The Desktop Synth Stand Guide

Overview

Finding a desktop synth stand can be challenging. Search engines and YouTube are natural places to look. But before searching, there’s the question of exactly what to call the stand. Other search terms you can use are “desktop synth rack”, “tabletop synth stand”, “tabletop synth rack” or “small synth stand”. For specific gear you might search for "Push 2 stand", “Roland Boutique stand”, “Elektron stand”, “Volca stand”, “Moog stand”, etc.

KVgear desktop synth stands for Moogerfoogers, Push 2, TR-8S

From left to right: KVgear Adapt L2 with Expansion Shelf Large, Adapt L1 (with Push 2), Adapt L2

Once you find candidate stands, you’ll need to determine which one meets your needs. Beyond the obvious that the stand must fit your gear, you might also want to consider adaptability, expandability, stability, stiffness, durability, anti-squeak features, ease of assembly/disassembly, aesthetics, price, and even environmental factors.

KVgear desktop synth stands for Pro 2, Toraiz, Herbs and Stones, Keystep Pro, Polyend Tracker, Blofeld, effects pedals

From left to right: KVgear Adapt L2 (Pro 2, Toraiz, Herbs and Stones), Adapt L2 (Keystep Pro, Polyend Tracker), two towers of Utility M3 with Expansion Shelf Large

Desktop Synth Stand Companies

The market is crowded with many boutique manufacturers of desktop synth stands. Some of the more well known small companies are KVgear (ahem, that’s us), 3DWaves, Cremacaffe, Loci, AMS Stands, and Wavewood Synthesizer Woodcraft. There are countless others. In addition, big companies such as Behringer, Korg and Ultimate Support sell limited ranges of desktop synth stands.

KVgear desktop synth stands holding TR-8, MX-1, VT-3, TB-3.

KVgear desktop synth stands for MX-1, TR-8, VT-3 and TB-3.

DJ Spank-Spank (RIP) at Movement 2015 using KVgear Model A stands (later replaced by Adapt L2). Photos courtesy of Casey Bishop.

We hope you’ll consider supporting smaller companies in this market. That includes us; we’re way smaller than you might think. In general, the small companies in this market are run by people who have a passion for supporting the synth community. In addition to providing niche products, their small scale and passion allow them to react quickly to provide new stands when new gear is released.

Support small business

What About DIY?

Some people like to build their own stands, or buy items from Ikea to repurpose as synth stands. The DIY approach is certainly valid. If you’re handy and knowledgeable, and willing to put in the time necessary to learn the options, DIY can be a satisfying way of creating desktop synth stands. Be prepared for your first few DIY projects to be more expensive than expected. But once you collect the necessary tools, techniques and materials, DIY can be both inexpensive and fun.

Where To Buy Desktop Synth Stands?

Stands can be purchased directly from manufacturers’ websites, Reverb, Ebay, Etsy, Amazon, and other marketplaces. Most of the major music instrument retailers do not carry desktop synth stands. Perfect Circuit in the USA is an exception as they have been carrying desktop stands, including those from KVgear, for a few years. SME Music is a new distributor in the UK who sell stands and synths to the UK and EU market.

In most cases, buying directly from a manufacturer’s website will be the least expensive option. This is because all of the e-commerce platforms extract fees of upwards of 10% for each sale. In some way or another, those fees will be paid for by the consumer.

Illustration of a laptop with handbasket on the screen and a store awning along top edge of screen.

<<< UNDER CONSTRUCTION >>>

The remainder of this guide is still under construction. Check back soon.