Donhughesmusic

We all know stands today are still kinda boring. We also know not all of us have the time, money, or know-how to build what we want. What ideas have you had that for whatever reason you just haven't tried or built yet? Here are my two: 1. Using EMT Conduit to build a stand similar to the Gibraltar stands people are making. It could be MUCH cheaper depending on the size of the pipe (3/4 inch is still fairly cheap where I live) 2. Vinyl wrap a stand. With the varieties of vinyl wrap out there, we could see some really interesting looking wraps around keyboard stands just to add some flair to it.

Thank you everyone for your advice. I did go with the MOXF6... mainly because I found one on Facebook Marketplace someone was selling for only $440 (I would have been dumb not to go after that at that price). I just have to get the Cubase software since the board was used and the guy didn't have it, but so far I'm very pleased. The OS looks almost identical to the original Motif I have, so very little learning curve. I would like to find some soundscape sounds for a project I am starting with someone in January, but there is still plenty in there I can use!

My current gear is a Yamaha Motif 7 (yes the original) controlling a Yamaha Motif Rack XS. I do mainly recording, haven't played out live in quite some time. I am looking at a New Yamaha Moxf6 (yes with all the software), and a Used Yamaha Moxf8 (just the board. Both are selling for about $800. Do I get the new XF6, and use the Motif 7 to control it if I ever start playing live again (I take care of it, but it is a 20 year old keyboard), or do I get the used XF8 and hope the old owner took care of it? OR do I just stick with what I have for the time being? What say you, keyboard nation?

How has the inflation affected you as far as buying the equipment you need? I know in my case (haven't played live in years, exclusively recording and releasing it), I have been playing the same equipment for a number of years (Yamaha Motif 7 controlling a Yamaha Motif Rack XS), and the Motif 7 may be on its last legs. I have needed (or wanted) to upgrade to the MOXF8 for a number of years, but Covid and now inflation have put that on hold for quite a while now. At $1699 still, I just haven't been able to do it. How has it affected everyone here?

Well, as I said, the 3rd song definitely changed. It is now Robert Tepper "No Easy Way Out" from Rocky IV. As it stands right now, here is what it is... Sharp Dressed Man Carry On Wayward Son No Easy Way Out Open Arms Dance Macabre. As of now total running time of the medley is just over 8 minutes. Yes I plan on recording it.

That is believe it or not kinda what I am going for. It is kinda like the pro wrestling principal. Whether you like it or don't like it, I still got a reaction out of you. With the age range of the band (youngest 22 oldest 61) it kinda fits our schtick.

I'm writing a medley that for the time being (could very well change) is including ZZ Top, Kansas, either Marvin Gaye, Gordon Lightfoot, or Blue Oyster Cult (haven't decided that song yet, and even that may change), Journey, and Ghost. Any ideas on what to name the medley?

I always like the Yamaha PSRs for a beginner.

Dammit why do all those Gibraltar parts have to be so damn expensive? That being said, it is definitely my next stand. Either that or get a lighting truss and try to make a poor man's Jordan Rudess stand. Only problem with that is I measure the height of my current stand at about 30 inches, and I can't find truss' at that height. I don't mind a few minutes to set up my stand, so the longer Gibraltar stand setup time wouldn't be a big deal to me. Someone once gave me the idea instead of painting the Gibraltar pipes to wrap them the way they do cars. Not sure if that would change the fit in the clamps, but I bet you could get some interesting looking stands.

Just thought of this and wondered if anyone has tried it before I potentially ruin a keyboard stand... Anyone ever think of putting one of those vinyl car wraps on a keyboard stand???

No pic... My rig is pretty basic. 2 tier x stand (yes I know, x stand), Yamaha Motif 7 on the bottom controlling a Yamaha Motif Rack XS on the top tier. Basic sustain pedal.

Found this video in YouTube...

Using PVC to mimic a Gibraltar stand may be fine for the lightest of keyboards. I personally wouldn't do it. How is he going to connect them? The Gibraltar tubes themselves are cheap. It's the clamps that cost money. Those mounting arms that make up my second tier are rock solid. Remember, they still attach the the tube with the Gibraltar clamp. Absolutely no bounce. I don't know how he was gonna connect them. He has a Yamaha Motif 7 like I do. I doubt it would hold that and was trying to talk him out of using PVC.

How solid is the 2nd tier with those arms instead of the tubes?

A keyboard player friend of mine wants to build this stand, but to save money, wants to cut PVC pipe to the specifications of the Gibraltar pipes. I don't think it is a good idea. What say you stand builder extraordinaire?!