Best New Keyboard Stand 2024: The Black Panther Ridiculously Meticulous Review

[@anthonycaranci3944]

Great video Jim. Thanks. I'm leaning towards the Black Panther stand, although something tells me that if they extended the first tier out a couple of inches, you could make adjustments on the Jupiter X a lot easier. What a great stand! As I'll be having a 88 key on the 1st, a 76 key on the 2nd, and 61 on the 3rd tier. I worry about putting a Jupiter X on the 3rd tier of both stands. I'll have to measure the depth of the Fantom and Jupiter X. No need to respond unless you absolutely have the time. I know you're busy with family & music. Wishing you continued success in 2025.

[@JimDaneker]

@@anthonycaranci3944 sure thing! No worries about putting the JPX on the 3rd tier - I now have an Oberheim OB-X8 in that spot on mine, and at a serious angle! It's rock solid, and that is a massive keyboard!

[@JimDaneker]

@@anthonycaranci3944 also be sure to watch the follow up to this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKm0kIOCoNWYl8U

[@anthonycaranci3944]

@@JimDaneker Awesome Jim. Thank you.

[@anthonycaranci3944]

@@JimDaneker Yes, I will. Thank you.

[@edjefferson9175]

The wiggle spot on my K&M is the large height adjustment knob at the base. Basically the whole rig is resting on a horizontal bolt which of course is round. This looks to have the same situation. Placing a heavy (KX88) keyboard on the main level does not reduce the wiggle. In fact it makes it a bit worse. I have been hoarding Ultimate stands for many years. In that time I have invented many new configurations.

[@thiagodalpoz]

My sunday is so much better now. tks Jim!

[@garygroff3159]

Great Review Jim. I might need to check this out as an option to replace my current workstation setup using normal size keyboards.

[@JimDaneker]

Thanks Gary. Really highly recommended - I’m more impressed with it by the day! I think it was very likely designed for more modern keyboards, because with those, it really is perfect ;-)

[@markdesantis3183]

Great review, Jim!! 🎹 👌 Can we order the A.O. hats yet??

[@JimDaneker]

Thanks Mark. Working on it!

[@MFASonic]

It's so sad the Standtastics are not available in Germany. And very cool of you that you realized that and putted it on the cons list! I used Jaspers most of my life, but couldn't accept the ugly shop-like look and space waste any longer. Tested the Omega and Omega Pro, both of which were actually not solid on aftertouch or more enthusiastic playing. I now own a Black Panther 3-tier, but I'm only partly happy with it. Yes, it's much more stable than the Omega, but not 100%, carrying a MoogOne, a 3rdWave and an OB X8. But I cannot reach everything, no matter how I stack the synths.

[@JimDaneker]

The BP really is a fantastic stand system. I'm not sure if you saw my follow up to this review, but once I figured out a few pieces, it is vastly more stable and solid, even with very heavy keyboards: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKm0kIOCoNWYl8U

[@GeorgiRusev]

Standtastic will be available in Germany (Thomann) in 2 months.

[@jjhcw]

Thank you for doing this review. I have been interested in these stands.

[@JimDaneker]

Sure thing!

[@Notmyfirstrodeo1969]

Great video Jim!!!

[@JimDaneker]

Thanks much!

[@whittymusic]

theres a lot of "Thats what she said" moments lol. Thanks for the review

[@JimDaneker]

😂😂😂

[@Venatt1]

Two questions: 1- How come there's an OBX8 in classic OBXA colors ? 2- What type or rubber fit do you recommend ?

[@JimDaneker]

It's a custom overlay by synthoverlays to make it look like a proper mid-80s Oberheim. I’m not a fan of that sort of thing usually, but they do an absolutely fabulous job! And any rubber material would be fine - either simple adhesive feet, or Rubbermaid sheets cut to size.

[@benoitpiret9065]

Great vid! I couldn’t find the arm extensions on their website. Do they come std? Also the base tier doesn’t seem very deep. Do they have extensions?

[@JimDaneker]

@@benoitpiret9065 look at the menu in their website - there are a bunch of different tabs and you'll find all those pieces in the "individual parts" section. I'm not in front of it at the moment, but the base tier is plenty deep for most keyboards.

[@anthonycaranci3944]

Hi Jim. Sorry to be a bother but, do the extensions for the tier arms come with the stand? I contacted Black Panther Systems by email to find out, but still haven't heard back from them as of yet.

[@JimDaneker]

@@anthonycaranci3944 no problem! The extensions don't come standard - they're optional.

[@anthonycaranci3944]

@@JimDaneker Thank you. I'm you got back with me before I pulled the trigger on the order. I would've flipped had I went through all the trouble and then have to order/wait for more parts! Thanks again. Merry Christmas to you & yours.😀

[@JimDaneker]

@ you got it! Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@cyrusalthor8583]

Using a spirit level when configuring the Standtastic may make things a bit easier.

[@JimDaneker]

Yep, that's mandatory if you want to get it right.

[@doughare7824]

Great review and I’m happy to see they sell on a US website now :). I had considered the K&M Omega Pro bc its legs fold. For a piano/synth rig, can this be torn down at all easily for gigging? Thanks!

[@doughare7824]

I should’ve watched to the end 😂 Hope a foldable version arrives soon but still may be worth it to carry it around v paying $600+ over the Omega Pro

[@JimDaneker]

Hey Doug, thanks for the kind words! Apparently they are working on a foldable/giggable version ;-)

[@billgrabbe9992]

The bottom tier looks very similar to an Omega stand, which is widely available in the USA. Omega's are also built like a tank, have lots of attachment options, and cost a lot of money. I only use mine for a single keyboard that never moves (it is really heavy and a bit of a pain to set up and tear down), but it beats the socks off an "X" stand if you want a pedal board or 13 organ pedals at your feet. I have not seen the attachments for Panthers or Omegas, but it appears that the Panthers allow more flexibility in placement of upper tiers and accessories.

[@JimDaneker]

They are indeed very similar designs. I've seen both now, and the BP is definitely heavier-duty and more rigid when loaded with the extra tiers. Great designs, both!

[@BlackMan614]

Are you saying I should replace my Ultimate Support stand from 1983? ;-) Can this stand handle a CS-50?

[@JimDaneker]

Ha, nooooooo... 😁 those stands were iconic and I certainly had my share! If it still works, it still works! These are really just about perfect for more modern-sized keyboards. As you could see in my review, it handles some bigger ones as well, just with a bit of compromise.

[@GeorgiRusev]

How would you compare this one to the Standtastic KS-103 in terms of functionality and reliability?

[@JimDaneker]

@@GeorgiRusev it's tough because I love them both. I love the Blackpanther for the cleaner look and easier, faster, more precise setup. The Standtastic is more flexible though since you can put the bottom keyboard at any height or angle - but they are a real pain to set up initially.

[@MrTenochtitlan1]

Great review Jim, I’ve been looking at them for a while, but since no one carries them in the US, I figure I would need a second mortgage to pay for shipping and the stand. My wife said no to the second mortgage idea😂😂. Take care of my brother.

[@JimDaneker]

Ha, I totally get it! They're certainly on the upper end of the scale, but definitely built like it ;-)

[@xiaoxia5]

did you find the Black Panther stands by just randomly internet surfing, or was it your goal to find a alternative stand to the Standtastic stands? if i wanted to get the two tiered Black Panther stand, would the optional support struts be overkill? only get the support struts if you plan on having 3 or more boards basically?

[@JimDaneker]

I just started seeing them in ads last year. I wasn't really looking for an alternative because I do love my Standtastic stands - but I thought it would be good to show people some of the options that are out there for top quality studio stands. I do really like these, though… they are absolutely fantastic! As for number of tiers, you can get several different versions. If you plan on two tiers, I would probably just get the 3 from the outset, so you have it when you want to expand. It would be cheaper to do it that way. 😁👍🏻

[@DanDeCarlo-ot6dr]

Help...I need a three tier stand for gigging that isn't too tall. Would have to be adjustable for height (I stand when I play) and easy tear-down.

[@JimDaneker]

I can't imagine anything better than Standtastic 103KS for that description. Pulls into/out of its bag and ready for action in less than a minute. Its upright columns are tall, but any 3-tier will be; however, they're just thin columns on the sides, so they're not obtrusive. If setup time can be longer, I'd still vote for the Black Panther as it looks much nicer and wouldn't have the uprights at all.

[@richmouland]

You wearing an Andertons cap?

[@JimDaneker]

@@richmouland ha- no, it's my 80s project, Arcade Orchestra. See www.arcadeorchestra.com 😁

[@MG-Nordster]

Great video! But I can see 2 immediate problems which would prevent me from buying it (aside from price). 1) This is strictly a "studio" stand. I'd never take this to a gig. Most clubs don't allow you the space/time to set this thing up, or break it down. Its impracticle to pull out all those nuts and bolts for every set up or to stow with minimal setup. 2) I feel its not high enough or angled enough to allow you to see settings on your bottom keyboard. I'd not be able to see my display screen or controls. The spacing for the 3 tier is too tight, especially if angling. This to me is strictly a studio setup, live gigging would be time consuming and impractical. When i saw the parts laid out on your floor, I instantly said, NO WAY.

[@JimDaneker]

Thanks for the kind words! And yep, I agree… It's definitely more of a studio stand. As for height, it can get plenty high - but yes, I talked about the fact that the bottom keyboard can't be angled. Spacing, flexibility, and angles are as adjustable (or more so) as any competing stand, but yeah, you will run into some challenges with any 3 tier set up. I certainly haven't seen anything better - only the Standtastic can equal this, but that one has some real downsides too. 😁👍🏻

[@MG-Nordster]

@@JimDaneker Yes, i don't do recordings or have studio gear,i love gigging though, but as i get older, i try to lighten my load of setup and breakdown. The part that most disappointing about the stand is that it can't fold up.

[@JimDaneker]

@@MG-Nordster apparently they are working on a mobile version that does fold up! 😁

[@gregbradshaw7220]

Jaspers stands are great bud

[@JimDaneker]

In many ways, they are - I just hate the look of them, and they take up way too much space. For me, the Black Panther/Standtastic are vastly better options. Whatever works for you! ;-)

[@paulsarodh5460]

Thq bro 💢🎹🎹👍🤗

[@RoyChartier]

Dammit! The last time I watched a Jim Daneker video, I ended up bying a DX7!

[@JimDaneker]

😂😂😂

[@paulsarodh5460]

Rockin 💢🎹💗

[@AndrewLeSynt]

Jaspers, as an alternate. Made in Germany

[@JimDaneker]

Jaspers are the tube-style stands I referenced. Personally I'm not a fan of those for the reasons I listed, but a lot of people like them. 👍🏻

[@alex_darsen]

Would the arm extenders work on the bottom tier? If so, I’m thinking that would allow you to bring the Jupiter out more and maybe allow you to get at the controls better. Thorough review, thanks!

[@JimDaneker]

Unfortunately no, the extenders don't work on the bottom tier.

[@salvjocorner]

Where to buy?

[@JimDaneker]

@@salvjocorner blackpanthersystem.us/ Tell them I sent you! 😁

[@dmrasendro]

great

[@SynthMan65]

Man, that black panther seems like it would be awful tippy as the feet are really short. The standstastic stand seems very stable.

[@JimDaneker]

@@SynthMan65 it's extremely stable. I have really heavy vintage synths on it and it's rock solid.

[@vjrei]

I love my D50.

[@JimDaneker]

Me too! One of the best synths ever made 😁👊🏻

[@vjrei]

Keyboard stands are something. I used to like the Ultimate ones back in the 80s, you had all sort of accessories even to place your laptop on a side and rackmounts. I was able to have the entire studio there with monitor speakers too but they stopped producing them. Yes they were bulky. Then you have the Apex which are good to play live. Then Ultimate came out with the V-Stand that was nice but too fragile. And now you have all these experiments that are half-way-there options. It is complicated. @@JimDaneker

[@JimDaneker]

@@vjrei yes indeed!

[@AdamSpade]

K&M on steroids.

[@str8upme2]

This is good for studio but if we was giggling constantly and you doing your own set up and tear down this can be a load of

[@ziphozonkecmabizela7426]

Hi thank you, I need 1 but I’m in South Africa 🇿🇦

[@JimDaneker]

They will ship there 😁

[@ziphozonkecmabizela7426]

How can I pay for it, link please.@@JimDaneker

[@n.l.541]

Gosh, its much better than K&M!

[@JimDaneker]

I wasn't aware of the K&M option until just recently, but having seen them both now, I would definitely give the Black Panther a full thumbs up. It just looks & feels much heavier duty, and there are more options available for it 👍🏻

[@tendingtropic7778]

christmas tree in june?

[@JimDaneker]

@@tendingtropic7778 it was January but minor detail 😂

[@3D6Space]

For the bottom keyboard, you have to reach under the one above it to make adjustments, and you can't see it. Access to the other 2 are limited, and you have to stand up to play the top keyboard. Also, you'll be kicking the stand supports on the floor. These are age old issues, none of which are solved by this stand. I give it a 1 out of 10 rating.

[@JimDaneker]

Did we watch the same video? There's no way you'll be kicking the stand legs - if you do, something is VERY wrong. This is as good as it could possibly be for that - it's entirely open and 36" wide!? As for the top keyboards, those issues are the same with ANY 3-tier stand... only the Standtastic improves on it at all. It's just a matter of placing them & angling them right. I purposely chose 2 big/deep boards just to show the potential issues & workarounds; a shallower angle would easily mitigate that.

[@3D6Space]

@@JimDaneker --> It's probably just me, and I admit I am about the clumsiest guy I know, and if it's on the floor, I'll trip over it. I tend to build stands right into the wall. They are not portable, but they are sturdy, and when the dust falls, it falls on the floor and is easy to clean up. I guess for 3 tier stands, it's pretty good. Perfection is the un-achievable goal, we all seek.

[@webkluns]

Seems it can be a nice keyboardstand for band usage too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoGklYqem9eCn9U It would make it much less portable/transportable once assembled.

[@JimDaneker]

Certainly! I just wouldn't want to have to transport it regularly 😁

[@connor_flanigan]

holy shnikeys these are expensive! I appreciate that they're made in Germany (I'm assuming,) but for $500, I'd rather put that money into more keyboards and just sit them on a milk crate.

[@JimDaneker]

@@connor_flanigan ha - yeah, fair enough. The price of high-grade steel & shipping has definitely gone up. They're certainly a premium product, but worth it IMO; there's nothing else like it on the market.

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

Standtastic does not rock. I'm heavy handed and need the stability.

[@JimDaneker]

@@jamesdefrancesco7765 Standtastic is definitely rock solid - but so is the Black Panther once you get it set up right. My bad! I had to do an update to this video to address this ;-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKm0kIOCoNWYl8U

[@elbandito5411]

I'm new to the keyboard game. The first thing I need to understand is why do people have so many keyboards and not just one or two? If you're telling me I need at least ten then I'm not gonna bother getting into this. I just do not want to waste time and money. So can someone please explain why owning multiple keyboards is the norm?

[@bennethos]

It’s not keyboards it’s synthesisers ! See them as different beasts with different characters, tonalities, defaults … we are obsessed obviously as well

[@elbandito5411]

@@bennethos ok so isn't there one to rule them all or at least two? Why do some people have 5 or more?

[@joellanier]

@@elbandito5411 If you dig into the history of synthesis you discover that with the earlier keyboards they often focused on creating sounds using a single style of sound design. There's subtractive synthesis, FM synthesis, wavetable, phase distortion and a whole host of other approaches. Each method usually had a different synth that collectors considered the "best" in that particular style of synthesis. Just go on a synthesizer enthusiast message board and ask if Moog or Oberheim had the "best" filters and watch the fun begin! Newer keyboards often combine several approaches in one unit and then sampling lets you mimic various styles on top of that, but the purists love having those original units that did primarily one thing well. It's similar to guitarists wanting a Strat, a Les Paul, and a Tele. They all have 6 strings but each shines in certain contexts. As far as one to rule them all, any of the flagships manufactured today by the big boys Roland, Korg, or Yamaha have more firepower than we could ever have dreamed of in the 80''s and 90's.

[@MG-Nordster]

You will realize that need when you are gigging. Unless you want to use one sound all night long. Most music has layered keyboards and usually requires using 2 diff sounds independently (not layered into same keyboard). 3 keys IMO is more of a luxury but, depending on the music, and gear, you will learn to get leaner with the stuff you haul to gigs.

[@elbandito5411]

@@MG-Nordster so I will need an arranger and a synth. And if I want good ones, I'll have to pay $5,000 each. Plus I'll need one of these racks too.