The Complete Guide to Music Stands, Instrument Stands, and Stage Accessories

Why Accessories Matter

The instruments and amplifiers get the attention. The accessories make them work. A guitarist without a cable cannot make a sound. A singer without a microphone stand holds the microphone with one hand for the entire performance. A violinist without a music stand props their sheet music against a lamp.

Accessories are the infrastructure of music-making — and investing in quality accessories saves time, prevents frustration, protects instruments, and improves the playing and performing experience. A wobbly music stand that collapses mid-performance, a guitar stand that tips over, or a cable that crackles and cuts out are problems that are entirely preventable with sensible purchasing decisions.

Music Stands — Types, Materials, and What to Look For

Folding Wire Music Stands

The most common and most affordable music stand. A wire frame desk (the music-holding surface) on a telescoping metal tube with a folding tripod base. Folding wire stands collapse for transport and fit in a bag or case.

Advantages: Lightweight, portable, affordable, and widely available. Adequate for practice, lessons, and light ensemble use.

Limitations: Lightweight construction means they can tip over in breezes (outdoor use) or when holding heavy music books. The wire desk may not hold large scores securely. The height adjustment mechanism can loosen over time.

Solid (Sheet Metal) Music Stands

A sturdier alternative with a solid metal desk (rather than wire frame), a heavier base, and more robust construction. Solid music stands are more stable, hold music more securely, and resist tipping.

Advantages: Stable, durable, professional appearance. The solid desk prevents music from slipping through wire gaps. Better for heavier scores, folders, and tablets.

Limitations: Heavier and bulkier than wire stands. More expensive. Less portable.

Orchestral Music Stands

Heavy, professional-quality stands used in orchestras and concert venues. Typically all-metal construction with a large, solid desk, heavy base (sometimes with wheels), and precise height and angle adjustment. Built for permanent or semi-permanent placement.

Tabletop Music Stands

Small, portable stands that sit on a table or desk. Used for practice at home, for reading music at a desk, or for placing on top of a piano or keyboard.

What to Look For

Stability — The stand should not tip over when loaded with music. A wider tripod base and heavier construction improve stability.

Desk size — Should accommodate the music you use. Standard desk sizes hold most sheet music and method books. Larger desks accommodate orchestral scores and heavy binders.

Height adjustment — Should be adjustable to the correct height for your playing position (seated or standing) and lock securely without slipping.

Angle adjustment — The desk should tilt to the optimal reading angle and stay in position.

Portability — If you transport the stand to lessons, rehearsals, or gigs, weight and collapsed size matter.

Instrument Stands — Keeping Instruments Safe

An instrument stand holds your instrument securely when you are not playing it — during breaks, between songs, or at home. A quality stand prevents the instrument from falling, tipping, or being accidentally knocked over.

The alternative — laying an instrument on a chair, leaning it against a wall, or resting it on the floor — is a recipe for damage. Instruments that fall sustain scratches, dents, cracks, and broken parts. A stand is inexpensive insurance against costly repairs.

Instrument stands are available for virtually every instrument: guitars, basses, violins, cellos, saxophones, clarinets, flutes, trumpets, trombones, and more. Choose a stand designed for your specific instrument — universal stands may not support every instrument securely.

Guitar and Bass Stands and Hangers

A-Frame (Tripod) Stands

The most common guitar stand. An A-shaped frame with a padded cradle at the top that holds the guitar by the body, and a padded rest at the bottom that supports the base of the body or the neck. Quick to set up and use — simply place the guitar in the cradle.

Advantages: Affordable, simple, and practical. Available for acoustic, electric, and bass guitars.

Important: Ensure the padding is made from a material that does not react with guitar finishes. Some rubber and foam materials can damage certain guitar lacquers (particularly nitrocellulose lacquer found on some guitars). Stands with silicone or non-reactive padding are safer for all finish types.

Multi-Guitar Stands

A rack-style stand that holds multiple guitars side by side. Useful for players with several guitars who want them accessible during performance or practice.

Wall Hangers

A wall-mounted hook or cradle that holds the guitar by the headstock, hanging it on the wall. Wall hangers save floor space and display the instrument attractively. Ensure the wall fixing is secure and the hanger is rated for the weight of the instrument.

Guitar Stands for Classical and Acoustic Guitars

Classical guitars have wider bodies and different neck profiles. Ensure the stand accommodates the width and shape of your instrument. Some stands are adjustable to fit different body sizes.

Keyboard Stands and Benches

Keyboard Stands

X-frame stands — The most common and most affordable. Two crossed support bars that adjust for height. Lightweight and portable. Some models have a single tier; others have a second tier for stacking a second keyboard above the first.

Z-frame stands — Sturdier than X-frames, with a Z-shaped profile that provides a flat, stable platform. Better for heavier keyboards and for performance situations where stability matters.

Column stands — A single vertical column with adjustable arms. The most stable and space-efficient design. Heavier and more expensive than X-frame or Z-frame stands.

Table-style stands — Flat, table-like platforms that hold the keyboard at a fixed height. Very stable but not height-adjustable.

Keyboard Benches

A proper keyboard bench (rather than a chair) provides the correct seated height and posture for keyboard playing. Adjustable-height benches accommodate different players and playing styles. Padded seats provide comfort during long practice sessions.

Drum Thrones

A drum throne (drum seat) is the stool a drummer sits on. It is one of the most important purchases for a drummer — the throne determines playing comfort, posture, and endurance.

Round-top thrones — The most common and most affordable. A circular padded seat on a height-adjustable tripod base. Adequate for practice and light performance.

Saddle-top thrones — A bicycle-saddle-shaped seat that encourages a more ergonomic playing position, with less pressure on the backs of the thighs. Preferred by many professional drummers for extended playing comfort.

Backrest thrones — Include a padded backrest for additional support. Useful for players who experience back discomfort during extended sessions.

What to look for: Thick, comfortable padding that does not compress flat after extended use. A stable, non-wobbling tripod base. Smooth, reliable height adjustment that locks securely. A base that does not slide on hard floors (rubber feet help).

Microphone Stands and Boom Arms

Straight Microphone Stands

A vertical tube on a tripod or round base, with a clip at the top to hold the microphone. Used for vocalists who stand and sing directly into the microphone.

Boom Stands

A straight stand with an adjustable boom arm that extends horizontally or at an angle. The boom arm allows the microphone to be positioned over instruments, in front of guitar amplifiers, or at angles that a straight stand cannot achieve. Boom stands are the most versatile and most commonly used type.

Desktop Boom Arms

An articulated arm that clamps to a desk or table and holds the microphone for recording, podcasting, or streaming. Desktop boom arms save space and provide flexible positioning.

Low-Profile Stands

Short stands designed for miking guitar amplifiers, bass drum kick microphones, and other low-positioned sources.

Cables and Connectors

Instrument Cables

6.35 mm (quarter-inch) jack cables used to connect electric guitars and basses to amplifiers, effects pedals, and DI boxes. Quality instrument cables are shielded to reject electrical interference and produce a clean signal with no hum or buzz.

Buy quality cables. Cheap cables are the most common source of crackle, buzz, and signal dropout in a musician's rig. Quality cables with robust connectors last years; cheap cables fail at the worst possible moment.

XLR Cables

The professional standard for microphones and balanced audio connections. XLR cables carry balanced signals that reject interference over long runs. Used for microphone connections, DI boxes to mixers, and many PA system connections.

Speaker Cables

Heavier-gauge cables designed to carry the high-power signal from an amplifier to a passive speaker. Speaker cables and instrument cables are not interchangeable — using an instrument cable for a speaker connection can cause damage and signal loss.

Patch Cables

Short cables used to connect effects pedals to each other on a pedalboard. Available in various lengths — choose the shortest practical length to minimise signal loss and keep the pedalboard tidy.

Power Cables and Extensions

Ensure you have sufficient power outlets for all equipment. A quality power strip with surge protection is a sensible investment for any rig. At unfamiliar venues, arrive early enough to locate power outlets and plan your cable routing before the audience arrives. Bringing your own extension lead and power strip ensures you are never dependent on the venue having outlets in convenient locations.

Cable Management

Keeping cables organised prevents tangles, reduces the risk of damage, and makes setup and teardown faster. Velcro cable ties are reusable and practical for bundling cables. Cable wraps and organisers keep cables neat in transit. Label cables (particularly if you have many of the same type) to avoid confusion during setup.

At home, storing cables loosely coiled (using the over-under technique — alternating the direction of each loop) prevents the internal wires from developing kinks that cause crackle and signal failure. Never wrap cables tightly around your arm or in tight coils — this twists the cable and shortens its life.

Tuners and Metronomes

Clip-On Tuners

Small, battery-powered tuners that clip onto the headstock of a guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, or other stringed instrument. They detect pitch through the instrument's vibrations and display the note on a screen. Clip-on tuners are the most practical tuning solution for most musicians — affordable, accurate, and always available.

Pedal Tuners

Floor-mounted tuner pedals for electric guitarists and bassists. Placed in the signal chain, they mute the output when engaged (for silent tuning) and provide a large, visible display readable from a standing position.

Metronomes

A metronome produces a steady click at a set tempo, providing a rhythmic reference for practice. Practising with a metronome develops timing, consistency, and rhythmic accuracy — the fundamental skills that separate a good musician from a struggling one.

Digital metronomes offer precise tempo control, different time signatures, accent patterns, and volume adjustment. App-based metronomes on smartphones provide the same functionality. Mechanical metronomes (the traditional wind-up pyramidal type) produce a satisfying, visual tick that some musicians prefer.

Stage Lighting Basics

For musicians who perform in venues without dedicated lighting, basic stage lighting improves visibility, atmosphere, and audience experience.

LED par cans — Small, lightweight, energy-efficient lights that produce coloured washes. Available in battery-powered and mains-powered versions. Simple to set up on stands or clamps.

LED bars — Linear light fixtures that produce even colour washes across a wide area.

Spotlights — Focused beams that highlight individual performers.

Light stands — Tripod stands that hold lighting fixtures at the correct height and angle.

For most small-venue musicians, a pair of LED par cans on stands provides a dramatic visual improvement over house lighting alone, at a modest cost and with minimal setup.

Ear Protection — The Accessory Nobody Buys Until It Is Too Late

Hearing damage from exposure to loud music is cumulative, permanent, and irreversible. Rehearsal rooms, live performances, and even extended headphone listening at high volume cause damage that accumulates over years — often without the musician noticing until significant hearing loss has already occurred.

Musician's earplugs are specifically designed for music — they reduce the overall volume evenly across all frequencies, preserving the tonal balance and clarity of the music while reducing the sound level to a safe range. Unlike foam earplugs (which muffle the sound and cut high frequencies disproportionately), musician's earplugs let you hear the music clearly at a safer level.

Custom-moulded musician's earplugs (made from an impression of your ear canal by an audiologist) provide the best fit, comfort, and sound quality. They are available with interchangeable filters for different levels of attenuation.

Universal-fit musician's earplugs are affordable, widely available, and far better than no protection at all. They are adequate for most rehearsal and performance situations.

Use them. Hearing loss from music exposure is the single most preventable occupational hazard in music. Earplugs are inexpensive, discreet, and protect the one sense that your entire musical life depends on.

Gig Bags, Cases, and Equipment Protection

Protecting instruments and equipment during transport is essential:

Gig bags — Padded fabric bags with carrying straps. Lightweight and convenient for regular transport. Available for guitars, basses, keyboards, and many other instruments. Padding thickness varies — thicker padding provides better protection.

Hard cases — Rigid cases (wood, moulded plastic, or fibreglass with plush interiors) that provide maximum protection. Essential for valuable instruments, air travel, and any situation where the instrument is at risk of impact.

Rack cases — For effects processors, amplifier heads, and other rack-mounted equipment.

Amp covers — Padded fabric covers that protect amplifiers from dust, moisture, and scratches during storage and transport.

Pedalboard cases — Protect the pedalboard and its pedals during transport.

The Performing Musician's Accessories Checklist

This is the list of items that every performing musician should have available for a gig:

Instrument cables (plus at least one spare), microphone cables (if you bring your own), power cables and extension lead, tuner, music stand (if needed), instrument stand, strap and strap locks (for guitar and bass), spare strings (for string instruments), spare batteries (for pedals, wireless systems, clip-on tuners), picks/plectrums (plus spares), drumsticks (plus spares for drummers), gaffer tape (for securing cables to the floor), a small toolkit (screwdriver, Allen keys — for instrument adjustments), valve oil or slide grease (for brass players), reeds (for woodwind players), rosin (for string players), a pen and paper (for setlists and notes), and water (for hydration — you will need it).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Not bringing spare cables. Cables fail. A spare instrument cable and a spare XLR cable prevent a gig from being ruined by a single point of failure.

Buying the cheapest music stand. Very cheap wire stands collapse under the weight of method books, tip over in breezes, and have height adjustments that slip. A modest increase in quality buys a stand that actually works.

Not using an instrument stand. Instruments left leaning against walls, chairs, or amplifiers fall over. Every instrument deserves a proper stand.

Using instrument cables as speaker cables (or vice versa). These are different cables designed for different purposes. Misusing them causes signal loss, noise, or potential damage.

Forgetting power. Every electronic device needs power. Count your power requirements before the gig and bring an appropriate power strip or extension lead.

Not securing cables. Loose cables on a stage floor are trip hazards. Gaffer tape secures cables to the floor safely.

Your Pre-Purchase Checklist

Do you have a music stand?

Essential for any musician who reads music. Choose based on portability vs stability needs.

Do you have an instrument stand?

Essential for protecting your instrument when not in your hands.

Do you have quality cables?

At least one quality instrument cable, one XLR cable (if you use a microphone), and spares.

Do you have a tuner?

Clip-on or pedal — every musician needs one.

Do you have a metronome?

Essential for practice. App-based or standalone.

Do you have a case or bag for your instrument?

Adequate protection for transport and storage.

Why Buying Through Amazon Is a Smart Option

Amazon carries music stands, instrument stands, keyboard stands, drum thrones, microphone stands, cables, tuners, metronomes, lighting, cases, bags, and every accessory a musician needs. Customer reviews from musicians describe quality, durability, stability, and value.