Music Stands for Alembic shaped bodies

[mtjam]

I've never tried those Hercules stands. The Hamiltons lean back, so it would take a lot of effort to make the stand fall forward. The way it's balanced also minimizes any chance of the bass falling over backwards. I remember playing a few outdoor gigs where high winds came up, and my basses were completely stable on the Hamilton stands. Maybe jimmyj can weigh in on his experiences with the Hamilton. I'm sure that he has used them for longer than I have, and I have only had an Alembic for less than two months, but my Hamiltons work like a charm so far. Good luck!

[JimmyJ]

Well, a bass in any stand is a risk.  I'd rather lay it flat on a table or leave it in the gig bag standing in the corner.  But in many cases a stand is the only logical option.  
 
If your amp is tall enough you could mount some wall-type hangers on it...
 
That Hercules stand looks similar to the Hamilton except that the Hamilton is metal and may have a slightly wider footprint (making it slightly more stable?).  The key is to set the height of these stands so the instrument is just a few inches off the ground, for the lowest possible center of gravity.
 
I've also seen the guitar tech tape down the Hamilton's feet in case of a bump or breeze.  When you see sandbags on the cymbal stands you know the gig requires special rigging!
 
If you have several instruments then one of those multi-stands like the Spider cases you pointed to above would probably be your best bet.
 
Jimmy J

[jacko]

I've been using the Hercules GS414B stands for a couple of years and I've never been worried about them falling over even though, as you can see from the pic near the end of this thread I have had them set quite high. As Jimmy suggests, I'm going to start setting them up as low as possible. One feature I like which looks better than the hamilton is that the yolk for the neck has a clever clamping arrangement meaning you have to lift the bass to get the yolk to release. To my mind this extra security feature will stop the bass being knocked off the stand from behind. One thing I always do when changing basses is to make sure the strap is tucked away behind the bass when it's in the stand.  
 
Graeme

[hankster]

I use the Hercules 3-guitar model.  It is very stable.  But on any stage where i can't put the stand in a guarded spot  I tape it, just to be safe.
 
R.

[poor_nigel]

I think there is a missed variable here.  Jazzyvee bought a Hercules model similar to the ones most of us are discussing, but with some interesting variations.  Here is a link to the model he bought:
 
http://www.playawayguitars.com/play_away_guitars_shop.php?itemID=1281
 
The differences between a GS414B and a GS412BN seem significant in what seems to make for a stable stand in my opinion.  I keep my GS4 '14' B stands set so the bass it holds (I have a bunch and each bass gets their own) is about 1.5 off the floor.  A tap from any angle is not going to sway the stand at all.  It would take a very good bump to knock it over.  The GS4 '12' B series looks unstable to begin with.  Yes, I would definitely want a refund on the one you bought and then grab a GS414B or a Hamilton stand, and I bet you will be much happier with their results/setups.  It seems a puzzle why the even produced the GS412B series?

[stout71]

I'm really glad someone started this thread, as I too have been thinking about this.  I have a new custom coming my way.  I'm not skimping on the bass (you can say that again!) or the strap, and the stand will be no different (not that it has to cost a fortune.)  In the past, I've screwed a wall hanger right into the side of the rack case my head was in, and it worked beautifully.  Of course, it doesn't make for easy loading into tight spaces.

[edwin]

OK, here are some shots of my Starfire in my favorite stand. It also works quite well with my Series I. It is a Fretrest by Proline, model FS100E.  Asymmetrical body types might have more difficulty. The basses tilt back at a pretty good angle, so it sits solidly and the center of balance is very low. I've never had a bass fall off it. Series basses with points are problematic, as the point will hit the floor.  

 

[tmimichael]

I bought an Ultimate Support GS1000 for my new Series II, which has the auto locking top like the Hercules stand, but it collapses to a very small size, the contact points for the body on the bottom are some type of fine suede type materal, and the top where the neck/headstock rests is a very nice rubber materal. About $39 at most music stores...

[jakebass]

I have a hercules and one of the same as pic 1 in the OP. My Mk balance K sits very solidly on both, I have a heart Omega and even with the shorter stand the clearance is fine.. thing is in the  home studio I swap between basses and acoustic and electric guitars so much that one inevitably ends up on the floor.... but never the Alembic :0)))

[muller1007]

Any stand suggestions for a wide neck five string bass? The neck is just too wide for my Hercules stand, which I thought was great. It seems to me the Ultimate Support GS1000's locking top is too narrow as well.
 
My amp isn't tall enough to have a side mounted hanger.
Are there other alternatives that you guys know of?
 
Duncan

[goran]

I'm wondering if that GS1000 would fit 5 string...

[senmen]

Guys,
I fully can recommend these two types of Hercules stands.
I mainly used the tripod live and the single ones at home.
Very solid standing and long enough also to hold long basses
like the Spyders or the Dragon Wing.
Have a look. 
Greetz
Oliver (Spyderman)

[jazzyvee]

I would not recommend the single guitar stand type like this one as it will swing forward far too easily and fall over if knocked.

[senmen]

Jazzy,
with this one yes but not with the one I showed as with that the weight
of the bass lies diagonally in the stands legs and secures it!
Greetz
Oliver (Spyderman)

[adriaan]

I'm wondering if that GS1000 would fit 5 string...

The Hercules fits my 6 string, although it is a close fit - not tight. The nut width on the bass is 2", or 5,1 cm.
I'll second Oliver's recommendation for the single stand, with the legs covered: it leans back more than the one jazzyvee posted, so it will not fall over quite so easily.