Best Studio Keyboard & Synth Stands 2022

[@mwmusic29]

Thanks Jim. These stands have been on my radar for quite a while. Nice to hear from someone who is using them happily. I appreciate the report!

[@JimDaneker]

Sure thing! I’ve been using them since the mid 90s when I switched from the old A-frame style. No comparison… I never looked back!

[@derekliljequist1086]

I'm glad I took your advice on these earlier on Facebook post. I've been really happy with mine. It's a pain to get it dialed in right but it's worth it because the final result is just perfect.

[@JimDaneker]

So glad it was helpful! Yeah, there's a lot of trial and error to get it right, but it's even more so with A-frame style stands - just the downside of all that flexibility ;-)

[@muco007]

I purchased the Standtastic 103KS with extra tier kit to replace my jaspers based on your recommendation. I have four synths stacked from bottom to top (Waldorf Quantum Mk2, Oberheim Obx8, Roland Juno 60 and Roland System 8) with no issues. I'm able to access all synth parameters with no ergonomic concerns. Everything you stated I agree with. I'm happy with the purchase. Saves more space for sure but most importantly the stand is much more sturdy. The only negative is it does take some time to set up and get things aligned correctly (depth, tier height, cables not blocked, etc.), but once that exercise is complete it's a dream, totally worth the initial setup hassle. Plus these are way cheaper than my Jaspers and I didn't have to wait a long time for shipping from Germany. Even comes with a carrying case! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@JimDaneker]

So glad you like it!

[@reysandoval5075]

Thanks, Jim!

[@jfracine_composition]

thanks that's exactly what I'm checking out right now !

[@JimDaneker]

Awesome!

[@GeorgiRusev]

The eccentric guy at 0:36 is called Mario Mathy, 80s synth music producer from Belgium, Casio CZ series admirer :)

[@JimDaneker]

Yes indeed. Cult synth hero 😁

[@larryfinke6133]

Nice review. As a standtastic user, I would just add that they can be very wobbly if your stage surface rocks or dips at all (not unusual). On a solid floor they are quite stable though.

[@JimDaneker]

That would be the case with pretty much any stand, though… Easily solved with a little shim under whichever leg needs it 😁

[@larryfinke6133]

@@JimDaneker it’s not that the floor is uneven. The stand is actually quite good at managing that. It’s when the floor moves under foot (like many portable stages do) that the design leads to an exaggerated wobble. Obviously in a home studio this is not likely a concern.

[@scottknowles6744]

I have several Apex Stands and recently purchased one of these standtastic 3-tiers for my new to me TS12, Karma and Wavestation to call home. You are right, the stand is a vast improvement over the old A-Frames and more stable than my old Apex columns.

[@septembersoul5938]

I'm actually looking to get some stands, and I considered just ordering the Jaspers or the Black Panther Systems from overseas. I was concerned about customs charging me, so I've been hesitant. Thanks for this! I seen these, but I wasn't sure how solid they are. This was really helpful. I'm going to get two of these.

[@JimDaneker]

Yeah man, I can't rave about these enough. I used to have the A-frame style (like Jaspers) back in the 80s and switched to these in the 90s - never looked back. No comparison! Hope you like them!

[@septembersoul5938]

@@JimDaneker I ended up ordering two. Thanks again, it really helped! Just a heads up, if you need anymore, Musicians Friend has a 15% off code right now for certain gear. I think I saved about $80 for two.

[@JimDaneker]

@@septembersoul5938 awesome!

[@SoundMadeVisual]

Super helpful! Will def look into getting these.

[@MysticFrequencies]

Although I still use ultimate Support Systems stands and parts, I agree that Standtastic Stands are the best, I plan to switch to them soon for part of my Multimedia Production Studio. I do plan to continue using the USS stands in certain circumstances though simply because USS stands can do some things Standtastic can't do. Examples are, integrated rack mount within a synth stand so you can have hardware synths mounted along with rack gear, stands that can hold 21 synths, (Eleven 61 key synths and Ten 2u rack synths! ask me for a photo! :) ), stands that are a combo of computer, mixer, desk and rack mount gear. And the list goes on. One thing I really like about Standtastic stands you mention in your video is that the support frame is behind the synths instead of on the sides, this is the main reason i want to switch some of my stands to Standtastic simply because I can get the synths closer to each other... I have 45+ full synths with keys plus several drum machines, sequencers, rack gear and other gear so real estate is at a premium here. A few of my synths wont fit on the Stantastic stands though, like my Prophet 10, SK50d, Polymoog, SX400... the reason being they are either much deeper in size than other typical synths, or are shaped underneath in a manner that would let the synth "slide" over the top of the front of the stand tiers, a problem I don't have with USS stands, as for synths "bouncing" on tube stands, I really don't have the problem, but then, there are cheap built tube stands such as Jaspers that use cheap plastic clamps etc... If a tube stand is built properly for the synth(s) your putting on them, there isn't any bouncing problem. I built a USS stand once just to show that if properly built its super strong, I have had a Rhodes 73, Kawai M8000, Korg Triton Extreme 88, and My DX-1 on USS stands, they can easily take the weight if built right. If I didn't trust them, I wouldn't have my DX1 and DX5 on the same stand. Anyway, I am not knocking either brand, its just simple a matter of what your needs are, I feel that for me a combo between brands is best, my studio is large and encompasses 4 separate rooms not including the vocal booth and there are a total of more than 65 synths here. Thanks for the great video and explanation Jim! I am always looking to improve my studio and this helps!

[@JimDaneker]

Good stuff my friend! Yes, indeed, there are some setups like yours where it’s nice to have some extreme options 😁

[@KordTaylor]

Thank you! I am looking for 3 tiers and not that much info out there. Thanks again! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@JimDaneker]

You're welcome!

[@subfifth]

These look great. And also, my A-frame does not wiggle at all, and I get five tiers out of it. Lots of great options out there!

[@anthonycaranci3944]

Hi Jim, I asked you about these stands a few months ago and I'm grateful for the information that you previously gave me. However, what I had forgotten to ask you was if you were using wall mounts with your Standtastic Stands. I see that your synths on the highest levels are on some very steep angles! This is what I'm looking to do with my synths, as I only own three, but, I worry about them falling forward. I plan to have a Nautilus 88 on the first tier, a Fantom 7 EX on the 2nd, and a Jupiter X on the the top tier. Naturally, I would want to angle mine as I've seen in your videos. Thanks again for the earlier response, I appreciated the info you shared. Also, your Jupiter X video (VST in a box) was awesome. The gentle shove I needed to finally "pull the trigger" on purchasing one. It's a great synth, but I love the Fantom a lot more! Thanks.

[@JimDaneker]

@@anthonycaranci3944 glad the info was useful! I’m not using wall mounts - mine are the freestanding versions. There's zero concern about a synth falling as long as you balance them properly and make sure the feet catch the front edges. I also add some rubber non-slip material as well. They are absolutely rock solid.

[@anthonycaranci3944]

@@JimDaneker Thank you Jim. The funny thing is - that about 10 minutes after posting here, I found your video review on the Black Panther Systems stand. That is a great video too. The only negative (for me), on the Standtastic is the height adjustment. Looks like it would take some measuring to get each side level. Thanks again. Wishing you & your a great Christmas Season.

[@JimDaneker]

@ yep, I love them both, and each has advantages over the other. You can't get all of the angled flexibility with the Blackpanther, but they are definitely a bit easier to set up with precision, and they have a cleaner look. The Standtastic does give you a lot more flexibility though overall, and is quite a bit cheaper even with 4 tiers.

[@DankePlace]

What Starship panel is that in the background, can it Warp factor 9? I love you have designed this for ergonomics. All my gear sits on 1 desk but it has tiers which allows me access at arms length. My focus is on music, not why I get frustrated because something is out of reach. Excellent work, well done.

[@JimDaneker]

Haha, thank you 😁

[@TheKeyboardChronicles]

Starts thinking of removing current stands..... thanks for another great vid Jim.

[@JimDaneker]

You got it!

[@MichaelBlueMusic]

Jim converted me to these in the last 2 years, too. I’ve got a 4-tier and am in the process of selling my toe-killer Z stands to make room for more. These are outstanding (no pun intended) and the only time I can see using “hang glider parts” (lol! Never knew that!) instead, is for my pairs of smaller synths (PolyD, MonoPoly, Wavestate, OpSix, etc) so I can place them side by side.

[@JimDaneker]

Thanks buddy. For smaller stuff, I just use black shelving from Lowe’s or Home Depot and throw them on a tier on the Standtastic- you can get a 4’ wide shelf for just $10 😁

[@MichaelBlueMusic]

@@JimDaneker I was doing exactly that on my Z stand. I guess I was thinking the Standtastic was too steep, but that’s all adjustable so it doesn’t have to be, lol! I didn’t notice any side-by-side synths in your pics, I’ll have to take another look. 👍

[@JimDaneker]

@@MichaelBlueMusic well, none of mine are butted up against each other because I have monitors between each stand - but the Standtastic stands let you do that if you want.

[@philmakesnoise]

Good suggestion. I'll have to scope these out. Do you have to fully open these to use them? I'm a bit concerned with overall width as my keyboards are mostly in the 49 key range.

[@JimDaneker]

You can vary the width - most of mine are set around 22-24" wide so 49 key boards are no problem.

[@philmakesnoise]

@@JimDaneker oh wow that's great.

[@jjdekay6969]

I agree that consumer grade a frame keyboard stands (jasper,onstage....) are made cheaply to be affordable but are bouncy and made out of thin wall pipe (16 gage if your lucky). 1/8th " or 3/16" makes a huge difference. Mine are 4ft wide and 7 ft tall (i have 3) and hold over 22+ synths and drum machines plus storage for cables, mixing boards, and more. They are also strong enough to hold up a small car. So with the engineering done better, and stronger materials, the a frames are stronger. Even though you like the clean aesthetic of these stands, I have seen and heard of several clumsy roadies knocking a synth off of one because there is no perimeter protection for the synth when on an "open suspended platform" style stand. where as an a frame style that is actually made of steel is heavy enough to take a bump and has the perimeter protection needed to deflect any unwanted intrusion.

[@JimDaneker]

I’ve never seen a commercially available A-frame style made of heavy gauge tubing, so I imagine it would have to be a custom thing = expensive. Either way, yes, I vastly prefer not looking like a bunch of cobbled together hang glider parts, plus the useful aspect of not taking up more horizontal space. And since my application is studio use, I don’t have to worry about roadies 😁 But yes, I can appreciate your points if you’ve got a heavy solution and it works for you!

[@jjdekay6969]

@@JimDaneker your correct on all accounts. "IF" frame rack companies could adapt some of the tech from high end drum racks and up the pipe wall thickness then maybe the market would have an excellent option for the A frame style . There are truly good advantages to both when done right.

[@leiltonrocha7301]

Top demais

[@scottmcauleysounds]

Wish these were available in uk. :(

[@JimDaneker]

I believe they are working on international distribution… Tough right now with world conditions :-(

[@scottmcauleysounds]

@@JimDaneker that would be great! Challenging at the moment indeed. But I would jump at them if/when they become available here. 👌

[@timhughes4698]

Me too!

[@scottmcauleysounds]

@@timhughes4698 hopefully in the future :)

[@RayyMusik]

Waiting for those in Germany.

[@ambidex]

With Aluminum tube A-frames, you just use a simple pipe cutter to make them them the width you want, and you can even take what you cut off, but a new T and have it come out the side to hold smaller things like effects modules etc. Nothing against your stands and what works for you, just referring to your single detail about them being wider than your synths.

[@JimDaneker]

Yes, but the main tiers will always be wider than your synths even if you cut them close to size. As you said, whatever works for you - I'm just not a fan of tube stands these days - I prefer them to be as out-of-the-way as possible and visually clean ;-)

[@wireguy123]

Thanks for the review. If you put up against a wall it looks like it takes up 4 feet. They also dont look like you can put an 88 on bottom and a 37 or shorter board on top. Is this correct?

[@JimDaneker]

I don't have the exact measurements at the moment, but it doesn't take up any more room than any other multi-tier stand. And yes, you can absolutely put an 88 note keyboard on the bottom - any combination of sizes.

[@WayneMusicianUK]

I have a Standtastic 103KS Stand, I got it used here in the UK 🇬🇧 it’s a great stand but a fairly large footprint, but it’s very solid and no wobble! I was just going to order a Silver Jaspers as it’s a bit more 80’s looking for my 80’s band… but I don’t know if I’m going to now if you guys say it wobbles? 🤷🏻‍♂️🫣 trouble is I can’t buy another Standtastic as they’ve never got any stock ever and to ship to the UK and import customs duties.. it would be an insane price 🙁 I do however have a 3 tier custom Gibraltar stand and that thing is more sturdy than a Standtastic whatever 3 tier stand I get next has to be able to carry the following Bottom Tier Korg Kronos 2 88 Middle Tier Yamaha Montage 8 Top Tier Yamaha Motif ES7

[@troypol343]

I have used Apex Stands for studio and live use for years. I have 3-4 on my Apex stands in my studio but will be trying a Standtastic stand because of the ability to tilt the synths. I have had a couple Jaspers stands and have since sold them, too wide and a waste of space for sure.

[@JimDaneker]

@@troypol343 big Apex fan here too. I still have my originals from the late 80s!

[@NicolasMelis]

are those stands available to buy in Europe as well ?

[@JimDaneker]

Unfortunately, not at the moment, but they are aware of the issue, and hopefully working on a solution! The global shipping issues are a real problem for some of these smaller companies 😰

[@JimCardoza]

HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT I WAS LOOKING AT KEYBOARD STANDS

[@JimDaneker]

Glad I could help 😂

[@bomiller7908]

Do you use any foam tape so your keyboards don't get scratched?

[@JimDaneker]

You mean on the arms that hold the keyboards? Yes, they have rubber strips on them. I'm OCD about my gear so I'd be miffed if they got scratched ;-)

[@bomiller7908]

@JimDaneker did they come with the stand or third party? Can you link me the ones you used if you bought them separately? Stacking a prophet 10 and obx8 gives me a little anxiety haha.

[@JimDaneker]

@@bomiller7908 I believe they came with the stand, but if not, super easy to find that kind of thing at Lowe's or Home Depot. Just some self adhesive rubber strips. Thing is, you don't really need them… The arms have "L" brackets on the front edge that hold the keyboards in place even at angles like you see in my video. The only reason I use them is to dampen the noise a bit - some boards benefit from some rubber underneath where they contact the stand. Trust me, I am the same way - my OB-X8, Jupiter, Prophet 5, and all the others are precious to me 😁😁😁

[@bomiller7908]

@@JimDaneker thank you for the info!

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Standtastic also make great wall-mount stands. I use them in conjunction with On-Stage Z stands to get my synthesizers right up against the back walls of my studio. You can see the results in my studio tour video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn2WqIefo7pjr6M

[@JimDaneker]

Indeed, they do!

[@kierenmoore3236]

You have a lot of great synths … I’m just wondering, what % of the time would you say you use your Rev2 (with so many great options around)? 8-voice or 16? And what kind of work do you use it for? Many thanks! 😎👍🏼🙏🏼

[@JimDaneker]

Hi Kieren, I cover each synth a bit in the “deep dive” companion to this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHeQaH6daa5gps0 As for the Rev2, I highly recommend the 16 voice version. Honestly that might be the best value in the analog synth world. It can totally keep up with anything else in my studio, and run circles around most of them. I can say enough good stuff about that one!

[@conservativeokie]

I want to know how you stand! 😁 Merry Christmas Jimbo!! Love ya bunches!!!

[@JimDaneker]

You too bud 😁👊🏻

[@tomrogers2790]

Hi Jim! First of all I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos! I have a question on these stands. Some reviews state that the extension arms possibly slide at extreme angles because the screw is not able to be tightened enough? Have you ever experienced this? I see your OB-X8 at a good angle so looks like you have it figured out! thanks

[@JimDaneker]

Yep, it's just a matter of tightening them properly. I use a wrench to tighten them just a bit beyond hand strength ;-)

[@tomrogers2790]

@@JimDaneker good to know! thank you!

[@analoGz46]

Very informative, look beautiful. Can you tell me what model did you use for OB-X8 & Roland Jupiter X?

[@JimDaneker]

All 4 of mine are the 103 KS with additional tier kits.

[@analoGz46]

@@JimDaneker Thank you! Unfortunatly i can't find a shop who send this stand to Europe (France)

[@JimDaneker]

@@analoGz46 yes, I know they are working on that so hopefully it will be available soon on your side of the pond!

[@philmagnotta5553]

Hi Jim. Is the first tier also angle adjustable. The photos appear as such. Any idea of the angles? Some modern digital synths have screens that must be read for effective editing, but a flat mounted position will cause one to have to angle down or stand-up to view properly.

[@JimDaneker]

@@philmagnotta5553 yes, that's one of the things I love about the Standtastic; all tiers can be angled from flat to extreme. At "extreme" I'd say the angle is about 80°.

[@philmagnotta5553]

@@JimDaneker Great news, as I was waiting for conformation on that. This is my 2nd revelatory response from you. Thank you very much.

[@JimDaneker]

@@philmagnotta5553 sure thing!

[@jhtzlx]

I'm really considering Standtastic's wall mount option.. However I do have to wonder how they'd do in the event of an earthquake.

[@JimDaneker]

I think that would depend far more on the structure they're bolted to. The stands themselves are extremely heavy duty, but if the walls are sketchy, the stands won't matter ;-)

[@morgan8937]

Hey Jim, I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you know what adjustable angle stand might work for on a desk? I basically have an Arturia Keylab essential 61 (controller keyboard) sitting on my desk, but I have a much smaller Arturia MiniFreak sitting directly behind it that I was thinking of raising. I'd have to have it's rear facing the back corner of the desk and shift it to the side of the desk facing diagonally because otherwise raising it above the keylab essential height will obscure the imac screen. Just think I need something solid, not 3d printed It's just the minifreak that needs elevated as I like to keep the controller kb front and centre. If you know of any brands or products? Wishing you and yours a lovely Christmas time and thank you for the great content this past year.😊

[@JimDaneker]

Thanks for the kind words, my friend! Happy new year to you as well! For something desktop oriented, I would look for laptop stands on Amazon. For something heavier duty, check out Blackpanthersystem stands - they make some really great stuff! They just sent me one of their top end studio stands that competes with the Standtastic I reviewed in this video. Looking forward to checking that out...

[@nickkarach76]

How does adding the 4th tier work?

[@JimDaneker]

You just add an extra tier kit - they're about $30 or so for each added tier. I'll add a link to those in the video description. Super easy ;-)

[@nickkarach76]

@@JimDaneker Thank you! I have two similar, but only 2-tier stands, from other manufacturers holding my Sub37, Prophet 10, Summit and Polybrute, but might have to pick one of these up to consolidate the studio a little bit.

[@JimDaneker]

@@nickkarach76 happy to help. Unfortunately, I can’t find a direct link to the extra tier kit, but Sweetwater has them… It’s called the Standtastic 100TK.

[@shanklecpa]

For those towards the top of the tier and at acute angles, do you rely on the metal tab at the front of the tier to hold your keyboard? What if the lip under the keybed isn't perpendicular but angles to cut away from the front? Have fear of the top ones slipping without some additional attachment? Thanks

[@JimDaneker]

Hey Chris, yes, I do rely on the vertical tabs for all synths - that's what keeps them in place. They are made of steel, so quite strong. They're also about 1.5" tall, so totally adequate for pretty much any keyboard, even those with sloped angles under the keys like you mentioned. They also have nice vinyl/rubber caps on them to keep from scratching your gear. And finally, I add some non-slip rubber (weather stripping) to each tier to really make them as cushy as possible ;-)

[@shanklecpa]

@@JimDaneker Ah, the thin weather stripping likely aids in gripping the mounted synth as well. Ok, thanks much!

[@JimDaneker]

@@shanklecpa it certainly doesn’t hurt!

[@samborn7120]

If had a bigger room, I would totally do a Standtastic in a corral! Unfortunately I have to go up since I have limited space.. Someday…

[@lsjanca]

totally agree with you. best stand out there. been using them for years. I am with you about a bouncing keyboard, I don't know how someone can use these column stands. laughable.

[@gatsu11235]

Hi Jim. I was wondering, I was just gifted a Korg R3 which is 25 inches wide. Is there any width adjustment for the any of its tiers? I'd have my Prophet Rev2 on the bottom, Roland VR09 mid, and the R3 on top. Great video, many thanks.

[@JimDaneker]

Not per tier, but you can set the width of the entire stand. I have a couple of mine just 22 inches wide for the very reason you mentioned. I've also grabbed cheap black shelving from Lowe's or Home Depot that's 36 or 48 inches wide when I wanted to use smaller desktop modules. So, there's a way! 😁👍🏻

[@stevo5459]

Can you add an extra tier to a 2 tier StandTastic? Can’t seem to find a 3 tier in stock anywhere

[@JimDaneker]

Yes, you can add optional tier kits. 😁

[@stevo5459]

@@JimDaneker thank you. By the way your obx8 video was outstanding !

[@JimDaneker]

@@stevo5459 thanks so much! Amazing things happen when you just start spinning knobs on that machine 😁

[@joemusik17]

Wow I was ready to buy another K&M or Black Panther. I have the Pro K&M Omega it is nice BUT I feel my Kuzweil 2700 or my Moog One moving up and down so I tend to play a little lighter which I can not stand doing. Any thoughts I would love your input your video was great , I want solid lol Thank you !

[@JimDaneker]

I think this video is your answer... I've never had a better stand than these, and wouldn't trust anything else for really expensive synths 😁

[@bennethos]

Couple of years ago I did get the jaspers alu stand. Resold it a year later, was not impressed with it , too big, wobbly indeed and if you want to make adjustments it’s an absolute pain. Been trying to source these standtastics from Europe but no luck so far. If anyone knows please reply here .

[@JimDaneker]

Yeah, I’m not sure why they can’t get these to Europe - they are in high demand!

[@pizzagogo6151]

Yup same issue- would love to get the standtastic ones as well. But unfortunately not available in Australia either ☹️. That said, Wouldn’t have known about them if you hadnt mentioned them so thanks Jim. (may be able to import some myself eventually )

[@WayneMusicianUK]

I was about to order a 3 tier Jaspers for 2 x 88 note keyboards and a synth on top, but if they wobble I’m glad I didn’t! Thanks for the heads up 😊

[@danielortizdecaracas]

❤❤