Why is it necessary to have a sax stand?
You are a proud owner of a sax, but you feel as though its weight is a little bit too much or it is affecting your output quality when you are playing it. To solve this problem, you will need a sax stand. This stand transfers the weight of the saxophone to the ground. By doing this, it relieves pressure from the neck and back. Here are some of the reasons why you should invest in a sax stand;
- They relieve pressure from neck and back
- Their heights can be adjusted hence making them practical to every sax player.
- They are generally not heavy. Their weight ranges between 1.5 pounds to 5 pounds. This makes them easy to carry around and store away. Many of them are foldable, further making them easy to carry around and store.
- A sax stand adds to the elegance and classiness of the sax
- A sax stand does not cost a lot. You can go for a budget stand which will cost you about $15.
- They don’t affect the output quality of the sax. If anything, they will improve because you will be more energetic since they won’t hurt your back and neck.
How to use saxophone stand
A sax stand should be easy to assemble and use. When you buy this stand, it is usually dismantled, and you should assemble it. The lower part, which is made up of the legs, is separate from the upper part that has the bell holder.
Even though the manufacturer should include instructions, learning how to use a sax stand is pretty straightforward. For starters, you should know that there are different sax stands meant for different types of stands. A soprano sax stand is generally small while that of baritone sax should have a wide bell holder. In general, the top part of the stand, which is curved, is used to hold your sax’s bell. The lower part, usually padded, is where the bow rests. Remember, always wear a neck strap when using a sax stand.
A sax stand will normally sit on any type of ground because it is often on tri-legs. However, to avoid its damage and scratching of floors and carpets, it is advisable to use the stand on relatively smooth surfaces. The padded arms should not be subjected to rough surfaces and items as these can scratch the sax.
As a general rule, store your sax in a dry place. This applies to the stand too. Because you want to ensure the sax stand stays in the same immaculate condition as the sax, you should put some desiccant in the case when you are travelling or when storing the stand. This is to absorb any moisture that might damage the metal parts of the stand.
To enjoy extended usage of your sax stand, you should take good care of it. The foam used to pad the arms should not get dirty, but if they do, just wipe with a wet duster. And where necessary, remove the padding and wash with warm water. For the stands that come with adjustable height and backrests, oil the joints once in a while.
How to pick the best saxophone stand
If you already have a saxophone, then there is no reason why you should not buy a sax stand. A stand will only serve to enhance the quality of sax tunes you make. To locate that ideal sax stand that will help your music rejuvenate, you must appreciate several features of a good stand. Let us look into those features now.
Material
The primary materials that are used to make sax stands are metal, wood and plastic or a combination of two or all. The metal stand comes with long years of usage. Plastic stands tend to be tough and light. This means that a plastic stand is easy to travel with and even to maneuver around. While Audio2000’S AST4501 is purely made of plastic, the LOLUNUT Saxophone Stand combines metal and plastic, giving you both worlds’ advantages. Wooden stands are not very common mainly because many are handmade hence a bit pricey.
Sax type
If you have both soprano and baritone saxophones, it means you can’t have one sax stand to be used on both. A baritone sax has a wide bell and is generally the largest, followed by tenor, alto and finally soprano. A soprano stand will be shorter and have a narrower bell area. That being the case, You will find that the HERCULES DS535B stand which has a broader bell sleeve can only cater for baritone saxophones. The Audio2000’S AST4501 stand, which is medium-sized, is best suited for both alto and tenor saxophones.
Portability
How easily you can carry your stand and consequently your sax will partly be determined by the type of sax stand you own. For the portability aspect, manufacturers try to make the stands as light as possible. The manufacturers further invest in the stand’s compactness so that you can pack the item and transport it with ease. If you travel a lot, consider buying a foldable stand.
Design
There are a few designs that set the different stands features apart. The Zither Wooden Saxophone Stand has a broad wooden base that makes it more stable than the competition. However, the broad base can make it bulkier. Some of the stands look antique while others like Flanger FW-005 exude a modern and an almost zero-gravity position.
Price
The price of your sax stand should not be exorbitant. Many of the stands will go for less than $20. This is not to say that you can’t find a bespoke stand that goes for a much higher price. The Zither Wooden Saxophone Stand which is in many ways a premium product will go for $150. Whether you are on a tight budget or are looking to treat someone to a birthday treat, there is a stand for you.
Weight
A sax stand’s weight is not very relevant other than if you plan on transporting the stand and the sax a lot. The heaviest featured stand is the HERCULES DS535B, at 4.6 pounds which is still relatively light for many people. The lightest stand is the Flanger FW-005 which is 1.6 pounds.
Accessories
The package included in the package includes oil, like is the case with the Zither Wooden Saxophone Stand. Many of the sax stands in the market today come with a strap. You will find a strap and a cleaning cloth when you buy the Eison Saxophone Stand Foldable Alto/Tenor. Another accessory to consider is a carrying bag, which will come in handy if you travel often.
Durability
The durability of a sax stand depends mainly on the materials used to make it rather than how heavy the sax is. For the longevity of your sax stand and floor’s safety, manufacturers often use rubber legs and padded arms to ensure that the sax stays pristine without scratches and protects the stand.
Extra features
At times, you need to look out for the extra features that a stand can provide you. Some of the sax stands will come equipped with clarinet and flute pegs. Others will have adjustable height, thus making it possible to customize it. At times, the extra features can determine how good a stand will fit into your musical lifestyle.