What do we think of this stand (for home display and ease of access)?

[davdud101]

What are the general thoughts on this Hercules stand (for putting my horn on at home, not for the stage)?

I've actually wanted one of these for a solid decade, but I wasn't ever sure what folks think of them. Are they stable? Can I put a single valve bass on it, or is it heard toward small bores?

I of course have one of those Hamilton stands for performances - just not a huge fan of it for home use.

[Chazzer69]

Pretty solid stands but I have found them awkward to place and remove horns. The resizing mechanism for accommodating slide width is not particularly easy to use. At least on the one I have that I bought new. Doesn't accommodate a two-valve bass with modern trigger setup...at least not my Benge 290.

Fine for home use, but I wouldn't use it at a performance or rehearsal.

YMMV.

[hyperbolica]

Can't use it for split trigger bass bones, it's a little unstable for bones with valve tubing out back, and it's not really portable. But, it's great for a bone with a mute in the bell.

I've got one, and I rarely use it.

[Burgerbob]

They're ok, they do display the horn better, a pain to use as an actual stand though.

[Town]

I have a herculas and a k&m bell stand.

I use the hercules stand at home. It takes up a little more space. The main benefit i have seen is the trombone will dry out better between use. When using the k&m stand there would be condensation in the bell.

I have used it for a Back 42, Yamaha 321 and 646.

[tbonesullivan]

They are nice, and great for use at home, but when actually playing they are nearly as good as the in bell stands.

Also as mentioned it won't work for a double trigger bass, though it's fine for anything with a single trigger.

[Kingfan]

I used one all the time during COVID when I had a mask over the bell. After that, used it at home to keep a horn handy but didn't take it to gigs or rehearsals as the standard style stand was easier to use.

[ghmerrill]

I've watched one used in the context of a big band trombone section: not a real good idea.

For home use, ... Fine, if what you're interested in is a particular "look", or maybe being able to put your horn on the stand with a mute in it ( ). But take a close look at what the actual "footprint" of the stand is with the horn on it (not just the 3-legged base). You may discover that it takes up more room, and in an awkward way, than you think it does from looking at the pictures.

[davdud101]

Thanks for the responses folks!! I had some Christmas money from an Amazon return, and I've actually wanted to get one of these stands for a few years.

I'm planning to use it as a stand for my Yamaha 321 (of course, single valve bass) because it really does not sit well on my Hamilton stand. Does leave the question open though - which trombone stand is THE best?

[Kevbach33]

... I'm planning to use it as a stand for my Yamaha 321 (of course, single valve bass) because it really does not sit well on my Hamilton stand. Does leave the question open though - which trombone stand is THE best?

Ditch the Hamilton, pivot from the Hercules, and get the K & M 14990. It's worth it and is the only stand I trust for bass trombones on the gig, bar the ultra expensive Woodwind Design that I haven't been hands on with.

You'll understand why I recommend the K & M should you need to play your 321 at a show.

(Admittedly I use the 14991, the old UMI stand, which has the feet bent down, for bass. But, it is most likely harder to find.)

[davdud101]

I've been thinking about doing this for YEARS. I tolerate the stand because it's the one I have - bought it 9 or 10 years ago and it's okay. The hex set-screw isn't great, but it hasn't moved in years (except yesterday when I finally lifted it up to try to accommodate the 321). I HATE that the little cup that holds the bell sticks to the bell and pops up whenever I lift the trombone up. I should throw a sock on it, but I've learned to live with it (because any 'normal' sock I've put on it has come off and gotten lost as some point in the shuffle)


All that said, I'll look into the K&M. Their stands are great from my experience

Ditch the Hamilton, pivot from the Hercules, and get the K & M 14990. It's worth it and is the only stand I trust for bass trombones on the gig, bar the ultra expensive Woodwind Design that I haven't been hands on with.

You'll understand why I recommend the K & M should you need to play your 321 at a show.

(Admittedly I use the 14991, the old UMI stand, which has the feet bent down, for bass. But, it is most likely harder to find.)

[hyperbolica]

I personally prefer the K&M 14985, which has tubular legs, which are less likely to cause damage to the end of your slide. And I think it's a little lighter and less likely to damage the horn if you carry the stand in a bag with the horn. Plus, this one is probably 40% cheaper. Weight is important when you're carrying stuff, and when something heavy is next to your horn.





Just for reference, the 14990 stand looks like this. Yes, it's stronger, but you're not going to come anywhere near the strength limits of any of these stands. They are all super overkill when it comes to strength. What worries me about this is the sharp corners on the steel instead of the round aluminum tubes.

[AtomicClock]

I should throw a sock on it, but I've learned to live with it

My main trombone has a ring of missing lacquer right where it touches the cup. I blame it on years of skipping the sock. A Hamilton "bone sock" is cheap and stays in place. You won't lose it unless you try.

[AtomicClock]

They are all super overkill when it comes to strength.

Except for the screws/knobs. Mine needed replacement after about a decade. But that's okay.

[ghmerrill]

The K&Ms are the best. Which one you choose may depend on how big/heavy your own horn is. I like the 14990 for stability -- and you can also adjust the "footprint" of it (which you can't with the 14985).

[Posaunus]

I should throw a sock on it, but I've learned to live with it

A Hamilton "bone sock" is cheap and stays in place. You won't lose it unless you try.

[timothy42b]

This past year I found one at a thrift shop for about $4 (with the senior citizen discount, which the clerk gave me without asking. Thanks much! <smiley>)

I used it at home for a month and gave it away. It was a bit awkward to put on and off with one hand, it fit my tenor but not my alto, and the slide lock had to be on.

At home I leave the horn out on the stand with the outer slide upside down on it. (no children or pets here) You can't do that with the Hercules.

It would be great if you had to always play with a practice mute and wanted to leave it in. They are well built and solid.