What is a keyboard stand?

(Image: Canva)

A keyboard stand permits the keyboard’s height to be adjusted (a crucial factor depending on the player’s height and whether they will be playing standing up or sitting down). Most keyboard stands are also portable. 

Although it is possible to use a table or desk (and there are some models that are designed specifically for music production), they are not always at the right height to play comfortably. Additionally, table legs/drawers can get in the way, and they cannot be taken to a gig/performance.

There are also tiered stands for keyboard players who have more than one keyboard, so they can be stacked.

Types of keyboard stands

1. Single Tier Keyboard Stands

These stands will only hold one keyboard. These stands vary in price from low to moderate. When utilizing these stands, you will often observe pianists standing. You can sit and utilize these stands, but if you’re taller, you risk running your knees into the stand due to the design.

• Single Tier X Stands

These are X-shaped keyboard stands. The stands are inexpensive, and I would not suggest them for performing. These are more suited for a bedroom or studio stand.

• Table Top Stands

These are stands that are flat across and look like a table. These stands are more for keyboardists who play sitting down, but you can also raise it and stand while playing on it.

I am a huge fan of this stand when it comes to durability. This stand works perfectly for pianists who want to sit down and you can also adjust the height if you prefer to stand with it. It works with keyboards from 25 keys all the way to 88 keys.

• Z-Style Stands

They are stands that are somewhat more stable than x-style stands. I like these stands over X since I haven’t had nearly as many issues with them.

2. Double Tier Keyboard Stands

These are your standard X-style stands, but they can support up to two keyboards. I used them for years before upgrading and they work; you just have to be cautious. If you’re going to utilize them, don’t put too much weight on them.

• 2 Tier X-Style Stands

Double tier keyboard stands are practical for bands who use a lot of different keyboards. They come in different styles, as seen below.

• 2 Tier Z-Style Stands

These are more robust than X-style stands because they can support greater weight. On top of this, you may place a laptop or other devices.

• 3 Tier Keyboard Stands

One advantage of using a keyboard stand is that it will occupy less space on the stage. Additionally, it will save set-up time if only one stand is required instead of three. With a keyboard stand, all three keyboards will be positioned in front of you rather than spread out across the stage on different stands

In my opinion, keyboard stands also look cooler than normal X-stands, and they are more suitable for studios. They can be used live, but we refer having them in a studio setting where the keyboards are all within easy reach.

How to set up a keyboard stand: X-Style Stand 

(Image: Amazon)

1. Hold the stand upright so the longer beams are flat on the ground. 

The stand’s shorter beams are intended to hold your keyboard so you can jam out without them getting in your way. The lengthier beams are used to keep the stand steady during playing, therefore place them level on the ground. 

Simple stands may have beams of the same length. If this is the case, put either end against the ground.

2. Pull out the clutch in the center of the stand. 

The clutch is the locking mechanism located in the center of your stand. It may resemble a knob, handle, or lever, depending on the design of your stand. To disengage the clutch from the locking mechanism, grasp it and pull or rotate it.

Some stands have a clutch that is spring-loaded, so you will need to hold it open while making your adjustments.

Although the design of the clutch may differ from stand to stand, it must be disengaged from the locking mechanism in order to open the stand and make the necessary adjustments.

3. Stretch the stand open until the top beams are the height you want them. 

If you’re sitting, open the stand until the top beams are just over your knees and you can comfortably sit behind it. If you’re playing your keyboard while standing, adjust the stand so that the top beams are parallel to your hips and your hands can easily reach the keys. 

You may find that adjusting the stand to a different height is more comfortable for you, so feel free to do so!

4. Slide the clutch into 1 of the slots to lock the stand in the open position. 

To hold the stand open, insert the clutch into the designated slot on the locking mechanism. Ensure that the clutch is fully inserted into the slot so that it doesn’t fall open when you put your keyboard on the stand.

Some stands may require you to rotate the clutch to lock the stand open, while others may have a lever that needs to be squeezed until it’s locked. Whichever version you have, just make sure it’s fully locked!

5.  Wiggle the stand to identify which foot needs to be adjusted.

The circular grips on the ends of the lower beams of your keyboard stand assist support the stand. If your keyboard stand is unsteady or unstable, put your hands on it and shake it about. To determine which foot has to be corrected, look for one that is uneven with the others. 

It’s critical that your stand is entirely sturdy so that your keyboard doesn’t fall off.

To steady the stand, you usually only need to adjust one of the feet, but occasionally numerous feet must be adjusted.

6. Lift the stand and rotate the foot on the beam to make adjustments. 

Once you’ve determined which foot needs adjustment, tilt the stand to lift the foot off the ground. Then, move the foot clockwise or counterclockwise to elevate or lower it.

7. Place the stand upright and shake it to see if it’s stable. 

To make the lower beams stable, rest them on the ground so they’re flat. Give the stand a good wobble. If it’s stable, you can place your keyboard back on it and play it without any shakiness. That’s very simple for those don’t know how to attach a keyboard to a stand.

 If the stand is still unstable, make additional adjustments by rotating the feet as needed until it is stable. Make small adjustments at a time and check the stand until it’s nice and stable.

FAQs

What are the straps for my keyboard stand?

Tiger’s straps may be inserted into your keyboard using the screw threads often found on the bottom of keyboards and then strapped onto a keyboard stand to keep the keyboard from sliding off the stand.

How high should a keyboard stand be?

Generally, the traditional piano keyboard stand is about 28.5 inches from the floor, and this height was designed to match an adult piano player.

Should I use the stands on my keyboard?

It is better to type on a flat surface with your keyboard than at an angle. Using the keyboard kickstands increases the stress on your wrists and the likelihood of injury. In fact, it is better to have the keyboard angled away from you to improve ergonomics.

Final word 

Although installing an X-Frame may make novice players of all ages sometimes struggle with putting these components together. Axreview hopes you find this article useful in understanding how to set up a keyboard stand.