 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: dansil
Date: 2011-07-22 16:48
I'm getting sick of lugging my heavy and not-so-compact Hercules bass clarinet stand back and forth (along with my Buffet bass to low C, one or two soprano clarinets, mandolin, etc etc) and wonder what lighter stands other people use. Has anybody made their own stand?
Danny
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Author: TJTG
Date: 2011-07-22 16:51
The doctoral student here at U of I "aquried" a bassoon stand after a concert. It fits alright in the case. Just have to be careful with the height settings so you don't hurt the keys of the instrument. I've used it and been happy. It's simple. Just has a cup for the butt of the bassoon, and the U shaped bracket at the top, tri-pot base and extendable arm so it gets compact. .
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-07-22 17:33
A guitar/bass stand is probably the best and cheapest one to use and adapt (as Ben has done) in comparison to a K&M bassoon/bass clarinet stand.
The true Hercules bass clarinet stands are a bit of a joke if you've seen them! Far more complicated than they need to be: http://www.herculesstands.com/band/DS560B.html
But they do offer a more conventional one: http://www.herculesstands.com/band/DS561B.html
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2011-07-22 17:36)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-07-22 19:13
A former repair person built me one many years ago and it fits into my Wiseman case where the Bb clarinet would go. I bought a small snare drum tripod, he welded a piece to the far end of one of the legs so the peg would fit in and not slip out. Then he made a swivel C so the bass can lean against it on the top of the rod that the snare drum would sit on. It folds nicely and is pretty secure. I do tie my swab around it when I leave the stage so it can't be knocked off if someone walks into it by mistake and tips it. The secret is to find a "small" tripod, most I've seen recently are larger and heavy. You can probably see it in a picture I've recently posted on my facebook page titled John Williams, showing all the clarinets I have to play in this weeks concert of his music. It's on my I phone, I just e-mailed it to you. Let me know if you got it. I don't know how to put that pic on this web page from my i phone, sorry, older generation. I was proud I was able to send it to your e-mail address, I think. :-) ESP eddiesclarinet.com
PS. it's possible to make one out of a folding music stand but it won't be as strong as the one I have because the folding stands are not as strong but it will work fine unless someone knocks into it of course.
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Author: William
Date: 2011-07-22 22:13
The BWWW sells a Performance Gear bass clarinet/bassoon stand that seems to fit the "bill". About $95 and folds compactly. I am seriously thinking of ordering one, but first.....does anyone have an opinion on this stand.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2011-07-23 10:07
Per the PG stand - I'm not sure I like the vertical rod secured to the base with only a wing nut, unless the two parts of the hinge have crown wheel surfaces that ensure a 90° angle without overtightening the nut.
--
Ben
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Author: William
Date: 2011-07-23 16:05
Chris & Tic, good points to consider. Would be nice to see one "live".
BTW, their is also the Blaymann stand. Any thoughts?????........
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Author: Kontra
Date: 2011-07-24 19:52
I own a Hercules bass clarinet stand and they are a joke. They are in no way "compact." I'm thinking about making one like Ben's and selling the Hercules.
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Author: davyd
Date: 2011-07-25 00:58
I use the K&M bassoon/bass clar stand, though I have the older model with the smaller cup at the bottom, so if the instrument will be sitting for any length of time, I roll up the peg so that the instrument is resting on the bell rather than the peg.
Question for the OP: for what kinds of gigs do you need clarinet, bass clarinet, and mandolin?
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Author: dansil
Date: 2011-07-25 03:25
Hi davyd
I play with 3 groups, 2 of which I require all 4 instruments - mandolin, mandola, clarinet and bass clarinet. One does music from baltic, scandinavian and klezmer genres and the other is even further reaching including klezmer, celtic, American, Canadian and French folk music. I'm a great admirer of Andy Statman who began playing bluegrass mandolin, then discovered the clarinet and is now superb on both instruments. I'll never be in his class having started so on woodwinds so much later in life and have had a professional career outside of music which has fortunately enabled me to afford the quality of instruments which far exceeds my skill level! But I love playing all these instruments and all these varying genres. And best of all my fellow musicians value my contribution to the overall musical envelope.
Whatever, it's both figuratively and literally a pain carting around all these instruments and trying to find space on a stage to keep these instruments stable and secure on their separate stands. Hence the search for an ideal solution with one lightweight but stable and secure stand which will hold these diverse (but expensive) instruments within easy reach for quick changeovers.
Cheers, Danny
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Author: A Brady
Date: 2011-07-25 03:41
I have been pleased with the K&M Bass Clarinet/Bassoon stand. Quite stable, relatively lightweight, and fairly easy to transport (a bit long even when folded is my only complaint.)
A colleague here in NYC has the Blayman BC stand: as with all Blaymans, it is very heavy, and rather pricey, but highly effective at securely holding the instrument. I love my Blayman stand/pegs and use them constantly with my soprano clarinets.
One factor to consider is the ease with which one can take the bass quickly and safely to and from the stand; I've seen some stands that hold the instrument very effectively, but require real gymnastics to pick up or replace the horn. Definitely not recommended with the rapid changes often required in orchestral, opera, and pit settings. Many of my colleagues and I don't use a strap with the bass for this reason, simply using the peg as a support, and use a stand which enables rapid changes.
AB
Post Edited (2011-07-25 03:43)
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Author: Fishamble
Date: 2011-07-25 22:07
Attachment: IMAG0019.jpg (929k)
Attachment: IMAG0021.jpg (910k)
"Has anybody made their own stand? "
I have. See the attachments.
It was a K&M music stand. I removed the part that holds the music and replaced it with part of a plastic wastepipe fitting. The cup at the bottom is from a water filter cartridge, stuck onto another plastic pipe fitting (smaller than the first) and bolted to the stand leg.
The stand uses the weight of the bass for stability, as it is, of itself, very light. It feels stable, but if I use it in a rehearsal or concert I don't leave it unattended.
It folds to a size that's very neat. It's smaller and half the weight of the original music stand. And, the music stand can be reinstated in seconds if I need it for holding music.
David.
Post Edited (2015-01-21 23:07)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2011-07-26 13:53
Hi,
I think between David and Ben's ideas, there is hope!
I have a Hercules BC stand as well and it is a real problem in all the ways that everyone has described. There is a guitar shop close by so I might drop by and see what could be adaptable.
One problem that you can use the Hercules for is it make a quick instrument change while playing your BC right on the stand. But it is awkward.
Another issues is the height of your chair and how much the floor peg must be extended to get the MP right angle. If the chair is too high (all pit furniture is not created equal), you need to extend the peg a little more. Then it will protrude below the Hercules stand. I'm thinking of David's idea though as maybe the solution.
HRL
Post Edited (2011-07-26 13:55)
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Author: William
Date: 2011-07-26 15:50
This has nothing to do with bass stands, but Hank's statement about pit chairs reminded me of a UW--Rock County theatre performance for which I was hired to play bass clarinet. What was so funny was that the level of the stage was so low that musicians, sitting on normal chairs, were blocking the audiences view of the actors and dancers--an unforeseen problem until opening night amid audience complaints. His "astute" solution, for the next show, was to cut nearly a foot off of the pit chair legs (old wooden classroom ones) to lower the musicians "out of sight"--which worked pretty well for most of the strings, brass and woodwinds.....except me and my low C bass. Even with the peg completely removed, the mouthpiece came over my head and no amount of slanting would allow me to play. After much "discussion", I was allowed to use a normal chair and sort of became the "Effel Tower" of the pit. At least, I was first up for the orchestral bow at the end of the show. Also, just more one way for the bass clarinetist to "stick out in the crowd"--lol.
btw, the show was the college's annual Christmas production of the "Nutcracker"--and their hasn't been one since..........
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2011-07-26 17:33
Dear Eiffel Tower,
Too funny about the chair story. But since I do so much Reed IV and V work and often have a bari sax and BC to contend with plus some quick instrument changes, height can be a problem. It usually takes me a rehearsal or two to get everything positioned correctly. The BC stand and its positioning are usually a frustrating issue.
The Hercules BC has been a problem. I was in the attic this AM and found the original box. I may eBay it when I tease out Ben and David's ideas. Hose clamps have a lot of appeal as does the old wallet!
HRL
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Author: A Brady
Date: 2011-07-26 17:47
The K&M has presented no difficulties in any of the various performance situations in which I have used it.
No stand is impervious to an accident, but I would never leave my Buffet Bass on a stand that was too lightweight, or had to be "carefully guarded." Yikes! I guess I feel that a high quality stand is simply part of the investment for an instrument of this (expensive) nature.
AB
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Author: Wind, Woman, and Song
Date: 2014-06-28 02:42
I play in pit orchestras and sometimes have to play multiple instruments (Bari, Bass Cl. Tenor, Alto, Sop, Flute, Picc., Alto Flute…..ack!) you get the picture. I LOVE the Hercules brand because they are STURDY! My instruments cost too much to take chances with, esp. in tight pit spaces. My latest addition is the Hercules MUSIC STAND that has TWO INST. pegs! This saves floor space and "one more stand" to carry. It's been helpful for jazz band gigs with Clar. Flute readily available on the sturdy stand, and only 1 Tenor inst. stand to carry. I'm used to schlepping a lot of instruments and sound equipment so the weight doesn't bother me. I'd rather my instruments not go flying when someone accidentally bumps into them.
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Author: Dm Zisl
Date: 2014-09-30 02:25
Hello everyone, this is my first post on Woodwind.org, although I have been reading and using your invaluable advice for quite a while already.
Just as the OP, I can't keep shlepping the low C bass, a few other horns, and a bass cl stand in a separate gig bag.
My question is, would a standard Wiseman bass clarinet case, model A (or B) or any other known case accommodate any of the commonly sold bass clarinet stands? I need the case also to be sturdy enough to keep the horn immobile in case I have to check it in or in other unforeseen situations.
The K&M bass cl/ bassoon stand's dimensions when folded are pretty close to those of the soprano clarinet, but again, I can't tell this for sure. Thank you!
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Author: ErezK
Date: 2014-09-30 22:34
About k&m
K&M makes a bassoon stand 150/1 with a cup and a bcl stand, 15060.
The difference seems mostly in the cup, where the 15060 cup is V shaped to support the peg better.
How well do you find the 150/1 model works with a bcl? Does the round cup support a bcl well enough?
I'm asking because i can get the bassoon model here in Prague but almost anything related to bass clarinet (besides reeds) requires a special order.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2014-10-01 09:25
>> About k&m <<
It seems that they have changed them since last time I saw them.
I'm not sure if the bassoon 15060 has a cup similar to mine. It seems like it might be a little smaller.
The 150/1 looks like it just fits the peg.
What I like about my (I guess bassoon) stand with the bigger "bowl" is that I can put either the peg or the end of the bell itself there. I can even put the instrument "backwards" with the keys pointing into the stand and/or have the end of the bell there even if the peg is attached (just not a too long peg like a standing peg).
It's unclear if you can have the bass clarinet reversed using the bass clarinet stand, depending on how far out you have the peg. It also looks like you have to lift it opposite the direction of the peg holder, then take it, as opposed to simply taking it from the bassoon stand.
The bass clarinet stand has the advantage of a smaller folded size.
So I guess it depends what's more important to you.
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Author: ErezK
Date: 2014-10-01 11:15
The local store has this model which I think is the older one.
Is this the one you use Nitai?
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2014-10-01 11:28
It's hard to tell from that photo. I think this is the older model with the smaller cup and mine has a bigger cup, but I'm not sure. Anyway all of their older or newer models are fine, it's best to just bring your bass clarinet and see if there's a problem. If all you want is to put the peg in the cup then I think any of them will work the same.
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Author: ErezK
Date: 2014-10-01 12:03
Thanks Nitai, here is a clearer photo (I believe) of the K&M 150/1 older model.
Some retailers still carry it and it is often referenced as Bassoon/BCL stand (as well as Alto Clarinet).
Looking at the K&M website, there are now to distinct models for Bassoon and Bass clarinet, with a different cup.
Post Edited (2014-10-01 12:04)
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Author: Gordon Giedt
Date: 2014-10-19 21:03
Attachment: Bass Clarinet Stand.jpg (37k)
I used an old cymbal stand, the yoke from a guitar wall hanger, and a copper pipe end cap. The cymbal stand is pretty heavy and it doesn't fold away as nicely as the others I've seen here, plus the tripod wouldn't work for a low C bass clarinet.
I do feel pretty secure with it, and the price was right (under $25)
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Author: strBean
Date: 2015-01-21 22:02
I bought a Hercules (the one that cradles the bell) and thought it looked pretty well-built when it arrived. Now I think it's junk. The little rubber dimples that cover the screw holes for pegs fell out immediately. The rubber ends on the main post catch are falling off, then the catch itself will be able to slip out. The padding is that horrible cheap Chinese foam stuff they're putting on everything - won't last a year.
I don't like how it holds the horn - no room for the floor peg, which I extend quite a bit. It tries to pinch me every time I fold it.
I have a K&M music stand and I like how they do things - buying a BC stand from them now...
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-01-21 22:12
I now have three K&M bass clarinet/bassoon stands and often lend them out to players when doing pit work if they haven't got a spare stand for their bassoon or bass clarinet as well as having one or two for myself depending what I'm doubling on.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: strBean
Date: 2015-01-27 21:52
My König & Meyer bass clarinet stand arrived yesterday and I am very pleased. The quality of materials and workmanship is excellent. It is elegant and holds the horn securely while being far easier to remove the horn from it than the Hercules. It cost more than the Hercules but the difference in quality is far greater than the difference in price. The K&M has a 5-year warranty and a 10-year guarantee of availability of certain spare parts. Plus, the K&M was made by well-paid workers who get 4 weeks of vacation every year! Maybe the Hercules workers get pee breaks, who knows? Anyway, my falling-apart Hercules will join the spare parts collection in my friend's music shop.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2018-06-24 15:56
Hi,
I'd like to elevate this thread to add to the recent discussions we have had about bass clarinet stands. I had forgotten how much great information was contained here particularly with the re-purposing of music and percussion/cymbal stands for use with bass clarinets.
It seems that a little ingenuity and a trip to Home Depot for various additional "parts" is worth the time and trouble. The end result can often be a light, compact, and very useful stand.
HRL
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