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Ultimate Support Apex Keyboard Stand - seated position


Phil UK

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Hi,

 

Been really suffering with neck pain over the last few months and have finally have to face the fact that it's probably because of being hunched over a keyboard for hours on end... I've got a rehearsal tomorrow night and am taking a bench with me - however I've need tried the keyboard stand I have at our studio (Ultimate Apex) in a seated position. Anyone know if you can lower the lowest 'level block' to make this work? Looks like the handle might be in the way.....? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Support-Two-tier-Portable-Keyboard/dp/B003TN8EO4

Nord Electro 4D, Roland VR09, Roland RD-300SX
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The handle is held in by a couple of screws if memory serves me right. As you say its in your studio (and therefore I am presuming you don't move it often) you could remove the handle to allow the block to go lower

Nord Stage 2EX | Nord Wave | Mainstage 3

K&M Spider Pro | JH Audio JH5 IEMs | Behringer XR18 | Radial Keylargo

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I've used the ultimate apex stand very low on the stand. I put it so the keys are exactly as high as my acoustic at home, 26-28 inches I believe. The weight of the board (49lbs) keeps it sturdy. I also have my seat adjusted right for good technique, relaxed shoulders, comfortable position for elbow, wrist, fingers. No neck pain here.

 

Also you might be doubling or tripling up on crappy posture if you also need to work on computer, tablet, or phone. I suspect the keyboard playing is only a small percentage of the problem, but you know better. The human head is heavy like a bowling ball. The neck, not so strong to support it in bad positions.

Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560

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Thanks all. I think you're right Elmer - not just keyboard related but life/work related as well.... I'm obsessed with correct posture now. Last few months have been a, literal, real pain in the neck...
Nord Electro 4D, Roland VR09, Roland RD-300SX
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What allways borcked me about these keyboard stands is the fact that there is no room for peddals ...

 

Am i the only addict to all kinds of pedals, they are a requirement to do things while my hands are on the keybed...

Korg Kronos 88, Yamaha Tyros5 (76), Integra 7, macbook pro/mainstage
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Another think I disliked about those stands relative to the "single tube carry" is that the lid inevitably breaks off, then it's not even that anymore, then you have to carry the arms separately in your accessories bag. Even when the lid is still there, the arms are sometimes a pain to get in and out of the column. You should check out the K&M Spider Pro for imho a better truly self-contained design.

Rich Forman

Yamaha MOXF8, Korg Kronos 2-61, Roland Fantom X7, Ferrofish B4000+ organ module, Roland VR-09, EV ZLX12P, K&M Spider Pro stand,

Yamaha S80, Korg Trinity Plus

 

 

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Another think I disliked about those stands relative to the "single tube carry" is that the lid inevitably breaks off, then it's not even that anymore, then you have to carry the arms separately in your accessories bag.

From their WEBSITE:

 

Ultimate Support branded products carry the industry-leading Limited Lifetime Warranty. JamStands by Ultimate Support branded products carry an astounding Three-year Warranty. Were so confident in our products that well be happy to repair or replace them if they happen to fail due to manufacturing defects (see details). We also sell many of the parts of our products should you need to replace something. If you have a warranty issue or would like to order a part, wed love to hear from you! Our Customer Support Specialists are some of the nicest, hardest working folks in the industry; simply call 1-800-525-5628 and ask for Customer Support. :thu:

 

 

"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo
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I've never had the cap break off. The rubber on the arms wears out though. You can remove the block entirely to get it under your handle. Or you can remove the handle completely.

 

The spider stand looks great. I want one. We have one or two guys that recently say their spider stands completely failed at the legs (to the crash of an ES7 winding up with a crack). Not sure yet if that's a fluke.

Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560

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I often use my Aphex stand sitting down (actually sitting on a Mackie thump, for some butt-busting bass response.

 

use it with my VR09 on top of a Roland RD64. workds great.

 

ONLY thing to be careful about - seems that if you put weight lower down in the design, the stand is more likely to tip forward (towards you). Must be slightly off what they assumed would be the center of mass/balancing point obove the central column.

 

If you do lower it and use it sitting, make sure the little stabilizer thingy on the bottom is extended, to keep the forward tipping from happening.

 

(sorry for bad Engliski, am typing fast before stewrdess yells at me)

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Another think I disliked about those stands relative to the "single tube carry" is that the lid inevitably breaks off,

 

I have been using a piece of duct tape as a replacement lid on mine for over 10 years now. My Apex is 19+ yrs old and I sure don't have the receipt anymore, I wonder if they would stand behind the warranty?

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The new lid has actual hinges, not just scored plastic. I put pedals in front of the rear supports-the stand itself is between my calves-and use this seat:

 

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Throne

 

Good luck.

Kawai KG-2C, Nord Stage 3 73, Electro 4D, 5D and Lead 2x, Moog Voyager and Little Phatty Stage II, Slim Phatty, Roland Lucina AX-09, Hohner Piano Melodica, Spacestation V3, pair of QSC 8.2s.

 

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I often use my apex (and deltex...cheaper version of same) stands sitting.

The handle isn't a problem because it broke off long ago, but the remnants were easily removed with a screw driver.

 

For pedals what I do is turn my damper sideways. It felt a bit odd at first but I don't even think about it now.

Stage: Korg Krome 88.

Home: Korg Kross 61, Yamaha reface CS, Korg SP250, Korg mono/poly Kawai ep 608, Korg m1, Yamaha KX-5

 

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As noted by others, you can loosen the handle and slide it down if you want to lower the bottom tier.

 

I will say this (as someone who used one for a while as a sitting player)... There's no place for your feet.

 

I replaced my Apex with a Craplok two-tier (Quiklok). It's a good design with shoddy craftsmanship.

 

 

 

 

Sundown

 

Working on: The Jupiter Bluff; Driven Away

Main axes: Kawai MP11 and Kurz PC361

DAW Platform: Cubase

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Every inch that you hold your head forward of your natural spinal alignment adds 10 lbs of weight for your neck to support.

 

When I had my auto accident last year and started seeing a very knowledgeable chiropractor, I learned that my head was 2 inches in front - not good. It's a constant fight, even a year later, to stay conscious of my posture. Good luck. There are definitely some great exercises you can do, even in your car, that will relieve your neck pain and get you straight (no pun intended).

The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers

 

People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin

 

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Thanks for all the comments on this. Off to rehearsal in a bit so will see how it goes... I seem to have stands (and attachments to stands) everywhere at the moment... Love those gigs where you can grab one board and a Quiklok X stand and you're out the door...
Nord Electro 4D, Roland VR09, Roland RD-300SX
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....The rubber on the arms wears out though....

 

I have used this to replace the rubber on top of the arms, and attached it to the arms with simple 2-sided scotch tape:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Woodland-Scenics-HO-Track-Bed-Roll/dp/B0006KQGUM

 

I did need to trim it with a knife to reduce its width to about 1/3 inch (1cm?).

 

This works well, also:

 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Duck-Foam-Weatherstrip-Seal-2pk/17133825?adid=22222222227025101904&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42532116752&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=81188971472&veh=sem

 

I also use it to seal the back of my two 4 space rack. These back covers are notorious for allowing moisture into the rack, as they are just plastic-to-plastic with no insulation. I used the thin weatherstripping as a seal and it works great.

 

http://i58.tinypic.com/15g71nl.jpg

The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers

 

People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin

 

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