Ultimate Support "V" Stand: Anyone?

Augh - I just killed my Quiklok X stand after so many years got it in late 80's, I think?! & never, ever had one single problem with it...

I had the two upper tier arms folded down, as I've been playing my new S90ES at home in my bsmt. & wanted a completely unobstructed, focused view of it in all its 88 key glory - but tonite I wanted to add my Triton Le on to the top tier, so I could go over some stuff w/the full rig for a gig tmw. The thing is, the S90 is so long I couldn't just swing the QuikLok's two top tiers up as I do when setting up the stand from scratch, they would've hit the S90 and been blocked by it's massiveness - so I took them off. When I went to put them back on I must've mangled the little washer inside on one of them, 'cause it it looks like that washer/thread inset is now loose & it won't thread back in.

So tomorrow I'll have to take my Apex out of retirement - I was going to trade it for a keyboard case but just haven't gotten around to it (sorry eric!) but now it's a good thing I dragged my feet 'cause I can use it tomorrow. It'll work but there's a little bit of wobbliness (the S90 is such a monster) and I'm not crazy about the angle of the top tier, I prefer a downward angle to see the display better...

Anyway, I'm eyeing up that Ultimate Support V Stand - anyone using it? I forget, I think someone here on KSS was digging that thing... maybe The Pro?

It does look very hip & looks like it folds up very compactly, which is cool - is not too heavy, which I like & also provides a mic. boom attachment, which I've been wanting for years - which would save me from dragging a mic. stand in (or from ever forgetting to drag one in!)... and leaves lots o' leg room and room for sustain pedals. Is it good for both standing and sitting? I stand for band gigs but sit for solo stuff.

The Standastic two tier model also looks pretty decent, anyone using them?

It says, "Each tier depth adjustable from 12 to 22 inches..." I do like that, as I'd want to be able to see the display on my S90 and not have it buried underneath the top tier. The Ultimate V Stand's arms are only 15in. - which is maybe, not so good...?

Hi Gm. Yes I've been touting the merits of the Ultimate V-Stand almost as long as I've been bitching about how much I hate X-Stands (see my poll about "worst keyboard stand design ever"). But actually I'm not sure if the V-Stand is the right choice for you. First, I've never used a 2-tier V-Stand so I don't know how well it does in that situation. And second, I think the V-Stand is less than ideal in a standing situation... I tried it in a store that already had it seup for standing and it was wobbly. I like my V-Stand when I use it for piano in a seated position, which it's perfect for. Very stable, has cord management, keeps my pedals from running around, and folds quickly into a neat small package.

The stand I recommend for a two-tier live set up is the Quiklok Monolith M-92. Easy setup/takedown, highly stable in any situation, adjustable height second tier, and since it folds flat it fits easily with other gear in your car.

Good luck... it'll be interesting to see what you decide upon.

I have a suggestion but will violate promises if I talk about it

Gigman,

I gig with a two-tier V-stand. Sit mostly, stand on a few songs. On the bottom, PC3x, top VK-8. Have the mic boom (love it) and the music stand attachment, which I don't use.

It works out real well, although I don't adjust it at every gig. I set it once when I got it. I have heard from some that if you adjust it a lot, certain parts wear out. I can't confirm that because I haven't adjusted it since I got it.

It is very stable once it is set up, you have to make sure that the legs are out as far as they can go, which is not a problem with an S90ES on it. It will handle both of your boards easily.

Good luck.

Rick

Hi Gm. Yes I've been touting the merits of the Ultimate V-Stand almost as long as I've been bitching about how much I hate X-Stands (see my poll about "worst keyboard stand design ever"). But actually I'm not sure if the V-Stand is the right choice for you. First, I've never used a 2-tier V-Stand so I don't know how well it does in that situation. And second, I think the V-Stand is less than ideal in a standing situation... I tried it in a store that already had it seup for standing and it was wobbly. I like my V-Stand when I use it for piano in a seated position, which it's perfect for. Very stable, has cord management, keeps my pedals from running around, and folds quickly into a neat small package. The stand I recommend for a two-tier live set up is the Quiklok Monolith M-92. Easy setup/takedown, highly stable in any situation, adjustable height second tier, and since it folds flat it fits easily with other gear in your car. Good luck... it'll be interesting to see what you decide upon.

Quiklok's M92 does look interesting but the length of the support arms is pretty short - it says, "Top tier depth: 14.56" -37cm

2nd tier depth: 12.6"-32.1cm" - so, the "2nd tier" is the "bottom tier"? And 12.6" is just not deep enough for me. Plus I think 30 lbs. is a bit hefty, just for a keyboard stand - I'm looking more in the 20 lb. range, which is about what I've been dragging around all these years w/the Quiklok QL642, which - did I mention - I've never, EVER had a problem with - until tonite, I might add...

But thanks for the tip about the V stand maybe not being the best for a "stand-up" guy (playing standing up, that is...) like me, Pro!

I like the Stantastic stand and how adjustable they seem to be. I have never seen one in person, but I think I'm going to pull the plug on one in the next couple months. They have a few add ons like a boom stand as well.

Yah - I'd get the whole kit and kaboodle if I got Standtastic: two tier, mic. boom, carry case... the top tier on the Standtastic is adjustable (the angle), right?

Dan, what are you using now (for a stand)?

Wow, I didn't know you could still buy Standtastic stands! I bought one in 1989. It was my first multi-tier stand. I had the 3 tier and later bought a 2 tier as well. They are very solid and adjustable. Each tier is adjustable (height, angle, and depth). There are only 3 angle settings (flat, and two different tilted angles). You can, however, set the depth exactly where you need it. The height of the tiers is set by taking off the support tier and adjusting an alen screw. There is a number guide silkscreened on each side of the stand to help match height on both sides.

One thing about the Standtastic (2 tier especially) is that if you use it at home and want to put the stand against a wall, the rear legs stick out a ways and take up some valuable space. I ended up with Ultimate A Frames in the studio for that reason and that you can adjust the angle however you want.

I think using them for a live scenario would be okay. They don't wobble as long as everthing is tightened. They are a little clumsy to set up and tear down alot, but not too bad. They are heavier than you might think. I can't remember what the 2 tier weighs exactly, but they are heavy duty.

I dunno, after using them for as long as I did, I was happy to get something else. Live, I use a double braced Quik-Lok X stand to hold my 65 lb (approx) Roland A-80 and it doesn't wobble at all. Even when I add the second tier and put a JX-10 or the like on it. Personally, I would rather use that than setting up a tearing down a Standtastic, especially if you gig alot, but they are great stands and as far as stability and adjustability, they won't dissapoint.

I bought a mic boom attachment for my A frame and I could hear rumble in the mic when I played the keys. Does that happen on the V-stand? Maybe I'm just too picky...

I saw someone (either here or on the other keyboard board) had the smaller Standtastic with 3 tiers on it, and it was perfect for sitting down playing. That's what I'd do.

Right now I have a double braced quicklok 2 tier X stand with a home made pvc 3rd tier that slides into the top tier and rests on my electro. I'm happy with the X stand except for foot room for pedals. It's very sturdy, has no up and down bounce, and is easy to setup and tear down.

I haven't experienced that at all, and I set up right next to the drummer usually. It could be that my mic, an SM-86, has good isolation, but I don't think so. It has not been an issue for me.

I have a three tier standtastic stand for sale that I've never used. It is in like new condition. I assembled it and tried it out with my boards, then disassembled it and put it back in the carrying case. It's been sitting there for some time, and there's no need for me to hang on to it.

Hit me offline if you are interested.

aL

I hear "mic rumble" on virtually every stand I've used an attached mic boom on. It didn't matter whether it was an Ultimate "Apex" stand, "X" Stand or a "Z" Stands - they all transmitted mic rumble - especially when the stand is on a hollow floor (i.e., folding platform stages, etc.). I was really surprised at how much rumble simply playing the piano introduced through the stand.

The only solution I found that worked was to use a "shock mount" mic clip on the boom - like the this one: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT8410a/

Ultimately I ended up eliminating the boom and simply went to a headset mic. I love being able to position myself where it's most comfortable to play - and always have my mic in the perfect position regardless of where that is.

I do gig a lot and I have used the Quiklok double-brace X-stand for years, always thought it quite stable, no problems, etc... just figured that maybe it's time for a change, since I just did mine in (by accident).

I do like the idea of being able to adjust the depth of the lower tier - on the Standtastic... so that I could easily see the display of my lower keyboard (which is now the S90ES). With the Quiklok I would bring the 'board out just a little (toward me), hanging over the arms of the stand a bit, no big deal - to see the display clearer.

One thing about the Quiklok 2 tier stands is I'm a short guy and the 2nd tier buries me behind the thing... I'm thinking that w/the Standtastic, I could have the lower tier out far enough to be able to see the display clearly on the lower 'board but then not have to have the top 'board up too high at all, right above it... and maybe I wouldn't be buried.

I used the Apex tonite for wedding band gig - not crazy about having to lean over to see the display on the top 'board (my Triton Le) - since it can't be angled toward me - but I did like that it didn't "bury" me behind it, the way the QuikLok does... I had a much clearer view of the audience & band from behind my rig.

Then again, what do people need to see me for? It's not like I'm some hot chick gyrating behind my 'boards...

Yeah, I know what you mean about the seeing the display issue. I also pull the bottom keyboard towards me to help with this. The second tier on my X stand is different than the ones I usually see. I bought it (them) separately, but they are Quik-Lok. These have 3 (4?) height positions and allow me to keep the 2nd tier quite close to the 1st tier, keeping the height down. Here's what it looks like...

Yeah, I know what you mean about the seeing the display issue. I also pull the bottom keyboard towards me to help with this. The second tier on my X stand is different than the ones I usually see. I bought it (them) separately, but they are Quik-Lok. These have 3 (4?) height positions and allow me to keep the 2nd tier quite close to the 1st tier, keeping the height down. Here's what it looks like...

Wow, that's some warehouse/rehearsal space in those pics - w/big ole' bins of cables and giant rolling anvil cases of gear...

Nightsynth, do you play in a touring band? Also, which is the model of Quiklok 2nd tier arms that you use (which you say you got as an add-on) that allows you to have it so close to the 1st tier?

No offense but Nightsynth's X-Stand is precisely the kind of stand that has all the weight and pressure of the keys/playing on one pin at the center of the X. Danger Will Robinson !

I use a QuikLok Z-Stand in my studio that gives me close proximity of my two keyboards (a heavy CP-300 on bottom and a large Yamaha 9000-Pro on top) but has balanced load distribution due to the stand design. I've used it out on gigs already - easy enough to setup/teardown but I like my Monoliths better.

Freinds don't let freinds use X-Stands.

No offense but Nightsynth's X-Stand is precisely the kind of stand that has all the weight and pressure of the keys/playing on one pin at the center of the X. Danger Will Robinson ! I use a QuikLok Z-Stand in my studio that gives me close proximity of my two keyboards (a heavy CP-300 on bottom and a large Yamaha 9000-Pro on top) but has balanced load distribution due to the stand design. I've used it out on gigs already - easy enough to setup/teardown but I like my Monoliths better. Freinds don't let freinds use X-Stands.

I guess you can't be my friend then, Jim... ha ha - 'cause my QuikLok was going strong w/no probs. since the early 90's, until I killed it myself by accident Sat. nite, when I took one of the arms off & killed the internal washer inside when trying to put that 2nd tier arm back on.

The pin is strong - it's the washer that was weak...

Y'know, aside from the fact that I actually did have an X-Stand collapse and destroy some boards, it's the design from an engineering standpoint that bothers me. I know you think that "pin" that holds the X-Stand up is not a problem but to me the idea of trusting that single small aluminum pin to hold my keys and stand up under the force of my playing defies logic. So many better options exist... why risk it?

Y'know, aside from the fact that I actually did have an X-Stand collapse and destroy some boards, it's the design from an engineering standpoint that bothers me. I know you think that "pin" that holds the X-Stand up is not a problem but to me it's the idea of trusting that single small aluminum pin to hold my keys and stand up under the force of my playing defies logic. So many better options exist... why risk it?

Oh, yeah - you did have a complete collapse, I remember your post about that... fair enough, I respect your hatred of the X stand design, based on the fact that it did create an EPIC FAIL for you and destroy your equipment.

...but the reason why I love the X design is it's so friggin' simple - w/3 little movements, you're set up in about 5 seconds. And it has a fairly small footprint, in comparison to some of these other designs - I've learned as I'm researching it.

Not to beat the dead horse but my Monolith stand is actually as simple and as easy and fast to setup as an X-Stand... two little movements: swing one arm out and then the other (two seconds). Folds as flat as an X-Stand too.

Ok, ok, I'll leave the X-stand thing alone for now, even if I hate 'em, despise 'em, won't own 'em, etc, etc. etc. :arg:

See, now I'm glad you said that - 'cause from the picture it looks like that curved tubular thing that anchors it to the floor would prevent it from folding flat... how can the whole thing fold flat w/that curved thing? Does it have to detach, requiring that you carry it in pieces? Also, does the top tier angle downward at all?

See, now I'm glad you said that - 'cause from the picture it looks like that curved tubular thing that anchors it to the floor would prevent it from folding flat... how can the whole thing fold flat w/that curved thing? Does it have to detach, requiring that you carry it in pieces? Also, does the top tier angle downward at all?

No. The left and right arms swing inwards toward that curved bottom piece. At the top of the "U" those short straight arms are on rotating connectors. The Monolith is a one-piece unit that doesn't require disassembly at all. It's a really different design.

And yes, the top tier can be angled up or down as well as raised or lowered. Howevere it doesn't lower as much as I would like and I actually cut down the top brackets myself so my two keyboards would fit together "B3" fashion.

Pro, what is the footprint of the Monolith when folded? Appears that it would lay flat and probably encompass about 3' x 4' - is that about right? How do you transport it? In a case or just by itself, laying flat across the top of other gear? That's the only thing that looks like it could be awkward, unless I'm missing something on how it folds.

Thanks,

Eric