Advice on Portable Music Stand

[Dan Cohen]

I'm looking for a sheet music stand for traveling. Here is my wants list.

Light weight.
Super easy to set up.
Solid folding back so it makes a small package and is solid so to allow a pencil to write on a single sheet without making holes.
Tray should be wide enough for binders, etc.
One piece would be nice but likely won't find.

Does anyone have experience with the Desca Presto or Peak 20? My wife is currently using a cheapo chrome stand which is flimsy. I have a K and M which is ok even without the solid back but she might get frustrated with the mechanical trick of getting it opened and closed. I want to surprise her with something nicer.

Any advice appreciated.

Dan Cohen

[Shelagh Moore]

I've use a RATstand Jazz stand for very many years and have been very happy with it.

[Dan Cohen]

Thanks Richard. I looked at the website and it looks fantastic in its simplicity. I only wish it could fold up smaller.

[pops1]

These are not small or foldable, but might make a nice Christmas present for a home stand. They are beautiful.

http://capoliranch.com/capoliranch.c...nd_Detail.html

[jefflester]

Two guys in my rock band use the Peak 20. The 2nd guy bought his because he coveted the 1st guy's.

[DougC]

A stand should also be STABLE when you write on the sheet music.

RatStand Jazz Stand looks like it might move when you start to mark with a pencil.

[Louise NM]

The Peak 20 is the best I have found. It's not too much heavier or bulkier than the K&M or those old chrome nightmares, but it is much more stable, and offers a solid desk. It's simple to put up and take down, and only one piece comes off. You can adjust the tilt of the desk, and the lip is good and wide.

The Peak 50 is exactly the same but goes higher—good if she plays standing rather than sitting.

There are two Manhassets around the house for daily practicing, but I keep my Peak in the back of my car for anything where I need to bring a stand. Go for it. You'll score big points with your wife. (I don't own the company, no financial interest, no friends or relatives there. )

[Beanzy]

Having seen someone in a local orchestra with one, I’m thinking of getting my son a Manhasset mh5001 for his conducting.
They seem really stable, fairly light and stay put. I really like the second lip to put the pencils, tuner etc on.
https://www.amazon.com/Manhasset-500.../dp/B0002E3AHE

[Escaped Cellist]

I have a Manhasset, and for the "around town" type of traveling I wouldn't have anything lighter or smaller. Sturdy, strong, and won't blow over at the slightest breeze when I am playing outside. On this latter point is where most portable stands tend to fail me.

But I imagine Dan has more of the "around the world" type of travel in mind. For that, the Peak is a great compromise. A solid back on a stand that folds down that small, plus a wide tripod base...seems like a winner to me. I don't own one myself, but several friends do and they seem to be happy with them.

[Bob Buckingham]

Try this: https://www.sharmusic.com/Accessorie...usic-Stand.axd

[Dan Cohen]

But I imagine Dan has more of the "around the world" type of travel in mind .

Maybe not quite around the world but my wife has to lug around a cello, the stand, and her music, etc. We do though have Manhassets at home though for travelling size matters. Oops.

[Dan Cohen]

Thanks all for your thoughts on this. I'm leaning towards the Peak 20.

I was hoping that someone had experience with the Desca Presto. It seems pretty cool. http://www.descahome.com/store/index...ca-presto.html

Dan

[Louise NM]

If you want a solid desk, you won't get it there. If that's negotiable, the Desca is cool-looking.

[Mark Gunter]

Peak 20, 50, 32 introduced and compared in 3 minutes

[Dan Cohen]

Well, after all of this wonderful advice and after my thoughts, my wife's friend had a Hercules stand so that's what my wife wanted. It doesn't have a solid back but is one piece and easy to set up. http://herculesstands.com/us/product...tands/bs118bb/

It's here and it's not bad at all. A little bendy but it's a decent stand. I think my K&M is better quality but can be tricky for some to open.

Thanks again to all of you for your thoughts.

Dan