I've auditioned the Ultimate Support keyboard stand (Apex Plus with mic boom) for almost a month now.
http://ultimatesupport.com/apexplus.html

I purchased it from Music123 (Dan Seda, x1166) which included a 45 day no risk returnable option.

After having used it with my Yamaha Tyros on a number of gigs now, I've decided it's definitely a KEEPER!

I think the Apex Plus perfectly compliments the Yamaha Tyros as it's new longer 18" tribar arms extend out to fully support the Tryos the complete distance from front to back, as well as left to right, to support most all of the keyboard lengthwise as well. In addition, the stand's center column doesn't obstruct any audio/midi outputs on the back of the Tyros as the keyboard has no outputs in its center area Though I realize this was not the case, the Apex stand appears to have been 'custom designed' specifically for the Tyros as even the back (audience view) of the keyboard (sitting on the stand) allows the Tyros logo to appear completely unobstructed, with 'Yamaha' appearing on the left side of the columm, and 'Tyros' appearing on the right side. The dark brown/black column's anglar design also matches the same style & color theme of the Tyros as well. On stage, the Tyros/Apex combination looks both sleek and professional. The look is a big step up from my Quiklok X style Stand, which to me looks more suitable for an 'ironing board' demonstration at the local County Fair rather than a pro music show. A BIG plus I like about the Apex stand is that its legs keep the foot pedal(s) from getting away from you. When I perform, I prefer sitting/leaning on a raised stool as this allows me to access footpedals more efficiently, as I sometimes need to be holding down one (sustain) while pressing another (fill self or vocal on/off). Even in this elevated sitting position, the Apex column height doesn't obstruct my view of the audience, or them of me (my head). Also ,the mic boom conveniently attaches to the upper part of the column making for a great looking all in one keyboard stand/mic boom package.

Ok, so what are my beefs about the Apex stand? The stand is not as lightweight as I'd prefer. It's nearly 19 lbs, but then again it's no heavier than a similarly rugged double braced X stand with added mic boom, and weighs a little less the Quiklok Monolith stand. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the amount of keyboard bounce (with the 18" tribars) was minimal but I concur with reports from others that the keyboard can become unstable if you lean againest the upper top left or right portion of the keyboard where the tribars are not directly supporting. My only other complaint is that the built in 'flip down' carrying handle is not very comfortable or ergonomically shaped to hold.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Ultimate Support Apex 'plus' stand with mic boom, and especially if you own the Tyros and require an impressive stage presence as I do. The stand is rugged and should last a lifetime, and setup time is relatively quick (under 20-25 seconds). In my studio, I park my Tyros on a Quiklok Monolith stand as it provides ultimate stability, but for stage performance I'm now taking the Apex stand, and I'm getting lots of compliments not only on my music and showmanship , but on how professional & sleek my Tyros with columm stand look together as well. Our music & showmanship is #1, but how we look as well as our equipment looks on stage, creates an equally important visual impact as well. - Scott

Scott, It's nice to hear that your enjoying your new APEX KB Stand. Can you post some Digital Pictures of it in action? or send them to me for posting here on the SZ, it would be nice to see your new rig setup.

Good Luck

I hope you never have that awful feeling that I experienced once, when a customer bumped the stand at the perfect angle to topple it inwards. That was the last time I used mine. I would never be able to walk away from it on a break.
I always liked the looks of it, but the bounce factor is definatly higher than my "Ironing board"
Hope you feel tha same after the 45 days are up !

UD, I certainly understand & appreciate your concern. One thing I never risk is leaving my keyboard setup unattended in an exposed public area, especially a bar venue, where customers could have easy access to it. Not only does this lead to the problem you described, but other risks include: customers spilling drinks (or food) on/in it, falling over onto it , playing it , or worse yet, knocking it over , no matter what X,Y, or Z stand it's sitting on. For gigs involving breaks, I insist that there be a specific stage area (or platform riser) provided to which patrons (audience) are not given access/approach. For casual parties & gatherings of friends & family, I'll probably continue to using my funky 'ironing board' style X stand, but for special event performance, the Apex is my stand of choice now. I think I got more keyboard stands than keyboards now. - Scott

No Apex for me. I had the same experience as UD. The stand simply tips over too easily.
DVJ

Scott,

Thanks for your impressions on using the APEX stand (AX48BP Plus). As you seem to dislike the carrying handle, Ultimate sells a nylon gig bag that should fit the stand perfectly (Ultimate BAG 502). It sells around 25 Euros, in Europe (german online stores).

I have a question, a little outside the topic. What's your solution regarding music racks/stands that you use with your APEX/Tyros? I don't like the Tyros music rack, because of the brackets (seem easy to break in a flightcase or in a keyboard bag), the high position, and the lack of height to accomodate a lamp holder (Quiklok MS 307). Also, I would be willing the know the solution that other Tyros users found regarding dim light conditions. Goose neck lights, lamp holders? How do you attach them to the music racks/keyboard?

Thanks in advance!

-- José.

Hello Scott,

Here's a zoom-in on the base of the Apex stand.



So is the little thing-a-ma-bob at the base the support for keeping the stand from tipping in the direction that UD is talking about? Clearly the other sides are supported by the legs but I too wonder what keeps it from coming back into the player.

Does it rely on the forward slope of the whole unit and that little stopper at the base?

It does look cool though!

mike

Sorry,.....I agree with Uncle Dave....
Murphy's Law is in effect here Big Time!!!

We'll as my inalienable right to dis-agree, I humbly do so. I've gigged 120 times in all venues including 4 on a bobbing and weaving Barge on the Hudson River called Gully's. Every time a vessel motors past the barge, the waves send the barge rocking back and forth and up and down. NEVER ONCE has the Apex stand tipped forward toward me during these conditions and on occaisions when someone bumped into it.

The little thing-a-ma-bobby DOES in fact push resistence to the front of the unit, which is where all the weight is distributed. If it is NOT adjusted correctly, you surely will have problems, but I find it perfectly stable. I do find it more stable with more weight resting on it. Only having the Tyros on the stand might not be enough weight to keep it stable.

Al

Hi Mike: That thing-a-ma-bob piece you're talking about is used to keep the stand from tipping in the direction of the player, and adjustable to accomodate carpeting or uneven floors. This though is 'unrelated' to the issue that Uncle Dave and others, (myself included) are referring to.

The Apex stand utilizes 2 bars (tribars) which are mounted to the center column, each projecting out at 45 degree angles. The keyboard sits on top of these 2 bars. The Tyros keyboard is solidly supported by these bars, but a problem occurs if you press down really hard in the far upper right or far upper left corners of the keyboard. The opposite corner of the kb will pop 'up' because there is no support by the tribars directly underneath the upper right or upper left portions of the kb. I definitely DON'T recommend utilizing the Apex stand in a situation where people have free access to the keyboard setup, especially if left unattended, but for stage performance type situations, or when you don't need to leave your equipment unattended, the Apex stand really shines, as it's sturdy & solid, and creates a sleek clean professional looking visual presentation. My opinion is that X type stands, Column Style (Apex) stands, as well as the Quiklok Monolith stand ALL have different advantages/disadvantages. I own all 3 types because I like having the option of utilizing a particular type stand best suited for a given situation. Just call me a keyboard stand 'junkie' I suppose.



hi José, I agree with you about the Tyros music rack and think it's not very well designed or rugged. For many of my gigs now, I don't utilize a music stand or take along music, but play by memory (or ear) as a music stand (& music) can be distracting to the audience. When I do utilize a music stand though, I take a along a lightweight portable music stand which can quickly be placed/removed behind the keyboard when needed.

To illuminate the music on the stand, I have used, and recommend either the clip on tiny gooseneck style halogen lamp made by Litelight:
http://www.littlite.com/products.php?category=1

or Concertlite II by Lampcraft: http://www.lampcraft.com/product.htm



hi Al, My experience with the Apex stand & Tyros is that the Tyros is sufficently heavy to remain stable on the stand, especially because the new longer 18" tribars fully support from the rear center of the Tyros all the way to the front edge of the keyboard, supporting the keyboard almost fully across the front (lengthwise) as well.

Btw: I'm curious if the people here who've experienced keyboard instability were using the shorter 13" tribars or the new longer 18" ones. Using the 18" tribars really make a big difference in offering much better stability.

Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 08-08-2003).]