Here are reviews of the best Music Stands available across various price ranges, and for different needs. When buying the best stand, consider factors like portability, width of the face, height, and price. You can skip to the best music stand on Amazon.
Introduction
There’s nothing like watching a performer play live music; if you’re a performer of any type you will need a music stand – be it for school, home, busking or the concert hall.
Good music stands look great, are functional and also work great for years, without you having to worry about them. That’s why it makes sense to invest in quality stands.
We have listed some quality music stands here that should be perfect for general practice and also for performances.
The cheaper/budget ones are basic, yet functional (usually made of metal). Professionals stands have lightweight desks and provide quiet, rattle-free operation. Most stands nowadays are lightweight, fold-able and designed in a compact manner for easy transport.
Best Sheet Music Stands
On Stage SM7122B Folding Music Stand
On Stage SM7122B Folding Music Stand is lightweight, inexpensive sheet music stand. Its price point appeals to most beginners who are learning to play a musical instrument. It may not be the best looking stand but its definitely functional and does the job of holding the sheets well. It folds easily for better storage and portability, and is lightweight so children can move it around easily.
- PROS: Affordable & Functional
- CONS: Looks inexpensive, not suitable for holding huge sheet music books
- Who is it for: Beginners. Group of musicians or music teacher who wants to buy multiple cheaper music stands.
Features:
- American classic design folds for easy storage and portability with a spring-loaded trigger release
- Adjustable tilting bookplate holds three 8.5 x 11-inch sheets
- Fold out extensions, with a six point hinge system, hold sheets securely in place, can hold three 8.5″ x 11″ sheets.
- Friction locking clutch adjusts height from 26-40″ (and tilting book plate) make this stand adjustable for sitting or standing positions
- Tripod leg assembly adjusts for varying floow space availability and folds flat for storage
- Added leg braces and non-slip rubber feet for added stability
Looking for a music stand for your child who’s learning to play a musical instrument? Or for your own self but don’t want to spend a lot? The SM7122B is a nice music stand that will definitely serve the purpose. Built for the learning student, this stand is very light yet sturdy. Its relatively smaller in size and makes for easy storage. Perfect for those who’re learning to play any musical instrument. Experienced musicians may find it a little less sturdy, and it could wobble while turning the pages of a heavy sheet music/book. If you regularly intend to place an iPad on this sheet stand, you may want to consider heavier stands.
Buying Links
ChromaCast CC-MStand Kit
Two-tier shaft allows you to sit or stand while playing. Comes with dual-head gooseneck light for use in dim areas. Folds up nicely into the included carrying bag for travel.
- Pros: Lightweight, portable, wide, cheap
- Cons: Not very sturdy, looks flimsy, ledge (bookplate lip) is thin and may not hold very fat music books.
Features:
11.5″ x 20″ Bookplate tilts and is fully adjustable, 1″ platform hold thin books or music sheets.
Height adjusts from 25.5″ to 53.5″. Weight: 2.9 pounds.
Hercules BS311B EZ Clutch Music Stand
If you’re an experienced or professional musician, you’ll really like how easy it is to set this stand up and also to fold it back down, in case you have to take it around.
- Pros: The Hercules Quik-N-EZ music stand is Strong & Sturdy, Easy to Height-Adjust, Easy to Assemble/dis-assemble, Good Brand. It folds up easily and is easy to carry around making it quite portable. Its built like a tank, so you can take it for gigs without worrying about its safety.
- Cons: Simple looks, Heavier than what it looks like
Key Features of Hercules bs311b Quik-N-EZ: Frictioning EZ Angle Roller makes it easy to adjust the angle. EZ Retainer for quick mounting. Page Retainer. EZ Height Adjustment Grip
The legs can be adjusted in case you have less space on the stage or if you are placed near a wall where you’re cramped for space. The design is excellent, you really don’t even have to loosen/tighten anything, you just have to move them into position and it stays in place, courtesy the “clutch”.
It means you’ll need getting used to the new design, especially if you have been using the traditional metal stand which you height-adjust using one hand. But then you’ll love the way this stand remains firm in place once positioned. No slipping or sinking under the weight of what you put on it. This Hercules stand is versatile, solidly built, stable, and easy to use. Overall, a great stand that is sturdy, well-designed & is easy to transport.
Buying Links
On-Stage Wooden Music Stand
The On-Stage SM7312W conductor wooden music stand is inexpensive, robust stand with a wide solid wood bookplate with a Rosewood finish. You can use it to hold sheets while performing, and maybe a laptop in case you’re recording. Its a great stand for orchestra musicians and students, and the wood bookplate is indeed very attractive.
- Pros: Strong, Sturdy & Stable. Keep Sheet or Laptop. Height and angle of the tilt of the bookplate is adjustable
- Cons: Can look like laminated furniture
The height, as well as the angle of the tilt of the bookplate can easily be adjusted using the locking knobs. The angle adjustment tension system makes for easy removal from the upper shaft. The height adjustment can be varied from 24-45 inch, which is common for most of the stands from Onstage.
The folding tripod base makes it convenient for storage and travel. The base incorporates high impact plastic leg housing, friction locking knobs, leg support straps and non-slip rubber feet. The tripod base can easily be folded for convenient storage and travel! Mind you it will still be a notch heaver than a metal one, but comparatively it becomes much more portable.
Key features of On Stage SM7312W Music Stand: Solid wood bookplate with a Rosewood finish. Oversized 13.5 x 22″ bookplate with 2″ return lip. Tension locking knob will adjust the angle of the bookplate. Mid-point clutch adjusts height from 24″-45″. Tripod folding base for convenient storage and travel.
Overall, the music stand is not just beautiful, but is quite sturdy as well. So you need not worry about it falling over like the lightweight metal ones, just in case someone bumps on to it. Apart from the rugged construction, the bookplate features a rosewood finish, comes with plastic leg housing, and has non-slip rubber feet. If you’re looking for features that any orchestra musician would require, then this is the one. Suitable for beginners & experienced musicians & teachers.
Buying Links
Manhasset Mh5001 Music Stand
The Manhasset Mh5001 is a well constructed orchestral music stand with a double lip that also provides convenient storage option for accessories like pencils, bows, reeds, read more.. Tilt is easy to adjust, height is easy to adjust. Weight: 7.4 pounds.
This is a professional quality stand, perfect for use in orchestras or for other onstage performances.
Here are a few more popular music stands, these are not sheet music stands though.
Ingles Adjustable Violin and Viola Stand
Here’s a complete review of the Ingles Adjustable Violin and Viola Stand, and see how it compares[…]
Ingles Adjustable Cello and Bass Stand
Here’s a complete review of the Ingles adjustable cello and bass stand, and see how it compares[…]
Wenger Classic 50 Music Stand
The Wenger Classic 50 is a popular, all-purpose music stand. Its sturdy but quiet to operate (rattle-free). Wobble-free base attachment.
Polycarbonate desk and base are quieter than steel or aluminum. One-piece polycarbonate base for excellent stability. Polycarbonate material won’t scratch or dent.
Wenger Classic 50 Music Stand
Bolt-thru desk attachment, rounded edges means nothing to worry about in terms of getting hurt. Weight just under 5 lbs so moving the stand is a breeze.
Desk Dimensions: 20” x 13-1/2” (51 cm x 34 cm) desk. Height Adjustability: 25-1/2” to 49” (65 cm to 124 cm) – desk lip to floor.
Popular Brands
Wenger Music Stands
Wenger is an American company that has been making music related accessories and audio equipment for several decades now. Their range of products varies from music stands to orchestra seating, conductor’s equipment, instrument storage, sheet music storage, choral risers and much more.
Wenger music stands are the end result of over seven decades of experience with musicians and music educators. By thoroughly understanding how music stands are used, Wenger creates music stands that deliver traditional elegance minus all the traditional limitations.
The Wenger Classic 50 is a popular, all-purpose music stand.
Wenger is among the leading brands when it comes to products for music practice and performance. For over several decades, Wenger has been making the best in music chairs, stands, storage, acoustic treatments, staging, risers, transport carts, teaching tools, theatre and more. Checkout Wengercopr.com for more information.
Hamilton Music Stands
Hamilton is another leading manufacturers of instrument accessories such as Music Stands & Drum thrones.
Popular Hamilton stands include Hamilton KB90 Traveler II Portable Music Stand, Hamilton KB1FS The Trigger Double Shelf Desk Orchestra Stand, Hamilton KB95E1 Encore Orchestra Stand, Hamilton KB70 Tabletop Music Stand, Hamilton Alto/Tenor Sax Stand (includes Flute/Clarinet peg).
Hamilton was among those manufacturers who spotted an opportunity, when music publishers began to make sheet music widely available. That is when they realize it made sense to have their own brand of music stands.
So way back in 1883 Hamilton started manufacturing their patented stands; their manufacturing unit was based in Hamilton, Ohio. Over the years, the company has changed ownership several times, but the quality still remains the same — of high standards.
Music Stand: Guide
Despite the availability of hi-tech digital instruments available to musicians, one of the most necessary and useful accessories for most musicians is still the very low-tech music stand. The Music Stand is a must-have accessory for musicians who’re serious about their music and spend a lot of time reading from sheets. Fortunately, you will find a great selection of Stands (various designs & types), available for beginners as well as the Professional Musician.
These are not flashy, doesn’t come with bells or whistles or anything that’s trying to attract attention, these are simple yet an indispensable item for most musicians, who would otherwise just struggle to read music and play it at the same time. And Hamilton music stands are definitely among the better ones.
There are several choices when it comes to music stands, but then most ordinary (cheaper) stands do have some challenges when it comes to using them.
- Tired of twisting the screws when mounting on a desk or adjusting its angle?
- Have trouble with height adjustment?
- Can’t get the right stand angle?
Here we have reviewed some top quality music stands that are designed to eliminate these problems.
Lots of choices
Most of these music stands are delivered in three pieces, which means you need to put them together. Its easy and quite intuitive and the instructions are also provided on how to assemble the music stand. Depending on which model you buy, you may require a pair of pliers and screw driver/s to assemble.
The ones available for beginners are basic, yet functional (usually made of metal) and cheaper. The ones available for professionals provide quiet, rattle-free operation, are durable, with lightweight desks. Most stands nowadays are lightweight, fold-able and designed in a compact manner for easy transport.
The better ones are solidly built and can have some weight to it, but are sturdy and stays put, even when used at the maximum height.
Jacintha is a singer and teacher, she takes piano and vocal lessons, sings for gigs, and also helps manage all the music requirements at her local church. Read more here.
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