K & M keyboard stand

[ajstan]

I’m resurrecting this thread because I just got a K&M 18880 to use while standing with my NS3-88. It didn’t come with the stabilizer bar (I got a very nice price adjustment), but the side-to-side sway is too much for me. I’m using the 10th set of holes to raise it up. Is the 18880 more of a stand for sitting than standing? I’d like to eventually get a second tier (or make one like Rusty Mike) for my Juno-DS61, but want to know if my expectations for side-to-side stability are realistic.

As an alternative, the Stay stands seem neat, but I don’t know if I should get the Piano Series or the Tower Series. The bottom tier for the NS3 needs to be at least 36-37” and the upper tier has to provide sufficiently clearance.

Any thoughts/recommendations would be appreciated.

[Rusty Mike]

I don’t use the bar, as the width doesn’t work well with the Nord. Even when using my 2nd tier. I don’t recall any wobble, but I also play sitting down.

To keep the stance consistent I tied a piece of thick black string at the bottom legs. That way I always open it to the same width.

Base on this thread, I’m going to look into putting a second notch on the brace to use it with the narrower stance. Unfortunately my 2nd tier stands won’t work with the bar. But I don’t play with 2 keyboards very often.

[ajstan]

Thanks, Mike. I noticed that when I had the accordion brace fully extended that the feet of my NS3 rested on one or the other legs of the base unless I shifted the keyboard off-center, which also meant that I would have to take off the braces for the Nord legs that I use when playing sitting. If I get a bar, I’ll probably drill it so I can set it up narrower as well.

[ajstan]

I played my first gig with the 18880 last night. Single board (NS3-88). 35 1/4 inches high using the 10th set of holes. No crossbar. Width 18”.

Wow. It’s a keeper. Really stable. While there is a slight side-to-side movement at this width, I didn’t notice it at all when playing. In fact, I was totally unaware of the stand the entire night - which is the best compliment I can think of for a stand from a playing perspective. When you add in the 10 second setup time and the ability to carry it with one finger, it’s a no-brainer for what I need.

I also bought the 18881 stacker for the second tier. Locks in solid to the base unit with no rattle or play in the connection. I use the middle of the 5 holes to set height and I angle the top board down one notch. The arms extend over the back part of the keys on my bottom board, so I need to set it high enough for clearance as well as visibility to the bottom board.

I would be nice if the arms were about 3” shorter (which would allow me to set the tier lower), but the benefit is that I don’t have to reach forward to play the top tier board. Besides, I’ll only be using the second tier at home for now, so it’s not that big of an issue. I also tried turning the tier backwards, but I didn’t like the extra reach or the extra depth. The 18882 stacker has adjustable arm depth, but the shortest depth appears to be the same as the 18881.

I also have to admit that the design, engineering and materials significantly add to the appeal. Very cool piece of gear.

UPDATE: Adding Pics. Width of stand is 18". Setup as noted in this post.

[maximus]

I used to use the K&Ms you mention, but no longer.

These days, it's a Spider Pro, or the newer Brazilian Stay stands. Pros: lighter, simpler, smaller, and better looking on stage. Cons: can get slightly wobbly when you're pounding at the edges. Mildly annoying, nothing will fall though.

A red Stay stand w/matching Nords is certainly sexy on stage, and nothing is lighter.

Maybe for you?

Thanks for this. My issue would be the column always getting into your feet, no? Plus no possibility to accessorize it as much? Please comment.

[cphollis]

I don't accessorize my keyboard stands, as all audio processing is done either within the NS4 or in the main mixer. I don’t need to look at lead sheets. Simple is good.

I use the double Spider Pro when playing with a full band: NS4C + weighted controller, with 4 control pedals underneath on a pedalboard. There's enough room.

I use the single red Stay stand when I'm just playing my NP5. There is no room directly underneath, so I put the sustain pedal off to the side a bit, and I'm good.

[maximus]

I don't accessorize my keyboard stands, as all audio processing is done either within the NS4 or in the main mixer. I don’t need to look at lead sheets. Simple is good.

I use the double Spider Pro when playing with a full band: NS4C + weighted controller, with 4 control pedals underneath on a pedalboard. There's enough room.

I use the single red Stay stand when I'm just playing my NP5. There is no room directly underneath, so I put the sustain pedal off to the side a bit, and I'm good.

Understood, many thanks! Off topic...do you like the NS4 compact keybed? Does it have some resistance or it's like a toy? I'm in between piano synt organ...Having troubles deciding between the NS4 73 and NS4 73c

[cphollis]

I was raised on acoustic pianos and have serious hand strength as a result, so playing AP/EP parts on *any* unweighted keyboard is an exercise in frustration. If I try and adapt, I then have trouble with a real piano. Some people can do it, I can’t.

I find the NS4C keybed ideal for everything else: organ, synth, samples, etc.

[maximus]

I was raised on acoustic pianos and have serious hand strength as a result, so playing AP/EP parts on *any* unweighted keyboard is an exercise in frustration. If I try and adapt, I then have trouble with a real piano. Some people can do it, I can’t.

I find the NS4C keybed ideal for everything else: organ, synth, samples, etc.

I can't thank you enough! Unfortunately all I can compare it with is a Yamaha P515. If the compact has some resistance, I would be happy with it, as the weight and size makes it best! But if it's like a toy w/o any resistance than I would pass...Unfortunately where I live there are no stores to see them, and hate returns especially at this size.

[Schorsch]

I was raised on acoustic pianos and have serious hand strength as a result, so playing AP/EP parts on *any* unweighted keyboard is an exercise in frustration. If I try and adapt, I then have trouble with a real piano. Some people can do it, I can’t.

I find the NS4C keybed ideal for everything else: organ, synth, samples, etc.

Can't agree more, it's exactly the same for me and I feel very uncomfortable playing AP on an unweighted keybed as well.