How to Find the Best Cello Stand

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Summary: Knowing how to find the best cello stand means knowing what size and material fit your cello and where you want to store your instrument when not in use. 

Almost every musician, beginner through advanced, has a music stand. However, not many people have an instrument stand. If you have a cello, you need to know how to find the best cello stand for your instrument. 

Why You Need the Best Cello Stand

Whether you have an electric cello, a bass cello, or a traditional ¾ size cello, you should consider investing in a corresponding cello stand. Why? These four reasons:

  1. The best cello stand gives you the motivation to practice. 
  2. The best cello stand saves you time and effort in your music. 
  3. The best cello stand is helpful at gigs. 
  4. The best cello stand can safely display your instrument at home. 

Motivation

Cello Stand

Having a cello out visible is a great reminder to practice. This works for kids (at least, for mine) and adults. When hobbies or skills are buried in closets, drawers, or cases, it is easy to forget about them. When a cello is on a cello stand, you get a reminder to practice each time you walk by it, and you can just sit and play every time you have a few minutes. 

Time Saver

I always fall victim to what I like to call “gumption traps.” These are situations where I get the gumption or motivation to act, whether to paint, dance, workout, practice my cello, or anything else.

Then, the worst happens: I have to track down all my painting supplies from 3 closets, move furniture or clear the unfolded laundry off the gym equipment, or find my cello and unpack it from its case

When these situations arise, all of my gumption gets trapped in the setting up or preparing the act, not in the actual act. Then, when it is time to do whatever I set out to do, I have no energy or time left-usually time. 

I found the same thing would happen with my cello. Once I found the best cello stand for my instrument, I didn’t need to unpack and repack my instrument each time I had a few extra minutes to spare or the gumption to try a new song.

Instead, I had my matching cello chair next to my music stand, next to my cello on full display atop its stand. My sheet music and bow rested on the chair, so everything was ready the minute opportunity arose. 

Gigs

A cello stand comes in handy at gigs. I always played at small community or church events, and it was easy enough to rest my music on a music stand and my bag under my chair. But every time I wanted to take a break (or had to use the restroom), I had to carefully and precariously balance my instrument against the chair and hope for the best.

Once I got a cello stand, I could just leave it on the stand while I went about my merry business. What’s more, I play more than one instrument, and I sing. So, whenever I switch instruments, or it is my turn to sing, I can leave my cello resting on its stand, safely and securely. 

Displays

When you add the best cello stand to your musical collection, it gives you a way to enhance the feel of your space much the same as a piano does.

When I first invested in a cello stand and guitar stand, it made my music room stand out as an actual music room, not just the room with a piano against one wall. Most stringed instruments don’t get a place of honor or display because they get stuffed into a case. The best cello stand can fix that. 

How to Find the Best Cello Stand

Cello Stand

Knowing how to find the best cello stand means knowing what size and material you need most. 

Size

The stand needs to fit your instrument. This should go without saying, but I went ahead and ordered a 4/4 cello stand once for my ¾ cello, so I am going to say it anyway: make sure the size fits your cello. 

Note: This requires a bit more effort than merely reading a description for “¾” or “full size.” Not all manufacturers stick to the exact measurements. So, think of it like buying clothes; you are much better off trying it out first or at least measuring what you have to see that it fits. 

Material

The best cello stand is constructed from a reliable and lightweight material. What works best for you might not work best for someone buying a cello stand for their child or music school. You can find materials like:

  • Plastic
  • Wood
  • Aluminum
  • Steel

The plastic and aluminum cello stands are very lightweight, and they can support small, fractional sizes. This is great for beginners and children. 

The wood and steel cello stands have more support behind them, so they are durable and able to withstand heavier weight. This is better for adults and intermediate through advanced musicians

Note: If you invest in wood cello stands, you can pick from various finishes that can add beauty to your room. 

Can I Make My Own Cello Stand?

Yes, you can always make your own cello stand. I have made one cello stand once in my life. I started by making one as a gift for my mother. I was planning on making one for myself right after.

However, in the end, the cost was higher than I would have paid online and the amount of time it took to perfectly file the storage compartment so that it slid in and out of its drawer space without a sound was extraordinary. It is, to be fair, a great stand, but I never made one for myself. I never wanted to do that amount of work again, so I bought one instead. 

Features of the Best Cello Stand

Cello Stand

Beyond the basic delineations of size and material, other features may be of interest to you:

Adjustability

Some cello stands can be adjusted. This may or may not matter to you. As I got older, I found that having an adjustable cello stand made it easier for me to practice without bending over to the ground level to get it. More importantly, I found that an adjustable cello stand meant I could raise the height above where my pets could reach. 

Storage

Some of the more expensive cello stands are expensive because they double as a storage space. This can be great if you do not have storage elsewhere. 

I have a lot of crossover with my music groups. At Christmas, for example, I direct one choir and orchestra that perform together. I also play the cello with another group that participates in the same event but separately.

I am part of a trio, and I do some solo work. So on a given weekend, I might be on stage as a director, a soloist, and a member of two or three musical groups. As it turns out, that is a lot of music to keep both together and separated.

I have a cello stand for my instrument when I am doing one of the other half dozen groups, and it has a storage compartment for all my music.

This really helps me because I can fit so much more in that storage compartment than I can in my thin music folder, but I can quickly swap music to and from my folder as needed. 

Bow Holder

Just as some cello stands have music storage compartments, others have bow holders. A bow holder is a great place to securely place your bow without damaging it and without misplacing it. I like to keep all of my music-related items in one place. Otherwise, I lose track of them, especially at home. 

Padding

Another option in more expensive models is padding. I don’t have any cushions on my stand, but they provide peace of mind that your cello won’t get scratched when you take it on and off the best cello stand. 

Design and Construction

cello stands

Most cello stands are pretty similar where weight and pressure ratings are concerned. The design and aesthetics are where they differ most. 

  • Some of the more popular solid wood designs for advanced players add depth to a room. The base has a bow holder and is often elegantly carved from wood like walnut, with velvet lining inside to protect your cello. These can be shaped like a U, offering a curve that nestles against the bottom of your cello or takes the shape of a wooden box into which your cello base fits snugly. 
  • There are cello stands that look like an artist’s easel made of aluminum or plastic. These have a wide, upside-down V -shape base with poles on which the bottom of your cello is lifted and rests. The top rod with the attachment to hold the neck of your cello is adjustable and collapsible. Foldable stands like these are better for travel, as they do not have extra storage or padding but can fit in a suitcase. 
  • Other foldable models do not have the rods that hoist your cello’s base off the ground but instead have a flat panel that sits flush with the floor on which your cello rests. 
  • Some do not have a rounded wood bottom, but rather, a flat piece of mahogany on which the bottom of your cello rests and a corresponding holder for the neck. 
Beginners and Advanced musicians who travel foldable Foldable easel style cello stands are best
Intermediate Easel style wood cello stands are reliable and beautiful, while still affordable
Advanced Solid wood boxes or U-shaped designs are the most elegant for in-home display

Editor Product Lineup! 

I’ve chosen five stands from some of the most popular ones on the market to recommend to you. These were chosen based on their reviews, personal experience, and ability to safely protect your cello. 

Top Pick: Stagg SV-CE Adjustable

My top pick is the Stagg SV-CE Adjustable cello stand. My favorite thing about this cello stand is how small it folds up. I prefer to keep my instruments in their cases for day-to-day storage for safety reasons. Stands are great during practice or those times when I need to display my instruments. For this reason, I like small, foldable, and sturdy stands. 

This stand checks off all of these boxes and is completely adjustable, so you can use it for different-sized cellos and different endpin adjustments. This way, you can quickly grab your cello and play without needing to spend five minutes making sure it’s the right height and comfortable. 

Pros

  • Sturdy metal base with neck support and lock
  • Adjustable for different sizes of cellos and height of players
  • Can hold smaller double basses securely
  • Perfect for travel and occasional use
  • Hook for bow, essential for all cello stands

Cons

  • The back of the cello may get scratched 

Runner Up: Hercules Cello Stand

My next pick is the Hercules cello stand; this stand is slightly different from the Stagg stand. Instead of having arms that hold the bottom of the cello and a spot to securely support the neck, this stand supports the cello entirely from the neck and pegbox. 

With this design, smaller-sized cellos may leave their endpin out pretty far, but bigger ones will not, which is the biggest downside. However, now everyone wants or needs to leave their endpin extended when using a cello stand. This design accommodates those needs well. 

Pros

  • Well made for smaller sized cellos
  • Foam covered legs help protect the cello from scratches
  • The gripping system auto closes so you never forget to lock your cell in place
  • Bow hook
  • Takes up minimal space

Cons

  • Not tall enough for a full-size cello with an endpin out
  • Only supports the cello at one contact point instead of three, which leads to balancing issues
  • Not great for live performances or traveling due to stability, portability and height issues

Safety Pick: Ingles Adjustable Cello and Bass Stand

If you are looking for a choice that has stood the test of time both at home and on stage, the Ingles Adjustable Stand is what you need. The Ingles stand is highly adjustable and can accommodate all cello and bass sizes. For cello players, this means that you will be able to leave your endpin completely extended. This is perfect for gigs or quick practicing. 

Along with the fold-down safety bar, you and padded contact points your cello will rest safely and won’t receive scratches. The upgraded design of the stand means that it also comes at a higher price. The price and quality match well, and you will get a sturdier stand with this pick. 

Pros

  • Extremely Sturdy and built for safety
  • Great for use in classrooms or at shows
  • Allows for the endpin to be fully extended during storage for easy playing
  • Fully adjustable and can hold all cello and bass sizes

Cons

  • Doesn’t fold up and isn’t portable 
  • Expensive

Wooden Box Pick: Vio Wood Cello Box

If you want a stand geared towards home display instead of ease of use but won’t break the bank, the Vio is an excellent choice. Its made from old wood with a burgundy velvet plush interior. It supports the cello from its bottom and doesn’t have any neck support. This means it takes up minimal floor space while also looking incredibly sophisticated. 

The biggest drawback with these stands is your inability to keep the endpin extended for grab and play display. I like this pick primarily for how it looks and how it blends with furniture to make your cello a part of your decor as well. Just remember to store your cello away from doors and windows; the sunlight could bleach the wood. 

Pros

  • Sturdy solid wood construction
  • There is a padded spot for your bow in the back
  • Holds up well to daily use and fits cellos securely
  • Looks sophisticated and nice, especially with similar furniture stains
  • Sturdy and won’t fall over

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Home use only

Expensive Home Display Pick: The Jolly Cello Music Stand

If you want an attractive, all-purpose music stand or something that can hold both your cello, viola, and violin. Then the Jolly Music stand may interest you, especially if you want something both functional and display-worthy. This cello stand isn’t just a cello stand. Still, it’s also a music stand with the ability to hold multiple instruments. It’s the perfect practice companion. 

The biggest downside is the price and the inability to keep your endpin extended. However, this combination is time, money, and space-saving for professionals who use their instruments and stand daily or play multiple instruments. 

Pros

  • Available in six finishes to match your furniture and decor
  • Handcrafted from solid wood in Northern Italy.
  • Adjustable music stand 
  • Included bow hanger
  • Extremely solid and sturdy construction, won’t tip over

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Very large, more of a piece of furniture than just a stand

FAQ

Question: How Much Does a Cello Stand Cost?

Answer: The cost of the best cello stand will vary depending on its features and the material. A basic, beginner-suitable cello stand can cost around $50, while a more intermediate cello stand might cost $150. Stands with extra storage will cost more than stands without.

Question: Do I Really Need a Cello Stand? 

Answer: Cello stands are unnecessary, especially for children or beginners, but they add security and protect your cello without you needing to put it into and out of a case

Question: How is a Cello Stand Different from a Cello Case?

Answer: Cello cases are designed for transportation and protection. A cello stand is versatile to hold your instrument on stage or at home when you are not transporting it. 

Question: How Do I Use a Cello Stand?

Answer: Find a good place in your home to rest the cello stand. Cellos are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so you shouldn’t put them near a heater, a sliding glass door, or any window that gets direct sunlight. Aim for a space with a regular temperature around 70 degrees with humidity of no more than 50%.
Once you have the right place, set the cello stand at the angle you want to display your instrument and place the instrument in it. Some cello stands have a broad base into which the end of your cello rests, and most have a tall back with a U0shaped holder for the neck. Place the bottom in first, then the neck into the holder. 

Bottomline

The bottom line is that knowing how to find the best cello stand just comes down to knowing what is most essential for you. Cellos are heavy instruments, and putting them back into their cases every time you finish playing or practicing can be exhausting. A cello stand is a great way to have your instrument out and accessible.

It also makes a beautiful addition to your space. No matter why you want one, they are a simple way to hold your instrument upright and keep accessories like your cello bow and music in one place. 

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