The definitive amp stand thread

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #1 09-09-2007, 10:05 AM

Might sound kind of silly, but I decided to buy a Wizzy 10 (or maybe 2

) and there doesn't seem to be a way to polemount this thing without screwing up the whole transmission line vibe. On the last couple of gigs, I've been using one of These, which was laying around in my garage from the old days. It does a pretty good job but is bulky and awkward to carry around. I'm hoping to find something that does basically the same sort of thing but is more portable and transport friendly. And lighter, since this was designed to hold a much heavier amp than I'll ever be usign again. I also thought it might be nice to create a thread that could end up as a FAQ sorta thing on the subject so it could go in the forum links thread.

So, if you know of a stand/tiltback mechanism/cab mounting system to get the bass off the floor, please post a link in this thread. Links to other threads with this info are fine as well.

Right now, I'm planning to either go with the stand I linked to, or build a small platform attached to an external pole flange (like this) and just set the Wizzy/Focus rig on top of that. If I do that, I'd like to find a smaller tripod stand to use, since the highest the speaker would need to be would be 3-5 feet off the ground instead of 6-8, which is what my current stand was designed for. All links appreciated to help feed my control freak OCD disease when it comes to carring the smallest/lightest rig I can.

Marc Piane · #2 09-09-2007, 11:02 AM

I use a GK 150MBS and use this stand. It folds and fits in my backpack. It doesn't get the amp very high off the floor so if you are looking for that this stand is not for you. It does have adjustable angles so I have my amp at about a 45 degree angle pointing straight up at me.

I have the one you linked too for my bigger amp and while it does the trick it is a pain to carry.

Roger Mouton · #3 09-09-2007, 11:57 AM

Chris,
I'm interested in your take on some previous posts that discussed specifically having the amp/cab on the floor and that de-coupling from the floor has a pronounced negative effect on the sound. I much prefer my own sound when the amp is on the floor as opposed to raisng it up on some sort of stand or bench. I'm using a Clarus III/UL-110 set-up. Don't you notice a difference raising the amp?

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #4 09-09-2007, 12:08 PM

Roger - I dislike the sound of the amp on the floor, as IMO the floor coupling artificially amplifies the low frequencies. It's a pleasing sound in some ways, but what I'm going for 10-20 feet away is an amplified sound that is balanced in the way that an unamplified bass would sound from the same distance, only louder. It's definitely a personal preference, though, and I realize that every player has his/her own. I also like having a stage monitor thats closer to and/or pointed at my ear and away from the body of the bass, as this avoids feedback and helps me play more in tune when things get energetic and heated on the bandstand.

That said, with the VL208, the polemount option was definitely perfect for me sonically. With the Wizzy, it might peel my skin off to have it up that high and that close to my ear. I'm still experimenting, and am just looking for as many possible options as possible.

Marc - on the page you linked to, all of the reviews mention that that particular stand has a design flaw which casues it to break pretty quickly. Have you found this to be an issue with yours?

Uncletoad · #5 09-09-2007, 12:21 PM

I stopped carrying the guitar stands that were made in that line because of their very short life and angry customers.

The amp stand would be even worse I'm afraid.

Regardless It's probably to close to the floor for your thing.

How about screwing a stand bracket on the cab that only required screw holes rather than drilling into the box? You could seal the holes with something if air tightness is an issue.

I really like that borg thing, I'd hate to see you loose it.

jhelsley · #6 09-09-2007, 01:43 PM

I used one of those Ultimate mounting brackets that Chris linked to on my VL-208. It would work well attached directly to the Wizzy if you wanted to go that route. You would have to look inside to make sure it doesn’t mess with anything (some of the hardware goes on the INSIDE…)

jallenbass · #7 09-09-2007, 02:23 PM

What about some kind of arm that comes projects forward off the PA speaker stand that you could hang the Wizzy 10 by its handle? That make sense?

Reefer · #8 09-09-2007, 02:44 PM

http://www.ampstandback.com/

LowNote · #9 09-09-2007, 02:50 PM

I would look into replicating the solution of the second generation of AI Contra/Coda amps, i.e., putting a simple threaded T-nut into the bottom of the speaker and having a short, threaded shaft with a rubber bumper to screw in and tilt the front off the ground. Rick Jones might even have a few of the nuts and shafts floating around that he would be willing to sell you. I wouldn't want the little metal clip that AI used to hold the shaft when it was not in use unless one could be found that fit in the gap created by the speaker cabinet feet. Not having seen a Wizzy 10 in the flesh yet, I don't know how big those feet are. I would just put the shafts or shafts into my gig/cord bag pocket. This would be light as a feather and dead simple.

Erik Hansen
Scotland and Los Angeles

Edit/Addition: I seem to recall that most of the EA cabinets already have a tilt out stand already built into the bottom of the speaker. Assuming the Wizzy 110 has one of those, wouldn't it do a good enough job of uncoupling the cabinet from the floor?

Chrix · #10 09-09-2007, 04:41 PM

I tend to find myself using this kind of amp stand when I play many of my gigs...

Marc Piane · #11 09-09-2007, 07:22 PM

Chris, I read those reviews too after I linked it. I have used that stand for 2 years with no problems at all. Mind you I am putting a little lightweight amp on it. The company rates it to 75 lbs. No way. If you read the reviews many of the guys are talking about 50lb+ amps.

One other thing is some guys don't take care of their stuff. Certainly not the case with me and I suspect not the case with you either.

bolo · #12 09-09-2007, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowNote

Edit/Addition: I seem to recall that most of the EA cabinets already have a tilt out stand already built into the bottom of the speaker. Assuming the Wizzy 110 has one of those, wouldn't it do a good enough job of uncoupling the cabinet from the floor?

Not IMO, but I could be wrong. Tilting the front of the amp up "points" the drivers so they fire in a line that's closer to your ears, but the box is still partly coupled to the floor too, I think. Maybe this is the best of both worlds for some, but not quite for me.

In most settings, I like having my speaker cab up a good 3' or more off the floor. Chris already listed off many of the reasons why. Plus it helps get it up and over obstacles like drum kits on tight stages . So I use a pretty big and adjustable X-style Quiklok stand. But it is big, heavy, and doesn't fold down very nice. [ Edit - And apparently no longer available. ] It is basically a keyboard stand. And I just lost 95% of you, I know.

Ahem ... On the plus side, you can raise a cab up off the floor and put it in a traditional horizontal or tilt position. I think mostly I just like having the cab up closer to my ears than some of the amp stand models mentioned above.

This link shows one way you might adjust the X to both raise and tilt a cab.

And the pic below is mine. Don't be concerned about the Lakland in the foreground. The amp stand doubles on upright.

T-Bal · #13 09-09-2007, 09:58 PM

I've been using this one. It's not as high as you're used to, but if placed 2 - 3 feet away, it aims right up to your head. It is off the floor, but still low enough not to be conspicuous. I gorilla-glued the rubber feet onto my Focus, and it sits on top of the cab with the front feet hanging over the edge of the cab to keep it from sliding off.

The stand is a double-x so it's not going anywhere. It's about the same width as a VL208, a little wider than the wizzy 10 but the wizzy sits on it just fine.

dodgy_ian · #14 09-10-2007, 02:24 AM

http://www.electromusic.co.uk/produc...cat=848&page=1

This is the best thing I ever found, works realy well and folds up flat and fits in a pocket...I've found it great with my little Mark Acoustic Amp (AC101) - which incidentally with two channels and some built in FX and HUGE headroom is a stonking double bass amp......!

Joe Smithberger · #15 09-10-2007, 04:08 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/Low-Profile-STAG...QQcmdZViewItem

anon_6j591b0 · #16 09-10-2007, 05:34 PM

I just posted this on another thread but I really think this is the best value in an amp stand.

Most venues have one waiting for you and a piece of easily transportable black cloth tidies it up very nicely.

flatback · #17 09-10-2007, 05:58 PM

My solution which is definitely the most expensive so far (but I think the biggest bang for the buck and back) is to buy a second wizzy. That way you can stack them, wedge them( horizontal or vertical) and you get the sound you want on or off the floor or both...I really don't find the need to get them off the floor when you have two.
I'm still checking out the options suggested here... though they all seem like a bunch of heavy extra unneeded gear (none of which are 250W and 4ohms although a few seem like they might be approaching 16lbs)

Uncletoad · #18 09-10-2007, 07:22 PM

Perhaps another part of the criteria is a single trip schlep.

flatback · #19 09-10-2007, 07:27 PM

with a luggage cart option from LDS I stack two wizzys throw my amp bag on top put a wheel on the bass and s'est Voila! one trip. Provided i'm not walking down one of SF's major hills (or up)

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #20 09-10-2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

Perhaps another part of the criteria is a single trip schlep.

True, but remember I use a dolly, and my old Borg setup was a one tripper. No matter what I do, it'll be lighter and an easier schelp with the Wizzy.

As far as the floor/tilback thing, that's fine except for the "pointing away from the body of the bass/mic pickup pattern" aspect. Right now I'm looking at either the platform for the pole or possibly inserting some brass machine threads into the spot on the Wizzy where the tiltback handle goes and using wingnuts to attach the cab to the external flange thingie (like the Bose speakers used to mount). I think that would work pretty well if I could find the right stuff...not sure where I'd find that hardware, though.