Complete Guide to the Best Guitar Stands 2023 - Acoustic, Electric & Bass
Author & Contributors
Alexander Briones
I've written about and researched music gear for many years, while also serving as a music director at my local church, in addition to teaching guitar, bass and mentoring young musicians.
Best Floor / A-Frame Guitar Stands
AmazonBasics Folding A-Frame
Cons
- Plain looks and functionality
- Not compatible with big guitars
Pros
- Value for money
- No assembly required
- Adjustable width
- Portable and easy to use
This A-frame stand from AmazonBasics is all about functionality and portability, while keeping the price ridiculously affordable.
It is crafted from lightweight metal with soft foam covered arms and back rest. No assembly is needed, so you can use it out of the box.
It lets you choose from three different widths to better accommodate different guitar sizes. And this adjustability makes it viable for multi-instrumentalists who use different acoustic and electric stringed instruments. It also conveniently folds for easy storage and transport.
Big and heavy basses do not sit on this securely, this is also true with some offset guitars and those with unique bottom shapes. This is a physical limitation of its portable design.
There's not much to say about its build and look, but for the money, the AmazonBasics Guitar Folding A-Frame guitar stand is hard to beat.
Specifications
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: A-Frame
- Portability: High
- Weight: 3.53 lbs
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Not Specified
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Amazon | Rondo | 100/100 |
| Amazon | L. Johnson | 100/100 |
K&M 17580 Heli 2 Folding A-Frame Guitar Stand
Cons
- Narrow top support
- Not for all guitar shapes
Pros
- Solid build
- Good quality rubber
- Adjustable width
- Quick folding design
The K&M Heli 2 features a distinct A-frame structure that allows for adjustments without compromising stability and reliability. The frame is solidly built, while the rubber does not look or feel cheap.
You can set the width from 7" to 9", which makes it work well with various guitar sizes and styles, and can even be used to hold other instruments.
It is also designed to be light and easy to fold, complete with a nifty transport lock to prevent accidentally opening the A-frame. If that's not enough, it even comes with guitar pick holders.
It is a guitar stand that works as intended, and does so while looking a bit more stylish compared to the usual generic A-frame designs.
Note that the top is a bit narrow, which means that instruments are prone to falling sideways if you're not careful. But this narrow top allows you to fold it easily and quickly.
Although it uses non-marring plastic to protect your guitar's finish, there is also a version where all the contact surfaces are covered in cork - it's also available from Sweetwater and Amazon.
This compact a-frame guitar stand is a great choice for those who want something that's of good quality while still within a reasonable price range.
Specifications
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: A-Frame
- Portability: High
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes - non-marring plastic
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | Phil Circle | 90/100 |
Hercules Stands GS302B Travlite Electric Guitar Stand
Cons
- Not for all guitar shapes
Pros
- Slim foldable profile
- Good ground stability
- Safe for nitrocellulose finish
- Space saving design
The Hercules GS302B Travlite is a portable stand with good ground stability while retaining an easy to fold and store profile. This stability is thanks to its "pentapod" configuration with five smaller legs that serve to balance the instrument. Since it does not provide neck support, you have to be careful when positioning your guitar. It only works with guitars that have rounded and symmetrical bottoms.
It folds up almost completely flat, and due to its construction its overall footprint is lower than other stands of this type.
It also sports nitrocellulose safe rubber, which is a big consideration for those who own expensive guitars.
If you're looking for a space saving portable guitar stand from a reputable brand then this is for you.
Specifications
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar and Electric Bass
- Stand Base: A-Frame
- Portability: Very High
- Weight: 2 lbs
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | Naughty Donkey Guitars | 90/100 |
K&M 17540 Electric Guitar Stand
Cons
- Can't hold guitars with thick bodies
Pros
- Secure U-shaped arms
- Made from Swiss steel
- Solid and durable
- Adjustable frame
- Safe for nitrocellulose finish
The cool thing about this stand is the arms that hold your guitar. They have more of a curve, which seats your guitar more securely than stands that have flatter arms.
The 17540 is made from Swiss Steel, manufactured by the Schomlz & Bikenbach group, known for being reliable. The main benefit of this is that you can be more confident that the steel used in the stand won't develop any structural issues, which also helps offset the stand’s cost.
Material quality is matched by good build quality and attention to detail, resulting in a portable stand that is reliable and durable.
You can adjust the angle of its A-frame, which spreads the arms farther for handling guitars with wider bodies like the Epiphone Casino.
While the U-shaped arms are more stable, they do limit the body thickness of the instrument that can be placed on the stand. Even with the adjustable angle, it won't be able to carry some thicker bodied electric guitars and acoustics.
If you're looking for a portable yet more secure electric guitar stand, then check out the K&M 17540.
Specifications
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar and Electric Bass
- Stand Base: A-Frame
- Portability: High
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Misc: Two Locking Settings
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes - nonmarring plastic
Alden Acosta's Recommendation
Alden is a platinum selling guitarist and a member of the Gearank team. He has provided the following review of his guitar stand - you can see an extended version here.
Hercules Stands GS301B TravLite
Cons
- Not as stable as some other designs
- Better suited as an "out and about stand"
- Not shaped for modular packing
Pros
- Heavy duty without sacrificing portability
- Convenient to set up and carry around
- Simple yet effective folding mechanism
The GS301B TravLite by Hercules Stands is an acoustic guitar stand designed to be portable yet durable featuring a steel construction and rubber foam to protect the parts of your guitar that touch the stand. It also folds flat for convenient storage. It has served me well on many occasions and shows no signs of breaking down anytime soon.
Around the house, the TravLite is great to have. I can be playing multiple instruments in a single session manning my computer with an acoustic guitar within my reach and because of that I fumble less switching back and forth between instruments. But having a child in the house, I can confidently say that this stand is NOT child proof and can be knocked down quite easily by curious kids trying to play with your 6-string.
It's that barely there look.
The TravLite shines best on stage. Acoustic guitar is more of a supplementary instrument for the shows I'm currently playing, so the acoustic guitar lives on this stand for 80% of the set. It does the job perfectly. It's more than presentable on stage, being low profile ensures that it is never a visual distraction. Also, it doesn't take much effort to chuck this in the trunk. If you're not too clumsy, it should keep the guitar standing bar seriously knocking it over. Stability has been sufficient so far, and I don't see it falling over no matter how wobbly the stage is.
Although light enough for most situations, the packed shape of the stand is a bit awkward, not fitting into either my guitar case or pedal case. A backpack works though so I usually cram it in along with my change of clothes and other personal effects.
When it comes to utility pieces like this, my main 2 concerns are build quality - how long will this last, and intuitiveness - how easily and conveniently it does the job. The TravLite Acoustic Guitar Stand by Hercules scores high on both fronts. It's not the lightest nor the most secure but it's the right amount of both to be an excellent travel stand for my needs and use cases on the road and around the house.
Specifications
- Compatible Guitar Types: Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: A-Frame
- Portability: High
- Weight: 2 lbs.
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Gearank | Alden Acosta | 92/100 |
Best Tripod / Tower Guitar Stands
Hercules Stands GS414B Plus
Cons
- Not for those who prefer bottom catchers
- Weight of the guitar is not spread evenly
Pros
- Convenient Auto-Grip system
- Secure gripping mechanism
- Works with different guitar shapes
- Durable and reliable
Instead of catching the bottom part of your guitar, the GS414B Plus literally grabs your guitar by the neck, and it does the job really well.
It secures your instrument via its Auto-Grip System, which automatically closes as you place your guitar on the grip. Compared to the usual rubber locks found in cheap guitar stands, this is a big leap in security and convenience.
To work with smaller instruments with narrower necks, this stand comes with an accessory that'll allow them to fit into the neck clip. Together with its instant push button height adjustment, the GS414B is capable of handling many different types of guitar, regardless of the shape of its bottom. The downside is that the weight of the guitar is not spread out evenly, which means it is easier to topple, and causes more tension on the neck and headstock.
Other features include rubber contact points and rubber feet. Hercules uses rubber contact points that do not damage the finish, but I still do not recommend letting expensive vintage guitars sit on this stand longer than necessary.
All in all, it lives up to Hercules reputation for durability and stability. If you're looking for a secure tripod guitar stand that you can operate with just one hand, then this is for you.
Specifications
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: Tripod
- Portability: Medium
- Weight: 4 lbs
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity and Neck Clip
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Audiofanzine | Linn Sondek | 100/100 |
| YouTube | DevonReviewer | 94/100 |
D&A SS-0102 Starfish+ Active Guitar Stand
Cons
- Utilizes moving parts that wear out
- No bottom arm support
Pros
- Super convenient neck yoke mechanism
- Stable five leg design
- Non-marring pads at contact points
- Compatible with different guitar types
- Easy to set-up
The D&A SS-0102 Starfish+ Active is a guitar stand that stays clear of convention, utilizing a unique design that helps improve stability.
Much of the action happens in its gravity activated neck yoke, which grips the neck of your guitar as you rest it on the stand. The grip has TPE polymer contact points which prevent slippage without marring the finish of the neck.
Setting your guitar on the neck also activates a polycarbonate gate that better protects the instrument. This neck yoke provides both convenience and security, no more need to use two hands to secure your guitar on a stand.
The base comes with 5 legs that also feature non-marring pads, these legs are angled in a way that improves balance and ground stability. The legs also serve as bottom support, although it does not provide the same stability as arm catchers. The plus side to this type of neck holding stand is that it can work with different body shapes and sizes.
With the security and convenience it brings, the D&A SS-0102 Starfish+ is a worthy investment especially for those who own expensive guitars.
Specifications
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: Pentapod (Five Legs)
- Portability: Medium
- Weight: 6 lbs
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity and Neck Support
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | Making Music Magazine | 90/100 |
| YouTube | Home Recording Made Easy | 92/100 |
Zither G03 Handcrafted Mahogany
Cons
- Not portable
- No bottom arm support
- Premium price tag
Pros
- Premium furniture looking stand
- Great for displaying guitars
- High quality materials and craftsmanship
- Surprisingly stable and functional
This top rated guitar stand does not follow conventional designs, rather it features a wooden furniture-like profile, with the main frame crafted from solid wood.
And since it does not use particle boards or laminate material, it comes with unique grain patterns that ups its aesthetic appeal further. Craftsmanship is also top notch, giving it a premium look and feel.
The stand itself may look simple, but it is has good ground stability, which makes it more resistant to falling over compared to regular stands. The downside to its design is the lack of bottom and back support, behaving much like a wall hanger than a regular stand. And it is also not for those who want a stand that they can carry around.
It secures your guitar with a cradle from String Swing, a company that produces reliable and durable guitar cradles and hangers. I got this information straight from Zither's support - who I commend for being very responsive to my inquiries about their warranty.
This is a stand that looks good while securing your guitar. It is great for those who want to turn guitars into display pieces at home or in studios. The cost of this beautiful guitar stand makes good sense to those who want to show off their precious instrument.
Specifications
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: Solid Wooden Plank
- Portability: Low
- Weight: 6.49 lbs
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity and Neck Support
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | Phillip McKnight | 95/100 |
| YouTube | DylanTalksTone | 94/100 |
Things to Consider When Buying a Guitar Stand
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The length of a stand’s cradle controls the angle that your guitar is going to rest on. A guitar stand meant for an acoustic guitar is going be wider to accommodate an acoustic guitar’s body. Because of this, when you set an electric guitar or electric bass in a stand meant for an acoustic it’s going to lean back farther than it should. This is going to make the stand take up way more room than it should, and it can potentially also cause stability issues. The inverse is also true, because stands meant for electric guitars may be too small to properly seat an acoustic guitar. Having said all that, many of the top rated stands are marketed as universal stands, designed to accommodate different types and sizes, some with adjustable height and cradles.
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Most musicians are going to run across two different types of stands, A-Frames and Tripods. Both of these stands have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important that you get the one that’s going to work best for your situation.
A-Frame stands sit low to the ground, and lack a neck cradle. Because of this, they’re very portable. They’re a great option if you’re looking for a stand that you can fold up and throw in a gig bag or backpack. Though with that being said, they aren’t as stable as tripod style guitar stands which have a neck cradle. A small bump to your guitar can send it falling down to the floor, so it’s not a good fit if you’re looking for a stand to put in a crowded area.
Tripod stands, while more stable, are harder to transport than a-frame stands. Note that some manufacturers add more legs to their stands for more stability.
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For many situations, portability is a prime concern when looking for a guitar stand. If this is the case for you, your best bet is definitely going to be an a-frame stand. Because you can fold them up so easily, they can be stored just about anywhere. You can also find models that are made from thin pieces of metal, and fold up almost completely flat.
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If you have a nitrocellulose finished guitar (which is the finish that comes on most Gibsons), you need to be more careful about which stand you use. Nitrocellulose can react with the plastic and rubber found on many guitar stands, which will essentially damage the finish in the affected area.
Because of this, you have a couple different options. The first, and cheapest, is to simply drape a clean cloth (like an old t-shirt) on the points where your stand will contact your guitar. However, it happens to slip off of the points it needs to be (like at the bottom, where you won’t easily see it) you could still end up with a damaged instrument.
To be on the safe side where your stand won’t damage your nitrocellulose finished guitar, you’re better off buying a stand that’s is clearly denoted as being nitrocellulose safe.
Make Sure Your Stand Works For Your Guitar
A-Frame vs. Tripod Stand
Portability
Buying a Guitar Stand For Guitars With a Nitrocellulose Finish
Best Guitar Stand Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017.
We looked at all the guitar stands available from major American music equipment retailers and selected 33 of the most promising to put on our short-list, which you can see in our music gear database. We then collected and analyzed feedback from musicians about each stand from their user ratings, forum discussions, video reviews, and gear review websites. And for this edition, the data we gathered increased by 13.7% to 104,600 sources, all of which were fed to the Gearank Algorithm to produce rating scores of out 100 for each one. After selecting the highest rated options to recommend, we then contacted the manufacturers to find out which ones were definitely nitrocellulose safe and only labeled them as such if we had positive confirmation. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Alexander Briones
I've written about and researched music gear for many years, while also serving as a music director at my local church, in addition to teaching guitar, bass and mentoring young musicians.
While I am certainly impressed by modern guitar stand designs, I still find myself going back to traditional tripods with bottom arm support. Mostly because I haven't had the need to change them out, and I'm used to their simplicity and reliability.
Contributors
Alden Acosta: Hercules Stands GS301B TravLite Review
Mason Hoberg: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Zither G03, K&M 17540, Hercules Stands GS302B and Hercules Stands GS414B Plus.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers, except for the extra Hercules Stands GS301B TravLite with Guitar photographs taken by Alden Acosta.
Comments
The Fender Adjustable Guitar
Submitted by Jason Horton on
The Fender Adjustable Guitar Stand came off the recommended list above as a result of the publication of our July 2022 Edition.
Publication of our December
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Publication of our December 2021 Edition resulted in the following stands coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
Any thought to the Session
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
Any thought to the Session Deluxe multi guitar stands?
The comment above was edited
Submitted by Jason Horton on
The comment above was edited to remove a potential advertising link.
The following stand came off
Submitted by Jason Horton on
The following stand came off the recommended list above when we published our January 2021 edition:
As a result of our January
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of our January 2020 update the following came off our recommended list above but you can still read what we have to say about them:
I think HERCULES GS415B is
Submitted by Ayon chowdhury (not verified) on
I think HERCULES GS415B is the best for all.
What about Mugig Guitar
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
What about Mugig Guitar stands?
They didn't have high enough
Submitted by Jason Horton on
They didn't have high enough ratings at the time we published this guide, but they will be considered again when we next review this category.