Projects - Studio Renovation Part 3: The Synth Rack Problem

[@13amplifiers]

In my experience, using UPS is a serious mistake. They seem to always charge a "brokerage" fee of about 25% to bring stuff in from abroad (I'm in Canada). The same items brought in by post generally have no extra fees involved with them. I occasionally order from Thomann and always choose post as the shipping method. Oddly, even paying for shipping, the cost of the items are usually less than I would pay in Canada.

[@VisionsMusicGroup]

Yeah this was a first for me... "duty fees" 🤔 Perhaps it's a real thing, but when stand #2 went missing, I stopped trusting everyone involved. fwiw, I do not remember if Thomann allowed me an alternative option for shipping to the US.

[@MPCmanNL]

I'm in Canada too. There is a way to avoid broker costs (in Canada!) by "self clearing the package" (use that for googling). Once the delivery truck is at your door, you will need to tell him that you want to self clear. The guy will then give you a reference number and take the shipment with him back to the depot. You will have to visit a CBSA office in person with that reference number and you are then able to pay the duties/taxes without the broker fee. You may also be able to speed things up if the sender adds a note about the recipient self clearing the package, but that is not documented anywhere or guaranteed to help.

[@stephenmarsh6746]

Also in Canada. If UPS is the only option offered when buying internationally, I shop elsewhere. I’ve had good luck with DHL and FedEx for what it’s worth.

[@13amplifiers]

I should add for my Canadian brothers and sisters that Fedex and DHL will also charge a brokerage fee, although not nearly as exorbitant as UPS. With Canada Post I have never, as in not ever, been required to pay duties or taxes or "brokerage" fees or whatever. It always just gets delivered with no fuss. So, whenever I have the option, I choose postal shipping.

[@therealmattmann]

Hahaha! I loved the "Adding the Accessories" section. You said it was boring....but I thought it was funny. Wansn't it meant to be? :)

[@VisionsMusicGroup]

I am like a quantum particle; I can be both boring and funny at the same time.

[@manofsound9098]

Just found your channel. I am at a loss on this issue. What is happening to all the good 3 tier stands out there? Ultimate Support was the tops in the 80s. My issue is I have older heavy synthesizer like the DK Synergy System II and old synths include the new Akai MPC Key 61. On Stage has the 3 tier and the reviews are mixed on that however it will not hold up older synths over 20 pounds on each tier. It seems no one the USA carries good stands anymore. I admit Liquid Stands make a 3 tier stand however it looks more like a Building skyscraper project and looks horrible however will hold the DK synergy System II but has not much for room for the other 3 keyboards. I am glad you're stand arrived and it looks great. ♫♫♫ My question is will it hold a DK Synergy System II which fully loaded is 52 pounds, without the computer.

[@VisionsMusicGroup]

I feel the Jasper stands can hold decent weight, especially the bottom rail where the tongs can "rest" on the back stabilizing rail as well. But I do have to admit, Jaspers seem to be very loosey-goosey if you are moving things around the room as much as I do, and the top 3 rails not only need periodic re-tightning to keep the synth from faceplanting out of it's seat, but it's the side couplings sliding loose that bothers me the most. They tend to creep outward, no matter how tight the tensioners are, and eventually I can see me pulling on the side rail to roll it and the whole damn thing crashing to the earth. That would suck. Hasn't happened yet (knock on aluminum). IMO, Quiklok Systems (1990s) is the best stand I (still) own, though not as configurable as modern solutions. I ended up with the Griffin stand (0:40 shows the Griffin and Quiklok side by side) and I love the Griffin. Very sturdy, and holds my Korg Kronos SE or Alesis QS8 (50+ lbs) Check out Griffin here (non-affiliate): a.co/d/2NOT9tf

[@NigelMarston]

Thanks for this. I'm about to order a Jaspers rack system too. I'm in the UK but duty charges will be levied since we left the EU (don't get me started on that 🤬). Anyway, I like the aesthetic of these stands - they will match my Roland e-drumkit. I'm going to order a few additional tubes and clamps - I fancy hanging some of my rack-mount kit up the sides (I'm buying a "square" tower rather than the leaning one you have). I'm not sure the dimensions will work but if it does, it'll be great.

[@VisionsMusicGroup]

I love the Jasper stands+wheels. My one complaint is the keyboard tiers seem to always come loose, no matter how much I tighten them. Haven't lost anything to gravity yet, but it does seem odd that this would keep happening to a stand sitting idle against a wall.

[@NigelMarston]

@@VisionsMusicGroupInteresting. I was already thinking for my two lower keyboards (which are heavy) that I should buy additional rear supports. I have a workshop so I think I would drill the arms for those two lower tiers to connect with two clamps each. Thanks.

[@MPCmanNL]

I would think that Jaspers is the one that packed everything up and that Thomann sends unopened boxes to customers.

[@VisionsMusicGroup]

That definitely makes more sense :)

[@johntbd]

That was one nasty box!