Different Types of Guitar Stands and Their History
Different Types of Guitar Stands and Their History
Guitar stands are useful accessories for guitar players who want to store and display their instruments safely and conveniently. There are different types of guitar stands.
- A-frame
- Classic Tripod
- Wall Hanger, Hanging
- Attachable
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the space, budget, and preference of the user. We will compare different types of guitar stands and their history.
A-frame Guitar Stand
About: The first A-Frame guitar stand was said to have been invented in 1892 by George D. Mann, who patented his design as a “guitar stand”. His invention consisted of two metal rods that formed an A-shape, with a crossbar at the bottom and a hook at the top to hold the guitar neck. The stand was adjustable in height and angle and could be folded for easy transport.
Pros: A-frame guitar stands are simple and sturdy stands that can hold any acoustic or electric guitar. They have an adjustable width that can accommodate different guitar sizes, and a secure lock that keeps the guitar in place. A-frame guitar stands are made of metal and foam, and they have rubber feet that prevent scratching the floor. They also have a collapsible design that makes them easy to carry and store.
Cons: The biggest flaw with A-frame guitar stands is their instability. If the guitar gets bumped, it will likely fall over, as there is no neck cradle to secure it. Therefore, A-frame guitar stands are not recommended for typical home use, especially if there are pets or kids around.
Popular Models
Proline FS200AE Heavy-Duty A-Frame Guitar Stand
Hercules EZPack Guitar Stand for Both Acoustic & Electric Guitars
Onstage GS7462B Professional A-Frame Guitar Stand
Tripod Guitar Stand
A tripod guitar stand is a type of guitar stand that has three legs that support the guitar in a stable position. The tripod guitar stand can be collapsible or fixed, and can have different features such as height adjustment, neck protection, and foam padding.
The earliest patent for a tripod guitar stand was granted in 1901 to William H. Furst. His invention was a “tripod-stand” that could be used for cameras, musical instruments, or other objects. The stand had three telescopic legs that could be extended or retracted by a screw mechanism, and a swivel head that could hold the object at any angle. US667624A - Tripod-stand - Google Patents
Another patent for a tripod guitar stand was granted in 1997 to John D. Gracie. His invention was a “collapsible tripod stand” that had a slanted main supporting member that could hold an instrument above the supporting surface. The stand had two legs that were connected by links to a middle clamp band that could slide on the main supporting member. The stand could be collapsed by moving the legs and the middle clamp band along the main supporting member. US5622344A - Collapsible tripod stand - Google Patents
A more recent patent for a tripod guitar stand was granted in 1998 to Tsun-Chi Liao. His invention was a “folding guitar stand” that had a top member with two pivot holes, two legs that were pivotably connected to the top member, two connecting rods that were pivotably connected to the legs for supporting the guitar, and two foot members that were fixed to the legs at the bottom. The stand could be folded by pivoting the legs and the connecting rods towards the top member. US5744735A - Folding Guitar Stand - Google Patents
Tripod guitar stands are the most common and most hated type of guitar stands. They are also known as tubular stands, as they have three legs that support a neck cradle and a body rest for the guitar. Tripod guitar stands are made of heavy-duty metal and rubber, and they can hold any acoustic or electric guitar securely and gently. Tripod guitar stands are popular mainly because they are cheap and work acceptably in a wide variety of situations. The main downside of tripod guitar stands is that they are not very portable and require some degree of assembly. They can also be awkward and unstable, easily tripped over, and prone to accidents.
Popular Models
Hercules GS415B PLUS Universal Auto Grip Guitar Stand with Foldable Yoke
Fender Adjustable Guitar Stand Model #: 0991802000
#5 Wall Hangers
HISTORY: It has been said that the first wall mounted guitar hanger was sold by String Swing, a company founded by Paul Heumiller and his wife Barbara in 1987. String Swing is one of the leading manufacturers of guitar hangers and other musical instrument accessories today. According to String Swing, the original CC01 Home and Studio Guitar Hanger Paul created in 1983 remains as String Swing’s most successful product.
ABOUT: A wall mounted guitar stand is also called a wall mounted guitar hanger or a wall hook. It is a device that holds a guitar by its headstock and hangs it on a wall. It usually consists of a metal or wooden base that is attached to the wall with screws, and a padded or rubberized hook that supports the guitar neck.
POS: Wall-mounted guitar stands are a good option for those who want to save floor space and display their guitars on the wall in a horizontal position. They are also more convenient than hanging guitar stands, as they do not require any adjustment or locking mechanism for different guitars.
CONS: The main drawback of wall-mounted guitar stands is that they require drilling holes on the wall, which may not be suitable for some wall materials or finishes. They also may not protect the guitar from scratches or dents.
Popular Models
Proline Solid Wood Guitar Wall Hanger Mahogany
Hercules GSP38WB PLUS Auto Grip System (AGS) Guitar Wall Hanger Short Arm, Wooden Base
String Swing Guitar Wall Mount for Acoustic & Electric Guitars | CC01K
#6 Attachable
ABOUT: The attachable guitar stand was invented in 2015 by James Dingwall and Chris Nicoll, who patented this design as a “Support stand for a musical instrument”. The designers founded Fret37 Corp and began selling the first attachable guitar stands in 2022 globally. US9767776B2 - Support stand for a musical instrument - Google Patents
In recent years, the world of guitar stands has seen a transformative innovation with the advent of the attachable guitar stand offered by Fret37. These innovative stands are designed to attach securely to the bottom of the guitar, ensuring that they remain in place while the musician plays. Fret37, has gained attention for its attachable guitar stand that allows users to set the guitar down conveniently without the need for a separate floor stand. This innovation not only enhances convenience but also preserves the aesthetics of the instrument. Attachable guitar stands are user-installed, allowing for customization of placement. Most notably, they often include features that enable the continued use of a guitar strap and easy access to the guitar's input jack, enabling players to plug in and amplify their sound without the need for removal.
PROS: Attachable guitar stands remain on while you play offers several notable benefits for guitarists. This provides unparalleled convenience by allowing you to set your guitar down securely and instantly whenever you need to pause during a performance or practice session. This eliminates the need to search for a traditional floor stand, reducing interruptions and ensuring that your guitar is always within easy reach.
CONS: The stand only accommodates from 3 3/4" to 5" depth acoustic guitars. This leaves some guitarist unable to use the Acoustic S1 attachable guitar stand.
Popular Models
Fret37 Acoustic S1 Guitar Stand
Which guitar stand should I choose?
In conclusion, the best guitar stand for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you want a portable, simple, and sturdy guitar stand, you may choose an A-frame guitar stand. If you want to save floor space and display your guitar on the wall, you may choose a hanging or a wall-mounted guitar stand. If you have multiple guitars and want to keep them organized and accessible, you may choose a multi-guitar stand. If you want a versatile, convenient, and stylish guitar stand, you may choose an attachable guitar stand. No matter what type of guitar stand you choose, make sure that it is compatible with your guitar and that it protects it from scratches, dents, bumps, or falls.
Posted by: James Dingwall
Edited: September 29, 2023
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