in the strap but none have ever gone over. Had a few that made my heart thump but that's it, none ever hit the ground. My advice is keep them away from windows, heating/coolong devices, and if you use a String Swing wall hanger (I like those too) don't hang them on an exterior wall.

Parker

eagleisland - Posted - 06/27/2009:  05:10:56

Unless your home is now and forever will be devoid of children, dogs, cats, delivery people, service technicians, spouses, signficiant changes in humidity, seismic activity or occasional bouts of clumsiness by your own fair self, the sturdiest and safest stand is now and forever will be your banjo's latched case.

I don't understand the argument that "If it's in its stand I'll play it more." I WANT to play my banjo, and it only takes 2 seconds to flip the latches.

eagleisland

"I was halfway to Old Kentucky when the drugs began to kick in." - Hunter S. Monroe

Edited by - eagleisland on 06/27/2009 05:12:11

stelling man - Posted - 06/27/2009:  05:46:53

Skip, I could not have said It any better..

STELLING MAN

Oalbrets - Posted - 06/27/2009:  06:32:47

I'm with Skip and David, I just put it back in the case and don't have to worry about it. Its as simple as that.

Poverty Ridge Bluegrass

grm405 - Posted - 06/27/2009:  07:14:57

Well, it takes me several minutes to drag my second banjo out of the closet, open the case, reattach the strap and tune. And about the same when I reverse the process. My primary banjo (whichever it is at that time) stays on my Hamilton KA35 stand, which is attached to the wall with a small bungie cord to prevent it from falling over. The Hamilton is very stable and holds the banjo by the neck with the back resting on a rubber covered base. The ONLY way it can be removed from the stand is by lifting it up several inches from the angled hook. It is far better than any other stand I have tried.

Taking the banjo out of its case automatically puts it at risk. I am more concerned with banging the headstock into something walking into a jam or the strap breaking than my stand. At least in my circumstances.

Everyone gets to make their own decision about the risk/reward of stands.

Gerry

BanjoSKP

OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/27/2009:  07:49:38

Well I think I'm going to try (at least for a while) something like the K&M Heli or Sage Mate A-Frame style stands. My jo will be in a room that has minimal traffic( 98% me) and in a spot that has even less. But i definitely appreciate everyone's input. And I think that in the case of people saying they're more likely to play if its out and not in a case that it's just easier and more convenient to grab and jam rather then break it out of the case and what not. But to each his own. 1000 people, 1000 point of views.

-JJ

Richard Dress - Posted - 06/27/2009:  08:00:28

Go Stage Mate for stability and price. They are great.

1four5 - Posted - 06/27/2009:  08:03:44

And I would dare to betchya that within a year, I grab my banjo 1000 times more because it's out than if it was in a case. If only to catch a TV jingle, a radio riff, last minute polishing before a gig, or impulsive launching into several hour jams with a concert show or DVD. Beside, my banjo is cool and I like to look at it. I use the wall hangers because of
<--- them.

Dean

OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/27/2009:  08:51:15

LoL Dean. I like how you incorprate the pups into the thread. I'm more likely to grab it if it's in the open too. I'm like that with drums/practice pads. I play it a lot more if it's out and around rather than put away.

-JJ

pdbanjo - Posted - 06/27/2009:  09:13:35

The absolute best stand for a banjo is the <<<CASE ! ! !>>>, period. When you have to get it repaired because someone or thing accidently knocks it over you'll understand what I'm talking about. Put it in the case when it's not on your shoulder and latch it up every time. Only then will you be 90% protected. Putting it on a stand drops that percentage to 20% and maybe even less. Ask me how I know....go ahead..... Ask me!!!

PD
There''s so little time and so much room to experiment, why choose to play like someone else? If I were Earl, I wouldn''t play it like me either.

OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/27/2009:  09:47:32

So... how do you know? I'm just kidding, I can only assume you've had happen to you (maybe more than once at that)

-JJ

OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/27/2009:  09:49:37

Actually, now that think of it. How fragile are the banjo necks? I'll be getting Mastercraft if it makes a difference. I'm sure each maker and model is a bit strong or weaker than another.

-JJ

pdbanjo - Posted - 06/27/2009:  10:16:32

When falling over or even dropping the case the most vunerable area to be damaged is just above the valoute starting near the slot created for the nut.. Typically on most necks the headstock will crack diagonally just above this weak point sometimes so drastically the headstock will snap off completely. Older necks are more prone to this becuase the wood is drier and more fragile but it is the weakest point on the banjo neck. The next weakest point is at the heal due to the lag bolts embedded in it. Being that there are holes drilled to accept the lags and the dissimilar strengths of wood vs metal, this is another common area to crack upon dropping or the instrument falling onto the floor. The inertia of a falling banjo is exaggerated into the neck via the weight of the pot causing a whipping action up into the neck and the sudden impact is similar to what one can invision of someone weilding a cane. Just a bit of wrist movement causes the cane tip to excellerate expoentially. The same happens to a banjo neck and the sudden impact results in extreme damage even when it seems the instrument didn't fall that hard. Rest assured your banjo will have an accident sooner or later and hopefully it won't be in a stand when that happens.

PD
There''s so little time and so much room to experiment, why choose to play like someone else? If I were Earl, I wouldn''t play it like me either.

Pubpersona - Posted - 06/27/2009:  11:13:35

-My cluttered flat means its better protected in the case where it can't get knocked over. In a stand in the occasional earthquake it'll suffer the fate of my book shelf in the last big one:
-wobbled across the room & flung down amidst other fallen debris. Frequent tremors in the Northwest means precautions pay off. Still, leaving the instrument in an open case encourages play.

-Brian

Edited by - Pubpersona on 06/27/2009 11:33:48

OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/27/2009:  12:35:05

"encourages play"... I like the way that is worded. Not more likely to play, not easier access, but rather Encourages Play. Good way of putting it for those debating using a stand vs. not for desire to play.

-JJ

1four5 - Posted - 06/27/2009:  13:34:28

Just for the record, the closest I've ever came to banjo damage from being a dork, was picking up my case, at the edge of a 3 foot high stage, set above concrete... without the latches being latched. Only my guardian angel and forces beyond my comprehension kept my banjo in the case when the lid flopped open. had it fallen, it would have been a good 6 foot drop onto concrete. On those grounds, I have to recommend against cases that don't have big orange warning lables on the handle, very loud horns and buzzers and flashing lights, or automatic latches. Yeah right. Common sense and awareness goes a long way, every day, in everything we do. If my butt stayed puckered all the while my banjo was outside of it's precious case, I would probably be too afraid to get in my car and drive down the street too. I'm not stupid enough to put my banjo on a stand out in the open with two very large dogs and 3 cats. However, when I practice and take a break, I set it on a stand in a corner between a table and the wall, or in a wall hanger. At gigs I use my stand. I'm not stupid enough to put it in the middle of the stage or play area and then leave it unattended and start slinging mic stands and wires around or go use the bathroom or go get a bite to eat or whatever. I always try to find a corner or a piano or a big plant or something to set it by, next too, or behind... and then NEVER leave it unattended or out of sight. Just common sense.

Dean

Edited by - 1four5 on 06/27/2009 13:57:23

OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/27/2009:  16:05:56

I agree. As long as you take precautions with your instrument (or with anything in your life) then you'll be safe. I don't intend to leave it laying in the middle of the stairs, or sitting in my car for a day, or anything else. I plan on taking care of it and protecting it like a new child.

-JJ

Tank772 - Posted - 06/27/2009:  17:06:12

I kept my guitars on stands for years (still do) before I got into banjos, and keep them on stands. All my instruments stayed on their stands around room-mates, dogs, cats, guests (and their dogs and kids), girlfriends (and their dogs and kids), and myself as a hardcore drunk (for a long time catching me sober was a trick) without having to ever replace or repair one. Had one guitar (my room-mate's) get a broken neck when a guy he'd let play it was walking across the room and tripped (he, incorrectly, thought that he was worth saving more than the guitar). I consider them to be sort of works of art and like being able to see them as well as pick them up and play them whenever I get the chance. If I've only got 10 minutes to noodle around I don't want to spend 5 of that time getting them out of the case and ready to play knowing it'll take more time to put them up. Under those circumstances I wouldn't bother to pick one up and play it. They also take up less space than the cases would, I can store the cases somewhere out of the way and get one when I need it. If you've got multiple instruments, to keep them in their cases means you'd have to spend the money to have a case for each and every one. Even $50.00 a piece for the Durofoam cases (which are great by the way) would add up.

Parker

Oalbrets - Posted - 06/27/2009:  17:58:59

Just don't forget to close your latches on the case.

Poverty Ridge Bluegrass

OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/27/2009:  20:50:23

I'm now looking into the A-Frame stands. Was going to go with one that had no neck on it, but i found the GS50 that has a shorter neck support and I'm thinking about picking that one up. It also locks it into place, but we'll see.

-JJ

Trent in WA - Posted - 06/27/2009:  21:02:26

Here's what I use:

http://www.hamiltonstands.com/guitar/kb38.htm

It's very, very stable. The only way you could reliably knock it over with a banjo in it would be if someone barrelled into it directly from behind and made contact only with the very top of the stand. This is not to say it couldn't happen, but it would take an odd set of circumstances.

http://www.myspace.com/trentghill

Oalbrets - Posted - 06/28/2009:  07:07:07

Tank, you are an accident waiting to happen and it will. I aslo think every instrument should have a HSC. Its better to be safe then sorry.

Poverty Ridge Bluegrass

Tank772 - Posted - 06/28/2009:  13:01:29

Thanks for the well wishing. I'm of course assuming that that's a "break a leg" sort of sentiment as opposed to a true hope and prediction for the future of my instruments.

Parker

OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/28/2009:  13:14:47

I don't think ever instrument should have a HSC. I do think there are times that it should, but at that there are times it doesn't need one; outside of playing. If you're life is that reckless and damaged where things cant be left out, then I hope you live in a padded house. At that point, you should bolt all furnature down to the ground/walls, and have nothing of value that can be damaged. I use caution in what I do and don't have issues.

-JJ

Tank772 - Posted - 06/28/2009:  14:43:05

Hooah.

Parker

wkb28791 - Posted - 06/28/2009:  16:40:33

I think this stand is the best by far


http://www.activemusician.com/item--MP.OSS-71049

Regards,
wkb28791

"We can''t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

"As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain, as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality."

Albert Einstein

OutOfReachDrumr - Posted - 06/28/2009:  16:47:19

Hey Albert. Something like that is exactly what im looking at getting i think. Don't recall if it's that make/model. If it's not its damn close.

-JJ

Oalbrets - Posted - 06/28/2009:  18:54:30

Good luck guys

Poverty Ridge Bluegrass

eagleisland - Posted - 06/30/2009:  03:17:11

Here's a relevant thread.

eagleisland

"I was halfway to Old Kentucky when the drugs began to kick in." - Hunter S. Monroe

Oalbrets - Posted - 06/30/2009:  04:58:16

Hooah.

Poverty Ridge Bluegrass

1four5 - Posted - 06/30/2009:  07:59:10

I read the "relevant" thread, and have to wonder what it's subject was? The guy needed repair and fast. Not stand advice. What if the neck broke in the case from transport? What if the neck broke from hitting a ceiling fan? what if the neck broke from picking up and unlatched case? What if the neck broke from hitting the rhythm guitar player's headstock at a show? What if the headstock broke from bumping into a doorframe? What if the headstock broke entering a stage door? What if the headstock broke on a low cieling? What if the headstock broke becase he wasn't paying attention driving to a recording session and got t-boned at an intersection by a simi? He would have been better off staying in bed with his banjo in a locked safe. But then, there's always earthquakes, tornadoes, fires, volcanos and floods.

Dean

Gary Blanchard - Posted - 06/30/2009:  08:22:30

Let's face it, Dean. There are staunch "keep it in a case" folks and us staunch "keep it where you can grab it" folks, and we will never change each other's minds. It is a shame that every time a "what stand do I buy" thread comes up, the OP gets bombarded with "keep it in the case." I guess people mean well, but that is the individual's choice.

It's as bad as asking "what capo do I buy" on the Mandolin Cafe.

Gary Blanchard
http://www.gbandf.com

Edited by - Gary Blanchard on 06/30/2009 08:23:30

Oalbrets - Posted - 06/30/2009:  08:46:54

Hey Dean, you forgot to mention, what if a deer crashes through the window and charges on the stage knockiing over all the string instruments. He He

Poverty Ridge Bluegrass

1four5 - Posted - 06/30/2009:  10:57:33

quote:

---

Hey Dean, you forgot to mention, what if a deer crashes through the window and charges on the stage knockiing over all the string instruments. He He

---

Tank772 - Posted - 06/30/2009:  12:20:02

People fall down stairs a lot more than instruments fall off of stands. We don't hear "Never use stairs, you'll fall down 'em." I've heard about straps failing in some manner and the instrument hitting the ground and taking damage but we don't hear "Don't use a strap you'll damage your instrument.", in fact some of the first advice a beginner will get is to use a strap. My guitar instructor has been a professional musician/guitar teacher for 45 years and keeps his instruments on stands. I'd think if stands were that dangerous he wouldn't do so, he's got some awful expensive instruments. When the "always use a case never a stand" crowd chimes in it's stated as a given that the stand will find a way to break the neck. Not a cautionary thing like it could happen but that it's going to. I've been told on this very thread that it's going to happen to me. If it does, after over eight years of using stands, I figure it'll be carelessness on my, or somebody else's, part that caused it. I've never heard of an instrument spontaneously jumping off of a stand all by itself.

Parker

JLB - Posted - 06/30/2009:  12:43:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by eagleisland

Here's a relevant thread.

eagleisland

---

windbreaker - Posted - 06/30/2009:  12:57:55

<<When I did use a stand this was the most secure, low center of gravity stand I found http://www.elderly.com/accessories/...A.htm>>;

This is the one I've used for years without a problem. I've got at least three of them.

Edited by - windbreaker on 06/30/2009 12:58:46

Oalbrets - Posted - 06/30/2009:  13:46:53

Different strokes for different folks.


Poverty Ridge Bluegrass

Edited by - Oalbrets on 06/30/2009 13:59:03

stelling man - Posted - 06/30/2009:  15:10:28

Hey Dean, There Is one big hole In all of the above things you listed that could have happened, THEY DIDN'T, IT WAS IN A STAND, If the banjo was In the case It would'nt have happened..

STELLING MAN

Thor - Posted - 06/30/2009:  15:24:16

Here's the stand I use. lol.