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Topic: Perfect non-pedal stand |
Jeff Strouse
From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Posted 20 Oct 2002 8:29 am |
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Since we've all recently fantasized in another post about the perfect girl (woops) i mean, steel...how about a nice sturdy stand that is easily adjustable?
Our workstations at my j-o-b (sometimes it's better to spell dirty words), are ergonomically designed so that at a touch of a button, the entire desk moves up or down to the desired level. So, I can either sit or stand at my computer terminal.
I'm not much of a handyman type, but I wouldn't think this concept would be too difficult to design...
...a four legged stand which will easily raise and lower to the desired height by use of some type of small motor...but actually, that would probably require electricty...a spring type device that works like adjustable desk chairs (weight resistance to conrol the height) would be better...
think about it...push a lever, lift up on your guitar to displace the weight off of the stand, allowing the springs to lift all the legs, simultaneously, to the desired height...no more frustrations in adjusting each leg seperately and using a leveler to get the guitar even...no more marks all up and down your legs in your quest to find the most comfortable position...is the guitar a little too high? hit the lever, put some weight to the stand and the springs will lower it to just the right height...
The stand/table would be a little longer than the guitar, so those of us that have trouble with that right front leg always being in the way when we sit would be eliminated...
For those among us who are builders and handymen, (I'm a dreamer...can't even draw a straight line with a ruler)...could this idea work and be rather simple to build?
Inquiring minds need to know....
 [This message was edited by Jeff Strouse on 20 October 2002 at 07:09 PM.] |
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John Kavanagh
From:
Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada * R.I.P.
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Posted 20 Oct 2002 9:03 am
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| I use a keyboard stand at home and leave the legs that came with the guitar in the case, only using them when I don't feel like carting the stand to a gig. The stand I use is ironing-board style, cheap, sturdy, and meets some but not all of your criteria. (You can't pre-set a height the way you can with expensive drum gear.) Probably there's a snazzier keyboard stand out there that comes close to your ideal. |
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Everett Cox
From:
Marengo, OH, USA (deceased)
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Posted 20 Oct 2002 2:02 pm
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Yes, Jeff-- I *have* thought about almost exactly the criteria you mention. Makes sense to me. The right-side legs bother me, too. Because of physical problems, I prefer sitting further right than most of you(?).
If we were to figure a 24in scale, 35in long guitar, about how much right-side space do you consider adequate (using the 12th fret as reference)??? I'm also shorter than most people and must lean back more when sitting. So what would you consider the optimal vertical extremes??? Do you think wheels or casters would be a help or hindrance? (Ease of moving the rig versus 'staying put' when playing.)
I do some building stuff, so come on folks- lay out some spec's. --Everett[This message was edited by Everett Cox on 20 October 2002 at 03:03 PM.] |
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Gary Slabaugh
From:
Scottsdale, AZ
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Posted 22 Oct 2002 6:00 am
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| How about installing hydralics like on a "low rider", might get in better shape hauling the gear around. I use a keyboard stand on my National Double 8, not the "X" type. It is adjustable for height, spring button locks, extremely stable, and wide enough to sit behind in the right playing position. Disadvantage is my wife thinks it looks like some kind of a "walker" for the old man. |
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Matt Martin
From:
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
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Posted 24 Oct 2002 2:56 am
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| FYI Most drafting tables raise and lower very easy with the tuen of a knob. You can usually find them pretty cheap at an office supply. You may have to retro a new top. |
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Bob Hoffnar
From:
Austin, Tx
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Posted 24 Oct 2002 9:21 am
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Roy Thomson
From:
Wolfville, Nova Scotia,Canada
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Bob Hoffnar
From:
Austin, Tx
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Posted 24 Oct 2002 10:34 pm
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Yup. They fold small so you can put them in the trunk. They are very light and are easily height adjustable. Because there is such a large market for them they can be had with all sorts of functions and they are pretty cheap.
I'm going to need to get one anyway after lugging around my pedalsteel finally destroys my back.
Bob |
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Gene Jones
From:
Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)
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Posted 25 Oct 2002 3:24 am
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| Bob, that design goes perfectly with the "image" most people have of us anyway! www.genejones.com |
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Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 25 Oct 2002 9:14 am
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| Well said Gene! |
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Jeff Strouse
From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Posted 17 Nov 2002 6:03 pm
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I was bumming around in my local music store today, and stumbled across the closest thing to a versitle stand that I've seen...
http://onstagestands.com/oss2.htm
Above is a link to the company's webpage. Download the 1999 OSS catalog (it requires Adobe Acrobat reader), and scroll to page 9 of 20:
#73040 KS7100 Platform Style Keyboard Stand
Also, there was a Heavy Duty console stand (CS9000) which can be found on pg 15 of 20. The only drawback to this one was the bottom crossbar...it would definitely get in the way of one's feet.
The keyboard stand, however, had 4 adjustable legs, by a peg resting in a hole (kind of like on weight lifting equipment).
I didn't get a chance to tinker with it, but if it can hold a vintage 70's keyboard, I'm sure it could hold a steel guitar.
For $59.99, I was quite impressed!
Now, I can give my grandmother's walker back...  |
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David Morgan
From:
Encinitas,CA,USA
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Posted 26 Nov 2002 3:23 pm
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| If you use a tubular type keyboard stand, get a length of foam type pipe insulation (the kind that you can slip over a pipe and seal). Making small cutouts where the legs attatch, you can cover the top tubular part of the stand and make it padded for any width steel. Tubular! |
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Dwight Mark
From:
Denver, Colorado, USA
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Posted 26 Nov 2002 3:40 pm
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I was fortunate enough to buy a vintage lapsteel stand on ebay sometime earlier this year - before I even had the Rickenbacker!!! At the time I had some crazy thoughts of putting my Weissenborn on a stand. Right now I play it standing up dobro style with my band. But there was occasions when I had my supro with the legs on it - and a mandolin on - switching between the two - crazy I know.
Anyway, I find the Weissenborn resonates top and bottom - and when it's on you lap, it's muted a little - a different tone. In the end, I was too scared to put the Weissenborn on a stand because it's so light - it will surely get bumped and nocked off the stand.
Dwight |
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Carter York
From:
Austin, TX [Windsor Park]
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Jesse Pearson
From:
San Diego , CA
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Posted 29 Nov 2002 11:42 am
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Here is an inexpensive stand I made for my beloved Dickerson, so I can switch back and forth from guitar while performing. I used a 3/8" plumber's flange attached to a piece of pine cut to fit. It is covered with the same material that amp covers are made of, secured with thumb tacs underneath, and it has two L brackets on the sides for a snug fit. This is attached to a tripod mike stand that takes a 3/8" mic holder. Everything was found at the hardware store and fabric store. http://www.geocities.com/howtotallycool/lapstand.htm
[This message was edited by Jesse Pearson on 29 November 2002 at 11:46 AM.] [This message was edited by Jesse Pearson on 29 November 2002 at 11:47 AM.] |
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Harry Dietrich
From:
Robesonia, Pennsylvania, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 18 Dec 2002 9:05 am
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Hi guys
If anyone is still interested in making a real cheap, sturdy, custom stand for your lap steel, E-Mail me for pictures, and instructions on how to make it. Of course when you see the pictures, you will see how easy it is. I have been using it for years and have never had any problems, such as someone knocking it over. I used a cymbal stand for the bottom part. I didn't have to purchase it......I talked our drummer out of it. LOL!!
Harry  |
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