Stands - Ever the Tinkerer

[Wiggy]

Part 1: Foldable music stand

Reusing a common folding music stand. They typically can be found in resale shops for about $5.

- Ukulele holder with 2-finger lifting grip

Remove the music top. Attach a String Swing guitar hanger, without the wall block. The SS's 1/4" stud easily screws right thru. Attach 1/4-20" nuts plus an acorn nut as shown. Add washers as necessary.

Use about 4-1/4" of 1/2" self-seal pipe insulation to protect the back of the ukes.

It is adjustable up and down to fit soprano, concert, or tenor. It will adjust to a baritone, but it gets close to being tippy at that height.

The SS's 1/4" stud easily screws right thru. Attach two 1/4" acorn nuts. Use about 4-1/4" of 1/2" self-seal pipe insulation to protect the back of the ukes.

- Foldable Music stand

Cut off the long ends to make them shorter when folded.
(I always caught things on those anyway!)

Bend the clamp tab up (so it is parallel to the center vertical plate) as shown.
This allows it to be perfectly balanced when setting up.
Tilt the music holder until it is balanced, then tighten the clamp. The angle will be correct.

- It all just fits in a Pukana La soprano gig bag as they are a little longer and wider than the average soprano bag.

 

[Wiggy]

Part 2: Manhassett Orchestra Stand

Remove the music tray. What remains is a nice handle.
Slide on a piece of PVC for the clamps.
(This will keep the clamps from damaging the tube and will control how far the tube can slide* down.)
(*It can happen unexpectedly with an old stand.)

Attach two String Swing Guitar Clamps over the PVC.

Hint: String Swings come with a red cap to keep the screw from marring whatever you clamp it to. These wear out very quickly. Buy a box of Au-ve-co Products 4435 1/4" vacuum caps (eBay, or any auto parts store). They provide better protection and last much longer.

 

[Wiggy]

Part 3: Atlas Round Mic Stand

Use a String Swing guitar clamp-on.

If the stand upper tube is properly threaded (like an Atlas) and not swedged swaged (like most "budget" mic stands) you can put a top plate (OnStage MSA6000 ~ $15-20) on to hold whatever you want. The rear tray is a Scooven Sound Card Tray ($9 Amazon)

Baritones shown.

 

[Wiggy]

Part 4:

These require too much explanation.

As you can see, I like to keep all my players out for immediate access. These stands allow me to just grab one when I get the whim.

They all have cases or bags, but...

 

[Joe T]

Very resourceful Wiggy, nice job(s)! Much more likely to get played when they are out and easy to grab. Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[ploverwing]

These are great hacks! Thanks for sharing!