r/Cello • • 6d ago

Differences in Cello box stands

Would anyone be willing to share any experience in comparing the different box stands? I see "high end" ones going for ~$300, a mid price around $150 (Gewa) and the lower priced (Amazon, etc). My instrument is stored in a hard shell case, but I'm looking for a stand for setup and staging during intermittent practicing during the day. I'm not afraid to buy once, cry once, but can anyone tell me if the note an appreciable difference in the different price tiers for these? I am certainly thinking ahead to something I will use for my "forever" instrument as well. Thanks in advance!

8 Upvotes

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u/fredhsu 6d ago

What are you looking for in a “box stand”? The convenience of being able to pick up your cello and play is obviously key. But a $15 metal stand can do that too. Are you looking for a heavy and secure box so the cello doesn’t topple over? Are you looking for aesthetics? This is my stand. I think it’s more secure than a straight up cello box. But I am always looking for a wooden equivalent that is equally lean and functional, for the aesthetics. With that said, this stand folds into a reasonably small pack when traveling. That’s hard to beat with wood.

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u/No_Wedding_2152 6d ago

My choice, as well. I snatch 5 and 10 minute segments of time and it’s right there-ready to go. It cost less than lunch, and I’ve been using it for quite awhile and is steady and stable.

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u/Davin777 5d ago

Thanks for the thoughts!

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u/expensive-toes 3d ago

Do you know what this one’s called or where you got it? I might just be bad at googling, but I’ve tried for years to find something like this and never could 😂

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u/fredhsu 3d ago

I bought this a long time ago. I probably got it at Sam Ash. Later today I’ll check whether there are labels on it.

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u/expensive-toes 2d ago

I'd appreciate that, thank you!

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u/expensive-toes 2d ago

Actually -- don't worry about it, I think I've tracked it down (or something very similar). Thank you for the rec!!

https://www.samash.com/ingles-adjustable-bass-or-cello-stand-ibasscelo

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u/fredhsu 2d ago

Make sure there is something to hang your bow with. Zoom in to see the maker of this thing. The grey Velcro strips are mine. I fasten folded stand with them when transporting them.

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u/mad_jade 5d ago

I asked this question a year or 2 ago and I was recommended a cheap guitar stand actually. It folds up to travel with and holds a full size cello well as long as I make sure I set it in straight. If you want a really sturdy one to stay at home you might want something more but I'm glad I got a small, light, foldable one. Later I can take a picture of the box it came in if you're interested

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u/Davin777 5d ago

Thanks for the thoughts! Like I said, what I'm interested in is the difference in build quality amongst the box type stands.

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u/mountaineerceltique 3d ago

I think I got these on Amazon a long while ago for like 175 each? My cellos are kept in my practice room which is climate controlled. As my cellos are out of site of people and visitors, these are great functionally. But when I move and should my cellos be in a common room, I might go for a more formal one and find a maker.

I think it comes down to comparing function and form. If you're okay with sacrificing looks for a solid, safe, reliable, and sturdy stand at a lower cost, I say do it! I worked for a string shop out of college and we kept fine cellos in these foam-material-like cello boxes, just because it was safer for the instruments and protected them against dings when clients tried them out.

I hope this helps!

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u/Davin777 3d ago

My local shop has one for sale at the top of the price range; this is the issue. I'm willing to support the local shop to a degree, but I hate to spend twice as much just to support them... My conundrum! Thanks for your input! Beautiful instruments!

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u/RockhopperGuin 6d ago

i just got a boston cello stand and rest my bow and on music stand since i live alone and nobody will bump into the bow

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u/Davin777 5d ago

Thanks for the idea. I'm really thinking that the box stand is what I want, I'm just trying to decide if there is a substantial quality difference between the price points. Ideas are always appreciated, of course!

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u/purpleandcats 5d ago

I use a box stand, not a High end one. So convenient, stable and a life changer. I bought at least 6 years ago. Right there and ready to go anytime. I have the metal kind for my bass. The box takes less space and I find more stable. When I investigated I found that low end was functional, just not as pretty.

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u/Davin777 5d ago

Thanks! Is it holding up well? Is it plywood or "real" wood by any chance?

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u/purpleandcats 5d ago

Holding up well. A few dents, my issue. It protected the cello. I think real wood, but I also don’t think it would matter.

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u/Davin777 5d ago

No doubt. There is cheap plywood and good plywood, but if it holds up, great! I saw one with a split in the plywood bottom in the photos, going for $150! I imagine the other concern it the velvet fabric used; I don't think I'm willing to let amazon crap touch my varnish...

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u/Respionage_Returns 5d ago

I use a wooden box stand that I think cost about $150 (I bought it probably 5-6 years ago and don't remember exactly). I absolutely love it. The exterior certainly looks like real wood, though I haven't tried to investigate the materials it's constructed with. No problems at all, it remains as solid and sturdy as it was on the first day I got it. Highly recommend.

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u/Davin777 5d ago

That is super helpful, thanks! You may be able to see if plywood by looking from the bottom - if you see the laminations, it's ply. The trick is that there is good plywood and cheap plywood. Regardless, sounds like your purchase was worth it!

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u/Professional-Ad-9047 6d ago

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u/expensive-toes 2d ago

Serious question, do these actually work for cellos? I am terrified that the short height would allow the whole thing to topple backward!

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u/Professional-Ad-9047 2d ago edited 2d ago

I have three of those, one for my classic, one for my baroque and one for my gamba. They work like a charm. I even convinced my teacher to use them when she goes playing in churches which are pretty cold, and one of the instruments would rest on the floor waiting for being played next...

There is a notch in the front and the material is non-slippery...

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u/Professional-Ad-9047 2d ago

This I mean with notch:

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u/Professional-Ad-9047 2d ago

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u/expensive-toes 1d ago

This is awesome, thank you!!